Tony Pirera, Spectrum Thin Films CEO, Hauppauge

Tony Pirera got a telescope as a 10-year-old. From then on he was hooked on astronomy.

A few years later, he built his own telescope. A photograph of that project is on display in his company lobby, along with one of the moon. "This is one of the pictures I took of the moon back then" with it, he says.

Eager to work for himself, Pirera launched his company in Bohemia in 1993 manufacturing optics and optical coatings for government agencies, research organizations and commercial clients.

Spectrum Thin Films, now in Hauppauge, coated lenses for the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft. It is also providing coatings for NASA's James Web Space Telescope.

Pirera, 54, has a daughter. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced in starting the business?
"I knew there was a very small chance of success. I just kept focusing. When I had failures, I ascertained what the failures were and I moved forward."

How has the recession impacted business?
"The recession has impacted us pretty hard over the last two years. We've basically been holding on. Right now we're in a holding pattern - things are starting to pick up already. I think the worst is over."

How did you learn how to manage others?
"I went to school for engineering. I said I could be the greatest engineer in the world -- but I'd be a lousy businessman. So I went back to Dowling College . . . for business. I learned a lot." For his final project, he created Spectrum. He received an A-plus and a dollar from his professor, who told him, "I want to invest in your company."

He describes a previous company he worked for as being badly managed in "the way they were treating the employees. They were rebelling. I treat people with respect. I ascertain what they're doing and make sure when they're reprimanded that I'm actually correct. I don't fly off the handle. I don't fire people on the spot, I give them warnings. If they don't have the right stuff, then they have to go."

Describe your leadership style.
"I'm very driven in what I do for a living, and I try to guide people in that direction. I roll up my sleeves, I go there and work with them, and they respect me. My father was a contractor, so he taught me how to be hands-on."

How do you motivate employees?
"I'm upfront, and I tell people like it is. I tell them about the company, I tell them what's going on with them. Proper communication's really one of the key ingredients."

What advice do you have for someone who wants to start a business?
"If you have a desire and a motivation, stick with it. The problem is a lot of people have setbacks and they don't know how to handle them. No matter what you do, there's going to be a setback, and it could be a major one. You've got to know how to handle it."  

Corporate snapshot

 Name. Tony Pirera

Title. president

Company. Spectrum Thin Films

Business.  High-tech optics and optical coatings

Location.  Hauppauge

Type.  Private company

Revenue. $2.5 million annually

Employees. 28