Sorenson leads variety of firms

Entrepreneur, founder, CEO, developer, venture capitalist, philanthropist — all of these describe James Lee Sorenson.

But whether he is helping develop video communications technology, medical infusion pumps, environmental testing services or real estate, the title that likely describes Sorenson best is leader. His focus on building on a product's strengths and finding innovative ways to supply products and services guides each of his ventures.

Datachem Laboratories, Sorenson's environmental testing firm, analyzed samples from the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. Datachem workers searched the samples for hazardous materials that could have harmed workers at the site. Datachem's emphasis on producing the highest-quality, most legally defensible results attracts clients willing to pay a premium for the best product.

Sorenson Medical Inc. is driven by the idea of reducing the complexity and cost of infusion pumps, which administer drugs to patients. Instead of making one costly and complex pump that attempts to do it all, Sorenson Medical makes different pumps for different applications. This allows the company to deliver high-quality but low-cost pumps that last longer than traditional pumps.

Sorenson Media has garnered headlines lately for its innovative video relay service for deaf people, but the company's videophone technologies have a variety of uses, from linking doctors with remote patients to connecting businesses and consumers. The company strives for relatively inexpensive videophones that are as easy to use as traditional phones, and provides services to complement its products.

Sorenson also is leading the development of high-image business parks and two major mixed-use developments. His latest project is Sorenson Capital Partners, a Salt Lake venture fund that will focus on small- and middle-size — generally underserved — markets.