Van Fleet had worked for multiple technology companies and found himself unemployed when his employer closed the small branch office in Cedar Falls where he worked. He decided it was safer to be the master of his own destiny, so he went into business for himself.

He created Darning Pixels Inc. to map out Web site applications in 2002 and set up shop in the Regional Business Center. He stayed there two years and then bought a storefront just two doors down.

Since it's founding, Darning Pixels has continued to grow. Van Fleet used to be the only employee; now he has two full-time and two part-time employees. Sales are up, the company is taking on bigger clients and bigger projects and posting bigger profits, Van Fleet said.

The key to Van Fleet's success, he said, is carefully managing his growth so it doesn't happen too fast.

"The mantra that I go by is slow and steady wins the race. ... I don't want to grow too fast and take on too much debt," Van Fleet said. "I want to grow the business one employee at a time, and take on quality projects. I want to avoid this uncontrolled hyper-growth" and retain control over the quality of projects he takes on.