Joseph A. Cutillo is the president and CEO of
Inland Pipe Rehabilitation, a Southwest Detroit-based firm that specializes in repairing and replacing old infrastructure. The company
employs about 100 people in Detroit and just hired seven people so far this year.
Why did you decide to set up shop in Detroit?We have over a 20-year history in Detroit, and Detroit is the roots of our business. It began by leveraging our reputation and ability to solve difficult problems with a significant problem/need of the city. From there we have grown together and continue to work collaboratively to overcome difficult issues and make the city a better place.
What are some of the advantages to doing business here?The partnership we have fostered with the City has enabled us to work together to develop and provide not only the best solutions to very difficult issue but also has enabled us to bring new technologies and products to the market.
What do you see in Detroit that other people who live outside the city don't?The perception and reality of Detroit to me are very different. Detroit and its surrounding areas are extremely entrepreneurial and have some of the best and most diverse technical talent in the country.
What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about opening a business in the Motor City?We are very proud of our long history and relationship with the city. I believe to be successful in Detroit you need to be committed to be here in both the short and long term. There is a tremendous amount of local talent available and I would recommend you leverage that talent to build out your own organization.
If you could change one thing about Detroit, what would it be?The outside perception. I believe this deters a lot of companies from leveraging the goods of Detroit.
Source: Joseph A Cutillo, president and CEO Inland Pipe Rehabilitation
Writer: Jon Zemke
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