High-tech companies are sprouting up throughout the region, helping to revitalize our local economy. Rising Stars, a quarterly event, showcases the entrepreneurs who are building some of Rochester’s most successful technology companies. It offers an opportunity to hear their personal stories and meet the individuals behind Rochester’s “rising stars.”

What do you think of when you hear the term “family business”?

We’ve all seen the comedy stereotypes – from Sanford & Son to Six Feet Under! In reality, family businesses in the USA are legendary – from America’s oldest, the Zildjian Cymbal Co. (founded in 1623), to the world’s largest, Wal-Mart Stores. There are well known names like Anheuser-Busch, Ford – and Wegmans! Family business can spell extraordinary success.

Rochester’s tech community boasts two father and son teams that demonstrate that an outstanding family business can be built either in series, or in tandem. I.C. Shah founded the well-known ICS Telecom back in 1976 when his son, Raj, was too young to share in his early efforts to grow a business. Raj Shah joined the company in 1988 and ultimately earned the position of Executive VP and key player on the ICS executive team. In 1999, John and Justin Smith combined resources to purchase Brite Computers and have worked closely as partners to double the size of the company and launch a new division, 3D Energy Creations.

Join us to hear from these Dynamic Duos, as they share tales of entrepreneurial ventures and family teamwork here in upstate New York.

[Register below]

SPEAKERS:

• I.C. Shah, President & CEO, and Raj Shah, Executive Vice President of Operations, ICS Telecom
• John Smith, Chairman & CEO, and Justin Smith, President & COO,
  Brite Computers

AGENDA:

7:30-8:00 am	Refreshments and Networking
8:00-9:00 am	Presentations
9:00-9:30 am	Q&A and Meet the Speakers

SPONSORS:

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

I.C. Shah

I.C. Shah is Founder, President and CEO of ICS Telecom Inc., a leading provider of voice and data network services in Western New York. Previously, I.C. held several senior management positions at Xerox Corporation, is a proud graduate of Michigan State University, and a very prominent community leader. The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, the Urban League of Rochester and the Small Business Administration have honored him as Small Business Person of the Year. Additionally, I.C. was recognized as an Outstanding Asian American of New York State by Governor Mario Cuomo. I.C. currently serves on the Boards of Rochester Broadway Theatre League, Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester and Kirkhaven Nursing Home and is the Chairman-elect of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Rochester. A well respected philanthropist and fundraiser, I.C. has solicited millions of dollars for non-profit organizations in Rochester. For his outstanding community service, I.C. has been recognized by many community organizations such as the Mental Health Association, Compeer, Monroe County Special Olympics, Kidney Foundation, Harley School, and the Association of Indians in America-Genesee Valley Chapter, just to name few. I.C. has also received the prestigious Philanthropy Award from the Rochester Area Community Foundation, and most recently Distinguished Alumni Award from Michigan State University.

Raj Shah

Raj Shah is Executive Vice President of Operations for ICS Telecom Inc. Raj graduated from Western Michigan University and has been with ICS since 1988. At ICS, Raj is responsible for the nationwide installation and maintenance of voice and data network services, customer care, and Federal government marketing. His proudest professional moment was the development and implementation of a unique design to provide vital communications in New York City to a major Federal government agency within days following the 9/11 tragedy. For security reasons the agency can not be identified, but has been a customer of ICS for over ten years and remains a major customer. Raj is also one of the co-founders of the Family Business Forum – a support and networking group for second generation and beyond members working in family businesses. In the past, Raj has been a Director of the Mental Health Association Board and the Small Business Council. He was recognized as one of the Forty under Forty in 1999.

John Smith

John is the majority shareholder and currently serves as the Chairman & Chief Executive of Brite Computers. He has over 27 years of successful entrepreneurial experience having owned a handful of technology-related firms based in Rochester, NY over that same time. He purchased Brite Computers in 1999 with his oldest son Justin, and continues to play a vital role in the strategic direction of the organization. Day-to-day responsibilities revolve around high-level customer relations, new business development, financial relations and overall corporate direction. John has recently been focused on developing a new Digital Display division in conjunction with his other son Trevor, who also works for the company. Known as 3D Energy Creations, this division is focused on developing and deploying enterprise-class 2D and 3D digital signage solutions that are being used in retail, tradeshow and educational environments. John has an Associates degree from Monroe Community College and a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Justin Smith

Justin is the minority shareholder and currently serves as the President & Chief Operating Officer of Brite Computers. He has over 10 years of sales and marketing experience and previously worked for Xerox Corporation before purchasing and joining Brite Computers in 1999 with his father, John. He originally joined as Vice President of Sales & Marketing and became President & COO in January of 2004. Justin is responsible for the overall strategic and tactical operations of Brite Computers’ core OEM assembly and solutions business. He has 6 direct reports and the organization consists of 45 total employees. Since 1999, he and his team have more than doubled the size of the company and plan to do this once again over the next 3 years. The company expects to do so by continuing to build a strong IT solutions practice on top of the traditional core business. Justin has a Bachelors Degree in Economics from Villanova University.