Owner/CEO's Name & Business's Name
Art Suriano, The TSi Company
Year Established
1995
Why is your business unique and what's your pitch?
The TSi Company has developed proprietary customized training programs for sales associates in large retail chain stores. The programs have achieved high retention rates, with employees remembering up to 90% of what they learned in a session. Each employee learns on a self-paced basis, keeping them in the stores (not off-site) and not requiring peer or supervisory time to train them. This increases productivity. Chain stores have reported higher conversion rates as a result of the training. Programs work across industry lines, as well. Client satisfaction rates are extremely high.
What led you to start the business?
The business was started primarily as a production company for in-store radio programs. A client asked if we could produce an employee training program, which led to the development of our proprietary LTraining Programs, which combine audio, visual, kinesthetic and tactile learning.
Lessons Learned
- The ups and downs in my life have prepared me to handle the unexpected better
- A Ronald Reagan style of leadership works--soft-spoken, wit and the ability to form relationships
- Give employees opportunities to grow and expand their talents; form a "we" attitude and get them to enjoy their jobs more
- Live your life to the fullest; be the best you can; we don't know if there will be a tomorrow