fivestar*
The power of teamwork.
Behind every fivestar* project is a team of dedicated experts who love what they do and where they do it. We only work on a handful of projects at a time, most often with repeat clients using consistent teams. This means we’re focusing on your business to get your project done right.
Our team stands with you from requirements gathering through implementation. But just as important, we are in it for the long haul. We believe this is the best way to deliver results that work and relationships that last. In fact, 90% of our clients have engaged us for two or more projects.
Our Approach to Partnering with You
Our personalized approach starts by learning about your challenges and goals. Then, we tailor a solution that is exactly right for you. Here is how we do it:
1. Assess
Analyze how existing systems can be augmented with new technology to address your program/operational need.
2. Design
Collaborate with you and your end users to define the optimal solution and user experience for your budget.
3. Develop
Create, test, and deploy in a series of short “sprints” allowing you to the ability to provide feedback early and often.
4. Support
Ongoing training and support
to ensure sustainability as your program and/or operations scale.
Company History
In 1997, less than 40 percent of American households had a computer. If the internet was available, you got online using dial-up. And Hotmail hit the 3 million subscriber mark.
fivestar* got its start that same year, developing practical, innovative technology for our clients from our offices in downtown Pittsburgh. The typical project? Programs delivered via CD-ROM.
Today, the CDs are in storage. Now we’re designing cloud-based, data-driven technology solutions that deliver real-time information to the devices in our pockets.
For more than 20 years, we’ve been growing and adapting to keep step with one technological evolution after another. But what’s at the heart of the fivestar* team remains. When we started, our vision was simple: Bring together talented people to solve our clients’ challenges – and grow alongside them. We believed in dedication and professionalism, and always wanting to have fun doing our jobs. We wanted to make our clients’ lives easier, our team’s lives better, and give back to our community.
This all holds true today. We’re working harder for our clients. Our team is more talented than ever. We’ve volunteered thousands of hours with a wide range of Pittsburgh organizations through fivestar* Cares. We’re growing in ways we never anticipated. Our clients keep coming back to us with new challenges. And, we still have fun every day.
Dave Colaizzi and Lou Camerlengo incorporate Five Star Development, Inc. in March of 1997 and open their first office in downtown Pittsburgh.
The team moves into our second office, located on Fifth Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood.
fivestar* wins our second Pittsburgh Business Times Top 100 award, our first Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania award, first INC 5000 award, and move into our current office on Pittsburgh’s Northside.
The fivestar* Cares program is established resulting in thousands of hours of community service work and volunteering.
We celebrate our 20th anniversary, our third Best Places to Work in Pittsburgh award and second Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania award.
We accept our fourth Best Places to Work in Pittsburgh award and third Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania award.
Mission, Vision, Values
Whatever problem you need to solve, big idea you need to execute, or new challenge that’s on the horizon, we’re here to help create a solution that will get the job done.
Mission
Our mission is to become our clients’ long-term partner.
Vision
Our vision is for our clients and team members to reach their full potential
through their relationship with fivestar*.
Values
Be curious.
Every project is different, but we always start by asking questions, listening, and learning. We immerse ourselves in your challenges, so we can deliver a solution that’s exactly right for you.
Be a good partner.
fivestar* is a true team: We are respectful of one another. We talk openly and honestly. We have each other's backs. And we think of our clients as part of our team.
Be innovative, but practical.
It’s a real thrill when you come up with a groundbreaking way to solve a client’s problem. Often, a simple solution just plain works. And we get just as excited about those.
Never be satisfied.
The fivestar* team aspires to achieve excellence every day. This means not shying away from the really tough problems. In fact, we welcome them.
fivestar* Cares
At fivestar* our passion is about delivering. We are motivated by a true sense of fulfillment as we volunteer in and around our local Pittsburgh community. We share our skills to solve challenges and dedicate volunteer hours to local organizations as a company.
In addition to company-organized volunteer events, each full-time fivestar* employee gets one day per year to volunteer with an organization of their choice. We encourage our team members to immerse themselves in their volunteer experience so that they can return to work having gained a new perspective.
Just a few of the organizations we've worked with:
