On the Merge Acquiring a company--and being acquired--taught this entrepreneur a lesson in leadership.

When Scott D'Entremont, co-founder of conferencing servicesprovider Netspoke, decided to acquire iMeet in 2002, he wasconfident it was the right choice. iMeet's web- conferencingproducts, management and structure fit perfectly withD'Entremont's company. Indeed, the merger has helpedincrease Netspoke's sales from $5.4 million in 2002 to aprojected $14 million for 2005. Although success is sweet,D'Entremont, 38, candidly admits it hasn't been easy.

Even with conferencing tools at their disposal, fostering afeeling of unity among employees working from offices in Woburn,Massachusetts, and Pittsburgh presented a challenge. Employees nowtravel between the offices to close this gap.

Recently, Premiere Global Services acquired Netspoke, andD'Entremont, now senior vice president, will face differentchallenges. "It definitely gives you a more holistic view,being on the other side," he says. "I think, because ofthis, I'm better equipped to lead."