This BusinessMakers Classic we revisit an interview with Bill Sherrill who dropped out of school and joined the Marines at the age of 15. What followed was an amazing life of opportunity and coincidence, a life worthy of publication. And he’s a nice guy too!
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Internet marketing is not as easy as it looks; getting it right can be tricky. Optidge provides B2B and B2C marketing services for startups and small to medium-sized businesses. As a professor of Internet marketing at the University of Houston, Danny feels he has an edge with the industry.
“Innovation” is a word often overused; but when it happens, true innovation has no peer, no established process. From her early days as a research scientist, Candice knew she wanted to work with intellectual property—new concepts and products with no predecessor to show the way to market.
Many parents have experienced that horrible moment of panic when their kid is not where he’s supposed to be. For Tabatha Barron, that moment involved her young niece being put on the wrong school bus—an awful situation by anyone’s standards. Her entrepreneurial mission, with the help of RFID technology, is to keep every “in transit” child safe.
Not all homes—and homebuyers—are meant to be sold in the traditional way. Ten years ago, Big State began solving real estate problems and closing the deal, over time making the jump to digital marketing and enjoying growth over time as they polished their technique. Now, they’re teaching others to do the same, and selling their successful formula through franchises.
It’s one of the largest U.S. operations of its kind, but these guys are more focused on relationships and service. U.S. Coin is a family-owned exchange that trades precious metals, specializing in rare coins, for the greatly experienced dealer or the newby collector.
Refugee shelters typically have dirt or tarps for floors, a situation these entrepreneurs felt should be corrected. Emergency Floor provides a sanitary, insulated living surface for refugee families in shelters around the world. And the tiles can be assembled by a child!
Glenn Taylor wants you to be better: a better leader, a better team member, whatever you do, however you want to grow or change. It’s his entrepreneurial calling and he has some interesting ideas about success.
Don’t call it a staffing firm. Raegan Hill is a talent agency that scouts and recruits marketing talent. She’s set the bar high after her first four years and expects the same performance for the next four!
TiE, the world’s largest organization of entrepreneurs, mentors Asian and European students competing in the Rice Business Plan Competition. Two TiE competitors in the Rice Business Plan Competition who hail from the University of Hong Kong explain their new product, a transparent heads-up display for SCUBA divers called Sightecho.
Exciting things are happening at Station Houston, Houston’s hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurism. John Reale explains Membership 2.0, Station Houston Ventures, a partnership with Rice University and so much more.
One of our favorite events, the Rice Business Plan Competition, is the world’s richest and largest student competition of its kind. Russ visits with WCB robotics, winner of the TiE Houston Angel Group Investment Prize of $150,000.
As a private company, Bechtel doesn’t seek out publicity, but don’t let that fool you; the company enthusiastically encourages collaborative innovation within its ranks. Its ideas pipeline develops and has progressed into deployment of an impressive collection of “what-ifs” and solutions.
TapToBook is a platform that allows businesses to message customers across multiple channels, letting them know you have “space available” and a special offering for them. And you can “tap to book” right on the spot. Think of it as a last-minute sales boost.
Curious about cryptocurrency? Russ interviews Chris Dannen and Brandon Buchanan, co-founders of Iterative Capital Management, an investment management and cryptocurrency mining firm with a private digital asset exchange.
It’s an exciting time for Karen Love as she heads into her “next.” She has marshalled decades of marketing and branding experience to launch a blog and, with it, a consulting capability to help others find their “next.” Russ visits with a lifelong friend.
Gary Vaynerchuk brings “thunder” to everything he touches, appearing on television talk shows, writing books, he has even created his own wines.
Insperity wants to be a big player in the innovation community and is going all in for the startups, innovators and entrepreneurs. Health Tech, Pharma and Medical Device startups were at the Alpha Conference in Napa Valley where Russ met up with Larry Shaffer.
We’ve each inherited our personal operating system, which determines our identity, how we approach the world and how we retain information. Jon McGraw explains how Vision Pursue seeks to reduce stress and improve performance by enhancing/improving a client’s mental skills and mindset.
He’s seven years old and well on his way to being a successful entrepreneur. Yash Semlani didn’t reach his initial goal of $1 million, but he did raise $3000, part of which will be donated to Texas Children’s Hospital. This was Yash’s second year to participate.
When a tornado wiped out a suburb of Oklahoma City, Jazmine Farmer found her calling. Inspired by Calamity Jane (“I figure if a girl wants to be a legend, she oughta go be one”), Farmer set out to give to those who’d lost so much.
Every parent wants to know more about their kids’ performance at school, but teachers are already strapped for time. What to do? Get the answer here when we interview Lanny Bose, former classroom teacher who is making it easier for parents and teachers to communicate.
When living out of a car and eating out constantly, one is able to take stock of those dining experiences which are—or aren’t—available. Aaron Lyons wanted a more casual/less fast food experience, so he launched Dish Society, a farm-to-table restaurant with a Southern twist and a focus on fresh
It wasn’t supposed to be so complicated. Why weren’t gas retailers taking advantage of mobile pay apps at the pump and in their convenience stores? Don Frieden is fixing that glitch.
When overseas, any true foodie knows the value of traveling with a local. Pablo has followed his calling to travel, to educate and to help clients experience certain regions as a local foodie would. He started with Peru, expanded to Germany and has since branched out to, well, where would YOU like to go?!
IT ain’t what it used to be. Actually, it’s completely out of control. Lack of security, outdated training, even simple tasks take forever and while IT teams are struggling, management of the IT function hasn’t really changed at all.
Everybody is on LinkedIn; why not find a way to use those connections? Depending on a client’s industry, goals and who they’re targeting, MM uses social media to help clients build their businesses through personal contact.
They call it “Sunscreen for Alcohol.” A product to lessen the effects of hangovers? Hmmm, shades of snake oil?! Overcoming a skeptical market was a big effort for Brooks, who uses extreme science to prove the efficacy of his product.
She’s CEO of the company today, but didn’t start out that way. In fact, it took several years for Rachael to climb her way to the top of this luxury catering/event planning company.
He turned ALL his passions into a career, marrying fashion with rock music. (Get it? The Rock Collector?!) His original clothing shop catered to rock stars and he eventually morphed his career into rock memorabilia when he designed and furnished the Hard Rock Cafe.
Houston has not been a city known for attracting venture capital. But that’s about to change. Gina Luna of Houston Exponential has some breaking news, and it’s a big deal for Houston’s innovation ecosystem.
Brands in the garment world now have the option to combine automation, computer integration and “on-demand” customization where every piece can be customized.
What if home caregivers could PREVENT accidents rather than just respond to accidents among their senior care clients? OnKöl is using technology to create better communication between senior clients, their families and caregivers, better data and understanding of symptoms in order to improve client health and communication between all parties.
“Grain to glass” means sourcing ingredients locally, knowing the ingredients and making products on site. After that, it’s a leap of faith.
In startup land, it’s wonderful to have an idea or product; it’s quite another thing to build a profitable company around it. And it’s a lot harder to get funding if you don’t have a track record.
He reinvented the lightbulb by putting Wi-Fi in an LED and controlling it with an app! His Kickstarter raised $1.3 million in six days. Now he’s working on a lightbulb that will last forever.
As a development studio building on blockchain technology, ConsenSys develops software that builds solutions both in products and for business applications. ConsenSys Energy develops blockchain solutions for the oil and gas sector. Never heard of blockchain? You will!
The U.S. has an estimated $21 billion in preventable medication mistakes annually. The implications are ugly. Ward MM seeks to change that. Technology and big data give us the tools to change medication error, interaction complication and, ultimately, to decrease errors at the prescribing stage.
Many beekeepers are not well versed (nor are they motivated) in how to sell their honey. Many potential beekeepers feel they don’t know enough about bees to grow them. Bee2Bee Honey Collective is exactly what the name implies—they help set up the hive, harvest and sell the honey retail or wholesale.
It all started in college, when Marcie Baker Turrin decided to take control of her life—and found she was really good at it. Today, she helps organize, stage and downsize living and work spaces.
She’s not yet 30 years old and already she has a successful digital agency. Well, we’re all products of circumstance and coincidence; Kathleen has taken lemons and run with them.
Dating sites can make matches, but they can totally miss the chemistry component. Asma Mirza uses a cheek swab (DNA for genetics and pheromones) and social media (for nurturing and personality) to determine attraction between individuals.
Sometimes it’s best if you DON’T wait until you’re ready. Courtney Wyckoff believes strength and courage are from a deeper place—just do it!
In the several years since Stephen King first launched his service, he’s grown his GrowthForce to 54 staff members.
What if we asked our kids to be brave? What if we lived our values out loud, like on our shirts? Ericka Graham started her kids’ clothing company to start an important conversation.
Houston’s City Council is in the midst of serious digital innovation and Mayor Sylvester Turner is demanding more!
Can hip hop make wellness sexy? A white, Jewish kid who loved hip hop has grown up and co-founded a health and wellness brand for the multicultural, urban community.
Stepping into a decades-old brand is not a simple thing to do but, as CEO of Legacy Restaurant Group, Horowitz has done just that running the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation and Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys.
It’s the Pacific Northwest’s grapes that give Glass Vodka its nuance, crystal that makes its bottle distinctive and Ian MacNeil who provides the creative direction for the distillery. MacNeil is in the process of releasing an aged vodka, a new spirit that presented certain labeling challenges.
Architects do it, why not real estate developers? Studio 216, a digital production agency, enables clients to experience an unbuilt environment as a digital asset, “building” the property, airport, museum or stadium digitally before it actually exists.
Electronic sports are big business with huge sponsorships, audiences and media rights… and constantly evolving legal challenges. Electronic Sports & Gaming Law creates legal solutions for a rapidly growing industry.
Entrepreneurism is a lonely life. WorkFlourish seeks to change that by providing a work/residential community with common space and an encouraging culture for like-hearted entrepreneurs, mentors and investors. What a concept!
We all know that women need mentors, but where does one go to find said mentor? Denise Hamilton knows.
What was once a two-page newsletter is now Houston’s only paid-subscription magazine focusing on all things culinary.
Disruption is a buzzword, but it’s also a reality and healthcare is ready for it. As director of the Texas Medical Center’s Innovation Institute, Dr. Eric Halvorsen feels the pressures bearing down on the healthcare system… but he also sees the industry-changing technology seeping into the space. An exciting interview!
Human factors optimization should be everyone’s goal, especially where technology, products, services and environments best meet the needs of your business, your employees and your clients. Confused?
It all comes back to tech and innovation. With a city the size of Houston, local government’s involvement can have an impact on so much more than just the economy.
If your innovation isn’t sexy, you got a problem! As VP, talent and innovation, for the Greater Houston Partnership, Jon Nordby’s focus is entirely on promoting Houston’s position as an innovation capital.
A plastics engineer by training, Barry Stiles felt the bite of the entrepreneurial bug. Having a family made him want to do something important, something that would reduce Houston’s flood risk, make the air cleaner or even help the local landscape. So, he built TRUEGRID. To build a better tomorrow.
Serial entrepreneur Neal Murthy is currently focused on Nefer Games, a developer of tactile games like Sedis, and a lifetime passion of Neal’s.
Houston may already be a hub for innovation, but Brian Richards believes we need more.
The need for innovation is not lost on him, even though growing up in a kolache shop can make for a wonderful world view.
angelMD founder and CEO Tobin Arthur launched a crowd-funding site for healthcare that connects medical startups with physicians, investors and others. The network is growing rapidly and provides some intriguing opportunities.
Houston is an ant bed of entrepreneurial activity, but in such a huge geographic area, some startups could be lost in the chaos. Enter John Reale, co-founder of Station Houston.
Making a life as an artist is a calling, making a living as an artist is a totally different animal.
He dropped out of school and joined the Marines at the age of 15. What followed was an amazing life of opportunity and coincidence, a life worthy of publication. And he’s a nice guy too!
Featured Guests Maria Tapias & Leonardo Basterra explain their new 3D sound technology and its remarkable effects on audio books.
As a classroom teacher, Rick Brennan was frustrated that he was unable to reach every student every time. His entrepreneurial gene kicked in and the rest is Histrionix.
Author and marketing guy Howard Hale heads a boutique marketing firm in Seattle that helps clients leverage video production and internet marketing to increase sales. He says the real key is to think long term and with a broader perspective.
She broke a stiletto heel one night clubbing—and a career was made! Five years later, Lauren Barrash has a growing company and a terrific story. The Wave serves Houston, addressing the transportation and event needs of the Galleria area, Rice Village and beyond. When people asked, Lauren listened.
Featured guest, Jake Rainey, is part of a team running three hot-and-trendy bar/restaurants that reused, repurposed and recycled many of the existing components of the buildings they now inhabit.
What started as a baby blog has blossomed and sprouted wings. Busy mom Keitha Moseley-Dendy found a way to monetize her “decompress” time by creating DIY home decorating project kits that help crafters make the most of their crafting time.
Jay Drayer explains how PrizedPals.com’s Care Corral enables friends and loved ones to become engaged as an online support community for families helping a pet in crisis.
Allison Lott had big time marketing experience; Kathryn Lott was a production and operations whiz. When they met it was, well, easy to create their company name. Now they’re filling a void in the performing arts and event planning industries in Houston.
Russ is at DLS10 as he interviews Dr Stephen Klineberg, Professor of Sociology and founder of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research.
“A free encyclopedia for everyone” is a lofty goal, but he actually pulled it off. Fifteen years after the launch of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales discusses neutrality in these very contentious times.
Her specialty is photography. Good photography. Featured Guest Catherine Couturier, of the Catherine Couturier Gallery, travels the world to enhance the careers of her artists. Amber Ambrose interviews an international entrepreneur.
Russ returns to the University of Houston to catch up with Ken Jones, executive director of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the C.T. Bauer College of Business.
In a world of Artificial Intelligence, computational engineering and autonomous vehicles, where does our workforce fit in?
The entrepreneurship program at Texas A&M is a cross-college program open to all students who feel the entrepreneurial itch. Since its launch three years ago, more than 1500 students have become involved in this mentor/dormcubator program.
When we first interviewed Anthony Broussard in 2010, he was 17 years old, had founded Quantum Potato Software and was developing games for the iPhone. He started programming at eight years old and he’s still at it.
This week we highlight another hidden jewel at the University of Houston: the C.T. Bauer College of Business’ Sales Excellence Institute.
Two years ago, Katie Mehnert founded Pink Petro as an online community for women in energy, and she aimed the discussion at disrupting the gender gap.
Russ is in front of a live audience at our Digital Leaders Series 9 event to interview the wonderful Blair Garrou.
After 17 years at BP, Alma Del Toro, a lawyer from Mexico, felt it was time to launch her own company. And she wanted to serve the country of her heritage.
Symon Rubens’ conference business is booming. He launched his Energy Conference Network in January 2015. He promptly launched a Healthcare technology conference and now is launching the Infrastructure Conference Network to focus on transportation technology.
Monica Crofton wants to help her clients repair and rebuild their credit to become creditworthy consumers. And she does it by teaching them how to pay their bills, how credit works, and how to live on a budget.
Duke Amos was a practicing attorney with a savings account and an entrepreneurial calling. That’s all it took. He founded En Route Mobile Tire Service Co., a full service tire company that comes to YOU when you need them and where you need them. En Route can do anything a full-service tire shop can do—and they do it out of a van! It’s not as simple as it sounds. For now, as he grows his new company, he’s still an attorney and sometimes he’s a tire guy. You gotta admire the enthusiasm!
ealtor Rina Camhi felt the Realtor community was losing sales when potential buyers called for a showing right now; if the agent missed the call, the buyers would move on to the next property.
Bob Baldwin founded CNG4America seven years ago when the country began to realize its immense natural gas supply. Bob hoped that a company dedicated to compressed natural gas might speed our conversion from other fuels for transportation products, thereby also boosting our efforts to become energy independent.
Sarah Worthy has been part of the Houston start-up community for 10 years. It was inevitable that she would ultimately launch her own start-up.
When he launched his consultancy 15 years ago, Brad Deutser wanted to provide such creative advertising solutions that he could help drive performance of client organizations.
What is the most essential element of successful startups? Passion? Persistence? Innovation? Is disruption always a good thing? How does the world get cheap, affordable energy? Russ conducts a high-level discussion with a brilliant innovator who may be expert on all those topics.
Temple Northup teaches courses in media writing, media effects and research. How does one keep from teaching skills that will be obsolete in five years? Interpersonal skills are fundamental, as is an understanding of the digital world. A Great Communicator speaks!
Russ is in Midtown at Station Houston to interview Justin Segal, president of Boxer Property, an early technology adopter property management company with in-house software development and entrepreneur programs.
The Leader of the Flock is at it again! Elyse Freed catches up with Aimee Woodall as she and the Black Sheep Agency work to make the world a better place. (Did we mention she’s working with The White House on its Better Make Room campaign?!)
Russ is in San Diego visiting with Steve King, co-founder and partner of IDK Distribution, a software application that morphed into a business accelerator and fulfillment and distribution company.
Ben Revo co-founders Jimson Tharayil and Ojas Sitapara met in college. Years later, a chance discussion in a bar resulted in their new SaaS platform, which could help the medical/health insurance industry evolve to a more accurate and streamlined process.
Russ returns to the University of Houston to catch up with Ken Jones, executive director of the Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship at the C.T. Bauer College of Business. Its undergraduate entrepreneurship program and “mentor bank” gets top rankings year after year.
Russ is recording at Station Houston, a community platform that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, as he interviews Adrian Fortino, a partner with venture capital firm Mercury Fund. Fortino discusses where our technology is headed.
