News & Events
Seattle Chapter Meeting
Friday, January 9, 2004, Home of Patrick Halstead and Naoko Ishikawa
The Seattle chapter of the HMC Entrepreneurial Network held its 2nd meeting at the Kirkland home of Patrick Halstead '91 and Naoko Ishikawa on Friday, January 9th . In many ways, this meeting resembled the first we had great speakers, good food, and a dynamic exchange of thoughts and ideas. There were several new faces to welcome Dale Stirn '69, John Halas '73, Frank Schmitt '97, Paul Paradise '03, Nick Hertl '03, Margot Molander '05, and Marguerite Leeds '06.
After sampling appetizers, sipping some wine, and spending a good hour reacquainting ourselves, the group sat down in a circle and shared introductions. This group had a younger contingent (Paul, Nick, Margot, and Marguerite), and while they are working for an employer or still in school, there was a spark of entrepreneurial curiosity in the room. Several of us also had important updates since September.
After a food and drink refill, Kevin Fink '92 got up and talked about his experience growing and selling N2H2 at the height of the dotcom boom. He had two important lessons for us: You may be able to do one thing really well, and two things alright , but when you pick up a third, something s gotta give The personality of the person who starts the company is not congruent with the person who will grow the company after it becomes big. The founder is often someone who knows it all and believes in themselves to the point of being pugnacious. The founder needs to know when to hand over the leadership to a more self-aware CEO. Someone who can delegate knowledge.
Next, Richard Leeds P'06 got up to share his unique perspective. Richard has started multiple businesses earning him the title of serial entrepreneur . Richard came prepared with storyboards, books, and flashcards. Apparently, Richard used to teach entrepreneuring at the local community college! Richard shared many rapid-fire business inspirations with the audience while referencing reading material and his own experience working at Microsoft in the early days, or in the many businesses he founded after that.
Richard started off with know rules.
Know:
- who the audience is
- who you are
- why you are doing it
- what you are offering
- what you are going to get
Ideas are a dime a dozen and most companies are not successful. They fail for one of the following reasons:
- Technology
- Manufacturing
- Marketing/Sales
- Financial
After the talks there was a lively exchange followed by breakout chats as people got more dessert and coffee. Finally, after some of the guests had bid farewell, Carl Coryell-Martin '97 brought out the movie Startup.com and we retired to the media room for a wake up call on the wacky days of the dotcom boom. After watching it, several of us spent another hour over leftovers talking about business experiences. The last guest left after 1am. Next time it ll have to be an overnighter!
The HMCEN sincerely thanks our gracious hosts Patrick and Naoko. Their beautiful home and warm hospitality provided a welcome and comfortable setting for this second meeting.