Robert Natoli '80 had to hear dozens of nos before someone said "yes."

Back in the mid-1980s, his budding rent-to-own business was compromised by a fire. But in 1999, Natoli sold his nationwide chain of Rentavision stores for nearly $100 million.

"The process drives the event," Natoli told Professor Ashraf Attia's classes in the School of Business, when he visited campus as part of the Oswego Alumni Association's Alumni-In-Residence Program. "And the more difficult the process, the greater the event."

The multi-millionaire recalled his stints selling burglar alarms, playing disc jockey and working in the Nestle chocolate factory. Early on in his career, one of Natoli's first Rentavision stores was razed by fire.

His entrepreneurial spirit was dampened as 32 banks declined loan applications for rebuilding. Thanks to perseverance, though, the 33rd bank said yes.

"Never stop until you get the desired result," Natoli said, likening success in business to the reward of competition that an Olympic althlete trains years for.

"My path was starting my own business," said Natoli, a communications major at Oswego. "I did it, you can do it - or whatever goal you have."

Natoli has applied his drive to physical endeavors as well, gaining entry in the Guiness Book of World Records for the most chin-ups and squat thrusts in one minute.

The 2005 Alumni Association Anniversary Class Award winner advised students to make the difficult decisions - like choosing work over play - to find success in any field.

Natoli also recommended a commitment to building personal savings, continuing education beyond college, treating everyone "as if they're the most important person in the world," and focusing on goals.

He highlighted the importance of internships in building careers. Natoli recalls the curriculum at Oswego as a challenging one that helped shape his ambition.

Natoli hopes to build his current franchise, Time Buyer, into his next success story. He plans to grow the Oswego-based vehicle-financing business several-fold over the next few years.

- Shane M. Liebler

PHOTO CAPTION:
Robert Natoli '80 speaks with School of Business students April 1 as part of the Oswego Alumni Association Alumni-In-Residence Program.


Back To May E-Newsletter - Next Article: On Campus - Previous Article: Bright Futures

Oswego Alumni Association, Inc.
King Alumni Hall - SUNY Oswego - Oswego, NY 13126
315-312-2258 - 315-312-5570 (fax)
Email: alumni@oswego.edu
Web site: www.oswego.edu/alumni