"Nobody locally was approaching Web site design from a true marketing perspective. Our idea was to start a company that combined a core expertise in technology and design with business strategy and brand marketing to drive measurable results," said Steve Rinaldi, CEO of Innovative Internet Marketing Solutions.

Many of their clients experienced results that were hard to believe — in one case a rise of 400 percent in revenues. So it was no surprise that IIMS took off with revenues going from $150,000 in 1995 to an anticipated $2 million in 1999. It is also no surprise that the Regional Small Business Administration has named the three founding partners, Eric Mudry, Steve Rinaldi and Jerry Sofocli, as Regional Young Entrepreneurs of 1999.

The three partners, all currently living in Wallingford, were friends prior to starting the business. Each brought his own special expertise to bear.

Rinaldi, a Choate and Dartmouth graduate, focuses on implementing business strategies as well as developing the strategic framework and vision for clients. Eric Mudry, captain of the undefeated 1993 Trinity College Football team as well as a Kodak First Team All-American Scholar Athlete, is responsible for finding and evaluating new business opportunities and developing business relationships with clients. Jerry Sofocli, a Quinnipiac graduate, develops and implements the technology and infrastructure plan, both internally and externally.

Even their client list is impressive, running the gamut from big names in the entertainment industry to local chambers of commerce, manufacturers, biotech firms, wineries and hospitals.

As diverse as their clients are, they all seem to have one thing in common. They love the collaborative working relationship with IIMS and the ability the staff has to explain in simple terms the what, why and how of the Internet.

"IIMS really helped us identify our target market online and to develop a site that appropriately addressed our niche audience. They also put into place an evaluation system to assure that we continue to meet our audience's changing needs," said James Early, managing partner of Early, Ludwick, and Sweeney of New Haven.

None of the partners has yet reached the ripe old age of 30, yet their business savvy and technological expertise is remarkable. "While we don't have the advantage of years spent in business school, we have learned on the job from some of the best business leaders in our communities," said Rinaldi. "Our clients have taught us a tremendous amount."

Rinaldi characterizes their approach as expansive. "Much like the way in which a business develops a traditional marketing plan, we work with our clients to review the competition, outline marketing objectives, identify key audiences, develop strategies, and measure results."

CT Business - July/August 1999