Laszlo (Les) Meszaros, Founder, Executive Director of MICE,
BS, Business Management, State University of New York at Buffalo

Les escaped from communist Hungary at age 16 by crossing the mine fields, climbing over barbed wire fences, escaping crossfire from the border patrol guards to arrive in New York City on the same day the Hungarian Revolution broke out in 1956. An ardent desire for freedom and the American dream were his main reasons for leaving his family behind. When he arrived in the United States, Les had one dollar in his pocket and the only word he spoke in English was "OK." With no family in America, he ended up in Buffalo, NY, which he has called home ever since.

His accomplishments in the business world were nothing short of extraordinary. Through hard work and dedication, Les was able to work his way through the ranks of being a dishwasher, hard laborer, animal caretaker and several responsible professional positions with various corporations to eventually become the owner of several influential high-tech companies. In 1980, his inherited entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his first computer consulting company in the basement of his home. After a very successful run, Les sold COM PRO, a nationally recognized, privately held systems software and professional services company. In 1989, Les started Voice Technology Group (VTG), a specialty telecommunications and hardware manufacturing boutique, serving as its President, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer until he sold the company to Intel in June 2000a He was then appointed Vice President of Business Development with Intel Corp. Currently semi retired, he is an investor, advisor and consultant in the United States and in Europe. He started two companies since his retirement from Intel; Meszaros International Inc. which does business in Europe, and the MICE Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that concentrates on delivering ethical entrepreneur training programs to high school students.

Les wants MICE Inc. to be an innovative force in improving the way people think and live and hopes that it will increase the existence of ethical business practices in the future. MICE was founded on the premise of honesty, reputable leadership, and competent management. Les learned through his business endeavors that doing "all the right things" will show tangible results. It is his desire to share this life experience with young people, especially the disadvantaged (see video). Les believes that these are the things that no one can find in a textbook but can learn only from someone with experience. The guiding belief is that MICE students will make fewer mistakes and reap greater rewards. Les's ultimate goal is to see students receive the proper education to help them to reach their potential.

Professor Joseph Salamone, Director of Content and Program Development
BS, Business Management, University of Buffalo
MBA, Human Resource Management, University of Buffalo

Professor Salamone developed the entire MICE program and co-authored the programs text, "Entrepreneurship: Foundations". He is a Professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo's School of Management and has taught entrepreneurship and human resources management courses for over 30 years. He is the recipient of several teaching and instruction awards. He frequently consults with industries and individuals specializing in feasibility analysis, business plan development and human resource management issues. Professor Salamone has led the instruction of the MICE program in Europe for the past four years and is looking forward to participating in the Buffalo MICE program. "To see the transformation of MICE students over the course is truly a gift. I look forward to assisting our youth to realize their potential. "