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Published: January 2008
Michael J. Tentnowski left New Mexico State University to become the Director of RPI's Incubator Program. This has been both his biggest challenge and his greatest accomplishment.
Success Magazine: What does success mean to you?
Michael Tentnowski: For me, it is the success of companies in our program, which is loosely defined as continuing in business at least five years after graduating from the RPI Incubator.
SM: What is an incubator?
MT: A business incubator is a business support facility with programs that accelerate the development of start-up companies by providing a wide range of resources and customized services. The goal of an incubator is to produce successful ventures that graduate from the program financially viable, while creating jobs and strengthening the local economy.
SM: What resources do you draw from?
MT: The program utilizes the NBIA (National Business Incubation Association), other incubator management, RPI alumni, industry experts, venture capitalists, advisory groups, fed & state agencies, and economic development organizations.
SM: You've assumed a very challenging role at RPI. How do you balance your career and your personal life?
MT: Yes, it is challenging, but I inherited an excellent program with many successes and we are at full capacity. Although time-consuming, managing both is controllable.
SM: You've been the director of one of the first university-based incubators in the country for about two years now. How successful has it been so far?
MT: I measure success by the successes of the companies in the Program. Three companies have been acquired by major corporations for millions of dollars. Several have been featured in worldwide publications; many have won national innovation awards; and one was recently featured on CNN and the Discovery Channel.
SM: Are there any specific success stories you would like to share with us?
MT: There are many, how much space do we have? Ecovative Designs has been the hot company lately, which was started by two engineering students and featured on CNN. Simplicita and AdInterax come to mind as well, due to high-dollar acquisitions by Sandvine and Yahoo!
SM: What made you decide to leave New Mexico State University for RPI?
MT: There were many factors (including personal ones), but reputation value, strength of program services, and rich history all played a part in the decision. Plus, I like the weather!
SM: How will the incubator figure into the economic expansion in the Capital Region and upstate New York?
MT: The incubator already has made a major impact in the region for over 25 years, and I plan on continuing with this effort.
SM: What immediate and long-range goals do you have for the incubator?
MT: The near-term goals are achieved at 100% occupancy and quality of services. Long-term initiatives include expanding our global reach and building out additional space to accommodate our waiting list.
SM: Where do you think your program will be in five years?
MT: I would like to see new facilities and expanded services beyond the Capital Region. This strategy gains recognition not only for the RPI Incubator, but for the community at large. Eventually, companies will move to NY in order to accelerate their growth and take advantage of regional assets.
SM: What's on the horizon for you personally?
MT: After world domination? Buy a tractor and work my land more.
SM: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
MT: Running the RPI Incubator and having the opportunity to build on the rich history and storied successes of the past.
SM: What has been your greatest challenge?
MT: Getting hired to run the RPI Program and having the opportunity to build on the rich history and storied successes of the past.
SM: To what do you attribute your success?
MT: Drive, ambition, collaboration, networking, and luck.
SM: What advice do you have for other academics or entrepreneurs?
MT: Work hard, fly right, do good, give back, have fun, and understand CASH FLOW!
SM: How do you encourage RPI students to pursue entrepreneurship?
MT: The staff serves as entrepreneurial advocates throughout the campus, and works with the VP for Entrepreneurship, professors teaching entrepreneurship in class, the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship, current and graduate entrepreneurs, and hosting in-house events.
SM: What stumbling blocks will your students who wish to become entrepreneurs face?
MT: If they are true entrepreneursnone.
SM: Who would you say has been most influential to your success?
MT: Those I surround myself with, and my vast Rolodex.
SM: You've been an entrepreneur. What kind of businesses were you involved in?
MT: A medical services company, real estate ventures, and a business consultancy.
SM: Has entrepreneurship changed over the years? Are the challenges greater or less nowadays?
MT: Not much has changed as far as entrepreneurial attributes, but products and services have certainly changed as we become more globally competitive.
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