About.
Background.
I grew up in Duluth, Georgia (USA), and studied electrical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. An interest in Europe led me to do my graduate work at Georgia Tech’s European campus in Metz, France. Before starting my own companies, I worked as an engineer at the European Space Agency (ESA) in Darmstadt, Germany.
Today I live on the mediterranean coast of southern Spain, in a city called Marbella, enjoying the great climate, wonderful food, friendly people and amazing geographical diversity (from oceans to mountains) of Andalucia.
Business.
In 1997, I founded an aerospace company in Germany called Makalu Aerospace, which develops software systems and provides engineering consultancy services. In 2000, I started a second company, in which I remain involved today, called Makalu Interactive, which has designed and built consumer web products for iconic brands like Google, Virgin America and O’Reilly.
Interests.
I love learning about what makes great products great, and the businesses that have built them. I love living off the beaten path, questioning assumptions. I love exploring the diverse experiences and cultures that the world has to offer. I like simplicity and authenticity.
I’m currently a brown-belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a martial art I’ve practiced and successfully competed in since 2000.
I’m a fan of the Paleo diet and P90x for health and fitness.
Elsewhere.
I tweet on Twitter. I rant and post minor bits on Posterous. I sometimes goof off at Facebook (but not often). I (unsuccessfully) try to maintain a professional presence at LinkedIn.
I upload all my photos to Flickr I upload my videos to Vimeo and YouTube. I frequently update a lifestream of polaroid photos on Flickr.
Philosophy.
A farmer had only one horse. One day, his horse ran away.
All the neighbors came by saying, “I’m so sorry. This is such bad news. You must be so upset.” The man just said, “We’ll see.”
A few days later, his horse came back with twenty wild horses. The man and his son corraled all 21 horses.
All the neighbors came by saying, “Congratulations! This is such good news. You must be so happy!” The man just said, “We’ll see.”
One of the wild horses kicked the man’s only son, breaking both his legs.
All the neighbors came by saying, “I’m so sorry. This is such bad news. You must be so upset.” The man just said, “We’ll see.”
The country went to war, and every able-bodied young man was drafted to fight. The war was terrible and killed every young man, but the farmer’s son was spared, since his broken legs prevented him from being drafted.
All the neighbors came by saying, “Congratulations! This is such good news. You must be so happy!” The man just said, “We’ll see.”
(Thanks, Derek Sivers.)
Get in touch!
I love to hear from readers of my blog, so please feel free to write and say hello.
