innovation



HOW A HANDFUL OF ENTREPRENEURS ARE LEADING THE WAY IN THE NEW ECONOMY

By Kyle Patterson

Whether we acknowledge it or not, Western New York has a wealth of innovative people who are using their talents to provide jobs for our local workforce. Through their talent and hard work they are enhancing the lives of businesses and individuals in our community, adding value to their customers, and helping to make Western New York a better place to live and work. We selected a handful of companies both local and locally based, some small, some large that are making a difference. So be inspired that like you, there are people who care about our future as a city and region.

InfoTech Niagara

“It is almost surprising the level of expertise that we have in Western New York. We couldn’t hide the tech sector more if we tried. There is a ridiculous amount of talent here.” Jeff Ross, InfoTech NiagaraInfoTech Niagara is the trade association of Western New York’s information technology industry. They are a source of networking, resources and promotion for companies and individuals in our region. Director Jeff Ross who has served in various capacities in the Buffalo tech scene said, “For the good of the industry is why we are here. It is almost surprising the level of expertise that we have in Western New York. We couldn’t hide the tech sector more if we tried. There is a ridiculous amount of talent here.”

     Ross explained companies are succeeding by signing customers from other markets and finding a cheaper rate and rent in Buffalo. Instead of paying $100,000 customers can pay $60,000 and pass on those savings to their customers. The Buffalo market is 25%-50% cheaper than the national average. “It’s disappointing to see companies that are local and yet have a website created by an out of town vendor. They go with a big national chain with no customer service rather than utilizing the local talent. Buffalo has a big advantage in that it is typically much cheaper and the talent is here,” explained Ross. “Everyone says all the kids are moving out of town and then they go and spend their money out of town. They wonder why there is no place to work,” he continued. “The best customer service is service that you get when you call a local company that knows you. The expertise is here without a doubt, it creates jobs, taxes and allows the company to grow and prosper. If we could capture that business it would make a huge difference.” Ross believes that we need to redefine the work culture. In the past it has been a culture of go to work, 9-5, hate the boss and come home and complain. Ross believes a culture of entrepreneurship, personal responsibility and initiative changes that.