MemberProfile
I’m still active as a Senior Business Development Solution Consultant - Navigating the new normal from research to financing to marketing to sales using 1 solution source. I maintain a global network of associates covering telehealth, telemedicine, cyber security, AI, smart homes, smart cities, along with traditional telecommunication projects.
I was born at home near Bellefonte in Boone County, Arkansas. I grew up in family business, which included a service station and later a TV and Appliance business. I attended school at Bellefonte and later Valley Springs. I was valedictorian, and played on a state basketball championship team. Selected by National Science Foundation to attend their summer program. Met and dated a cute and perky cheerleader. We later married – ceremony was at 10 AM on a Thursday morning at Bellefonte Church (maybe I meant quirky?).
I attended college at U of A in Fayetteville, got a BA in three years and then a MS in Math, while teaching at Valley Springs and Fayetteville to pay the bills. During the summer I stomped grapes at the Welch’s plant in Springdale.
My first job after graduation was at the CIA in Washington, DC developing software to monitor foreign missile capabilities.
Later I worked for two oil companies controlling off-shore gas wells and developing a least cost supply and distribution model using operation research technology.
For personal reasons I moved back to Harrison area in 1970’s, and started a computer services bureau.
In a rural community handling a diversity of business is necessary for survival. I provided computer accounting services for theme park, manufacturing, distributors, retailers, schools, pharmacies, doctors, water billing, and cable TV.
Although the initial stage was service bureau, the next stage was developing an in-house solution.
Lot of things to consider when you develop an in-house solution – ease of use, error checking, reasonability, training, support, customer care, accuracy, auditability, suitability, software, and platform.
Founded a technology company and took it globally into over 50 countries.
As a CEO, I have directed all corporate functions, including finances, operations, customer experience, R&D, HR, and business development.
Ability to leverage extensive network ranging from C level contacts to high-ranking government officials in US and internationally for company growth.
Experience helping organizations define a path to market.
Too many start-ups have a great idea and think the world is waiting with open arms to buy it. “Field of Dreams”, build and they will come has been way oversold.
The most important thing is having evangelists, not on your payroll. The next thing is getting a system installed outside your immediate area.
Fun things - Walked on Great Wall, toured Taj Mahal, and I appeared on a major Sunday night variety TV show in China. I have fished for, caught, fried, and eaten piranha on the Amazon.