Over the course of the past three years, I’ve attended a tremendous number of meetings, events, and discussions focused on entrepreneurship. I’ve talked with numerous people interested in participating in, bolstering, or profiting off of entrepreneurship. I’ve met with large company CEOs who want to make their culture more “entrepreneurial.” I’ve attended entrepreneurial conferences in Washington DC, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Phoenix. I’ve gotten to hang out with entrepreneurs of all types. From those who have failed repeatedly and are burned out, to those who miraculously made it big on their first try. All that to say that I’ve invested, and continue to invest, a tremendous amount my time, money, and passion into entrepreneurship.

Today, I’d like to lay out my point of view for what makes a successful entrepreneurial culture and what communities needs to do, not talk about, but actually execute on for us all to benefit from what entrepreneurship can deliver.

There are three key ingredients that drive the quality of entrepreneurship: ideas, talent, and resources. Read more

Background: I was born and raised in Joplin, MO and most of my family still resides there as they have for more than six generations. I know people who died. I know many who lost everything.

It’s been a tough week; one I’ll never forget.

Joplin, MO Tornado

Sunday Night

Last Sunday night at 5:41 p.m. CST an F5 tornado touched down in west Joplin. It was a mile wide and now is said to have been on the ground for 12 miles, sustaining winds in excess of 200 mph.

Growing up in Joplin, tornadoes were a part of life. I’ve been under more tornado warnings than I can remember. They spiral down from the clouds; you hide where you can and hope it misses, which it usually does. So hearing about a tornado in Joplin this time of year is about the equivalent to hearing about a hot day in Phoenix. It just is what it is.

When I first heard about it, I kind of shrugged my shoulders and hoped that no one was injured. Then I saw the Weather Channel coverage. The area captured on camera (near St. John’s hospital) I knew well. My former orthodontist’s office was nearby.  A friend’s father worked across the street. Nothing looked as I remembered it. This tornado was different. Read more