We are still reveling in the afterglow of our thrilling win at the San Diego Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Our CEO, Dave Alberga, and President, Matt Landa, won top honors in the Technology and Software category. This award is one of the world’s most prestigious business awards for entrepreneurs. Next, Dave & Matt will head on to the National competition with 1,700 other regional winners, held in Palm Springs, California this fall. As Dave said in his acceptance speech, this award isn’t about him or Matt. The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our 3,300 employees across the globe. Go team, go!!Leading up to the big night, I sat down with Dave and Matt to talk about how they each exhibit an entrepreneurial spirit and how their leadership has helped catapult the company to where it is today. Below are short excerpts from our conversation…Tell me a little bit about how you have demonstrated perseverance and overcame obstacles in your career.Dave: “As a triathlete and former Army platoon leader, I think my willingness to endure pain and go without sleep made me adept at surviving the mass extinction that wiped out Internet companies in 2000.”Matt: “Agreed. Like other companies in the tech market, the tech bubble burst wasn't an easy time for us. Dave and I, as well as several other execs, funded several weeks of company payroll out of our own pocketbooks until we could secure new financing.”Matt, how have you shown that you are an independent thinker and are willing to take risks?“I would say that I’ve never been shy when facing difficult decisions. Throughout my career, I’ve chosen positions where I am challenged and have the ability to take business risks. After business school, I decided to forego a secure and potentially lucrative job at a large bank to go work at a small technology start-up in Silicon Valley. The small firm offered a great opportunity for me to learn how to create and form a business and how to work with large customers on an international level. I didn’t know if or when my next paycheck would come in, but I absolutely enjoyed the challenge.”Dave, what is your vision for the future growth of the business?“I want us to quite literally power the world’s activities and make the world a more active place.”Our fingers are crossed for the big dance in Palm Springs later this year…..here we go!Megan Lavine is a PR wizard and gets active by getting in touch with her inner yogi, lacing up her running shoes and putting her green thumb to work in the garden.
