No. 18 - Rochester Top 100

Real Lease Inc.

About Real Lease Inc.: Commercial and municipal leasing.

Rank on Top 100: 18

Top Executive: Robert Noonan

Employees: 11

Website:www.reallease.com

We asked Robert Noonan, president, to talk about his business.

Question: Who or what inspired you to start your own business?
Noonan: Having been raised in a family of entrepreneurs, it seemed to be a logical path for me to pursue, no matter what business I was to ultimately own. My father always challenged his sons to fend for themselves, figure out a way to reach our goals and then go for it. Even though he was always there for us, he made sure that we learned to carve out our own paths and learn to be reliant on our ability to think outside of the box and work hard to get there.

Question: Where are most of your customers based?
Noonan: Real Lease has a wide and varied client base located throughout the eastern United States. They range from small proprietorships, partnerships and corporations to large private and public companies. In addition, we have a separate line of business that includes tax-exempt municipal and higher education clients located in the same region.

Question: What does it mean to your business to be on the on the Top 100 again?
Noonan: It is always an honor to be recognized as part of the group of key growth companies in the region. To be able to maintain a spot on this prestigious list is the bigger challenge. It demands an ongoing focus of our Company on its goals.

Question: What additional services can the Rochester Business Alliance provide to help your business?
Noonan: The RBA needs to keep supporting the economic base here by continuing its efforts in Albany to pay attention to business needs throughout the whole state, not just downstate. It is critical that New York State change its business model in order to become more attractive for businesses to move here or grow here so that everyone may prosper – taxes are too high which is based on State infrastructure costs that are out of control. The RBA's continued communication with our state leaders is critical to help make those changes come about.

Question: What are the best things about doing business in Rochester?
Noonan: This is a well-networked community and improving everyday. The small business community is growing and since we've all been there (or at least most of us), the camaraderie between business owners and executives can be most helpful and rewarding to all the businesses. And who could ask for a better geographical environment to live in?

Question: What advice do you have for someone starting a small business here?
Noonan: Most importantly, be sure you have six to 12 months of cash flow to keep your business going during its startup phase. Surround yourself with smart employees and outside mentors who can really make a difference in your business. Treat your employees respectfully and show your appreciation regularly for what they do. Develop your ability to listen earnestly (that one's hard). And last but not least, plan to work extremely hard for a very long time. Great rewards will follow.