April 2011
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An Entrepreneur Known For Personal Service, Professional Knowledge, Gives Back

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In 1961 Peter began working in the air compressor industry and learned early on that customer service was his strength. Just five years later, he was one of the founders of Scales Air Compressor Corporation, (now Scales Industrial Technologies), where he worked alongside his brother Bill, a PE and co-author of the US Department of Energy’s "Best Practices for Compressed Air."  Their small repair shop in a "little garage" on Long Island is today the largest provider of industrial compressors and cooling systems in the Northeast, and a leading supplier of preventive maintenance programs and energy management systems.

More than 40 years after its founding, Scales Industrial has 170 employees, five locations throughout the Northeast and a current business volume of $41 million. Its success has not gone unnoticed, and over the years attracted its fair share of lucrative offers to sell to outsiders. In 2005, Scales Industrial did eventually sell a portion of its stock—to its employees. And a few days before last Christmas, it brought the employee-owned percentage to 48 percent. Ultimately, the goal is to reach 100 percent.  

When Peter was selected for the 2009 BOMA/NY President’s Award, then-President Angelo Grima called him "a guy who flies under the radar" and "the little engine that could." But he also praised him for the level of his activity and personal commitment to BOMA/NY, which has remained as steady and valuable as ever. We caught up with Peter after he had had a very successful experience as an exhibitor at our recent and most successful Energy Action Day to date.

BOMA/NY Member: Since 2004, Allied

Committees: Codes & Regulations, Membership, Advocacy

Q. Employee-owned companies are still in the minority; what made you decide to take that route?

A. We were getting offers from outside buyers, but they would have meant that many of our loyal employees, who had been with us for many years, would lose their jobs. It would be like selling them down-river; we couldn’t deal with that. We also told our employees, "you make the difference" in terms of making our firm profitable. It’s worked for us.

Q. You have a wealth of experience built up over a very successful career. Care to share any pointers?

A. First, be a good listener. Sometimes as a business owner, you think you have all the answers. It’s important to listen to your fellow owners as they come up with ways to increase business and improve your bottom line.

Be understanding and empathetic—every day—not only to fellow workers, but customers and vendors.

And lastly, treat your customers as if they are the most important person you are speaking to that day. Be pro-active with their requests. Every day since we founded our company in 1966, my brother and I have focused on being the very best in quality and customer service.

Q. What was the impetus for joining BOMA/NY?

A. One of our clients—a building manager—was a member of BOMA/NY, told me about the benefits and suggested we join. I went on the BOMA/NY website to find out more information, liked what I read and decided to apply. 

Q. How has that worked out for you?

A. Like many members, our original interest was to generate more business, but I also wanted to be active and make a contribution. As I became more active, everyone I met—whether a fellow Allied member, a Principal, Professional or Associate Member—was so friendly and caring that I became even more active. I felt I could be an asset to BOMA/NY as a resource for the committees I serve, as well as my fellow members. At the last Energy Action Day we had more activity than we could have hoped for! Ultimately it led to a very solid order.

Q. What has been the most positive experience you have had at BOMA/NY?

A. I’d have to say receiving the President’s Award at the holiday luncheon in 2009 was one of the highlights—and a complete surprise. But the friends I have met through BOMA/NY far outweigh anything I could have imagined.

Q. You’re going strong at 73, an age when most would have retired. What are your plans for the future?

A. I feel I am a very young 73, with an abundant amount of energy. I love what I do and have a great relationship with my brother, our employees and co-owners, and my business associates. My understanding wife, Diane, and my children urge me continue to do what I do and love. God willing, I still have a lot to offer, so retirement is not anything I am thinking about.