Novi's Amistee hires 4, look for 5 more

metromode, 11/9/2009

Steve Dickinson and Mike McCowan didn't have to come back to Metro Detroit, but they did, and consequently created a thriving small business in Novi.

The Michigan State University graduates had jobs in Chicago and Connecticut when they came back to start Amistee six years ago. Today the duct-cleaning firm has taken advantage of a market both saw as under served in Michigan, a place the Livonia native longed to return to.

"We both love Detroit," says Dickinson, co-owner of Amistee, which is short for: A Mike and Steve corporation.

The company now employs 10 people after hiring four more this year. It plans to hire another five next year as it capitalizes on its growing sales. Dickinson says sales have doubled in the last year, mostly thanks to the company's customer service.

"It's pretty basic," Dickinson says. "You treat people the way you want to be treated."

Source: Steve Dickinson, co-owner of Amistee
Writer: Jon Zemke

Entrepreneurship , Oakland County

Novi