Business as Creative Pursuit

Business is fun. Where else can you lead people to do great things, create products that benefit the world, hang out with a bunch of great people, and get paid for it!? I look at business as one of my main creative outlets. My passion for trying new things and applying my skills and experience to create solutions drives me to build and expand businesses.

 

My idea notebook is currently 92 pages. There are too many to pursue, but that doesn't stop me from thinking. I find that as I think of new ideas, it sparks ways of improving the businesses I work with already, as well as my ability to help others with their businesses.

 

I like to have a big impact wherever I go. Not for the acclaim, but to use my creativity in interconnected ways. For example: When working at McKim & Creed, I was in charge of technology. But technology now touches all aspects of a business - so I got involved in service development, marketing, sales, delivery, and support. I also streamlined management and the back-end processes that lead to outstanding client care. I often lead cross-functional teams to improve company-wide processes. That may be one reason that the Board of Directors asked me to start Blue Sahara and build upon some technology and know-how developed at McKim & Creed.

 

I have worked in numerous positions, but the latest ones have been the most exciting and fulfilling. I worked for McKim & Creed, a top engineering consultancy, started Blue Sahara Technologies to develop industry-changing water utility design and management software, led marketing for GolfSoftware.com, and now consult for startup and mid-size businesses both locally and internationally. All of these positions have challenged me in new ways and have helped me learn and grow in different areas.

 

I am now most interested in running businesses and business units, and creating massively effective marketing. I love dealing with people and helping them achieve the best they can for an organization and for themselves. And I enjoy the challenges to build, expand, and run a great company.

 

As a startup coach and consultant to small and mid-size businesses, I help entrepreneurs and technologists in a wide range of industries to build successful companies. I can help with establishing a firm foundation, creating the proper infrastructure for the company, building out the teams and strategic planning, writing business, marketing, and operations plans, connecting entrepreneurs with a support network, and helping them market and sell their products. Since I have been involved in all of these areas for my own companies, I bring experience from both successful and unsuccessful projects. I can help companies avoid the mistakes I've made and benefit from my breadth of experience.

Business Consulting and Coaching

Startup Coach

Through UNC's business school (where I received my MBA) and the Council for Entrepreneurial Development (cednc.org), I have coached numerous startup companies, providing them with guidance for their path ahead, and connecting them with others who can support their growth.

International Consultant

I have worked with several European companies and Pacific island nations in areas of globalization, marketing strategy, product refinement, sales, international expansion, and leadership and management coaching.