Opinions expressed by BIZ Experiences contributors are their own.
Pre-teen bliss is usually defined by Friday-night roller rinkexcursions and sneaking into R-rated movies. But by his wonderyears, Chris Morrison, now 30, had the future at hisfingertips.
Spending his weekends with a borrowed school computer (that is,until his mom bought him an Apple), Morrison quickly declaredhacking a favorite pastime, along with programming and writingsoftware--all self-taught skills.
By 15, Morrison was getting paid for teaching clients how to usethe then-new technology. As for his should've-been junior year,he says, "[High school] wasn't the most exciting place tobe, so I ended up `sick' a lot." To continue working,Morrison opted for a home tutor and limited classes to one day aweek. Spoiled, he repeated the arrangement his senior year butdidn't graduate due to the lack of a few credits.
But that wasn't the demise of Morrison's technologicalcareer. Today, he co-owns 10-year-old, 41-employee-strong PLPDigital Systems in Scottsdale, Arizona--an international companythat'll make nearly $10 million this year by providingsoftware-based integrated document control and reprographic systemsto such clients as architectural and engineering firms, governmentagencies and utility companies (to name a few).
Morrison designed software for the Barrett-Jackson classic carauction at age 17 and used his earnings to develop and sell his ownproducts, which included a handheld time accounting system. Thecar-auction circuit eventually led him to Michael Addison, now hispartner, who supplied PLP Digital Systems with the $15,000 itneeded in start-up cash.
As for venturing out into "the real world" sansdiploma, Morrison says, "If you can support yourself and arecomfortable with potentially making no money, it's worth a try.You can always go back to school."
Lights, Computer, Action
Been toying with an idea that's a bit experimental and a tadrisky--but perfect for a 21st-century Internet venture? ThomasEdwards and Carla Cole, owners of Webcasting company The Sync(http://www.thesync.com), sayan immediately profitable start-up is key. After establishingcredibility, you can spread your wings, change course and fly(along with angel investors more willing to back you).
"The risk is low [if you're] Internet-experienced. Ifyour company goes under, you [can always] go back to your safe,$60,000-a-year job," says Edwards, 29.
Fortunately, Edwards and his life/business partner, Cole, 24,haven't had to look back since starting The Sync in July 1997with $10,000 in cashed-in stock options from Edwards' old ISPjob. To get some cash flowing, the company did production jobs,putting a variety of live events online for clients, includingCapitol Hill officials. Eventually, Edwards and Cole stepped up toproducing original content.
Since then, the pair's been making history. Last March, theLaurel, Maryland, company became the first to present acontemporary feature film for Internet viewing. Last summer, itproduced and released the first public service announcement madefor the Net. A slew of original programming is at the core of TheSync's success, including "The Jenni Show," hosted byJennifer Ringley of JenniCAM fame; and "MeeksUnfiltered," a review of techno-politics led by MSNBCjournalist Brock Meeks. "The Sync Online Film Festival"presents original short films in a variety of genres 24 hours aday.
Hush-hush about sales, The Sync profits from advertising.(There's no charge to view programming.) Offering video ads, oronline commercials, only adds fuel. Right now, Edwards and Cole,the only full-time employees, are expanding their sales staff, butforesee a buyout in a year or so. Says Edwards, "As Internetvideo content becomes more important to a bigger market, I think alot of traditional media companies or large Internet portals willtry to utilize us instead of trying to develop their ownprograms."
Contact Sources
PLP Digital Systems, (800) 444-PLOT, http://www.plp.com
The Sync, http://www.thesync.com
