Bill Blaire – special correspondent
as told to John Jonelis
Bill Blaire here. Sometimes ya get surprised by a simple little idea—one that ain’t a mobile app er nothin’. Summa them make real nice businesses. I’m at FFF—da Funding Feeding Frenzy where it ain’t just tech—it’s good investments. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Conflict, Entrepreneur, Low Tech
Impact Engine – Part 8Less than a year ago, I asked a prominent figure in Chicago’s startup community about local investors’ interest in the social enterprise model.
She told me flatly, “No one cares.”
Well, they care now. Continue reading
Bill Blaire – special correspondent –
as told to John Jonelis
Bill Blaire here. Lemme tell ya how things develop before all da trouble starts. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Entrepreneur, High Tech, Low Tech, Suspense
Techweek Part 2Mark T Wayne – Special Correspondent
as told to John Jonelis
Permit me to proclaim that, next year, children—yes I say children, should organize Techweek. The event will gain from it. I have good evidence for such speculation, as you will see. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Education, Entrepreneur, High Tech
Techweek – Part 1By Jeff Segal – Message Therapist
I love startups. But I’m cheap. So I was happy to buy the $30 Expo pass to Techweek Chicago. No way was I shelling out for the $650 VIP pass.
Which meant I got to browse Startup City and meet the founders of 70 startups, but couldn’t crash the LAUNCH Final Five event. And you know what? I’m sure it was lovely, but apparently they chose the finalists based on nothing more than concept, business model, strength of team and presentation. Bor-ing.
I selected mine, on the other hand, based on pure awesomeness. Continue reading
Filed under Conflict, Entrepreneur, High Tech, Low Tech
John Jonelis
I am sitting with the audience at the Funding Feeding Frenzy in Chicago—a big event for startup companies like mine that need investors to make things happen. I wipe sweaty palms against my suit pants—my turn to present—my turn to make a fool of myself is coming up fast. Continue reading
Filed under Entrepreneur, High Tech, Influence, Low Tech, Relationships
Bill Blair – special correspondent –
as told to John Jonelis
Bill Blaire here. Mr. Jonelis wants I should go to this FUNDING FEEDING FRENZY thing. Says I’m gonna give a completely different slant compared to the resta this crowd here. I cut my teeth in the Local #1 Boilermakers, then as a Cement Contractor till I packed up my tools fer good. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Entrepreneur, Writing style
We lost Ron May. There’re those that are bitter and those that’ll weep. There’s those that always revere him and swear by his widely circulated May Report—and then there’s the others that still feel the sting. Everybody has a powerful opinion, but I got more than one reason for liking the guy. Continue reading
Filed under Biography, Characters, Conflict, Death, Entrepreneur, Influence, Relationships
John Jonelis—Verbatim from special correspondent, Donatas LudditisWelcome—welcome to Ludditis Shots & Beer! Glad you come in.
Got question for you.
Don’s lookalike
I hear about this guy: Nikhil Sethi his name. No, don’t ask me—I never say it right. He got easy way to advertise on social web. His outfit called Adaptly. Got three slick platforms that work as if by magic. And his company, it grow like crazy! This I want to know more about. Continue reading
Filed under Biography, Characters, Conflict, Entrepreneur, High Tech, Relationships
Moises Goldman PhD – resident scientist
EDITOR’S NOTE–Everybody’s familiar with the phrase. But is there a genuine application in industry for IF WE BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME? Here’s one offered by a highly respected source:
Many in industry believe that logistics is now THE important field of study. Nothing could be further from the truth. Continue reading
Filed under Entrepreneur, Low Tech, Politics, The Economy
Impact Engine—Part 7John Jonelis – Verbatim from a special correspondent
Loop Lonagan here with a real simple story. I’m at the CHICAGO CLEANTECH COMPETITION watchin’ ten green companies go head-to-head for the chance to move on to the international GCCA contest.
Hey, dis old world needs a good scrubbin’, doncha think? I’m here, trying to use my natural greed on somethin’ constructive fer a change. I glance around and see a company I know has da potential. We’re gonna hear some good stuff. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Electric Power, Entrepreneur, Low Tech, Politics
Higher Education and the EconomyMoises Goldman PhD – resident scientist
In today’s digital environment, the words entrepreneurship and innovation are the flavor of the day. Universities and even certain high schools believe they are preparing their students to go out into the world armed with the necessary tools to excel. But are they? Continue reading
Filed under Education, Entrepreneur, High Tech, The Economy
Controlled Design Management – Part 1
Controlled Design Management – Part 2
Controlled Design Management – Part 3
Controlled Design Management – Part 4
How Hyperlocal Social Economies Evolve
Investors Losing Patience with Pivots
Millennials are Becoming Obsolete–Already!
Chicago–the Best Incubator in America?
Driving Value When Funding Runs Low
The 10 Commandments of Startups
Your Business and Your Children
The Hidden Danger in Your Data
Underestimating the Competition
The Girl in the Black Leather Pants
The Apprentice Meets Digital Boot Camp
Fear of Failure Is Not an Option
The Secret World of 3D Printing
Fascination of a Thought Leader
If We Build it, They Will Come
Shark Tank Meets The Apprentice
The Gamemaker's Father 