It was a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

Highland grads and lifelong friends Kip Kelly and David Gentry formed their company in the den of Gentry's home in 2003.

TryCom Components, Inc. purchases and sells semiconductor chips for circuit boards and also provides parts that may be hard to find, out of production or obsolete. They are based in Safety Harbor, Fla., but also have satellite offices in San Jose, Calif., and Dallas.

"It wasn't something we ever talked about as kids, going into business together," Gentry, the chief executive officer, said. "We just kind of got together and I knew Kip was looking for something else and so was I. It just happened and it has been great."

The two said they have looked into possibly relocating to the Region.

For Kelly, it would be a good move. His mother, Denise, has breast cancer and it is difficult for him to be away,

"Part of me wants to go back, but I also have a family and business down here," Kelly said. "My mom understands. She would give me the shirt off of her back. Luckily, I have a sister and cousins up there."

Kelly, who was in corporate law, played football at Northwestern and graduated from Georgetown's law school. He said TryCom Components, Inc. is a company of nine people and is service-driven.

"If a component is hard to find, we will find them for the client," said Kelly, who is the chief financial officer for TryCom. "We do have a global market. One of our customers is in Shanghai, China."

Highland grad and former Youngstown State player Robert Fozkos works out of the Dallas office, and Highland grad Ryan Jacussis is in sales in Safety Harbor.

Gentry said the match has also been a good one because of the trust and friendship.

"It is a good feeling knowing you can rely on the other (person) and not have to worry about anything," Gentry said. "I know Kip is a good businessman and he knows he doesn't have to worry about being away."

Kelly handles the office and financial side, while Gentry is in charge of sales. Kelly said they all do a little extra, which is common with a small company.

"I think that is where our Region roots come in," Kelly said. "We can do things ourselves and that saves a little money. Why have someone do something when you can do it yourself?"