I started building online communities in 1996 and was the Community Architect at Zappos.com. I worked for several startups with exits and then built five of my own with two exits, multiple failures, and a multitude of lessons learned. I mentor hundreds of founders through Techstars, 500 Global, and other entrepreneur communities. I have lived through all the ups and downs and know first-hand how much more valuable stories and introductions are than advice.
Now, through YourSecondCall.com, I have dedicated the rest of my life to helping founders and leaders navigate the challenging and exhilarating path of creating something from nothing while convincing others to get on board.
While I have a technical background, I prefer to speak in gardening and architecture metaphors. I am inspired by storytelling, psychology, evangelism, architectural theory, social economics, game mechanics, cultural anthropology, compassion, and ants. Yes, ants.
Oh, and I fall in love with almost everyone I meet.