In today’s episode, Jeff interviews Mike Geller, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), of Tegrita in Markham, ON. Mike started his technology career during the 2008 recession. The company he was with fired half of their team during the recession and he was one of them. Determined to continue in technology automation, Mike started his own consulting business and with the help of his community he received clients from referrals. Mike is currently celebrating the 1 year anniversary of his book and consulting businesses on the right tools to use to assist them with their growth goals.
Mike and Jeff discuss:
- Started in the 2008 recession; just joined a company focused on marketing and technology and he picked the company for a reason; he loved technology.
- A few months in, the sky was falling and they cut half their professional services team and Mike was one of them.
- After getting fired he didn't want to give up on technology so he started consulting on his own.
- Shortly after he partnered with a colleague he met at work and they grew a business together but separately until they created Tegrita (like integrity).
- Marketing automation showed up on the charts around 2012/2014 and Mike feels privileged to find this technology at the beginning of its evolution.
- Mike works with companies that sell to other companies.
- He's helping people by figuring out what tools they have, how they are using them, what is missing to meet their business objectives and what is the overall strategy to attract customers, etc.
- Recently published a book; CMO to CRO: The Revenue Takeover by the Next Generation Executive. Celebrated one year anniversary in May.
Fast Five Questions
- If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would go to Upwork. I want to see what people have a need for and go from there.”
- What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “That's a tough one for me because I don't think in those terms. I look forward instead of backwards. You learn from everything.”
- What is a book that you would recommend? “I don’t read business books very often so I would recommend my book.”
- What is a tool that you use everyday that you would recommend? “Flipbook (Ipad).”
- What is the best way to contact you? “LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegeller/ or Contact Us Form on the website - revenuetakeover.com.”
Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses.
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