Just like the equipment his company repairs, Harry Bostley has a knack for seeing things that others can’t. That’s how Bostley, with the help of dedicated employees, created a multi-million dollar business from nothing. Rochester Cassette Sales and Service, located at 50 Hojack Road in the Village of Hilton, is one of three major players in the x-ray cassette repair business nationwide. RCSS has a network of more than 150 x-ray dealers and they provide services and products to many hospitals across the country. Last year, 10,000 cassettes came through the shop. The company’s success is predicated on its ability to work with hospitals, clinics and private practices to cut their imaging costs. How it all began Both Bostley and Angelo were sales representatives for Eastman Kodak Company’s Health Sciences Division. The two pooled their knowledge to provide the radiographic community with expert repair of x-ray cassettes and ID cameras. The company quickly began remanufacturing both cassettes and ID cameras. And when the industry went digital, the local company was quick to follow. Today, the majority of their work is with the digital technology. Rochester Cassette Sales and Service serves the medical community and is an authorized cassette and camera service center for Agfa, Kodak and Konika. While the company was started based on the knowledge of its founders, it has continued to thrive as a result of careful management of customers. Bostley continues to have a strong relationship with Kodak. His former place of employment often works in partnership with RCSS. Relationships with Kodak, their dealers and customers and the radiological community are the lifeblood of the business. The commitment to customer service is seen in the company’s ability to provide customized solutions. For example, RCSS has responded to the needs of the equine business by creating an x-ray cassette that has a lightweight cardboard frame. Before race horses are sold they are put through a battery of more than 30 x-rays. The weight of a traditional x-ray would make transporting that many a real logistical challenge. The company’s commitment to customers comes with the first phone call. “Nobody will speak to an answering machine here during work hours,” Bostley said. “The family atmosphere extends out to the customers we call on,” Bostley said, explaining that RCSS is fortunate to have many long-lasting relationships. These relationships also provide the company with useful information on customers’ needs. Growth has been visible Bostley wanted the company to stay in Hilton, a village that he has grown to love. He looked at existing facilities, but ended up staking his claim on an apple orchard on Old Hojack Road. The facility is slowly gaining neighbors as village officials look to attract more industry for that road. While substantially nicer than the business’ previous homes, the facade is still humble when compared to the excitement within. “You see people walk by and stare wondering who we are,” Bostley said. The facility, which was built seven years ago, is only part of the visible growth. The company has slowly and steadily added employees. RCSS now employs eight full-time and five part-time workers. Most of them have come to the company through word of mouth. Sikorski knew Bostley from their days at Kodak. She was eager to join his team when the opportunity arose. They aren’t the only former Kodakers in the building. “We tried to count the years of Kodak experience in this building not too long ago and we had well over 100 years,” Sikorski said. Bostley credits his talented staff with much of the business’ success. He said their talent makes RCSS an innovative company. “We have too many people who have good ideas,” Bostley said. While RCSS has some of the best of Kodak in the building, Sikorski said she thinks there is a much different feel being a smaller, family-style company. “There’s a real sense of empowerment here. If it does well, we’ll do well. If it doesn’t, we won’t,” Sikorski said. Challenges and opportunities “Finances are stressful,” Bostley said. “It is so easy for any business to go under if you don’t stay on top of your finances.” While RCSS is coming off of one of its best quarters ever, Bostley said he is always concerned over finances. “When you hire an employee, you are taking on a family,” Bostley said. “This is their livelihood.” Luckily for the families of RCSS the future looks bright. Bostley sees opportunity for further expansion. He said the company will survey the chiropractic market and believes there is room for growth in Canada and overseas. Despite the anxieties that come with building a business, Bostley is pleased with life after Kodak. “This has been amazingly gratifying,” he said. “We’re doing our part to help the world and local economy.” Doing their part in the community October 8, 2006 |
