In this episode, I interview my son, Patrick Kelly, co-founder of Shorca Wood. We talked a bit about his business and about being an entrepreneur. He has grown up watching me start multiple businesses and host this podcast. He is also an entrepreneur himself and isn’t even a teenager yet.

After hosting my Startup Competitors podcast for four years, I have decided it’s time for this final episode. I’ve enjoyed it immensely and have met many entrepreneurs who’ve generously shared their genius and wisdom. I thank each of them once more, and thank each of you who have listened and supported the Startup Competitors podcast all these years.

Topics In This Episode

Solving problems with projections and spreadsheets

What is your earliest memory of Developer Town?

What’s it like when I’m so busy with my entrepreneurial endeavors?

How do you think watching me has affected what you might do in the future?

What are some things you’ve picked up from watching me that you think are good? Not good?

Why do people work? Why do you work and why did you and Levi start Shorca Wood?

As a parent that works so much, what can I do differently or better?

About Shorca Wood

Shorca Wood is a two-year old wood supply company started by two friends who are not even teenagers yet. One of them happens to be my son, Patrick Kelly. The other is his friend, Levi. They specialize in selling firewood by the rick (which basically fills the bed of an F150 truck). The wood is harvested and split from the acres of timber on the Kelly homestead. 

If you would like to hear more about Shorca Wood, check out my previous interview with Patrick: startupcompetitors.com/podcast/2020/12/28/shorca-wood-learning-business-at-a-young-age 

About Developer Town

DeveloperTown is a multi-faceted software consultancy for today’s IT and Business Leaders. We create world-class digital experiences to help businesses succeed in a competitive digital world.

Website: developertown.com 

Company LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/developertown 

Company Twitter: twitter.com/developertown

Company Facebook: facebook.com/developertown  

Company Instagram: instagram.com/developertown 

Michael’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaeldkelly 

Michael’s email: mike.kelly@developertown.com

Pernix Solutions is a software building company co-founded by former Intel and HP employees. They specialize in extending and building development teams, developing mobile and web apps, and crafting MVPs for startups and entrepreneurs. 

In this episode, I chat with Carlos Sirias, founder and CEO of Pernix Solutions. Carlos is located in Costa Rica and we talk about the economic stability of Latin America. We also discuss how that ties into him building an apprentice program, where the company is headed, and more. I have a lot of respect for Carlos and his willingness to give. Whether you’re thinking about building a product or are already in the middle of building one, you need to listen to this episode.

Topics In This Episode

Apprenticeship program and mission

Helping create economic growth in Latin America

Why things go wrong in the technology field and how to fix it

The economic burn and benefits of an apprenticeship program

Scoping for minimal viable product

How early experience and behaviors manifest later

Success examples

Does Pernix Solutions take equity in startups they help through their apprenticeship program?

Common mistakes startups and entrepreneurs make starting out

Focusing on what makes a startup succeed

Becoming employee-owned

Contact Info

Pernix Solutions Website: pernix-solutions.com

Pernix Solutions (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pernix-solutions/about 

Carlos Sirias LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/csirias/ 

Facebook

Twitter

Email: info@pernix-solutions.com

Sequense is a B2B SaaS workflow management software created by travel agents, for travel agents. Because the travel industry has evolved and grown, especially due to Covid, people are having more of a relationship with their travel agent. In fact, in updated terminology, travel agents are more frequently called travel advisors. Currently, approximately 100,000 United States travel advisors are responsible for over $32 billion per year in travel revenue.

In this episode, I talk with Sequense co-founder and CMO, Megan Habig about the need travel advisors have for a platform like Sequense. We discuss building an early stage tech company, fundraising and working with an accelerator, launching without a technical co-founder, and their early go to market strategy. I really enjoyed this conversation and hope you do as well.

Topics In This Episode

The inspiration and evolution of travel behind Sequense

Experience with an accelerator, pre-seed funding, and advisors

Leveraging people already in the industry

Why Sequense doesn’t technically have any direct competitors

Future growth over the next 5 years, including software development

Designing to shorten learning curves and facilitate customizations

Launching and building without a tech co-founder

Goals for funding rounds

Learning and following through to make the most of opportunities

The most rewarding part of the journey so far

Megan’s biggest challenges in all this

Contact Info

Sequense Website: https://sequensesoftware.com 

Sequense (company) LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sequense-software

Megan Habig LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/megan-habig-40aa8721

Email (investor advisors): investors@sequensesoftware.com

Email (travel advisors): info@sequensesoftware.com