Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Peter Tufan, Owner of AIC Incorporated, for answering a few questions with us. Congratulations on being a finalist!

AIC Incorporated – Peter Tufan

Finalist for Technology Business of the Year

1.  What would it mean to you and your company to win a Small Business Award?

First of all, it’s an honor and a privilege to be a finalist! Winning the award would mark a significant professional milestone for me and my company. We’ve been working in Loudoun County since 2005 and have seen the county grow in so many aspects. I am grateful for the business opportunities in Loudoun County and the DC area – winning the award would be the icing on the cake and would provide a springboard for further expanding the business.

2.  What business person has influenced you the most?

As an Engineer, I have been influenced by many business people. It’s hard to name just one. From a business/technology perspective, I am most influenced by the leaders and community that support open source technologies. The open source business model is an innovative, community-correcting approach where the best minds around the world pitch in to add value to the software, operating system, whatever the application may be. This business model and the leaders in this field are most impressive to me. 

3.  If you weren’t running your own business, what would you be doing?

I’ve been in the technology field for 25+ years and know that I would always be doing something in this area. If I’m not running my own business, I would be working with someone else who is innovating and serving others, both other businesses and individuals. I would also take the opportunity to teach kids about networks and computing, it’s such a valuable skill set.

4.  What book are you reading right now?

I just started reading Killing Reagan, by Bill O’Reilly, and so far it’s a fascinating read! Having lived under Communism in Romania until the mid-1980s, I have great respect and admiration for the man who inspired the fall of the Iron Curtain. Reagan was an amazing president and I’m grateful to be living in the United States!

5.  What is your favorite app?

My favorite app is K9 mail, which is a mobile app that syncs all my email applications (personal, work) to my mobile phone. K9 mail allows me to access all my various email applications anytime, any place.

6.  If you had a full 24 hours off, and your family was out of town, what would you do?

I love to be outdoors! If I had the time off, I would work on the outside of the house, landscaping, and working on the garden. I really enjoy having a vegetable garden and providing as much of our own food as possible! I would really like to have my own personal vineyard and chickens one day! Lastly, I would hang out with our dog, Koda. He’s a wonderful companion.

7.  What is the smallest thing that has had the largest impact on your business?

This probably isn’t a small thing, but the fact that my wife Kristin joined me in the company in June has made a tremendous impact on the business. She has brought the “business of IT” aspect to the company, which has significantly helped to take us to the next level. I’m an engineer and a technologist and she is more of the IT business strategist, marketer, and business development and risk person. We make a great team!