Where did you grow up? How has the knowledge and experience you have presently attained shape who you are today?

Each one of us has a special bond to where we transitioned from youths to young adults, and finally to contributing members of society. Most of you were raised here in the United States, a country who’s reputation has coined the term, “The American Dream.” A country full of promise, opportunity and a chance for a change. Personally I had the pleasure to be raised in what’s known as Silicon Valley today, and it has presented me with many a priceless opportunity. My most treasured of these opportunities is the means to grow my professional network outside of my collegiate class, outside the physical walls of my office building, and not being limited to something known as an introduction.

Silicon Valley has always been rife with something known as “the entrepreneurial spirit.” Companies such as IBM, Hewett Packard, Fairchild (which later spun off into AMD, National Semiconductor, and Intel), Apple, Ebay, Google, etc. And with such high profile personalities such as Tom Perkins, Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison, and Guy Kawasaki, working from the various coffee shops that spot the bay, or taking their kids to soccer practice the draw of realizing one’s dreams are still very prevalent. With everyone having “big dreams” “big ideas” and “get rich quick schemes” just what separates the day dreamers from the winners?

In my personal opinion, Goodwin Gaw of Gateway Capitol provided me with the best answer in an email dated 09/08/2007, “Success takes a bit of luck, a bit of smarts and a lot of perseverance. You have to be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, smart enough to recognize the opportunity and persistent enough to execute it thru. Good luck.”

Let me explain, many of us consider ourselves entrepreneurs at some level. I have yet to talk to a person where the lure of having one’s destiny controlled thru their own bare hands has not drawn a consideration. The question being; how many of you will step out of your comfort zone and grab those reigns? For simplicity’s sake I believe people generally fit into four sub-catagories; The Visionary, The CEO, The Consultant and The Entrepreneur.

The Visionary, much like the Entrepreneur is a romantic role. Nothing better describes a visionary then big dreams, foresight, and before their time. Words less typically associated with visionaries include naive, suffering, and misunderstood. Do you remember when Steve Jobs first introduced the Newton? It was pitched as the future, years beyond, industry changing, etc. It was also a huge failure. People did not grasp what Jobs was trying to convey, and I believe it is fair to access that Jobs was then young, naive and hungry to leave his dent in the world.

The CEO, much like a consultant’s role is a position that puts an emphasis on power, vision, and guidance. Probably the most notable Silicon Valley CEO, Larry Ellison, does just this. The best CEO’s are natural leaders, the ones who take initiative and dictate the future of their company. Otherwise known as “Captain” in the Jolly Roger days. This role is fundamental in the growth of a company. In my opinion a successful CEO is the ultimate project manager, a person who is able to not only effectively communicate, but to emotionally connect with everyone and on multiple levels. A CEO must also posses vision as well as direction, but unlike a visionary a CEO’s feet must be grounded. There is no room for day dreaming in the big corner office. Although a CEO would like to see their company at the top of its industry, everyone begins at the bottom and only through carefully planned milestones will such a company succeed.

The Consultant, is my favorite role - as we play the role of an consultant to some extent. I present a fork in my path. You see what I mean? Each one of you will have some form of advice to give me on which path to take. A consultant’s role is to provide advice, to steer and guide others away from such dangers and pitfalls from personal and professional experience. A good consultant’s vision is limited to experience and applied theory. They are scientists so to speak, as they lack true vision - they only consult on what is known, proven and fact. There is no romance in such a role, just right and wrong. Unlike a CEO, a consultant, board member, or council can only advise. They do not weld any real power other then the power to influence, it is ultimately another person or group’s decision that becomes the final outcome.

The Entrepreneur, a role that we all fall in love with the idea of. I don’t believe this is a title that any self respecting person should ever give themselves, but a title earned thru the respect and appreciation of one’s peers. I for one would not be proud enough to admit that I am an entrepreneur, for failure, affliction and exhaustion comes with the territory. Everyone thinks entrepreneurs, much like real estate agents, are flush with capitol…it is quite the opposite, as many excel at the peacock factor - to become successful, one must appear successful.

An entrepreneur’s role is to spot the opportunity, create the realistic vision(b-plan), and essentially put the puzzle pieces together. At times in order to see a vision come to fruition an entrepreneur may enlist an entity known as venture capitalism. Such actions usually taint the pureness of one’s vision, but such is the nature of the process. This is a story for another time. Believe me when I tell you more entrepreneurs fail rather then succeed, so the next time someone hands you a card saying “John Doe - Entrepreneur” tell them they’re full of shit.

So just what is the point of this post? Not a whole lot really, I am not trying to prove any point, more rather just typing out loud. I was pondering what does it take to build a not only a successful business, but more so one with staying power. Flashes in the pan are easy to create, however subtle legacy is what I’m currently pondering. Every one has an idea whether it be the next Microsoft, a restaurant, bike shop, real estate office, clothier, or even a neighborhood bar serving the perfect tom collins. Every one can has a sure-fire idea, every person has dream, every person is an entrepreneur - but only a select few are able to capture that dream and turn it into a reality. Those such as Gordon Ramsey, Gary Vaynerchuk, Oprah Winfrey, Goodwin Gaw, or Blake (”coffee is for closers”). Some call it passion, others call it motivation - use whatever fancy -ion words you wish, but it boils down to a simple quality, a taste of failure and a hunger for success.

In short it takes a visionary to begin the process, but an entire staff to see the vision to fruition.

Opportunity. Vision. Direction. Network.

-Wallace

Ps. I’m probably wrong, so tell me what you think.

Some people begin their days with a bounce in our step, we started our weekend off by bumping the soft leather couches at Pampas in Palo Alto. Crystal bounced around a little too much through their cocktail menu resulting an early night for us be wrangled in what would be a very productive Saturday.

We got up early, worked out, ate a quick breakfast of oatmeal then went up Pierce Road to make a whirlwind of a wine tasting trip at Cooper-Garrod in Cupertino. George Cooper was a test pilot for NASA, then began his vineyard on his 121 acre estate in Cupertino during his retirement. George was pouring that day, however in our haste we didn’t make conversation, rather we tasted his entire flight and settled on a Claret - a rarity in these parts. Then we rushed over to Stevens Creek Reservoir for an hour of kayaking, and finally headed down Stevens Creek to pick up ingredients for the much anticipated Artichoke Provencal dinner. Been wanting to make it ever since Jeff’s dinner.

I’m actually surprised it came out as well as it did. Delicious. I was so full.

Sunday was Moto GP, a big thanks to Zagi for saving us tickets. We arrived some 15 minutes before the main race and what a race it was. Definitely gratifying to witness Rossi’s first win at Laguna Seca. Him and Stoner put on a solid race, Rossi’s experience definitely giving him an edge, but Stoner with the ‘better weapon’ they called it. Can’t wait to see how Rossi does on a Duc, if he ever makes the switch.

Crystal in front of Speedymoto’s custom 1098

Crystal’s a Yamaha fan too - GO ROSSI!!!

I’m an advocate of drunken driving.

-Wallace

Yes…we have a bunny, a Sniffy bunny in fact, but is a bunny enough? Sure Sniffy provides an abundance of entertainment, and even talks…or at least we pretend she talks…she has different agendas depending on who’s “Sniffy.” Anyways, enough about or small (or grave) psychosis. As much fun as Sniffy is I think she needs a pal. I imagine her all lonely locked up in her rabbit hut as Crystal and I are out during the day. I am proposing a new entity in the house, a dog.

A Golden Retriever specifically, only my requirements are quite tall. It needs to be a smaller female - I don’t like my possessions being marked as territory, my pet having the ability to piss vertically, and my guests gleefully humped with ferocious doggy enthusiasm, an obedience school graduate, and not stink. Sure the latter two are more my problems, but I have yet to find a breeder that will guarantee size. They seem to warranty (as if pooch’s are material items, heh) everything else such as joint defects, coloration, lineage, etc., but when you ask them about size…these’s that awkward silence. Great.

So…help me persuade Crystal that we need a pooch. A Golden specifically (as she wants a Shih Tzu, and you don’t want to see me walking a Shih Tzu.)

-Wallace

Ps. First dAg, Kita, belongs to “MarkItZero” in Washington, and Chris belongs to some songstress in either Taiwan or China…I could never figure it out as I can’t actually read Chinese. Reading their blog is like looking through a picture book.

It’s been a little over 48 hours since I picked up my 16gb iPhone from the Los Gatos Apple Store, and this thing drew more attention then my Nokia 8890 when it first came out, the Motorola RAZR V3 a gappy second in comparison. However it’s not only big on looks, it’s big on function. I never thought I could abandon my laptop, however I honestly think with the iPhone’s browser and Apple Apps selection I would be able to.

The GOOD - User Interface, it is simply awesome - especially if you’re already have a basic understanding of Apple Gestures. The heat sensitive screen is also very sensitive so there’s no pressure involved. Push GMail. GPS functionality, and the 3G is faster then my late updated Samsung Blackjack. Apple Apps has also been wonderful, and only higher expectations expected.

The BAD - Battery life, for those of us on the phone all day this is still a phone for consumers. Those of us who require a enterprise solution would most likely still prefer a Blackberry or Palm platform (FWIW: I’m done with Windows Mobile platforms). Learning curve - I will admit there is a slight learning curve to iPhone euphoria, and some of that is downright frustrating to those of us who do not read manuals. Ill-Designed Apple Apps - There are great Apps, and there are terrible Apps. However they are easy to delete, and easy to manage. The sensitive screen is also a drawback in its own right, I have been accidentally dialing more people then I ever have before. *touch, touch, dial, crap, touch touch…* Facial Grease - Yep…yuck.

On the topic of Apps, I downloaded and installed UrbanSpoon today. You know when you sit there telling yourself that you’re hungry but don’t have anything in particular in mind? Crystal and I have many of those moments, to help that UrbanSpoon developed an App that functioned like a slot machine, only you can select the location, cuisine, and price and it spits out an restaurant recommendation based on your selection. Haven’t put it to use just yet, but I did shake and it spat out Park Place, which we’re conveniently going to tonight anyways.

So with the quick good and bads about the iPhone (oh…it corrects the way you capitalize iPhone too), I think I’m happy. Looks like a 6 month follow up is required…or not.

-Wallace

A bunch of us met up this past Saturday at Ridge Winery’s Monte Bello vineyard to drink wine and play bocce. A surprise as Jeff arrived and found that they have planted wildflowers in what used to be the bocce court. No matter, after polishing off some 3 or 4 bottles along with full flights we decided to play on the gravel pathway. Not sure if the guys or the gals finally won, but what I do know was it was hot, my arm was tired, and I ended up drinking too much.

Good catching up with Larry & Clara although they did have to leave early, but much thanks to Jeff, Stefano, Jenel, Tru and David for making it out. Going to have to do this more often, bocce that is…as apparently I do Ridge often enough.

I also managed to pick up a fresh 16 gigabyte iPhone in white this morning thru the Los Gatos Apple Store. Of all things separating me from taking it home was my social security number, it took me about three or four tries, but it was smooth sailing after that.

Crystal also tweeted me to pick one up for her (If you don’t know already, I’m finally on twitter - follow me.), so being the good boyfriend I asked if I could pick one up for her - Nope, the account holder must be present. Shucks. Too bad for her I guess. heh. Anyways - So far I’m totally loving it, the interface is nothing short of amazing compared to my old Windows Mobile based Samsung Blackjack. I’ve also downloaded a bunch of iPhone Apps already, more to come in the following weeks I’m sure.

-Wallace

If you believe a new article in the Los Angeles Times this morning then you would have realized that your beloved Guinness is not having a banner year. In fact according to the article Guinness sells more pints in Nigeria then it does in its native Ireland.

Celebrate with me tonight, and raise a glass. Long live Guinness - after all, it is a lovely day today.

-Wallace

You know those personality quizzes that ask you to jot down words that you associate with? “Hate” and “Envy” are two of the last words I’d think of but they apply in this case. I hate John Mayer, by this I mean I envy him. I’ve wrote about a few people on here, most recently Tom Waits, Sunny Wang and Goodwin Gaw, but that’s because I have much respect toward them - John Mayer on the other hand I hate, and I envy.

Look at John Mayer - the guy is 6 feet 3 inches - he’s a GIANT, tells women their body is a wonderland, can shred an axe, is currently wrapping his arms around Jennifer Aniston, and is inspired by such legends as Frank Sinatra, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Tom Waits. Look closer and you’ll realize that John Mayer is an extension of his own self. Aside from taking fashion tips from Borat, John’s style is anchored by his extraordinary collection of wrist watches rather then the oh so typical skull and wing designs(think Affliction and Ed Hardy - bleh.) favored by many of Los Angeles elite.

John has been able to work his spotlight, rather then letting the spotlight work him (see Britney Spears), he has been able to secure collaborations with past and current legends BB King and Eric Clapton. Through his earnings he has found the ability to instate the “Back to You” Fund, a philanthropic approach to battling global warming thru ticket sales of his concerts. In his short 30 years on Earth he has won many an award, acquired a guitar collection that rivals may musicians, romanced many women on many men’s top 10 lists, owns what I believe is the most eccentric collection of Panerai and Rolex of any singer-songwriter, but also constantly pushing musical and personal limitations and boundaries.

Obviously I don’t hate the guy, or necessarily envy him, but just like my experience with Patrick Ma of Rocketworld/TAD gear, I think we could relate on parallel level. Him pushing his societal limitations and genre expectations with collaborations with Common, Herbie Hancock, and B.B. King has taken his music to new heights. I would personally like to see him keep pushing these imaginary boundaries, re-define music as we know it, and inspire a whole new cast of passionate artists to come. I think, and I believe he will become a legend in his own time.

You can read more about what John on his mind through his Honeyee blog here: http://blog.honeyee.com/john/

-Wallace

Usually when I’m anticipating something time seems to stretch out and taunt me, this was not the case last week. M, T, W, Th, F zipped by and before I knew it we were in Pajaro Dunes - Watsonville, Ca to witness Jeff’s culinary wizardry and impeccable host abilities.

Needless to say we didn’t have a good weekend, we had an outstanding weekend. Many thanks to Jeff for not only feeding, but putting up with us swashbuckling drunks, hobos, and misfits as well as all you drunks, hobos, and misfits who made your way down to the beach house. In Jeff’s words, “This is the first, and last time I’m doing this.”

To see the entire agenda, and guestlist visit - A Ruf Life (You Porsche fanatics should have smirked.)

Thanks for playing. Enjoy the pictures.

The Entire Album via Flickr.

-Wallace