Starting my own company has long been a dream of mine. To the many of you that have encouraged me and supported me along this journey, a sincere thank you. We’ve moved quickly, and launched sooner than initially intended – and your support has meant more than you might realize.
During the summer of 2015, life set me on the path to finally go for my dream of starting my own company. After two years in Louisiana, my family and I moved back to California and were expecting our fourth child in late November. Our plan was to reintegrate into Southern California life, have a baby, and explore what my next steps would be in early 2016. On November 15th, 2015, we lost our baby girl, Lillian Faith, 5 days before her scheduled due date. It was the worst day of our lives and there aren’t words to describe what that loss feels like. There was no cause or explanation, she just passed away in utero.
With the support of my wife, our loss led me to start the business earlier than planned. It was heartbreaking that my older children struggled to return to school two weeks after the loss. I wanted to set the example to them that life’s not about getting knocked down, it’s about getting back up. Instead of letting life set my path, it was time to forge my own. So on Monday, November 30th, I got started.
Starting a company is not like being an executive of an established one, and I was surprised at how challenging some aspects were. You’re a CFO, CTO, CRO, CMO, and every other role you can imagine. Instead of a steady paycheck, your early returns are lessons learned and small victories. We needed to raise capital and build a technology platform, neither of which I had done before. With a lot of support, a little luck, and intense focus we were able to accomplish both of those things, plus so much more.
In 2016, PureSpectrum went from a blank sheet of paper to an operating company. As we kick off 2017, PureSpectrum is 15 intelligent and dedicated people and a technology platform that doesn’t sleep. We have amazing clients that have joined us early and excellent panel partners that have integrated with us. When people ask me about my experience I joke, “you should do a startup, it’s easy, everyone should do it.” But the truth is, it’s hard, and fun, and awesome. I’m so glad I’ve taken this road.
I was torn about sharing my personal story of loss in a business context, but it’s part of the PureSpectrum story. After a year of focusing inward, I’ve started this blog to share my experience, leadership philosophies, and other miscellanies in hopes that you find a helpful kernel in it. Here’s to anyone that ever launched a business – no matter how big or small, how successful it is or isn’t.
Congratulations, you created your own path.