Innovator of the Week
Darton Rose
Founder and President of TTG – Treehouse Technology Group
Please provide your 30-second pitch about your company.
Treehouse Technology Group (TTG) is a technology strategy and software development firm that takes a customized approach to technology solutions. We put business value first, aligning the strategy and direction of our clients with their specific technical needs before providing and executing a technology roadmap for implementation.
By partnering with our clients, we’re committed to developing custom-tailored technology solutions that help our clients enhance their operations and uncover new business insights.
Who or what was your best resource for starting your company?
My business partners, Chad Rose, our Chief Technology Officer, and Phil Wess, our Chief Executive Officer, both played instrumental roles in launching TTG and developing our business model. Chad has utilized his background in data management from one of the leading financial information providers in New York City to lead the development and design of customized database and software platform for our clients, while Phil has brought his expertise in consulting and project management to deliver customized products and drive business growth. They are both incredibly talented and accomplished individuals with sound business acumen, and TTG wouldn’t be where we are today without them.
One of my favorite quotes is: “Never doubt that a small group of dedicated and thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
What was your biggest obstacle in starting your company and how did you overcome it?
I’ve been an entrepreneur most of my life and, like many other entrepreneurs, have had my fair share of failures. But, those failures ended up teaching me some of the most valuable lessons in life and in business, particularly the importance of finding the right people to partner with and bring onto your team. With TTG, I knew I wanted to partner with my brother Chad, as he and I always had a dream of starting a business together. We knew we were going to need additional talent and were fortunate enough to be introduced by a friend to Phil Wess, who became the third and crucial piece to the puzzle. Together, we have formed the strongest team I have ever been on.
What’s the best advice you have received?
I’ve been fortunate to receive a lot of great advice over the years from some very successful entrepreneurs, business professionals, and mentors including my mother, father, and uncle. A lot of that advice boils down to integrity and the crucial role that honesty, respect, loyalty and trust play in business. My dad instilled in me the phrase, “My word is my bond” and how important it is to treat every customer as if they were the only one. Another favorite piece of advice I’ve received is to recognize the difference between working hard and working smart. You can spend hours and hours working, but if you’re not working smartly, you’re not going to get the results you want. Finally, I’ve always remembered what my uncle used to tell me – that you can accomplish and balance everything; you can work really hard, still have a social life, still have a family, and still have time for yourself. I think it’s important to remember this because we’re often told we can’t “have it all.”
What about the NH lifestyle appeals to you?
Having been born and raised here, New Hampshire will always be a special place that holds a lot of meaning. It’s where I developed my passion for entrepreneurship and launched my first business, a car detailing service, back in high school. Because of that, I truly think New Hampshire embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of America and the freedom to follow your passion, work hard, and achieve the American dream. I think our state motto, “Live Free or Die”, says it all. It’s the best one out there, and often one of the few things people know about NH!
What does the future look like for your company?
The future for TTG is bright! In just a few short years, we’ve successfully bootstrapped our company and provided services to over 50 clients. We’re also growing internally and now have 5 full-time employees, with an additional dozen part-time workers. While our focus is to continue scaling and growing in the coming years, we’re also in the midst of developing technology products that are tailored to our clientele and their industries. I’m excited for what the future holds and encouraged by how far we’ve come!