Lapp Insulators, LLC

About Lapp Insulators, LLC: Manufacturer of insulation products

Rank on 2006 Top 100: 89

Employees: 540

Website: www.lappinsulator.com

We asked John Hurshman, CEO, to talk about his business.

Question: Tell me briefly about Lapp Insulators.
Hurshman: Founded in 1916, Lapp Insulators LLC is a market leading producer of high voltage insulators for the utility industry. We have manufacturing locations in LeRoy, NY, Sandersville, GA and Wunsiedel, Germany, as well as a joint venture in Dalian, PRC. Furthermore, we have strategic supply agreements with partners based in Columbia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Question: Where are most of your customers based?
Hurshman: Worldwide. Lapp currently conducts business in more than 60 countries.

Question: What differentiates Lapp Insulators from its competitors?
Hurshman: Breadth of product offerings, commitment to quality, and brand name.

Question: What does it mean to your business to be recognized by the Rochester Business Alliance as one of Rochester's Top 100 Companies?
Hurshman: Internally, it has been a huge morale boost for all of our employees. Lapp struggled in the early 2000's as utilities cut back on spending post-Enron. Since 2004, however, our business has grown 20 percent plus per year, and we have doubled our hourly workforce in LeRoy. Externally, we have communicated the recognition to our customers, agents and suppliers as validation that our strategic initiatives are moving the company forward.

Question: What additional services can the Rochester Business Alliance provide to help your business?
Hurshman: LeRoy is somewhat of a "tweener" - not in Rochester, not in Buffalo. Consequently Lapp tends to be off the radar screen for professional in both areas. We have a great story to tell, and we are always looking for talented individuals. The Rochester Business Alliance could help in that endeavor by including Lapp as a resource for upcoming seminars, lunch and learn sessions, etc.

Question: What signs of optimism do you see in the local economy?
Hurshman: There a myriad small companies thriving and flourishing in the greater Rochester area. The media seems to focus on the slow demise of Kodak and Xerox while more ink should be spent on the small businesses that are driving the growth in our area.

Question: What advice do you have for someone starting a new business here? Hurshman: Focus on employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction and cash flow (in that order).