Remembering why I’m doing this

I just read this article and it made me pause and really think about why I’m working so hard, and risking so much, at Dragon Army.

I want to create something great. I’m so proud of what we accomplished at Spunlogic and Engauge. And if I never have a success again like Spunlogic, well, that would be a bummer but at least I would always know that I did that one great thing. But this time around it feels different. I’m more aware of how to be a leader, how to run a company, how to build a team…I feel like this time I have a better perspective about how to build a truly great company. I really want to do that.

Of course, I would like to create more financial stability for my family going forward. That’s always part of the goal. But money is never what made us happy. When my wife and I had to move in with my mom the second year of our marriage because Spunlogic wasn’t able to pay me, we were just as happy as we are now. Well, that’s not quite true because we didn’t have our kids, so we’re happier now but you get the idea :-)

Speaking of my kids, I want them to see me running a company so that they will have an entrepreneurial spirit as they grow up. They were too young with my previous companies. I doubt any of them will step out and start companies (or at least, chances are slim in general for that to happen,) but I want them to know its an option and that they can do it if they want. And in whatever they do, they should feel empowered to take chances and question the status quo. Always question the status quo.

My end game is to start the second half of my life (I’m calling age 50 the halfway mark, so I have 10 years to go) on doing good. If I can have the success with Dragon Army that I’m planning, then by 50 (or earlier) I should be able to focus all of my energy on helping others. Starting more things like 48in48. Being on more Boards like the one I’m currently Chairing for Central Outreach & Advocacy Center. Advising more startups (like I’m currently doing for the new TechStars program in Atlanta) to help entrepreneurs not make the same mistakes that I have made. 

So I’m well aware that what we’re doing at Dragon Army, and therefore what I spend most of my non-family time on, isn’t necessarily helping the world overall. We’re not curing any diseases or helping homeless people get off the street. We’re building mobile experiences so that our clients, big companies, can better market their products. I get that. 

But I do have a broader perspective on how Dragon Army is going to help ME do more good in the long run. It’s going to help me set the stage for having a real impact on the community around me. 

And that is something I really want my kids to see.

2 Comments

  1. David Felfoldi on July 14, 2016 at 9:59 am

    As I start my third startups, this time a SaaS product company, I completely relate. My two year old daughter wasn’t around for my first 15 years of challenges and successes; I hope she can witness the entrepreneurial experience with more stability with Npressive.

    We are proud to be sponsors for your 48in48 endeavor!



  2. Jeff Hilimire on July 16, 2016 at 6:40 am

    Awesome! And thanks for the sponsorship ;)



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