Interplay: Year 3

When I set out to start Interplay three years ago it wasn’t much more than a concept and a few folks working out of the lobby of a local hotel.  We were scrappy and overworked – but we believed in something.

We believed that we could build a culture where people could actually be happy during the day, doing something that other people call “work.” Egos and politics wouldn’t be allowed.  Integrity, passion and determination were to be key ingredients.

We wanted to start rational businesses to sustain this culture, but we weren’t showing up every day to build an empire; we were showing up every day to build an experience.  The culture was, and is, the end game.  We were simply building the place where we wanted to be.

It worked.

Dozens of businesses later, through all of the bumps, twists and turns we continue to veer toward the same destination: happiness.  With human beings, there is no perfect, but we’re the closest to this goal that I’ve ever seen.  I love coming to the office.

I work with my friends and people who are becoming my friends.  It’s easy for me to respect their values, worldview and passion.

It’s our birthday this week.  It’s time not only to reflect, but also to focus on the path forward.

We’re building and growing.  We’re doing that because it’s fun.  I’m determined to maintain our culture as we grow.  That’s something most companies cannot manage.  Growth eats their culture.  I don’t believe, however, that the culture has to die with growth.

If it’s true that: good people + good values = good culture, then I believe that equation should work at scale.  Where I believe most companies go wrong is that they prioritize their speed of hiring over getting folks who are the right cultural fit.  We’ll grow slower if we have to.

It’s important to end every birthday speech with a statement of appreciation,  especially when you have so much to appreciate.  Thank you to all of my incredible partners, founders, advisors, service providers and team members.  You are the people who make this worthwhile.  Who make this fulfilling.  Who make Interplay the place where I want to be.

Thank you.
MPD