March 18, 2022
GryphonHR, an OU INC client company specializing in human resource management and compliance, is being recognized as one of the best small businesses in Michigan. The company has been selected as the 2022 SmartZone Best Small Business Award recipient by Michigan Celebrates Small Business, an initiative of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to honor and promote entrepreneurship across the state.
From left, GryphonHR employees and contractors Scott Kriscovich, Marc Villella, Debbie Milantoni, Linh Stanaway and Jeff Osborne are shown at the HR Tech 2021 trade show in Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of Marc Villella) |
“I’m extremely honored to have been selected for this award,” said Marc Villella, GryphonHR President and Chief Technology Officer. “When we set out to build GryphonHR, our goal was to provide “best-in-class” technology solutions that provided efficiencies and value for our clients and partners. To be considered a “best small business” is a testament to our team’s hard work in striving to achieve our goal.”
Founded in 2018, GryphonHR offers a centralized, secure online platform that enables employers to manage human resources processes, including hiring, onboarding, and training, in compliance with industry and government regulations. Villella credited the company’s partnership with OU INC as crucial to its success.
“Steve Kent, (client strategist) with OU INC, has been a tremendous resource and advocate for our business over the past two years,” said Villella. “He has provided us resources and access to investment opportunities and grant funding, as well as helping us understand how we can best leverage the tools and resources available within OU INC.”
The Best Small Business Awardees are nominated by Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and SmartZones – organizations located across the state that provide support services to Michigan small businesses. Each region of these support organizations selects a company to be recognized as a Best Small Business Awardee for demonstrating a strong relationship with the organization, as well as significant success as a company.
OU INC is a SmartZone business accelerator in collaboration with the City of Rochester Hills, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and various industry partners. Steve Kent, who coordinates partnerships with each of OU INC’s client companies, nominated GyphonHR for the SmartZone Best Small Business Award.
“OU INC is a great example of the power of universities to promote regional economic growth and development,” said Dr. David Stone, Vice President for Research at OU. “Our capacity to bring student and faculty expertise to the aid of entrepreneurs and their growing businesses adds another dimension to OU’s contribution to our region, and this award shows we are serving our clients at the highest level.”
“This award is a tremendous honor for GryphonHR. They’ll be recognized by the governor, they’ll receive a plaque, and also be able to use this in their PR campaigns,” Kent added. “And for us, it shows that our efforts to help businesses grow are working.”
As a Best Small Business awardee, GryphonHR will be honored at the 18th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala on May 3, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.