About PLS PLS was founded in 1986 as PublishEase, Inc., and has evolved from its original focus on desktop publishing into marketing, technical writing and launch support for companies. In 2007, founders Roger Hopkins and Sheila Hosenfeld sold to a group of employees. "The founders are still on board and contribute on key projects, which has positioned us for growth while maintaining the history, legacy knowledge and talent," said PLS President Michele Gleber.
PLS employs 11 people locally and helps B2B companies better market and sell their products and services, increasing the effectiveness of their sales process and positioning them as consultative partners to their customers. Whether they act as a small company's marketing department, or provide sales materials or online tools for a Fortune 500 company, they work as part of a team to create marketing and communications programs that drive growth.
What's New at PLS To accommodate their growth and allow for more flexible use of space, PLS moved their offices to Corn Hill this year. And in spite of the difficult economy, PLS has expanded its staff. "The upside of the current economic climate is the ability to add some phenomenal talent. Since the first of the year, we've added Dennis Skrtic, .net software developer, and Beth Shope, web designer, in order to add technology depth and ability to develop websites and new online tools," said Gleber.
Challenges The main challenges Gleber sees is growing at the right pace. "We have put in place a very flexible business model, which allows us to develop specialized expertise and better accommodate demand."
Keys to Successs Gleber identifies diversity as one key to their success. "We have tremendous diversity of background, perspective and skill for a small company. From a PhD in mathematics to a registered patent agent to a graphic designer, we concentrate on helping our customers solve a business challenge (usually how to enter a new market or grow sales) from a lot of different angles and thought processes. Many of our customers also come from a technology or engineering background, so we're able to translate a highly technical product or service for the business audience."
Rochester Business Alliance Member PLS has been a member of the Rochester Business Alliance and its predecessor for more than 20 years. "We offer our health insurance through the RBA, take advantage of networking opportunities (so many interesting, 'under-the-radar' businesses are members), and participate in training. We also utilize the SBC Executive Development Roundtable to learn from other local companies." PLS is also an active participant in the Staples consortium which, according to Gleber, "has been a tremendous benefit (especially while outfitting our new office!) The prices are consistently probably 30 percent better than staples.com or any competitor."
Contact Info PLS 252 S. Plymouth Ave Rochester, N.Y. 14608 (585) 256-1640 www.launchsolutions.com