SenDEC Corp.

About SenDEC Corp.: Electronic contract manufacturer in Perinton.

Top Executive: Kenton W. Fiske

Employees: 149

Website: www.sendec.com

We asked Kenton Fiske, president and CEO, to talk about his business.

Q&A WITH THE PRESIDENT AND CEO

What does it mean to your business to be on the Top 100?

It means great recognition for many years of hard work by our employees. SenDEC has made the Rochester Top 100 six times prior to this year and this is our best ranking thus far. We feel this has demonstrated a solid track record of continuous growth.

What value do you find in your Rochester Business Alliance membership?

We consider our membership very important and our HR department considers Rochester Business Alliance and its service some of the best bargains around.

What are the best things about doing business in Rochester?

The greater Rochester area has so much to offer to the community. It is one of the best places to live and raise a family due to its cultural diversity, family values, great schools and relatively low cost of living. In addition to the natural beauty of the region, the extensive university environment is producing a wealth of talent - unfortunately much of this is being exported now (we must find ways to keep more here). Individuals that we have hired from the area are some of the hardest working, dedicated, industrious and caring people I have had the pleasure of working with.

What are the worst things about doing business in Rochester?

Some of the worst things in doing business in Rochester (or should I say New York state), aside from occasional difficult winter months, has been the overall anti-business atmosphere such as ridiculously high workers' compensation insurance, high medical insurance and some of the highest taxes in the nation. How can New York state expect to allow its companies that reside here to be competitive with other states let alone the global competition? The local county and town governments are doing their best to make a difference but until Albany gets the message, I'm afraid no major strides will be made.

What signs of optimism do you see in the local economy?

A few people in key positions that "get it" and understand the importance in change needed within the local community and state.

What hurdles must our local economy overcome?

Removal of barriers that will enable more jobs to be created and remain in the local area. In addition to the obvious benefits to the region, this should assist in the effort underway to reduce the relative high crime rate we have been experiencing. I also feel that the constant pessimism that is reported in the newspapers and on television on a daily basis often comes at the expense of many positive stories that are not deemed "headline worthy."

What advice do you have for someone starting a small business here?

Be prepared to go hungry for awhile. For the most part, the venture capitalists are in Boston, New York City and California. Unless your business is in the latest high-tech craze you won't have much of a chance here. Unless you truly believe in your offering, in yourself and absolutely love what you are doing, don't even start.

How has your company been able to grow to achieve its ranking on the Top 100?

By giving the best quality at a competitive price with the best customer service that we can - and never being satisfied with the status quo.

What additional services can the Rochester Business Alliance provide to help your business?

Continue the fight to make the needed changes in Albany.