The Chicago Innovation Awards – Part 4 John Jonelis I’m at 40,000 feet on Loren Bukkett’s Gulfstream G450 trying to squeeze out his views on two accolades at the Chicago Innovation Awards—the ones they gave to Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. So far Loren is holding out on me. I splash the last of the Hennessy into our snifters when this doggerel runs through my head: Loren pontificates that prizes to politicians will puncture their perfect performance and I ponder what … [Read more...]
WORTHY OF AWARDS
November 2, 2012 By
The Chicago Innovation Awards – Part 3 John Jonelis I’ve jumped aboard a Gulfstream G450 to interview the legendary Loren Bukkett. I want his take on the Chicago Innovation Awards. He finally puts away his phone and turns to me. “Okay, let’s talk,” he says. I take that to mean he’s already finalized all the deals that peaked his interest. Nice to have a large staff to handle the details. But here in the jet cabin, it’s just Loren, his wife Aussy, and me. Aussy is doing … [Read more...]
Why A Startup Takes Time
July 24, 2012 By
The first few weeks or months after building your first startup will be the hardest time your company must go through. There may be times you will want to tear the company down and start over from scratch. Don't . Every great idea takes time to develop a team of people who all share an identical vision. The vision should not be "how to make money" or your start up will fail. Any great business owner, entrepreneur or CEO will tell you "chase the dream and not the money." Keep in mind … [Read more...]
THE GROUPON EFFECT – “Throw yourself into the fire”
June 18, 2012 By
VERBATIM - Transcribed recording from Bill Blaire – as told to John Jonelis This is Bill Blaire reporting on the keynote event at the Second Annual "entrepreneur @ nu" Conference. Why they call it that, I dunno. No capital letters. So how come everybody complains about the way I talk? You figure it out. I’m here with John but he told me I should cover the big interview myself. Pretty good, huh? Well we’re gonna give it a shot. Hope this gizmo’s recording my voice, ‘cause I’m … [Read more...]
