The recent write up my business partner, Dan Cooper lobbed out there entitled “All Entrepreneurs Are Liars,” hurt, didn’t it? I talked to a handful of entrepreneurs who bristled when they first read that headline, but after reading it enjoyed the insight, challenge, and perspective it offered. That article reignited a question I’ve been pondering. Would you …
What’s the significance of the number 613 you ask? Be Holy! Um, what? Let me explain. I recently had a unique opportunity to sit next to what history will no doubt reflect as one of the most nefarious white-collar criminals in modern history, Andrew Fastow, former CFO of Enron. He was one of the key …
I can officially say I survived an EF-4 tornado. Our home and neighborhood were directly in the path. Full brunt! We had plenty of warning and could see it coming our way. We have a decent storm bunker in our basement (sort of) but took additional precaution and fortified it with extra protection. My wife, …
I recently got to hang out with some old college buds down in Phoenix. As is often the case when we go to Phoenix in the winter/spring season, hiking was on the itinerary. The Valley of the Sun is littered with beautiful mountain peaks that have incredible vistas of the city and surrounding mountains. Our …
I had the privilege of attending a “White Coat” ceremony that my daughter participated in during her first semester as a nursing student. Initially, I thought that the ceremony might be middle-schoolish and my rush to judgment sounded like …” is this something we need to drive four hours to attend?” It turns out I …
It’s all about gratitude. Gratitude feeds the soul and is the beginning of joy. At our first Acumen meeting of the year, we talked about what we learned and what we were grateful for in 2018, and then how that will change who we are and what we’ll do in 2019. Here’s my list: 1. …
Six things I Learned about Business and Life that Changes 2019 Read More »
It’s one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year. Holidays, people off work, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the family you want to shop with or a reason to get out of the house. This season brings to light Amazon’s crushing online presence and the opportunity or threat to your future business. I hear complaints …
Our firm’s office lease was due to expire in about six months, so we began the process of evaluating new office space. I distinctly remember walking into a vacant space that we were considering. The space had a reception area that had lock-off functionality from the main office. The real estate broker knew that we …
TO OWNERS WHO WANT TO OFFER EQUITY: OWNER BEWARE! We had yet another discussion in a monthly Acumen team regarding a strained partnership. It was a classic case of miscommunication, false expectation, finger-pointing, lack of communication, clarity, and uneven value working in the business. Equity ownership shouldn’t be taken lightly. My business partner (notice the …
To Owners Who Want to Offer Equity: Owner Beware! Read More »
Solitude>Gratitude>Attitude>Altitude. In my previous write up, I confessed that I didn’t have an attitude switch… and that if I sought “altitude”, a healthy attitude would be essential. Hoping by now that you are beginning to soar and that you are experiencing new levels of “altitude“ in your life, heart, and soul! If you haven’t figured out …
Growth Catalyst - Kansas City
Click here to learn more about Jon.
Jon is a husband to his wife Jill, a dad to Gracie, Cooper and Lucy and an unintentional serial entrepreneur. Jon founded and led one of KC’s leading IT Support companies (The Purple Guys), regularly recognized on the Inc. 5000 list, the Corporate Report’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies, a Best Place to Work and being one of the KC Chamber Top 10 Small Businesses of the Year. Before that, he founded and grew an IT Staffing firm, growing from $0 to $10M in revenue in just 4 years, being recognized as Kansas City’s Fastest Growing Company. He’s passionate about leadership and businesses that impact their community. From experience he also understands the issues of an owner/CEO. Jon is an entrepreneur who likes to empower others to grow their business, become more efficient in all they do and enrich their story line. He has been a member of the Acumen community since its inception.