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RNews Rochester
Life After Kodak
by Casey Bortnick
Photo by Mike Sobolewski
Published Oct 15, 2006
 As
the world economy continues to grow American companies
continue to downsize in the hopes of running a more
competitive operation. Locally, even corporations that
have a rich history in Rochester have cut thousands of
jobs, forcing many skilled laborers to take a new
direction in their life.
“It’s never too late to follow your
dream.” That’s what Dominic Arioli told his wife when he
traded in a steady paycheck at one of Rochester’s
largest companies to get back in the ring.
“It’s my passion,” said Arioli. “I
love physical fitness. I love the sport of boxing. I
love seeing people improve their physical well being,”
he added.
Arioli’s career in boxing dates back
to the 1960’s. After a brief stint as an amateur, he
began a successful run as a high school boxing coach.
For 33 years he made a living as a cost engineer at
Kodak. In June, at the age of 51, Arioli decided he
wanted to take over the ROC Boxing Gymnasium.
“I saw the writing on the wall at
Kodak and the situation because of the change in
technology. I didn’t have much work to do. I said before
I get laid off or downsized, and they offered me a
buyout, I though let me take. Let me start a new chapter
in my life,” Arioli said.
Arioli admits spending thousands of
dollars of his own money set aside for retirement to
start his own business was certainly a financial risk.
But with the instability at Kodak he says it was worth a
shot.
“These companies gave us great
training. There’s a lot of strength in that. If you come
up with a good plan go with it,” said Arioli.
As a new entrepreneur, “Coach Dom”
knows running a successful business will be an uphill
fight. “I’m learning a lot about small business and
working long hours. People look at boxing and they think
there are just a lot of tough guys. Once you start doing
the boxing training it’s a lot of fun and you get to hit
stuff too,” he said.
Arioli says even if his new business
takes a knockout punch, at least he’ll know he gave his
dreams a fighting chance. “There is life after Kodak and
Xerox. Give it a try, you’ll be surprised what you can
do,” Arioli added.
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