High-tech software company becomes Purdue Research Park tenant

October 10, 2011

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - A company whose iPhone application is used by auto dealerships when they purchase inventory has become a tenant in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette.

Vision Advantage LLC was founded earlier this year by Shawn and Stephanie Foster, who also own the Lafayette-based Car Nation auto dealership. Stephanie is a Purdue University alumna.

Bidzpin, the iPhone application, is being marketed around the nation to auto dealers. Shawn Foster said the company's customers have a strong focus on inventory stocking and have good processes to sell to the subprime market.

"Vision Advantage takes special interest in helping dealers maximize their profit potential. Bidzpin keeps them from making mistakes buying cars at auction because it can accurately predict a dealer's potential profit on a vehicle on the auction block before the dealer buys it," he said. "Bidzpin technology could be applied to other industries, and we are currently in the research and development stage to reach other fields."

Foster explained why Vision Advantage became a tenant in the Purdue Research Park.

"Anyone who has been in business for themselves understands that the resources available to a startup in the Purdue Research Park are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. A business like Vision Advantage could never afford the amenities that come with being a tenant in the park," he said. "Access to the facility and amenities along with the support staff is unbelievable. Most startups struggle in their infancy stage, but I feel confident that the amenities offered by the Purdue Research Foundation will provide the support I need to be successful."
About Bidzpin

Bidzpin is owned by Vision Advantage LLC. President Shawn Foster has 25 years of experience in the retail automotive industry, the last eight as an independent dealer. With a focus on dealer systems, Vision Advantage helps dealers increase profits in all areas of their dealership.
About Purdue Research Park

The Purdue Research Park with four locations across Indiana, has the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the country. The parks are home to about 200 companies that employ 4,000 people and are located in West Lafayette, Merrillville, Indianapolis and New Albany.

Purdue Research Park contact: Steve Martin, 765-588-3342, sgmartin@prf.org

Source: Shawn Foster, 765-479-0191, foster@bidzpin.com