All of our applications are from references or cold calls. We don't filter anything, at least as far as I know.

I'm from a state U. Our chief Architect completed his degree decades after leaving college. Our VP of Eng. has no degree. Humility aside, all are top-knotch professionals with years of experience.

Of course we also have PhD's and Stanford graduates. Because they rock. But other people rock too.

We'v hired unknown people based on personal references, and we have a great team. Enthusiasm, smarts, a willingness to jump into a chaotic environment and swim like mad to stay afloat are all more important than technical credits.