A home for internet marketing- HOME RUN: Lockport couple offers service from their own house.

 

LOCKPORT - Larry and Lisa Patrick feel right at home when it comes to using the Internet. So much so, the Lockport couple is running an online business out of their own house.

The Patricks are the owners of A Plus Net Solutions, an Internet marketing firm. A Plus aims to help businesses by using the Internet to be successful and grow, something the Patricks know a little about. Both have extensive experience in information technology, such as Larry Patrick who has been in the business for 25 years.

Originally from San Antonio, the Patricks began A Plus Net Solutions in 2005 after buying a franchise from WSI Consultants. Not only did they see the potential the Internet had for businesses, the Patricks saw research that suggested providing such a service for businesses had a chance to be a great opportunity for them as well.

"We saw two things," Larry Patrick said. "We knew the Internet was going to be important. And we saw what it could do in helping businesses in their growth."

A Plus Net Solutions started in San Antonio growing to over 150 clients and averaging over $500,000 in annual revenue. But what really helps is that partnership with WSI, Larry Patrick said. Based in Toronto, WSI assists businesses in 87 different countries, usually small to medium sized firms. WSI's global network gives A Plus an advantage with extensive resources, Larry Patrick said.

"We knew we had to find a supplier and WSI had everything we needed," he said.

Last year the Patricks decided to move from San Antonio to Lockport to be closer to family. They knew they could work from home, which allowed them to stay with their Texas clients. Back in San Antonio, A Plus Net does have an office on La Cantera Parkway. But the Patricks are working by themselves in Lockport.

A Plus Net Solutions focuses on results, Larry Patrick said. What the firm does is find what marketing ways help a business the most. That could include website design or development, as well as search engine optimization, which means getting a business website closer to the top of an online search.

The Patricks became Lockport residents in April 2009 and so far they've enjoyed every second of it.

"People here have been great, very friendly," Larry Patrick said.