OptiPro Systems

About OptiPro: Machine tool and MasterCam software distributor, manufacturer of CNC equiment for grinding and polishing of precision optics.

Rank on Top 100: 87

Top Executive: Mike Bechtold

Employees: 22

Website: www.optipro.com

We asked Mike Bechtold, president, to talk about his business.

Question: Tell me briefly about OptiPro.
Bechtold: Since 1981 OptiPro has supplied CNC machine tools, custom machines, software, training and technical support to companies that manufacture components or complete products. These include tool and die, plastic injection mold, sheet metal fabrication, packaging, and OEM's. In 1990 OptiPro added a new dimension to its business when it developed the first computer controlled Optical Lens grinding machine for Kodak along with APOMA (American Precision Optics Manufactures Association) and the University of Rochester. Since then OptiPro has maintained its original core competencies and utilized its knowledge base in the development of innovative grinding, polishing and measuring solutions for the precision optics industry.

Question: How has your company sustained continual growth?
Bechtold: One key factor in OptiPro's recent growth has been its success in winning government grants with both the Army and the Navy. These grants have helped us develop innovative grinding, polishing and measuring devices for manufacturing complex precision optics. We work hard to develop and maintain our "A-Team" of employees. This is critical for a small company such as OptiPro, we must have people that cooperate, respect others opinions, and enjoy working together to solve technical challenges that other groups may deem impossible.

Question: What differentiates OptiPro from its competitors?
Bechtold: Service and support before and after the sale is a key focus at OptiPro. Everyone at OptiPro understands that customer dissatisfaction is a reflection on all of us. We continue to strive for excellence in this area. In addition OptiPro is unique in that we support manufacturing from "art to part" and we demonstrate that in our facility regularly. When a customer buys a manufacturing solution from OptiPro they buy a complete solution. We take care of them completely.

Question: What does it mean to your business to be recognized by the Rochester Business Alliance as one of Rochester's Top 100 Companies?
Bechtold: Recognition in Rochester's Top 100 is a great credit to OptiPro's employees who are responsible for our success. Some might think, that it means that what we've been doing is working so keep it up, but the reality is in today's business world continuing with status quo is not enough. We need to look at ways to improve the way we do business every day if we are to maintain our competitive edge.

Question: What additional services can the Rochester Business Alliance provide to help your business?
Bechtold: The Rochester Business Alliance is constantly showing support of its members through valuable seminars and networking opportunities. It is definitely a program that you get out even more than you put in if you are willing to take the time. We can't ask for more than that.

Question: What signs of optimism do you see in the local economy?
Bechtold: The manufacturing sector in the Greater Rochester Area has been very strong in the last few years. Companies are continuing to invest in new machines, software and training. We see the same enthusiasm and growth on a national basis with our "OptiPro" optical grinding, polishing and measuring machines.

Question: What advice do you have for someone starting a new business here?
Bechtold: Key advice I would give, would be to be ready for difficult challenges ahead. Surround yourself with knowledgeable hard working people that you trust completely. If you are not a financially savvy person it is even more important to have a good person who will help you make smart business/financial decisions which may often not be what you want to hear but will probably be what keeps you in business.