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Christopher Karlo Mercuryworks Copy

Christopher Karlo

Partner

MercuryWorks

Location: Tampa, FL

Founded: 1998

Industry: Custom Software Development

Christopher Karlo’s decision to join MercuryWorks as a full equity partner was driven by the unique blend of challenges and opportunities the position presented. It was a chance to leverage his consulting experience in a more entrepreneurial setting, allowing him to creatively use technology for business growth while engaging closely with the community and making a tangible difference in the lives of clients, he said.

MercuryWorks is a custom software and web application development firm specializing in web, mobile and data-focused solutions. This includes the strategy, architecture, design, development, DevOps, and ongoing support needed to succeed online today and in the future. The firm’s mission is to craft great apps, solve wicked problems and forge passionate client relationships.

Alongside founder Donald Bickel, he and Karlo have been instrumental in steering the company through significant technological and market transitions. Karlo’s approach remains measured—MercuryWorks will not chase after every new trend but will thoughtfully evaluate which emerging technologies align with the long-term goals of the company and the needs of its clients. This prudent approach ensures that investments in technology are both strategic and impactful, avoiding the pitfalls of fleeting tech fads.

Karlo has played a pivotal role in establishing a foundation of sustainable success that has withstood the test of time. By responsibly managing growth and being fiscally prudent, he has steered the company through various economic cycles while maintaining stability and continuous progress.

“He places a strong emphasis on the welfare and development of the team, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and collective goals are achieved,” said his staff. “This people-first approach has not only led to high employee satisfaction and retention but has also built a resilient organization that continues to excel and expand, even as many other companies in the industry have faltered.”

Under Karlo’s guidance, MercuryWorks has been recognized with accolades that include the Tampa Bay Business Journal fast 50, a small business of the year semi-finalist by the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, and a finalist in the Annual Tampa Bay Tech Awards for the technology project of the year.

Agility in the face of accelerating innovation is key for success in today’s marketplace, said Karlo. “In addition to rapid technological change, we’re in the midst of a major workforce shift, in which employee priorities have changed along with the skills required to succeed,” he said. “Leaders need to understand and adapt to changes. Leaders who can constantly scan the horizon for new opportunities and challenges, while also successfully steering the ship, will win.”

Presented by:

Hub White

What is your secret superpower?

I believe that my secret superpower is that I’m an effective communicator. Communication plays an essential role in building relationships – business, personal or otherwise. The lion’s share of challenges we face in life are a result of ineffective communication.

The hardest part of delivering great software isn’t the technology per se, it’s the communication and collaboration among the team and in our case, the client. It’s one of the key underpinnings of the Agile Manifesto that was written over 20 years ago that drives the Agile Software Development Methodology used by MercuryWorks.

I believe that effective communication starts by coming from a sense of empathy and understanding. It’s important to take time to listen and understand the other person’s perspectives, beliefs and feelings on the matter along with where those come from. Stephen Covey coined the phrase “First seek to understand, then to be understood”, many years ago in his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. However, the concept has been around for millennia with similar perspectives that can be traced back to Stoicism, Confucianism & Religion.

It’s also important to come into the conversation with an open mind. Be willing to hear the other person’s perspectives and be willing to change your own as you gain more insight and information. When you really understand where the other person is coming from, you can then better understand how to meet them where they are or get them to come to a different place, if appropriate. Showing respect is also important. In the end you may disagree with the other person’s perspective, but you need to remain respectful of the individual. While I haven’t fully mastered all these things, I do have a heightened sense of them and work to regularly put them into practice.

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