Students for a few years, alumni forever. Across the nation, Saunders alumni are adding value to their communities and establishing themselves as leaders in their fields through their businesses. They are changing the world to provide needed goods and services while providing jobs and careers for those they employ in their communities. Whether you’re looking for an intimate cafe, a new car, or a consultant for your own business, the Saunders alumni network has something for your needs.
Are you an RIT alumni business owner? Would you like other alumni to know about your business? Tell us about it and get a "RIT Alumni Owned Business" window decal. Visit our Alumni Owned Businesses form today.
Automobile
Budd Baer Inc. in Washington, PA
Bryan Baer’ 01 (management information systems)
If you're in the market for a new or used car, you've come to the right place. Budd Baer Auto is committed to helping you find the right vehicle. Family-owned and operated for the local community since 1975!
RAM Detailing in Rochester, NY
Ryan Miller ‘19 (management information systems)
Locally owned car detailing service. We focus on the details, that's what makes us different.
Consulting and Marketing
Epicenter Innovation; SCOUTbox in Denver, CO
Christopher Tarantino ‘13 (marketing)
Epicenter Innovations works with clients in emergency management, deployment support services, and public safety transformation. They deliver value to their clients through training, consulting, assessments, and more.
Epic Ventures Group in Syracuse, NY
Tom Fecteau ‘76 (accounting)
Tom has been supporting business for 30 years and has become an expert at being able to diagnose root issues across entire business life cycles.
Clements Food Safety Consulting in Rochester, NY
Stacey Clements ‘94 (hospitality), MS ‘07 (environmental, health and safety management)
Clements Food Safety Consulting LLC can fulfill all of your restaurant's food safety and employee training needs. The owner, Stacey Clements, has more than 20 years of employee training experience with a BS in Hospitality Management and an MS in Occupational Safety.
Cyber Defense Institute in Syracuse, NY
Brandon Finton ‘05 (management)
A cyber security company located in Syracuse, NY that specializes in computer security compliance assessments, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, customized security policy, risk assessments, threat monitoring, information security programs, online training for information technology, incident response planning, and testing.
Kristi Mitchell Consulting LLC in Fairport, NY
Kristi Mitchell ‘14 (MBA)
Kristi Mitchell Consulting LLC is helping business owners navigate through complexity and ambiguity by developing a strategic, actionable plan and holding them accountable.
Linden Digital Marketing in Rochester NY
Lindsay Connelly ‘11 (marketing), ‘18 (MBA)
Linden Digital Marketing offers digital marketing services in simple, straightforward service packages that are customized to guide customers through each stage of business growth, no matter what stage they’re in.
South Florida Web Advisors in Boynton Beach, FL
Philip Levine ‘03 (management information systems)
South Florida Web Advisors has a goal of utilizing reliable, cost-effective, and quality solutions to satisfy their client's objectives. Their services include website development, branding, email marketing, content management, search optimization, and more.
Lifestyle
Crisp LLC in New York
Jordan Daniels ‘15 (management information systems)
Crisp is a lifestyle brand that offers accessories, art, and home decor.
Finance and Wealth Management
Fiscal Partners, LLC in Scottsdale, AZ
Michael Browne ‘84 (accounting)
Fiscal Partners offers bookkeeping, controller, and advisory services. Micheal founded the company on the premise that “new, emerging, growing, and even struggling businesses require all the same back-office services and support (and sometimes more) than established businesses.”
Higgins Financial Advisors in Fairport, NY
Mark Higgins ‘97 (marketing), ‘03 (finance)
Higgins Financial Advisors is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in our relationship with you, our client. We endeavor to know and understand your financial situation and provide you with only the highest quality information, services, and products to help you reach your goals.
Parks Capital in Pittsford, NY
Rajiv N Dixit ‘01 (finance)
Parks Capital is a boutique investment advisory firm in Pittsford, New York with a mission of helping its clients “achieve their long-term financial goals and overall financial success.”
Restaurants, Bars, Breweries, and Bakeries
Erie Ale Works in Erie, PA
Mark Higgins ‘04 (marketing)
This young and fun brewery is a community hub for unique beer and events. The brewery gives back to local farmers and charities.
Lock Stock Bar & Grill in Canandaigua, NY
Kevin Barton ’04 (hospitality and tourism management)
Lock Stock Bar & Grill is Kevin Barton’s most recent business venture. Located next to Bristol Mountain Ski Resort, Barton sought to provide a year-round family-friendly restaurant and bar to the local families and winter sports enthusiasts.
ROAM Café in Rochester, NY
Drew Nye ’04 (business)
ROAM Café is a restaurant and bar offering Italian and American cuisine to Park Avenue. Drew Nye, Saunders alum and owner of the café, kept the ROAM name from its previous owner and made it his own through a complete renovation of the interior and the menu.
Taichi Bubble Tea across 40 stores
Zining (Kelvin) Chen ‘17 (advertising and public relations), MS ‘19 (TIME)
First opened in 2015, Taichi has been growing across the United States hoping to bring the best bubble tea, healthy poke bowl, and tasty ramen to people from all over the world. They strive to provide a place for people to connect with family and friends while enjoying the delicious drink and food.
The Angry Goat Pub in Rochester, NY
Kevin Barton ’04 (hospitality and tourism management)
Saunders alum, Kevin Barton, owns The Angry Goat Pub: a restaurant and bar with an “urban country” vibe. Offering burgers, beer, and chocolate-covered bacon, The Angry Goat Pub resides on Clinton Avenue.
Vin Sur Vingt in Washington D.C.
Rakesh Chandiramani ‘04 (finance)
Vin Sur Vingt (“VSV”) Wine Bar, a play on “Vingt / Vingt”, is your neighborhood wine bar with six locations throughout New York City and Washington D.C. It was established as a labor of love for wine, food, and hospitality in an ambiance resembling the most authentic bar à vin found in a charming Parisian neighborhood.
Property Management/Construction
Ruthian Investment Fund, LLC in San Luis Obispo, CA
Kimberly Conti DeGroot ‘90 (international business)
Based out of San Luis Obispo, CA, the Ruthian Investment Fund management team has been selling, buying, and managing property all across America for over 60 years combined. Our team has a proud track record of success with a current real estate portfolio valued at $11.6 MILL+. We don’t just manage the fund, we are members of the fund too, this ensures that management and individual goals remain in sync.
UDN General Construction in Rochester, NY
Nick Testa ‘04 (MBA)
UDN General Construction is a new, fresh, and modern approach to construction as they reimagine the way a construction business can work for both employees and clients. UDN is a small firm, focused on being lean and efficient and has been ranked as one of the top 15 commercial builders in the Rochester Business Journal’s Book of Lists. Using that momentum their refreshing attitude has created a positive culture inside their growing company.
Windermere Real Estate in Seattle, WA
Michael Woods ‘92 (business)
For more than 50 years, Windermere has put integrity and professionalism at the heart of our business. This, along with our commitment to building thriving communities, is what has helped Windermere grow into one of the largest and most respected real estate brands in the country, with more than 300 offices and 7,000 agents throughout the Western U.S. and Mexico.
Personal Services
The Farnsworth Family Agency in Summerville, SC
Justin Farnsworth ‘14 (business administration)
The Farnsworth Family Agency is a local family-owned Insurance Agency with a laser focus on providing world-class expertise and service to our customers. Located in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina, we provide auto, home, life, and business insurance solutions. We will make sure you have the coverage you need with friendly, personal service!
