CEO Says Start-Ups Require A Tireless Work Ethic In San Francisco Bay Area
Social media is big business in San Francisco as evident in the number local high-profile companies, like Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram. But other companies such as UltraSportsLive.TV have their own niche in the Bay Area tech industry. The brainchild of CEO Mike Cloward and COO Andy Sulak, UltraSportsLive.TV provides videos, podcasts, race reports and upcoming events for endurance sports such as ultramarathons. Although the site launched just last year, there's already a sizable following, especially via social media. Here is what the CEO had to say about his company and advice to people entering his line of work in the tech industry.
What is your background and level of education?
"As CEO of UltraSportsLive.TV, I work with our growing staff to coordinate the production of our broadcasts, as well as manage the day-to-day operations of the business. A lot of what I do is recognizing who needs to speak to whom and facilitating that communication process. I attended CSU Chico and received my B.A. in communications and gained a lifetime of knowledge at college radio station KCSC. College is what you make it—think outside the box."
What type of information do you provide on UltraSportsLive.TV?
"We cover endurance sports with a focus on highlighting the athletes interacting within their surroundings—whether it's the tall trees of Western Canada or the deserts of Arizona. Through our broadcasts we're able to show that anyone of any background has the capability of getting out there and being active. We want our viewers to realize that it's not just a small group of elite athletes out there competing. It's all walks of life coming together to share the collective experience of pushing one's self to the limit."
Can you share career advice for people interested in your line of work?
"Find an idea you can get behind and then seek out a business partner that inhabits the same business universe as you, yet sees the world in a slightly different way than yourself. I found that person in our CTO and UltraSports Live TV co-founder Andy Sulak. He listens to my continual rattle of ideas and helps me focus them towards successful outcomes. Start-ups require a tireless work ethic and a blatant disregard for sensible work hours so find good people and stay focused, stay tireless and give back."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.