ARCOS originated as a custom software company in 1993 in Mitch McLeod's basement.  Little did he know that a one-off software request would eventually propel the Columbus-based firm into 23 states. In 1997, Wisconsin-based Alliant Energy approached ARCOS about building an application to help manage crews called out to repair lines during power outages. In 1999, two more companies came to ARCOS and asked for similar software. Thus, the company revamped its business plan and began full development of a comprehensive automated call-out process to replace, notebooks, spreadsheets, and deficient home-grown systems. The resulting solution automates the process for identifying available line crews, contacts utility workers at home and allows them to electronically report into work. By late 2010, revenues were growing at about 20 percent a year.