Where are you from?
I grew up and went to school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – UW. #GoPackGo. I am a Tampa transplant, moving here Tampa in 2008.I’ve lived in Brandon, Rocky Point, Tampa Heights and now reside Temple Terrace with my family.
Tell us more about your role at Edgility. What does a day in the life look like?
Edgility is a company with multiple business lines – some of which have been revenue-generating for several years. One of these arms is called Edgility Design, which provides strategic, operational, and technical consulting services and staff augmentation. Primarily, the Founders maintain these relationships, my role is here to keep the books accurate and up-to-date, assist in the Statements of Work, and provide the occasional consultation.
However, in terms of the startup arm of Edgility, Edgility Cognitive Health, my role is expansive and varied. Like many of us in startups, we work on a myriad of tasks. One day I may shift from developing business plans and revenue models to forecasting staffing and expenditures. On other days, we each take turns at blogging and keeping our content fresh and meaningful and, develop thought-leadership articles.
On another day, I may review business (liability and cybersecurity) insurance. Since our company that expects to add staff, I also review personal (healthcare, vision, etc.) insurance plans. I may also evaluate and recommend business structures and leadership. And last but hardly least, I devote copious time to developing, refining, and honing the infamous pitch-deck – everyone’s favorite.
How did you get your career started and what challenges did you face along the way?
The last decade or so of my career took me through the Director of a Project Management Office, and Director of Clinical & Business Intelligence and Analytics, both for a large Tampa hospital. As the Director of Analytics, I could envision the application and power of data, yet unfortunately, I also witnessed that value going mostly untapped. Enter Edgility. Edgility’s focus is to apply real-time data to achieve real-time outcomes particular to each organization. Bringing together the complex to achieve specific, meaningful results.
How has this region shaped your career or startup journey?
I’ve been in Tampa a little over ten years now. The changes I’ve witnessed over this decade are nothing short of astounding. From the growth of downtown to the introduction of Water Street, from developments up and down the Florida Ave corridor into Seminole Heights, Armature Works, the Midtown Project, are harbingers of the growth and excitement of Tampa. I am personally excited by the role of USF in our community. We see great potential in the students. I hope I can play a role in keeping this talent in Tampa and encouraging their entrepreneurial spirit.
What tactical advice can you share from building your startup or career?
Tactical advice. A startup is like raising a baby (your first one). You don’t know what to do, where to start, what to say, or what comes first. Don’t worry. Go! Start! Jump. Make mistakes. Pick your baby up, dust it off, and Go! again. Babies are durable. So is your company, trust yourself. Raise your baby.
Where do you see Tampa Bay next? How do you play a role in this future?
It’s evident to me that Tampa is the leading city in Florida in terms of business and economic, and most importantly, entrepreneurial potential. Coupled with our climate and other amenities, Tampa should continue to grow and at an accelerated rate. My challenge personally, and as a member of Edgility, is to enhance, promote and solidify Tampa’s potential.
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