GEORGE BROSTOFF:
 
GEORGE BROSTOFF




 
 
 
 
 
CEO of Sensible Vision Inc. in Covert, Mich. Sensible Vision provides continuous access control solutions for securing computers and saving power with facial recognition. The company recently exceeded 3 million paid installations of its flagship product, FastAccess™. An entrepreneur in the computer, security, and communication industry for nearly 30 years, Brostoff was one of two founders in 1997 of Ensure Technologies, which helped pioneer computer security using radio frequency badges. In 1981, he founded Symplex Communications, a worldwide manufacturer of data communications and internetworking equipment. Under his leadership, the company grew to more than $22.5 million in annual sales and employed more than 100. Brostoff transitioned Symplex from an innovative startup to an established company, attracted outside capital, and successfully positioned the firm for the next stage of growth, including an initial public offering. Brostoff began his career as a manufacturers' representative for ARC Associates and became the highest producing salesperson in the company. He frequently speaks at trade shows and industry conferences, including Networld+Interop and COMDEX. Among his several industry awards and accolades number Entrepreneur of the Year from Ernst & Young and Merrill Lynch; Inc. magazine's Fastest Growing Companies; Michigan Business magazine's Fastest Growing Company; Michigan Leading Edge Technologies Award presented by Arthur Anderson, the Detroit Free Press, and Michigan Technology Council; Outstanding Entrepreneur by the University of Michigan; and the Governor of Michigan Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Business Achievement. Brostoff studied economics at the University of Michigan and is a lifetime member of the Institute of American Entrepreneurs.


WHERE BORN: “Pittsburgh.”

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: “My father. I had the opportunity to start traveling with him to stores at a very young age, around 3. I started working early, too, which helped develop my business orientation and work ethic.”

LAST BOOK READ: “I tend to read off the web these days or publications like The Economist. It was probably a book for entertainment purposes - A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin.”

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: “Persistent, innovative, intense.”

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: “We're involved with IT. It started while I was going to the University of Michigan and working part-time in the IT industry back in '70s. In no other time have I seen the rate of change as I've seen currently, and it has always been known for being very fast. We're seeing the spread and proliferation of information and business-oriented computing with consumer computing.”

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: “My Motorola Droid allows me to do business and pleasure.”

FAVORITE PLACE: “My house on Lake Michigan between St. Joseph and South Haven.”

FAVORITE HOBBIES: “My work is my hobby - the two have really converged but it's a great business opportunity.”

FAVORITE FOOD: “Fruit.”

MY HIDDEN TALENT: “People are surprised how I can come up with things or information that I can associate with a specific time and place.”

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: “For being a fair and honest person.”


Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.