AGE: 38
TITLE: Founder & President
COMPANY NAME: Learn To Program
COMPANY’S LOCATION: Vernon
RESIDENCE: Vernon
What do you do? Our company produces courses that teach people computer programming, software, web, and mobile development skills. We teach these courses at large corporations all over the country and to individuals online.
What do you want to be doing in 10 years? I’d like to be continuing to train technology leaders in the skills they need to be successful developers. Here in Connecticut, and nationally, students get a woefully poor education in the area of computer science — a field that is becoming increasingly important. I want to have a major impact in changing the way Connecticut and the nation looks at computer science and change it from an elective to a core course in which all our graduates have a degree of competency.
What is your biggest strength? I have been able to remain positive and energetic. Even through a battle with colon cancer two years ago, I was able to found my start-up, travel and remain generally energetic and cheerful. My energy biases me towards action, rather than contemplation, which occasionally gets me in trouble, but at the same time, keeps a strong forward momentum in my life and career.
Where do you go for new ideas? New ideas are everywhere. I don’t look at other businesses as competition, but explore the synergies where we can work together. My business ideas grow out of needs that are identified locally and nationally. There are frequently profitable ways to meet those needs.
What is the best advice you received? My business mentor, Pierre Kerbage, who is senior vice president of LG, taught me to never take outside money when you start a company. Bootstrap your way to profitability and grow from there.
What service or charitable cause has your attention? I work with the Connecticut Computer Science Teacher Association in helping to advocate for computer science courses, teachers and programs within the state of Connecticut. Did you know less than 300 students in Connecticut took the AP Computer Science exam? Shameful! I am working with CCSTA to change that.
