Hampton Road's Torchbearer
Mohammad Koochekzadeh
Picus

Background: The Telecommunications Act of 1996 opened the doors for companies like Picus to offer local telephone service, and Koochekzadeh led the way in Virginia. While other — much larger — telecommunications companies talked about bundling multiple services for one flat fee, upstart Picus beat them all to it. The company offers unlimited local telephone service, 500 minutes of long-distance time and Internet access — all on one bill — for only $60 a month. The company is barely 1 year old, and already it is talking about going public in the first quarter of next year.

Q: What is the future for competitive local exchange carriers like Picus?
A: Competitive local exchange carriers that do not find a niche market to address will soon be seeking another vocation.

Q: What is going to make Picus a leader in the upcoming battle for market share?
A: Picus came into the market with eyes wide open. We listen to what customers are asking for and are prepared to deliver. Staying on the cutting edge of new technologies, making necessary changes as needed to deliver exciting new alternatives will keep us in the market eye.

Q: What’s next for Picus?
A: Picus will continue to build out its network from Florida to Maine. We will continue to expand our European market and take advantage of all opportunities for reasonable and productive growth.

Q: How will you execute that plan?
A: At the core of Picus is its people. We have the exceptional talent to fill the walls of our company. They have been assembled from throughout the world. We will continue to seek and hire the "exception to the rule" when it comes to filling positions important to our continued growth.

Q: What advice do you have for other businesses, including those outside your industry, as we enter the new millennium?
A: Listen to the heartbeat of your target market. Surround yourself with forward-thinking people and be prepared to change directions.