Karim Marucchi (of Crowd Favorite) joins Jean to guest host, as they touch on a myriad of topics, from exits, to mergers, acquisitions, and much more.

Karim exudes charisma; being a service focused individual, he provides a unique perspective away from the usual product focused interviews Mastermind.FM has had in the past.

Topics Include:

* How Karim's upbringing, heritage, and travels played a role in shaping his business philosophies.

* His history with architecture and studies in Rome.

* How a curious phone call, while working for an ISP,  lead Karim into helping build a website for Nissan.

* Selling METNET to USWeb.

* How USWeb turned Karim's life upside-down.

* Website Production vs Strategy

* Bridging the gap between American, European, and Asian culture.

* How Karim's architecture roots fortified his need to build things that last.

* His small business experience.

* "If you are going to fail, fail fast." - Karim

* Testing the waters of agency work.

* Services: Cultural vs Institutional

* Cultivating a small agency.

* How running a lifestyle business allowed Karim to step away from his company for the year leading up to his father's death.

* Mourning and moving on.

* The dynamics of exiting & acquisition.

* Adapting/transitioning client culture.

* On closing Veloware.

* Which lead to Karim finding his business partner.

* "Finding the right companies that aren't exiting for the wrong reasons."

* The value of partnering with a company you have no intention of acquiring.

* Structure & having the right team.

* Be an icebreaker; striking up a conversation with those you don't know, be it in your business or personal life.

* A philosophy that lead to Karim having a pleasant random conversation with the lead guitarist of Los Lobos.

* Attending conferences outside of the WordPress community.

* "Have fun!" & "Partner and hire for your weaknesses." - Karim

* Looking forward, and the intent to return for a round 2 interview with Mastermind.FM!

 

Featured on the Show:

* Karim's website

* Crowd Favorite

* The Bureau of Digital