Lessons from 30 Years of Building a Software Company
Lou Camerlengo on Leadership, Culture, and the Future of Technology
After nearly three decades in Pittsburgh’s technology ecosystem, Lou Camerlengo has seen the industry evolve through multiple waves of innovation. From early web development to modern data platforms and AI-enabled solutions, one principle has remained constant: build a company that can evolve with its clients.
In a recent conversation on TechVibe Radio with the Pittsburgh Technology Council, Lou shared insights from his journey building fivestar*, a custom software development firm focused on solving complex business challenges.
His perspective offers a thoughtful look at how companies can grow sustainably while staying true to their culture.
Designing Software Built Around the Client
At its core, fivestar* focuses on building custom software and web applications designed specifically for each client’s needs.
Rather than offering off-the-shelf products, the team works closely with organizations to develop tailored solutions that address complex operational challenges.
“Everything we do is specifically designed around our clients’ requirements,” Lou explained. “I like to think of us as an architect that designs and builds custom homes.”
The company’s work spans multiple industries and includes:
- Modernizing legacy systems
- Building enterprise software platforms
- Developing web applications and digital products
- Creating data collection, analytics, and reporting systems
- Implementing CRM solutions for businesses
This highly customized approach means every project is different, which keeps the work both challenging and rewarding for the team.
Long-Term Partnerships Drive Growth
One of the defining characteristics of fivestar’s business model is the long-term relationships it builds with clients.
Many of the company’s engagements extend for years, evolving alongside the client’s business needs.
“Its not unusual for us to work with cleints for five, ten, even fifteen years or more,” Lou shared. “Some of these systems evolve like products, every year we create a roadmap and continue building new capabilities.”
This partnership mindset is intentional.
“I’ve always said we are partners, not parasites,” Lou noted. “Both sides need to benefit from the relationship for it to work.”
By delivering what he describes as concierge-level service, fivestar* has been able to maintain strong client loyalty while continuing to expand its capabilities.
Building a Company with Purpose
Long before “business for good” became a widely discussed concept, fivestar* embedded impact into its company philosophy.
From the beginning, Lou and co-founder Dave Colaizzi believed businesses should positively influence their employees, their clients, and their communities.
That mindset aligned naturally when the company joined Revision Collective, a Cincinnati-based holding company focused on purpose-driven organizations.
Revision Collective’s mission centers on balancing people, profit, planet, and impact, a philosophy that closely matched fivestar*’s existing culture.
“Having a positive impact on the economic and social wellbeing of our community has always been important to us,” Lou said.
Measuring Impact Beyond Business Results
Community engagement continues to play a significant role in the company’s culture.
Over the past year alone, the fivestar* team contributed:
Employees also receive dedicated time to participate in volunteer initiatives, reinforcing the company’s commitment to community involvement.
Across the broader Revision Collective network, those efforts scale even further, totaling thousands of volunteer hours and tens of thousands of dollars in charitable contributions annually.
Evolving with Technology
Like every technology company today, fivestar* is also exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping the industry.
Artificial intelligence is one of the most significant forces currently influencing software development.
Rather than rushing to adopt trends, fivestar* is taking a thoughtful approach in helping clients understand where AI fits into their broader technology strategies.
“We’re helping companies figure out what the path forward with AI looks like,” Lou explained. “It’s not just about the technology, it’s about how it fits into their business.” “Cory Seaman, our Vice President of Research and Technology Services has been with the company since its inception. This is a major focus area for him.”
At the same time, fivestar* recently expanded its capabilities through the addition of Simplesoft Solutions, an Infor CRM implementation firm now integrated into the company.
This integration enables fivestar to offer both:
- Custom software development
- CRM implementation and optimization
The combination opens new opportunities for organizations looking to connect enterprise systems, customer data, and digital products.
Built to Evolve
Reflecting on nearly 30 years in business, Lou believes one philosophy has helped the company remain relevant: Build a company designed to evolve.
“We always believed the company should evolve based on client needs,” he said.
That adaptability has allowed fivestar to navigate changing technologies, market conditions, and client expectations while maintaining its original culture.
“We’re not very different from when we started in some ways,” Lou reflected. “But in many ways, we are, because the technologies and the opportunities keep changing.”
Standing the Test of Time
Perhaps the biggest milestone isn’t a single product or technology. It’s longevity.
Few technology companies remain independent and successful for three decades.
For Lou, the lesson is simple.
“We believed that a small company of smart people working on interesting projects for great clients can stand the test of time.”
Nearly thirty years later, that belief continues to guide the company’s path forward.
Continue the conversation with Lou Camerlengo on TechVibe Radio, where he shares deeper insights on leadership, growth, and the future of software.
Listen to the full discussion here
Looking for a technology partner that evolves with your business?
Discover how fivestar designs and builds custom software solutions that grow alongside your goals. Start a conversation with our team
