Simple idea turns into big business

So, she developed a "micro-Facebook” for tenants that included such information as a calendar of events, request for maintenance and even a dating service.

While developing the Web portal, Christensen thought it convenient to include a feature that would allow tenants to pay their rents online.

The only check she wrote each month, after all, would be to pay the rent. All her other bills were being paid online.

The Notre Dame de Namur University graduate founded Innercircuit Inc. in 2007 and has seen the company grow by leaps and bounds in a little more than two years. The company has 15 employees, clients in 35 states and is headquartered in Burlingame.

Christensen’s first client was in Denver. She beta-tested Innercircuit’s software successfully there, the Web portal has 70 tools for residents to use, and started doing direct marketing to other property management groups after it became apparent apartment complex residents would use the software regularly.

The payment portion of the portal was added 18 months into development.

"There was some resistance to technology,” Christensen said. "But now that property managers see how easy the tool is, they have embraced it.”

There are 80 million rental units in the United States so Christensen has a huge client base to sell to although some competitors have popped up since Innercircuit started direct marketing its product.

Some of her clients maintain as few as four units while her other larger clients manage thousands of units.

"Collecting rent is a time-consuming process,” Christensen said. Innercircuit eliminates the need to print and mail invoices, processing the payment and making the deposit.

Now the rent can be paid in real time with one click of a button, Christensen said.

Innercircuit’s software streamlines the payment of rent, deposits, utilities and even homeowner association dues.

Christensen, 29, ignored any venture capital interest in her product and has relied on friends and family to help finance the company.

"We have doubled in sales each year,” said Christensen, who studied business, marketing and finance at Notre Dame de Namur University.

The company recently moved to a 3,000-square-foot office in Burlingame and is currently hiring in sales and marketing.

Innercircuit is even expanding into the commercial, vacation rental and storage markets.

Christensen does not mind working 15-hour days.

"There is no substitute for energy and passion,” she said.

The young entrepreneur is not all about work, though. In her spare time, she enjoys snowboarding, traveling and knitting.

She also is a baker and likes to share her cookies and cakes with her employees.

"I keep everyone on a sugar high here,” she said.

To learn more about the company go to: www.innercircuit.com.

Bill Silverfarb can be reached by e-mail: silverfarb@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106.