High-tech companies are sprouting up throughout the region, one of the driving forces in the revitalization that has taken place in 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.”

We’d like you to meet two Rochester companies that have made a significant name for themselves by taking “data collection” to a whole new level! Meet the leaders of these two nationally known companies as they talk about seizing opportunities and managing long term growth.

Back in 1996, Mark Gentile had a brand new company and a great big vision – high performance connectivity middleware for wireless devices that would isolate application developers from having to code for all of the quirks of wireless connectivity. Today, Odyssey Software’s products offer advanced data access capabilities to easily integrate mobile applications with diverse enterprise data stores and are optimized to handle the complexities of wireless networks, low-speed connections, and independent operation. He’s got some great stories to tell of adventures along the way – including touring the country, sharing the stage with Bill Gates, as Odyssey’s software provided the connectivity for Microsoft’s first mobile platforms.

Since 1988, Ultimate Technology has deployed and serviced over 300,000 store-level point of sale (POS) installations for leading retailers in North America. They had proven products and a good industry reputation when Sam Villanti came on board as CEO nine years ago. With the execution of new strategies to turn good ideas into must-have, money-making products and services more quickly than ever, and the integration of key acquisitions, the company is now executing at a whole new level of performance. When the results of the second annual RIS News Hardware Leaderboard Survey were released in September, Ultimate Technology was once again ranked #1 by North American retailers as the top provider of service and support in the POS market. In a world of commoditized hardware offerings, Ultimate Technology successfully differentiates itself by providing the highest level of service and support in the industry. The result is record growth and increased market share across a spectrum of POS solutions.

Once again, Digital Rochester offers you the opportunity for an up close and personal session with Rochester success stories. We’ll hear about the ups & downs - and celebrations! - of growing a business for the long term! Join us on October 25th for Rising Stars!

[Register below]

SPEAKERS:

• Mark N. Gentile, President and CEO, Odyssey Software
• Samuel Villanti, President and CEO, Ultimate Technology

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:

Mark N. Gentile

Mark Gentile is a software executive with over eighteen years of experience in software architecture, engineering, research, and management. He has specialized in the areas of wireless data communications, mobile computing, and multi-tier distributed computing architectures. Mark led the design, development, and implementation of mobile enterprise applications for many Fortune 500 companies across North America, including General Electric, Bausch & Lomb, TRW, and Anheuser-Bush.

His vision, real-world experience and ability to bring best-in-class products to market, has established Odyssey Software as a technology leader in the mobile enterprise computing market.

Odyssey is a leading provider of mobile application development tools and infrastructure for Windows Mobile (PPC/SP) and Win CE.NET based device platforms. Odyssey products are enabling technology for remote data access, application provisioning, and device management for mobile enterprise solutions. Using Odyssey software, application developers can build, deploy, and manage mobile enterprise solutions easily and cost-effectively, improving corporate agility, productivity, and competitive advantage.

Samuel Villanti

Samuel J. Villanti has been President and CEO of Ultimate Technology Corporation since October of 1998. In February 2000 he organized a management-led buyout from a publicly held parent and has led the transition of UTC from a niche hardware manufacturer to one of North America’s leading retail store automation providers of software, hardware and professional services. Ultimate Technology was recently recognized as one of the fastest growing POS solution providers in North America and for consecutive years (2006 and 2007) was ranked #1 in North America for Service and Support. Major accomplishments include rigorous utilization and execution of the strategic planning process to transform the company away from the commodity hardware business via the introduction of new product and service platforms, and successful acquisitions of software, professional services and maintenance businesses.

Prior to joining Ultimate Technology, Mr. Villanti served as the General Manager of Axiohm IPB, the US Division of Axiohm SA. At that time, Axiohm was the world’s second largest designer and manufacturer of POS printers. During a 3-year period at Axiohm, Mr. Villanti was instrumental in achieving 120% revenue growth in North America to over $120 Million, as well as playing a key role in the acquisition and integration of a publicly listed competitor.

Mr. Villanti also spent 5 years in the Management Consulting Practice of Price Waterhouse where he was responsible for strategic consulting, business process re-engineering and strategy implementation for large ($1.0 Billion +) clients focusing in retail, manufacturing and materials management.

Mr. Villanti started his career in the Retail Systems Division of NCR where he served in various logistics, materials, and manufacturing management positions.

Since 1988, Ultimate Technology has deployed and serviced over 300,000 store-level POS installations for leading retailers in North America. Ultimate Technology goes beyond offering retail-hardened products by delivering a range of POS services that ensure customer success.