NorthJersey.com:
Back in 1979, in a world still largely without computers, Robert Entin began building a company focused on computerizing the real estate industry. The company, Integrated Business Systems Inc. (IBS), became so crucial to its clients that in 2000 some major real estate companies, including Mack-Cali Realty Corp. and Vornado Realty Trust, became shareholders. In 2006, Vornado hired Entin to serve as its chief information officer, while retaining the titles of chairman of the board and chief technology officer of IBS. That put him in the unusual position of having Vornado both as a client and his employer.
Fairfield-based IBS has more than 100 real estate companies using its programs. At Vornado, Entin oversees all technology issues and manages an internal computer network with 2,000 users around the country.
Entin, 54, grew up in Clifton and now lives in North Caldwell with his wife and four children.
Q. What were the start-up days like?
In the basement of a house in Little Falls, for probably two years, day and night, writing code and engineering. Building machines and writing the innards of what would become the beginning of our accounting systems.
Q. Was it tough coming from a company you founded, where you were in charge, and joining a corporate team?
Murderously tough. Part of that was the actual decision making [to take the job]. The thought of me not being at IBS was unthinkable. So I had a series of sleepless nights and self-dialogue – could this possibly make sense? I had to allow my mind to think about possibilities that were unthinkable, and conclude that there were strategic and competitive advantages to doing it this way. A lot of my colleagues and friends said, “What are you doing? People at your age go the other way. They go from corporate to entrepreneurial efforts.” What I found exciting about it was I knew I’d be surrounded by a lot of extremely bright, high-level professionals. And I am surrounded by an extraordinary number of brilliant people. That keeps my challenges very high.
Continue reading Entrepreneur Has Dual, Not Dueling, Roles
Screenshot from IBS