No. 1 - Rochester Top 100

Frank Lill & Son, Inc.

About Frank Lill & Son, Inc.: Mechanical contractor in Webster specializing in power plant construction.

Rank on Top 100: 1

Top Executive: Charles G. Lill

Employees: 180

Website: www.franklillandson.com

We asked Charles Lill, president, to talk about his business.

Question: What does it mean to your business to be on the on the Top 100?
Lill: We are truly excited about being on the Top 100. Ours is a tough and competitive business so it's always nice to have an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our team along with all the other Top 100 companies.

Question: What are the best things about doing business in Rochester?
Lill: Rochester's greatest asset is its people. They are typically very well educated, sophisticated, possess solid character and a strong work ethic. This combination of attributes is extremely well suited to the needs of our power and process plant construction solid infrastructure company. Rochester is in proximity to major markets in the Midwest, Eastern seaboard and Canada.

Question: What are the worst things about doing business in Rochester?
Lill: Our area faces significant challenges such as high taxes, high insurance costs and outdated laws long abandoned by other more competitive states. These items have driven up the cost of doing business in our area and have driven many new potential new businesses away from New York State. Hence, we risk the loss of many of our talented young natives to other more competitive markets.

Question: What signs of optimism do you see in the local economy?
Lill: Rochester and Upstate New York have recently demonstrated our strengths in attracting new industries to the area such as the Brilla Macaroni Company manufacturing plant in Avon, the new ethanol projects being constructed regionally, the additions to the Delphi plant and Xerox's new toner plant. I am always encouraged when I see new high paying manufacturing jobs move into our area.

Question: What advice do you have for someone starting a new business here?
Lill: You're in a place that has outstanding, talented young people; pick the best, work hard to keep them and go forward to learn grown and succeed together. Ultimately, passion, intensity, enthusiasm and commitment are pretty contagious qualities. Love and be passionate about your pursuits and often you will reap substantial accomplishments.