First Company Profile: Rogue Valley Microdevices

Posted by Tom Blue on January 14, 2009 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

I mentioned earlier that we were thinking of changing the blog’s focus to profiling companies that have not been funded by vc firms. This is our first profile, Rogue Valley Microdevices. CEO, Jessica Gomez was very open about her experiences and details. See the Q&A below…

1. What do you do?

We deposit Thin Films on the surface of silicon wafers for the microelectronics industry.

2. Who are your competitors?

IMAT Technologies, Silicon Quest International, Process Specialties, Noel Technologies.

3. What makes you different than your competitors?

We have an extensive background in MEMS and Semiconductor Manufacturing, which gives us the ability provide better technical support to our customers. We have great Lead-Times, and because we are a small company we can provide more personalized customer service.

4. What are your or your ceo’s biggest challenges?

My biggest challenges have been:

A) Hiring the right group of people and teaching them how to work as a team. I believe that one of the most important things you can do as a CEO, is build a great team. When we started this company I really didn’t know the first thing about selecting employees, and I made a lot of mistakes. The biggest mistake I made was waiting too long to let people go. I would always say to myself “Maybe they haven’t had enough training”, or “Maybe they don’t know what is really expected of them”. I’ve learned that you can tell right away if an employee will be truly exceptional, and that it’s the employees that start out being just okay, that end up not working out. As the CEO, and as a manager you have a responsibility to the other team members to find, and retain the best people you can.

B) Developing a strategy that will ensure our company’s success during this economic downturn. Developing a good strategy is difficult, and the most important thing that I have learned is that you must be creative. The goal is to make your company successful even if you have to change directions, or enter into an unfamiliar market. Your company is a living breathing thing that may evolve into something unexpected but completely successful if you take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.

5. What does your founder spend his/her days doing?

I spend my day doing a whole variety of different things. When you have a small company, your daily routine is pretty diversified. I take care of all the bookkeeping and payroll. I do a lot of technical support and sales. Lately I’ve been spending a lot of time working on our website and Marketing material.

6. How long have you been in business?

We have been operation about 4 years.

7. How many employees do you have?

We have 10 employees

8. How much growth did you have in 2008 over 2007? Can you give us approximates on your revenue for 2008?

We grew quite a bit in 2008. We increased our sales by about 30%, ending the year around $1.1 million.

9. Are you profitable?

Yes

10. When were you founded?

We were founded in 2003.