10 things you didn't know about me. (Mark Russell Filaroski)
I was asked to put a '10 things you didn't know about me" post together.
Here goes,
- I lived in Singapore and Malaysia for 11 years. We (I) would travel back to the "states" during the summer, so we'd take fantastic jaunts to places like Africa.
I had been around the world 9 times before I was 16!
(above, here I'm with the Maasai tribe)
2. I sold my very first business, a lawn mowing company in my teens. I had a knack for selling but it was more than just selling, it was understanding what my client wanted. For instance, one home in our neighborhood had this beautiful 100 year old stone wall around its perimeter, I notice my competitor just haphazardly cutting her lawn. (no style points) so I convinced the client, that mowing vertical stripes would greatly improve the overall aesthetics. I was right, she was pleased and that one lawn paid over $1800 that summer.
3. I started my first job out of college (1996) as a sales rep for an LA startup in Manhattan beach. Prior to LA being cool for startups, Pre-SnapChat days. After a year, at 23 I was promoted to national sales manager, replacing all the founder's incumbents. (their buddies) That was a pivotal, and very demanding first role, and allowed me to grow exponentially as a young manager.
4. In 2000, I started my first company as a solo founder, with $0 which made INC three years in a row. In hindsight, my mistake was trying to bootstrap the company all the way to the finish line.
5. I'm an avid collector of wine knowledge. One day, I'd like to have a sommelier credential. Never a Master Title, that's too ambitious. Longer term, my goal would be to collect the finest wines in the world and enjoy them as I age, with the people I love. <- Most important.
6. I'm planning a solo sail around the globe, and I would like to do that before I turn 60.
7. I have had almost every personality test done, and I am an ENTJ.(MB) I don't need to take another test. :) So my traits include,
- Efficient – ENTJs see inefficiency not just as a problem in its own right, but as something that pulls time and energy away from all their future goals, an elaborate sabotage consisting of irrationality and laziness. People with the ENTJ personality type will root out such behavior wherever they go.
- Energetic – Rather than finding this process taxing ENTJs are energized by it, genuinely enjoying leading their teams forward as they implement their plans and goals.
- Self-Confident – ENTJs couldn’t do this if they were plagued by self-doubt – they trust their abilities, make known their opinions, and believe in their capacities as leaders.
- Strong-Willed – Nor do they give up when the going gets tough – ENTJ personalities strive to achieve their goals, but really nothing is quite as satisfying to them as rising to the challenge of each obstacle in their run to the finish line.
- Strategic Thinkers – ENTJs exemplify the difference between moment-to-moment crisis management and navigating the challenges and steps of a bigger plan, and are known for examining every angle of a problem and not just resolving momentary issues, but moving the whole project forward with their solutions.
- Charismatic and Inspiring – These qualities combine to create individuals who are able to inspire and invigorate others, who people actually want to be their leaders, and this in turn helps ENTJs to accomplish their often ambitious goals that could never be finished alone.
8. I have played Golf with some of the games best, and have a few trophies to my name. including 2 amateur trophies and 3 club championships. My longest drive is 409 yards. (Scotland) I've had 3 holes in one. Favorite rounds include Muirfield, Carnoustie, Old Course St Andrews, Pebble Beach, Willowdale CC, SugarLoaf CC, and a few small courses in Maine.
9. I'm loyal to a fault. I love my daughter more than life itself. She is my pride and joy. She has made the Duke Stem program 3 years in a row, I'm a proud Dad.
10. What have I learned after 18 years of startups? It's seems the more that people talk about you, the better you're doing. Some people will never quit firing bullets, so that should never stop you in your pursuits. Dream big, work hard, work honest, and deliver great products to your customers. Never Ever quit!
This list is quite short, but I thought it might be a good starting point if anyone wanted to get to know me a little better. Of course, the best way is to have coffee, lunch, call or email me.