Entrepreneur: WebParking.COM helps connect Billings to the World Wide Web

It’s not like you can just buy a computer these days and plug it in, especially if
you’re a business.
You’ve got to think about network support, wiring your house or office, getting advice
on hardware and price and figuring out what to do when you crash. You might also need
an Internet ISP. You may want to advertise on the Internet or develop your own Web site, or
have your Web site hosted by someone else,
What about search engine placement, Internet marketing, graphic and logo design and database
integration?

Gazette Staff

You might want to call a pro like Justin Burleson, president and CEO of Billings-based WebParking.COM,
Inc. His company’s mission statement is "Complete computer and Internet solutions." His company also offers
free Internet advertising through our own search engine, MontanaSearch.COM
Burleson, a graduate of West High School and
MSU-Billings, can be reached at
[email protected]
, or (406) 259-9282, or the old-fashioned way at P.O.
Box 21285, Billings, MT 59104.
Here’s what else he had to say about starting and
running a business:

Why start this business?

This business was started to help Montana
businesses keep up and grow with the many new
horizons the world has to offer.

Where did start-up funding come from?

Savings.

How long have you been in business?

Five years. We have been incorporated as
WebParking.COM, Inc. for three years.

Biggest challenges in running the business?

Trying to go from home-based business to an actual office. The business has been doing well for the last
three years and I fight with the possible opportunities that we may or may not be missing if we were not based
out of our home. Perception of a home-based business in Montana is a lot different than a home-based
business in Seattle. One other challenge is the lack of capital to grow.

What was done to overcome those challenges?

Currently we are letting our capital build to move into an office.

What is being done to expand the business?

We have been shy to spend dollars on advertising. It seems we have built a great business on just word of
mouth, but I feel that advertising and a professional office space will help grow our business to meet the new
challenges of tomorrow. So we are working on plans for an office and more advertising in the future.

Your worst business mistake?

In 1998, we were stung by not researching a company that provided satellite connections to the Internet. I
do my homework now when we make a large business investment.

Advice for someone running a business?

Your life is what you make of it. If you put things off you may never get anywhere. What a better day than
today to start off on a new journey. Don’t be afraid to give 110 percent and remember you only live once. Make
the most of each and every day.

Number of workers?

Including myself, we have two other staff members.

What’s your five-year plan for the business?

We hope to grow our business here in Billings enough to branch out into offices in other states. We do
provide services for many companies outside of Montana, so having offices in other states will help us to
become more of a community member and help as many businesses as we can.

A question you would ask other entrepreneurs?

How can you make a company grow faster without going into debt?

If you weren’t doing what you are now, what would be your dream job?

To work at a worldwide software firm using my experience and skills to provide business consulting and
help develop more economical ways of doing business.

“Entrepreneurs” appears regularly in the WorkWeek section. The feature will help readers become familiar
with new businesses, as well as educate others in the challenges of starting a business. If you have been in
business for at least one year and would like to tell your story, please contact:

Chris Jorgensen
Billings Gazette
401 N. Broadway
Billings, MT, 59101
657-1311, office
657-1208, fax
[email protected]

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