John Niotti-Soltesz is a patient man. The Niles native spent 16 years trying to sell customers on the fingerprint-verified identification systems created by Zerco Systems International in Brookfield. He made his first big sale in 2006.

Zerco's financial backers have been patient, too.

A group of supporters, whom Niotti-Soltesz declines to identify, has invested "millions" since he founded the company in 1990. They've continued to fund operations, footing the bill for salaries, rent, equipment and research.

Now, with a second major sales contract on the books, Zerco's chief executive officer believes his investors patience is about to be rewarded.

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