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Joseph F. Kumiszcza, Jr., graduated the USM School of Business in 1978 and is
currently the Executive Director of MESDA (Maine's Software & Information
Technology Industry Association).
MESDA serves as an amazing resource and advocate for the technology industry
in Maine. MESDA supplies information, educational programs and other
services for their members. They also house a phenomenal job bank that has
benefited many USM School of Business alumni in the past. Focusing on
supporting
entrepreneurs, MESDA is a small business that supports other small
businesses. They have also been a big supporter of the USM School of
Business.
1. What has your life been like since leaving USM?
I did the typical after grad routine; pack up, leave the state and try to
find a way to make it back to Maine. I was fortunate and found a way to
come home before I retired.
2. What motivated you to start join MESDA?
MESDA was an all volunteer organization when I came on board as the first
FTE in 1997. I saw the opportunity to merge workforce and economic
development activities and create a different kind of marketing model. The
Board of Directors allowed me the flexibility to create a rather
non-traditional industry association. MESDA is positioned to be more
entrepreneurial than typical non-profits. We introduce new programs and
initiatives and fortunately have had more successes than failures. Of
course; this industry has high risk-tolerance, so thinking at the edge is an
expectation.
3. How has MESDA evolved since its' conception in 1992?
MESDA's growth has been the result of developing the social network to
connect Maine's technology community. We've evolved by bringing together
technology professionals and CXOs from all technology sectors. Some folks
remember us as a 'Software Group', and software is our heart, but our
current membership reflects a much broader audience of companies that
develop and are heavy users of technologies. Obviously, our activities are
designed to support tech organizations; but we also offer programs to help
all Maine companies source technology services and products. The increase
in traffic to the MESDA site is an excellent indicator of our value to the
community. We have a great deal of information available and more than
60,000 visitors come to the site each month. We're now in the process of a
site redesign to bring additional content and a better user experience.
4. Where do you see MESDA heading in the future?
We have five new exciting initiatives in development for 2007. Three are
preparing for launch; the other two are still in stealth mode. First,
through a Maine Technology Institute grant, we will begin transmitting our
educational programming across the state to satellite locations. This will
enable Maine's TechForce to keeps its skills current regardless of location.
Second, we will be promoting legislation to enable the creation of half a
billion dollars worth of venture capital in Maine for technology start-ups.
Third, and USM is a partner in this effort, MESDA's is working to create a
Software Testing Lab in Westbrook. This is an exciting
educational/vocational endeavor to position this region as a quality
technology development 'Center of Excellence'.
5. What do you enjoy best about working at MESDA?
Creating connectivity is the most enjoyable part of each day's activity.
Being able to bring talented folks together to build a stronger technology
community is very rewarding. It's a kick to play with the new tech toys and
see the new ideas being brought to life by my member companies.
6. Why did you choose the USM School of Business for your undergraduate
degree?
I started at USM preparing for an Accounting Degree as an entry into the
FBI. Professor Jagolinzer tried valiantly to save me.but I couldn't even
account for myself most of the time. It became clear to me that I enjoyed
being disruptive more than I favored 'laws' and 'orders'. Anarchism wasn't
offered as a Political Science Major at the time.so I ported my skills over
to Business!
7. What was your experience like at USM? Any fond memories?
I was a traditional USM student at that time; I worked full time and
commuted while attending the University. Though I did make exceptional
friendships that last to this day; I wish I would have made the time to be
more active in school activities. I do recall some of the parties I
attended on the Gorham campus! What still sticks with me is that the
professors were always approachable and willing to assist. Their
encouragement and attention is remembered and deeply appreciated...and is
why I support the University.
8. What were some of your favorite courses/instructors?
Three professors stay with me - one from the School of Business and two from
the English Department. I'll always remember Leon Bien as a great
communicator and tremendous educator; he had a great style and could always
find a way to explain concepts. Through Leon, I learned about the
significant economic impact of 'widgets'. Dr's. John Jaques and Jack Hanna
were outstanding. These two men were great motivators and gave extra effort
to help shape their students. It's difficult to single folks out; but those
three individuals exhibited extraordinary enthusiasm in their endeavors.
They still inspire me to focus and operate with passion.
9. How can the USM School of Business best serve Maine and the business
community?
I'll speak from my particular industry sector rather than the general
business community. While small business is the backbone of Maine's economy
I believe too much attention is given to entrepreneurism as it relates to
'quality of life' companies and scarce attention is given to individuals
with the passion to create dynamic, scalable, organizations. My passion is
in building the infrastructure to help entrepreneurs become dynapreneurs. I
would like to see more grads coming out of USM with the ideas and energy to
build 500+ employee companies. I feel we take too much pride in the fact
that Maine is a 'small business' state. Our state's culture seems to prefer
that large corporations stay away - that big is evil. This is an unhealthy
economic climate and sets the wrong tone for today's students - tomorrow's
business leaders. More than 100,000 new jobs would be created if we could
shift the culture to encourage an increase of one-half of one percent in the
number of 'large businesses' in Maine. The University has the opportunity
and obligation to create the drivers' of Maine's next economy. I, for one,
want to see micro-chips and software, not more potato-chips and softwood.
For more information on MESDA: http://www.mesda.com
Click here to read the interview with School of Business Alumni Lew Babbidge
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