Three Minutes Across the Counter With Corey Lieblein

“Three Minutes Across the Counter” is a feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email paige.mcatee@patch.com with the name of your business.

Lifelong resident Corey Lieblein is the founder and CEO of Innovative Technology, a leading manufacturer of consumer electronics, headquartered in Port Washington.

Lieblein recently spoke to Patch about his business ventures, his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and more. Check out what he had to say:

Patch: What is your name? Tell us about your business

Lieblein: My name is Corey Lieblein and I’m the owner and CEO of Innovative Technology. We design, develop, manufacture and distribute high design, trend right, beautifully packaged consumer electronics to over 20,000 retail stores throughout North America.

Patch: How did you get your first start in business?

Lieblein: I entered the consumer electronics business almost by accident. I had a friend working for a national retailer who was looking to purchase 50,000 DVD players. I had another friend who had been in the international consumer electronics business for over 20 years. I was able to work closely with both parties to close the deal.

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Patch: Is this your first business venture? What other projects have you worked on?

Lieblein: Innovative Technology, which I founded in 2004, is my second business venture. My first was a company named “Residue Worldwide, Inc.” where I traded industrial grades of scrap plastic.

Patch: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Lieblein: Work harder, faster and smarter than anyone else!

Patch: How long have you lived or done business here?

Lieblein: My entire life - I was born, raised, attended elementary through high school, and started Innovative Technology in Port Washington, NY. I currently reside in Port Washington and my 13 and 16 year-old boys attend Weber Middle School & Schreiber High School.

Patch: What’s your favorite part about being a business in the area? What makes the area special?

Lieblein: Port Washington has and will always be my home. I love the diverse community, living by the water, the great schools and restaurants!

Patch: Did you ever make a business mistake and later on were glad you made it?

Lieblein: Any true entrepreneur that claims he or she has not made mistakes, is NOT an entrepreneur! I have made MANY mistakes in my career, and although I am NOT glad I made them…I have learned from ALL of my mistakes.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that people may not know.

Lieblein: I used to have a huge fear of flying before I started Innovative Technology. Since starting my company, I have flown over two million miles and, thankfully, now feel as comfortable on an airplane as I do on my living room couch.

Patch: What advice would you give to a business owner just starting out?

Lieblein: Work hard, never give up, find help when you need it, and believe in what you are doing.