Travis Sheridan

Guest Post: Who needs a degree in ditch digging?

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:47:00 +0000

Kids just don't listen. Parents just don't listen. Kids born when Caddyshack came out in 1980 are about ten years removed from college. God only knows how much debt they still have at this point. Not really my problem, but I will say this, "I tried to warn you."

I was inspired to blog from the great beyond for two reasons: 1) Amy Winehouse is driving me crazy already (between her and Dangerfield, I feel like I'm in hell), 2) The New York Times recently ran a story about the over-saturation of higher education.

I understand the need for people to be smart. I hate stupid people. But a college education and the debt associated with it is not always the smartest choice. Back in my day, a kid would graduate high school with a skill (or set of skills) that would allow them to put bread on the table thanks to "shop" classes: metal shop, wood shop, auto shop, etc. There were guys in my high school who witnesses vocational success and went on to become foremen and even run their own shops. Boys who dreamt of being fire fighters, cops and cowboys, could make a living without a master's degree in fire science, correctional justice or animal husbandry. They chose blue collars over academic regalia. Others, like myself, went on to college to earn degrees and work in less dirty fields. Both are necessary.

Today, those shop classes are all but gone and forgotten. Math, Science, Engineering, Technology are the drivers today. The dummies running our schools--nay, the dummies making educational policy...my lawyer friends--must not think that Math, Science, Engineering and Technology are strewn throughout subjects formerly taught in the "shops."

Now we have all these kids, dropping out of high school because there is no longer a clear career path for those who want to dig ditches, or more and more go on to college. The ones who go to college, graduate with a ton of debt, cannot find a good job, and still join country clubs. I don't want that riff raff cluttering up my fairways.

Colleges need to be held more accountable for job placement. Private sector employers need to be more realistic about the skills/education necessary to do a job. K-12 policymakers need to think seriously about children left behind by No Child Left Behind and the weakening of the foundation as we Race to the Top.

I gotta go. I'm playing 19 holes with St. Peter. I need to talk to him about who he's letting through the gate.

About the Author:
Judge Elihu Smails is a bigoted and stodgy member of Bushwood Country Club. While his views are tilted toward the elite, he understands the importance of balance and order. His "ditch digger philosophy" remains his most important contribution to mankind.

Buy Local...Writer's Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:07:00 +0000

Let me preface this post by saying that I am a big fan of the Business Journal. There is a rule in my office that I get first glance at the issue that comes in the mail every Friday. I look forward to my Daily Update in my inbox every afternoon. I follow them and RT them on twitter. But the March 25, 2011 issue caused me to pause and write a few words.

Now, I have been outspoken about Buy Local in the past (which caused a little trouble at work...another story). I fully support buy local efforts and I think the column by John Crabtree is good. Not great, but good. It's a good "Guest View" and I feel like my post might not provide the most hospitable welcome.

My problem is that Mr. Crabtree is from Nebraska. We have a column telling us to be loyal and buy local. Last time I checked, there are local people who are writers. They actually do writing as a type of businessy thing. They are a flight risk if their vocation is not supported locally. At a quick glance, the column appears to be about 100 to 150 words long. I think we might have a local writer or two or three who would appreciate the opportunity (especially if they get paid) to offer a guest view.

I had the privilege of writing a recurring column for the Business Journal for a period of time. It was fun and, while I did not get paid, it provided me with an opportunity to publish some stuff and share my perspective with the larger community.

I just hope the talented writers in Fresno | Kings | Madera | Tulare counties have the chance to offer their perspective and sell local.

If you are looking for other other local talent (beyond writers), I did profile a few cool peeps about a year ago (some of them have since left the area).

Teach them well...nah, we can't afford it.

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:12:00 +0000

Time for some commentary. It's been a long time since I blogged. But I am sick and effing tired of what I keep reading about the current financial situation. Here is what is on the current chopping block:

First 5 funds

K-12 funding

High Education funding

Library funding

Let me get this straight, we have decided that we can no longer afford to invest in education and literacy?

AWESOME!

I know people get hot-and-bothered about the need to fund public safety, but what about investing in the next generation. I do not think education should be funded only during times of surplus. Cuts have to be made someplace, but the areas I listed above need to be left intact. We are setting ourselves up for a bleak future.

What does this strategy say about our interest in longterm sustainability (of our economic system)?

Where never was heard an encouraging word...

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:02:00 +0000

Ok, my tattoo has been pretty well documented. I really want to thank the folks at Tower Tattoo for donating the tattoo in the name of fighting hunger. I wish I was a better steward of the ink. In the midst of incredible excitement, I did not fully listen to the post-tat instructions. I put Saran Wrap on it to keep it clean while I slept.

Enter petri dish.

Bacteria grew...and grew...and grew.

I took a picture of the infected art, twitpic'd it, and was bombarded by a string of responses that made me think it was only a moment of time before my leg would be amputated.

@Travis Sheridan

Fighting Hunger earned us $100k...I just hope it didn't cost me a leg... #shootmeintheheadlikeahorse http://yfrog.com/h7rxcwj

@chukknob

uh is that normal? Wonder if anyone will donate to your prosthetic limb fund???

@mikeoz

woah. Hope it gets better dude

@tigermouth

holy shit. I've never seen an infected tattoo. Ouuuuch.

@nickgundry

oh crap that's pretty red dude! But you know that, get better soon man.

@aurocka

Crap, dude. What are you using on that? That looks gnarly. :(

@bfalke

oh my god Travis. That doesn't look normal.

@ __Don__Juan__

oh snaps!! What the hell happened there?!?! Yea not real good advertisement for where ever you got inked up man!!! U good?!?

@Abelopez

just the green ink giving you problems?

@Abelopez

by the way, that looks disgusting.

@angelrodriquez

that doesnt look too good #understatement

@Kare_o_lynn

Wow! that looks like it hurts :-/

@ __Don__Juan__

damn 1st we lose to SLC and now this?!?!#screwwalmart!!!

@hiluhree

you'd better talk to your artist and your doctor. that's disgusting.

@mikeoz

if you're going to need a new leg, perhaps we could do a Kick Starter to raise the money

@kieltfs

gross

@__Don__Juan__

I don't think that says Fresno anymore!!!#imjustsayin!!! Ha!! I feel for ya man!! That looks painful!!

@She1la

OMG!!!! I have never seen anything like that!!!! Hope it heals up!!!!

@natticarrera

holy cow, that looks bad!

@ offkilterkristy

what did u do?

@ck_foto

Wouldn't pass the cereal test anyway.

@scarter19

Do they sell prosthetic legs at Walmart?

@natticarrera

I genuinely think you should seek medical attention tomorrow.

@thisisconlan

That's rock 'n' roll, dude. Rock 'n' roll.

@CoolPolarBear

it's like a train wreck..must not look, but, can't look away! I hope you had or will have a doctor check that out, seriously

@junebug1015

If the first 5 layers of skin peel off overnight...you might have a problem.

@BHarsh

yikes! Don't think I've seen anybody scab that bad. I think ur ok. But Damn dude I'd get some A&D for that!

@alisa_m_

ew :)

@taripie

ooh, that looks bad :(

@jaimeholt

man this walmart thing just keeps getting worse and worse:( sorry to hear this!

Thanks for the laughs, friends. I made it through the night. Barely. Taking antibiotics. Y'all kept me laughing!

Chilean Miners Need a Soundtrack

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:58:00 +0000

Like most people, I have been watching the miners come out of the hole. Pretty cool and amazing to say the least. As they reached the surface, a variety of songs kept coming to mind. So, I decided to create a Chilean Miners Soundtrack.

Enjoy.

Water Conservation & Behavioral Economics

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 21:49:00 +0000

How do you feel about water meters? I know how I feel, but I really want to know how others feel. The City of Fresno is about to flip the switch on water meters and that means people will pay based on usage not simply based on a flat rate. I want to lay out a few points that are important to me and see if they resonate with anyone else.

I was talking with a City insider about the water meters. There is concern that if the City flipped the switch and charged the market value (or cost) for water, it could put some residents in a tough financial situation. We will use an arbitrary amount for sake of discussion. We will say that one gallon of water will cost residents $1. Simple. There is one school of thought that says people should be eased into the change. Maybe the City can start by charging $0.25 for each gallon used. Then over time the rates can fall in line with the actual cost of $1/gallon. Another school of thought says to hit residents with the $1/gallon right out of the gate.

I am in favor of option #2. I use $1 of water I pay $1 for said water.

The first option is fraught with challenges. First there is the situation of repeated rate increase. People do not like those. Additionally, easing in might not result in the changed behavior we need for true conservation.

Gas approaches $4/gal and bus ridership starts to increase. Tickets for not wearing a seatbelt or for texting results in changed behavior. Use economics to change behavior.

Make people pay for water. I do not get gasoline subsidized. I pay full price for the enjoyment of driving. I should pay full price for the full green lawn.

City of Fresno, feel free to pass along the cost. If we don't want to pay out the nose, we'll change behaviors.

Wow...that was awkward.

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 06:51:00 +0000

When I was in high school, I was a TA for sophomore biology. Let me rephrase that. I was the TA the spring semester, but was a student in the fall. I failed one semester of biology in my sophomore year and had to complete a full year in order to graduate. I was in class with student two years younger than me. No big deal.

I was not popular in school. I was kinda funny, but also kinda dorky (not the good grades kind). I had friends so I was happy. By the time my senior year rolled around I was finally comfortable in my skin. I found my niche on campus: Campus Life (churchy group).

Well, there was this girl in that group who was also in my biology class. Debbie (or Debra) was a sophomore and pretty cute. I remember that we flirted, but nothing serious. At one point I was single and it was football season. I was feeling brave and decided to ask Debbie to attend the football game with me. Harmless. To quote the Fresh Prince, "She agreed and we were on our way" (almost).

Then. Something. Happened.

I stood her up. You see, my ex-girlfriend called me and wanted to chat. She wanted us to work things out. I was stuck. Since Debbie and I were only going to go to a game and this other gal and I had history, I chose to chat with my ex...we did end up getting back together (and then broke up again).

Well, Debbie didn't like that. It was pretty lame. I was a stupid 17 year old. When it came time to sign yearbooks at the end of the year, Debbie had something to say.

Travis,
Well, "I'm glad I met you" is a good way to start. It was fun to do things with you such as Project Serve stuff! Remember at that McDonalds where you first learned my middle name and you were telling us perverted jokes?? Remember you guys were all trying to yell at girls and you guys made me hide so they wouldn't see me? Or how 'bout that time you saw those hookers and you were all waving a dollar. Anyways, I guess he point is made. I've had a good time knowing you! And I hope that even though you're leaving me that we can continue our friendship forever. You take care of yourself and give me a call --> maybe, just maybe we can go do something just for fun. Like maybe that football game that you promised me at the beginning of the year and then dogged me on. Remember you lied to me! I'll never forget that. Anyways, that's enough!!
Good-bye have a good life!

Love Always,
Debra Lena Williams

I shared this story, because I ran into Debbie on Tuesday. It has been 18 years since I last saw her. And, like her yearbook note mentioned, she still remembered.

I was at Crossroads to catch some stand-up and enjoy the free pizza (every Tuesday, btw). I walked up to claim my free slice and there stood Debbie. She was serving up the slices and the shame. We exchanged an awkward hug once it was established we knew each other. I instantly owned up to being an a-hole 18 years ago. It was fun to relive the stupidity.

The part that floored me was when Debbie said that she had to fight with parents to go on this date that never happened. On Tuesday, she told me that her dad did not like her dating outside her race and she argued...and she won. She fought to hang out with me and I pooped on that. Wow.

Granted, that did not ruin her life. She is married and has three kids (I assume they are cute, because she was cute). But what I did was lame. Sorry, Debbie.

I better look through my yearbooks and head out on the amends making tour.

Opportunity Assessment: Business & Bacardi

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:07:00 +0000

The fall semester is about to begin for many college students and about 30 lucky coeds are going to have me as their ENTR 151 instructor. This is my second semester teaching this course and I must say, it is awesome. This semester I am going to run an analogy throughout the entire course in an effort to give the students more than just an expanded understanding of business.

ENTR 151: Opportunity Assessment

The course objective is to teach students to develop a system to determine the viability and value of the hundreds of ideas that run through an entrepreneurial brain. This is all pre-biz plan stuff. There is no need to flesh out a 30 page plan for an idea that has weak legs to begin with. You have an idea, you quickly assess the likelihood of success and take the appropriate action.

Bacardi 151: Opportunity Assessment

During the duration of the semester, I will also make the connection between assessing opportunities in business and the many opportunities facing students when they go out to the bar (or any other social setting). Like the business opportunities available at every turn, students can benefit from having the skills to assessment romantic opportunities as well.

The analogy actually works.

Light Bulb = Chance to make money

Lounge = Chance to make out

Light Bulb = Know your market

Lounge = Know your type

Light Bulb = Know other sellers
Lounge = Know other stalkers

Light Bulb = How much do you need to invest to accomplish goals
Lounge = How much do you need to spend to accomplish goals

Light Bulb = How is my idea unique
Lounge = How am I unique

There are other key elements that are part of the analogy, but you get the idea.

As a business professional, I am sometimes frustrated with college students' inability to practically apply their book learnin' or address abstract thinking. I also know that college students are often frustrated by useless theory.

From Business to Bacardi, it's all about assessing opportunities.

See ya in class.

Pecha Kucha: Connections or Commercials

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:58:00 +0000

There are 333 cities around the globe that hold Pecha Kucha Night events. I am involved in the Fresno group and have attended all 8 volumes so far. The presenters are "encouraged" to align to the night's theme, but that is only successful about 40% of the time. Today, Famous Whitewater asked about the purpose of Pecha Kucha as part of his gig review. I was going to offer my answer on Fresno Famous, but I think this might require a little more space.

Sometimes a presenter will use the 6:40 for self-promotion or to launch a product/service/website. I am guilty of doing that. On Feb 20 at the volume 6 event, I used my 6:40 to talk about Smartagious.com. The theme for the night was Re:Build and I attempted to share the philosophical premise behind Smartagious: rebuild the value we can find from connections on the web.

After each event, the presenters that have the most

positive buzz are those that seek to make a

connection over presenting a commercial. The term designer is left up to interpretation. When I describe a perfect Pecha Kucha presentation, I often discuss those presentation in which the designer brings the audience into his or her world--a photographer shows you how they see, an architect redefines space, a developer exposes behind-the-scenes secrets that are generally only discussed on forums and message boards.

In my opinion, you have to know two very important things to put together a powerful Pecha Kucha presentation:

1) Know yourself

2) Know your audience

Use the 20 slides to create a greater overlap between the field of experience of the presenter and that of the audience. The goal is not to persuade the audience that you are right, cool, or have an amazing product that will change their life. The goal is to connect.

Again, this might just be my opinion. Like Famous mentioned,

It's actually a smart move if you have something to sell. Here's a large, captive audience of people who are interested in moving Fresno forward in a positive way. And it can be good for the audience, no doubt.

So maybe a little self-promotion is okay. I still challenge the presenters to make a connection first. Try, try, try to follow the theme. Challenge yourself.

Boozestorming: Drinking Outside the Box

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 20:05:00 +0000

Two things are best when flowing freely: Ideas & Liquor.

Recently, I was sitting in my backyard with some buddies enjoying some whiskey and talking about the changes we have seen in the world of creative shops (aka Ad Agencies). It was a fun discussion and we highlighted such things as smaller shops' ability to remain nimble and the security some clients have with larger agencies. There was a lot of back and forth, and in the end we came to some conclusions:

The market no longer sees the same value in the $200+ billable rate charged by many larger agencies.
The market expects the right team for the right project, but that does not mean they have to work together on every project.
Smaller shops need to learn how to communicate stability and train clients to be comfortable with change.
The next generation of creative shops is still under development.

This conversation was the genesis for Boozestorming. Thanks to my buddy Justin Bradley for providing the perfect tag line: Drinking Outside the Box.

Boozestorming is an opportunity for creative people to get together to solve problems or discuss topics. Think of it as Mad Men 2.0. Last week we met (first official meeting) and the topics ranged from Mel Gibson, Dealing with Crazy People, Insane Chicks, Fulton Mall, and Co-working. They process was not 100% refined, but it will get better. We even have a little structure now in how topics are discussed.

Topic

In the middle is the topic to be discussed. Easy enough.

Helpful Information

This section is used to list things that are known about the topic. Here you can also list resources that can help generate the best solution(s). Key facts or myths that exist.

Things to Try

What are some crazy (and not so crazy) solutions...specifically what are some behaviors that one can try? This part is important, because most solution require action. Lack of action generally lead to more of the same. Boo.

New Reality

Paint the picture. In this box folks should list what the situation looks like if solutions are implemented. How is the outcome better than the status quo? This will help sell the solution and generate greater buy-in.

Beverages Consumed

Is there a recipe for success that should me memorialized? Folks that participate can list the beverages consumed during the discussion of a particular topic. Same problem in the future? Pour me another glass of Maker's.

So important things to remember:

Please drink responsibly.
Revisit the solutions during a state of sobriety.
This is as much about getting to know others as it is about discussing issues. So make friends.

It was neat to see how many people left the Boozestorming session and friended or started following people they met at Boozestorming.

Connection were made.

Drink were shared.

Problems were solved.

Cheers!

Action Items:

Follow @boozestorming on Twitter

Join the Boozestorming Group on Facebook

Bookmark boozestorming.com

Submit a topic for discussion

Montage: what's your soundtrack?

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:39:00 +0000

My buddy, Mike Oz of the FresnoBeehive.com, recently shared his summer playlist and asked others to share their songs of the summer. The playlist Mike assembled is pretty dope. It's been my soundtrack at work for most of the week. I encourage you to check it out.

Not trying to intentionally ride the wave of Mike's theme, I was curious about music in another fashion. What is the one song you would select to play while a montage of your life was being viewed? A lot of the best movies have that one montage scene.

For example: Rocky III training montage is awesome.

I know that whenever I hear "Dream On" by Aerosmith, my mind immediately starts running through significant moments in which this song would fit. I can picture graduations, summiting peaks, climbing spires, landing on the spoil of a foreign country or just finishing a Rogue performance.

So, what say you? What is your personal montage song? I want to create a life's soundtrack playlist.

A Lengthy Post About Brevity

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:12:00 +0000

While sitting in a business meeting, the following line came to mind:

"People's credibility is always weakened with every generalized statement they make." It was funny, so I tweeted it.

I am currently reading "Stand Up: A Professional Guide to Comedy Magic" and in the text it talks about writing jokes and lines. The particular nugget I appreciated most was the focus on brevity. They explained that the best way to achieve brevity is to take a line you've written and start systematically removing words (while attempting to maintain the integrity of the original line).

The exercise:

People's credibility is always weakened with every generalized statement they make. (11 words)

Credibility is always weakened with every generalized statement. (8 words)

Generalized statements always weaken credibility. (5 words)

Stupid people generalize. (3 words)

Now the "line" may not carry the same comedic value (huge assumption that it possessed comedic value in the first place), but the message is relatively intact.

I bring this up because I spend most of my day--and at time a good portion of my evening--listening to entrepreneurs tell me about their idea. In my mind I call it the bitch of the pitch. It's a bitch, because it is sometimes agonizing and difficult to sit through for all parties involved. However, it is a necessary part of getting an idea out there.

Time is not a consideration for me. I do not hold to a one-minute elevator pitch or a thirty-second commercial. I do not want to turn their idea into a tag line or cheesy jingle. I want them to distill it down to the basics. Here is a three-step process I often use. It is a formula. Some of you (two of the three readers of my blog) will say that formulas do not work or stripping away too much of the narrative exposes too many holes in the mind of the listener. To that I say, "Give people some credit." You can still be creative and a skilled communicator without dumbing down your business idea.

The formula (warning: I like sets of three):

Behavior (what does your business allow me (the user) to do?)

Analytic (how do you know that what it is I'm doing is actually working?)

New Reality (what do I look like now that I've consumed the product or service?)

For example, I worked with an unnamed business, listened to the description of their business and together we distilled everything down to three *core elements:

Exchange [blank]

Track [blank]

Increase [blank]

*Core elements removed to maintain anonymity

This business has a service it is selling and it is pretty feature-rich. I do not need to discuss the feature/benefit argument. This is more about talking about your business in a manner that isn't full of secret sauce and jargon. In fact, this description does not even tell me how they do it. I really don't care. The customer and investor doesn't really care that much either. Not initially. Not in the first discussion. Let the other party ask, "how" or "tell me more" or "I don't believe you" or "sounds too good to be true" or "where to I sign up"...

Take a look at your website, your essay, your wedding vows, your screenplay. Take a look and try the brevity experiment. Try to overcome the bitch of the pitch and slim it down.

Feel free to rewrite my tweet?

People's credibility is always weakened with every generalized statement they make.

What's Next?

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:08:00 +0000

Next. When that is, who knows, but it's an interesting idea to think about what comes next in life. Sure, I have my ideas. And people often talk about God's plan or God's will. However, what about the value of the opinions of those from cyberspace? What if I genuinely sought the counsel of the internets?

Well, here is goes. Okay people, what's next?

Based on what you know of me and about me, I will take your input seriously and see what comes out of it. Other than the postings on my blog, here are some other tools to help you get to know Travis A. Sheridan:

Facebook Profile (gotta be my "friend" to view)

Twitter Feed

LinkedIn Profile

Smartagious Profile

BipolarityOfLife (old blog)

I'll even Google myself for you.

Here's what I'm looking for:

1) Where should I live?

2) What should somebody (or you) hire me to do?

3) With what type of people should I surround myself?

4) If advice consists of burn in hell, I recommend deeper analysis.

Invest Local: Just my thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:52:00 +0000

Today I attended the Fresno Region Jobs Initiative Annual Meeting. It was at such a meeting 5 or 6 years ago that I became highly motivated to get involved. Well, I left today's meeting motivated to share some thoughts about even greater involvement.

Warning: My words are typed during a major financial crisis, budget shortfall and likely layoffs.

Time to invest.

New York City recently announced the creation of a $22,000,000 venture fund to attract tech companies. It has already worked. Sorry, Jersey City. Why did it work? Because one of the biggest obstacles entrepreneurs face is access to capital.

Here is how the NY program is funded: NYC put in $3M and FirstMark Capital ponied up $19M. Not a bad place to start.

Sitting in today's meeting I sent @CityofFresno a tweet to try and test the waters. The response was accurate: we do not have the same resources at NYC, but we do care about local business.

The fact of the matter is this: Money is attractive.

My bar napkin proposal: $10M fund. City pledges $1M and outside Venture Capital firm allocates $9M.

This could actually work because in a big picture, the City is assuming very little share of the overall risk.

Scenario #1: Entrepreneur needs $500,000

First of all, the entrepreneur needs to raise 20% of the round through personal networks (self, family, friends, etc.) to show active "skin in the game." In this scenario that is $100,000. This is one step in unlocking the door to capital.

Second, for every dollar of "the fund" that is to be accessed, three dollars from outside the fund must come to the table. This can be in the form of other other VC or Angel groups. It is not uncommon for a round to be funded by more than one source...shared risk and collective expertise. In this scenario, this means that $300,000 is provided by an outside fund or investor (not family/friends/etc).

Finally, "the fund" would provide the remaining capital to finish out the round. In this case, $100,000 (remember, every dollar from "the fund" must be matched with $3 from the outside).

Given that the City originally contributed only 10% of the total fund, the City's share of the $100,000 investment is only $10,000. So, does it make since for the City to invest $10,000 to help deliver $500,000 to an early-stage business?

The Advanced Technology Development Center at Georgia Tech uses a similar 1 for 3 model. When I listened to them make a presentation at a conference a couple of years ago, they mentioned that the reality is that every $1 invested has attracted nearly $30 in outside investment.

I know the naysayer will claim that the City of Fresno should not be in the investment business. I get that, but I also challenge that. Every budget dollar is in a sense an investment. The money being spend for the development of a specific plan, is an investment. The City would have a voice as it relates to go or no-go on an investment. The good news is that the $1M would be invested very slowly.

One hundred $10,000 investments (using the math above) could represent $50,000,000 of total investment in early stage businesses. Jeeze, even if every business failed, the City spent $1M to get $50M spent in the community. That's a successful failure.

Share your thoughts? I'd really like to hear form elected officials, candidates and economic development professionals.

If we let Water, Energy and Technology companies know that there is money available, would they come.

Instead of asking if we have the resources or don't have the resources, let's ask a different question: In what ways can we make something like this work?

Glass Doors + Bejeweled Blitz = Humility

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:35:00 +0000

I have just earned my "dumbass badge" on Bejeweled Blitz.

Yesterday I finally realized that sandwiches at Deli Delicious were more than just hype, they are damn good. So today I decided to venture back for another #29 (Albacore Tuna, Sprouts, Avocado & Cream Cheese) and I took my trusty iPhone with me. While there is no indication on my Facebook page that I play Bejeweled Blitz almost non-stop, I now have approximately 45 witnesses who can confirm that I am memorized by the game.

After placing my order to go and waiting patiently for number 117 to be called, I played Bejeweled Blitz to pass the time. The lady called number 117 twice. It wasn't that I didn't hear her. I did. I was just finishing my game. Each blitz is only a minute long, so I figured I can be momentarily rude. Karma is a bitch. I finished my game, grabbed my sandwich, and was still fussing with my iPhone as I attempted to leave the shop. Glass door, clear day, full sandwich shop and me not paying attention. Walk right into the glass. Loud thud. People saw that I was staring at my phone.

I was "that guy." The guy we all see around town. Can't maneuver through the world because he has to check his phone. I try, try, try to not be that guy, but today I really was.

I promise to not be that guy any more.

Stomach is full.

Ego is bruised.

New high score achieved.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you while focusing on a stupid piece of technology?

Son, your ego is promising checks your alma mater can't cash

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:54:00 +0000

Ten million dollars was a lot to promise. I mean, it sounded really cool and made for a lot of excitement and press coverage.

At last count: $100,000 down, $9,900,000 to go.

I graduated from Madera High School nearly 20 years ago. I've worked hard, enjoy a satisfying level of personal (not financial) success, and would love to make a contribution to the ol' blue and white...one of these days. Not today.

But, what if I hold a press conference? I can afford that. I can even afford to make a 1% contribution to the overall goal. It will get the ball rolling, right? Lives will be changed. Energy and excitement will grow. Hell, I might get my high school antics pardoned (one can hope). Then I can disappear.

I first read of the broken promise to Fresno State thanks to a tweet from ABC 30. Looks like the $10,000,000 pledge from Alphonso Bigelow's company, Nykel Bam International (closest thing to a company site), isn't going to happen after all.

I would imagine the fund developers at CSUF probably tried to leverage Mr. Bigelow's pledge to generate additional dollars from other donors. That only makes sense. I am not casting blame on CSUF. I am just concerned that in the midst of a budget crunch, a philanthropist's promise provided a false sense of hope.

Share your thoughts situation.

Maybe we can write a song for Mr. Bigelow the same way Scott't Tots did.

Gottschalks: A department store reborn?

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:31:00 +0000

UPDATE: Retailing 2015: New frontiers is a good PDF from PricewaterhouseCoopers and TNS Retail Forward discussing key trends impacting the future of retail. The bigger issue is that brick-and-mortar retail is full of challenges.

I first read about the relaunching of Gottschalks via twitter...thanks, CBS 47. This could be interesting. The downfall of this once publicly traded company is still impacting the economy as many of the former Gottschalks employees are counted among the region's unemployed.

Can it come back? Conlan, local twitter stud, suggested relaunching in downtown Fresno. This seems like a good idea (on the surface). Here are my three reasons:

1) Public Relations

They have roots in downtown Fresno and can be seen as part of the revitalization effort. Spin control? Maybe. But I think it is also a good opportunity to lead by example.

2) Affordable

Plenty of good retail space available, incentives and a growing amount of foot traffic.

3) Urban Vibe

Well, if "It's a G Thing" didn't work, then maybe LL Cool J is available to do a little "Don't Call it a Comeback" this time around.

I really want to see this work. God knows we could use the jobs. I will follow with cautious curiosity.

What happens to the debts of the original BK?

How forgiving will the former customer be?

How much money will it take to build brand loyalty?

Is the past leadership the right leadership for this new venture?

Will they finally have an online presence?

Maybe Gottschalks is the "silver bullet" that will save downtown Fresno (I kid, I kid).

Buy Local (Talent): Marc Lutz

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:01:00 +0000

Are you freaking kidding me? We have a legit cartoonist right here in Fresno? I know there are people who are talented artists, but I love me some good cartooning. Marc Lutz, a reporter with The Business Journal, is a hidden gem of a cartoonist. I've gotten to know Marc through his role as a journalist. I think the ability to communicate ideas in the written form and through crafty illustrations is wicked cool.

Look, I know most of my readers are not in the market for cartoons. I get that. But the point of profiling Marc isn't to convince you to hire him to do caricatures at your kid's stinkin' birthday. My point is to highlight the fact that his talent exists. Do with it what you want, but recognize and appreciate.

Since I was a youngster, I've always appreciated the fact that a comic strip can communicate so much in just a few frames. I guess that is what I hope to do with the TalentLocal series. Hey Marc, will you illustrate some of these posts?

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Marc Lutz.

Who:

Marc Lutz -- journalist, master of ink, creator of Can Hed Comix and Unky Marco

What:

Marc's main service is cartooning — comic strips, illustrations, graphic design and just about anything else that falls under that inky umbrella. He's been a cartoonist for 30 years, having developed, written and drawn printed and Web comics. Marc's have drawn his most popular strip “Can Hed Comix” since the early ’90s, building a significant fan base around the world.

Marc also offers writing, be it humor, technical, marketing related, screenplays, stories and the like.

Oh, then there’s the animation. He creates Flash cartoons.

If that is not enough, Marc builds puppets, too, though he admits that he's relatively new to that craft (his latest build is an almost life-sized zombie named Bob).

How:

Marc labors to give people what they want and need. Having been in journalism (he does that too) for the past five years, Marc is able to take in all the information and churn out — in most cases — more than what the client thought possible. He also tries to challenge the people with whom he works to express their true selves and portray their product and/or service as they want the public to see it.

Why:

Marc has fresh eyes on this city. When he moved here just a short while ago, he was surprised to find such a large artistic community. In Marc's words, "Outside the borders of Fresno, you never hear about its thriving arts scene. I hope to become an integral part of that scene in every way possible to promote not just myself but all the talent that dwells here." I agree with Marc. The more the creative people, like Marc, can do here, the better it is for the community as a whole and for the people that commission them.

unkymarco.com

canhed.com

follow Marc on Twitter: @MarcLutz

find Marc on Facebook

TalentLocal Archive

Day 1: Ryan C. Jones, photographing genius

Day 2: Layne Lev, webtastically awesome

Day 3: Ryan Corrigan, entrepreneurial lawyer

Day 4: Kengi, Miles & Eric, 3Ding Dudes

Day 5: Brenda Carrasco, consumption engineer

Day 6: Robert Schultz, Techie McGeekerson

Day 7: Hank Delcore, design voyeur

Day 8: Bradley Fitzhenry, hey mister DJ

Day 9: Marc Lutz, inky & the brain

Buy Local (Talent): Bradley Fitzhenry

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:59:00 +0000

Redheads are all the rage recently (thanks to Conan). I thought I'd capitalize on the trending topic and highlight a smart and talented redhead from Fresno, Bradley Fitzhenry. The thing I appreciate about Bradley is his intensity and passion for his craft. From design to music to producing shows to saving Fresno from Fresno, Bradley has high standards and hold people accountable.

Bradley has helped a lot of companies with identity and branding over the past 18 years. I've had the opportunity to see him in action as he help organize and promote shows in town. The other thing to consider is that he is one hell of a nice guy. Sure, people may get bristly when working within Bradley's high standards, but they appreciate the results on the other end. Results are what matter to Bradley. Results often drive satisfaction. He knows a client is rarely dissatisfied when goals are reached.

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Bradley Fitzhenry.

Who:

Bradley Fitzhenry -- owner or Vortex Design and Marketing as well as proprietor of SonicFoundation.net

What:

Marketing, Graphic and Packaging Design, Public Relations through Vortex Design and Marketing, the company he is currently rebooting. He's done design work for the Tower Theater (season brochures, poster design, direct mail), Echo Restaurant (logo and identity design), Daily Planet Restaurant (logo design, advertising), Silva Designs (logo and identity design), Tower District Marketing Committee (street banners, advertising, poster design), TW Patterson Building (logo, identity system), just to name a few.

sonicfoundation.net is his music/event production baby.

How:

Bradley is a small business marketing specialist, with a deep understanding of the rigors of marketing unusual unique products/services in a competitive marketplace with an eye to the bottom line. Specific experience in event, arts, specialty food, specialty print arenas employing strategies via traditional, guerrilla and social media marketing channels. Oh, and he's a pretty good house music DJ who has played all over the US.

Why:

Bradley has a successful track record of taking $1million companies to $5million, and $5million to $10million. He thinks that's a pretty good reason (and I would agree). And because he is smart, fun, conscientious, hard-working fresno-native with a penchant for quality.

sonicfoundation.net

vortexbradley@gmail.com

bradley@sonicfoundation.net

follow Bradley on Twitter: @SonicFoundation

join Bradley on Facebook

TalentLocal Archive

Day 1: Ryan C. Jones, photographing genius

Day 2: Layne Lev, webtastically awesome

Day 3: Ryan Corrigan, entrepreneurial lawyer

Day 4: Kengi, Miles & Eric, 3Ding Dudes

Day 5: Brenda Carrasco, consumption engineer

Day 6: Robert Schultz, Techie McGeekerson

Day 7: Hank Delcore, design voyeur

Day 8: Bradley Fitzhenry, hey mister DJ

Day 9: Marc Lutz, inky & the brain

Buy Local (Talent): Hank Delcore

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:07:00 +0000

Look at your iPhone. Look at your TV remote. Look at how you take out the trash, wash your clothes, or fold your shirts. Look at how you sit when you read versus how you sit when watching a sporting event versus how you sit when eating dinner. Ever watch that much stuff? Hank does. He is s professional voyeur. Hank specializes in Design Anthropology. Ya, you may think that he should be trekking through the jungle to see how apes pick lice off their babies (not at all what he does, btw), but Hank would rather concern himself with your grooming habits and how you use specific products.

I met Hank about a year ago (maybe longer) and was instantly impressed. He helps lead a team at Fresno State, the Institute of Public Anthropology. In that role (along with his teaching), he helps designers and entrepreneurs understand how the market actually using products and services to meet their needs...even if the market creates a secondary use for a product (do you hear me Twitter?).

Here is why you call Hank. You want to take a product to market. In your brilliance, you designed it so that you will like it. You hire an engineer to materialize you dream. Now back up and engage Hank in the very beginning. You are not your customer.

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Hank Delcore.

Who:

Hank Delcore -- Professor of Anthropology at Fresno State and Director of the Institute of Public Anthropology on campus. Also a user experience/usability professional.

What:

Hank's specialty is using strategic information about human behavior to improve the user experience and usability of products and services. Much of what he does falls under the heading of product design. However, his specific approach is participatory design, which means Hank treats users of products and services as co-designers. The idea is: if you want to field a product, and you want it to make it in the market, you should consult its users during the design process. A product designed in collaboration with users will better meet their needs and desires, deliver a rich user experience, and more likely out-do the competition.

How:

As far as I know, Hank is the only user experience professional in town focused on translating data about human behavior into design insights for products and services. Other organizations are doing some great market research, but no one is focused on the front-end: product design from earliest inception to the point of being market ready. Hank leverages over twenty years of his own experience, plus resources from the knowledge base at the university (colleagues and students) to make products ready for success.

Why:

If we’re going to have a vibrant local economy, locally-based businesses need to excel at delivering the best user experience to their customers at the best value. If you have a new product or you want to keep ahead of the competition by improving an existing one, Hank can help.

hdelcore@csufresno.edu

theanthroguys.com

follow Hank on Twiter: @anthroguy

TalentLocal Archive
Day 1: Ryan C. Jones, photographing genius
Day 2: Layne Lev, webtastically awesome
Day 3: Ryan Corrigan, entrepreneurial lawyer
Day 4: Kengi, Miles & Eric, 3Ding Dudes
Day 5: Brenda Carrasco, consumption engineer
Day 6: Robert Schultz, Techie McGeekerson
Day 7: Hank Delcore, design voyeur
Day 8: Bradley Fitzhenry, hey mister DJ
Day 9: Marc Lutz, inky & the brain

Buy Local (Talent): Robert Schultz

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:49:00 +0000

I know Robert looks pretty intense in this picture, but that's because he is am intensely talented geek. By day he pounds away developing and writing code. By night he still pounds away on code, but makes time to take in as much music as possible and enjoying the view from his fabulous downtown loft.

Robert is very active in the local tech world and he helps to actively build and organize the talent we have available. He one of those smart guys who might be intimidating to some, but he is very approachable. Almost every day I hear people say that they cannot find programmers in the area. My answer to them is, "look no further."

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Robert Schultz.

Who:

Robert Schultz -- Senior Developer for ShoWare an online ticketing solution based in Fresno, California

What:

Robert specializes in Microsoft related software technologies, web-based development, brand development through software, changing the world through code.

How:

Robert has the ability to identify trending technologies and to adapt to the software world as it evolves.

Why:

Born and raised in Fresno, Robert has lived here for approximately 20 years of his life. Despite moving to the bay area for a while, he has always called Fresno his home. There is a huge untapped market within Fresno for software startups and with the help from some creative professionals, Robert thinks we can put Fresno on the map (add this to the list, Mike Oz).

robertschultz.org

follow Robert on Twitter: @robertschultz

find Robert on Facebook

Beehive Birthday Bash V - A Magical Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:25:00 +0000

So on Saturday, January 9, 2010, I had the privilege of being one of the acts for the Beehive Birthday Bash held at Full Circle Brewery. This was the largest crowd in front of which I have ever performed magic. My estimation was somewhere in the neighborhood of 150 to 200 people (granted many of theme were waiting in long lines for booze). I put together a set that played into the carnival theme of the night. I had to, I follow a guy named Scurvy who ate fire and set his areolae ablaze.

I've included video clips from some of my routines. The room was very loud so the audio may be difficult to hear, but I assure it was one hell of an experience.

Fire Eating (booze + fire = fun)

*technical difficulties with the damn candle

Guess the Emotion (oooh my psychic powers)

Wooden Penetration (that's really what it's called)

Crucifixion (went a little far with this one)

Thanks to all my volunteers: Conlan (not shown, but very important), Josh, Chloe, Kimburly, Jay & Marty (I may have messed up on that last name).

It was also great to meet a lot of new people, be "exposed" to some classy talent and drink some really good beer.

BTW, if you didn't see the prize list, check it out. I beat Mike Oz in an epic battle of Paper, Rock, Scissors. The community really stepped up for this one.

Had a great time. The Fresno Beehive knows how to rock it!!!

Buy Local (Talent): Brenda Carrasco

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:10:00 +0000

Brenda cares about consumption. Brenda cares about a person's passions. Brenda cares about maximizing time and minimizing waste. There are a lot of consultants out there who try to roll out new models for the sake of proving how cool and different they are. Through her works as owner of Doctored Designs, Brenda Carrasco creates and sources tools that will have a true impact on the people with whom she works.

Probably one of the most fun people with whom to share a whiteboard, Brenda is the master of using stick figures and basic shapes to communicate a complex idea. She sees patterns very quickly and this talent makes her good at her craft. If you ever wonder about your identity or purpose, spend an afternoon with BC and she'll help ya see that the patterns of your life (especially passions that have existed from early childhood) can be drivers for happiness and fulfillment today. The doctor will see you now.

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Brenda Carrasco.

Who:

Brenda Carrasco, identity specialist and owner of Doctored Designs

What:

Doctored Designs specializes in the development and communication of personal identities. Brenda offers tools and coaching to help people strengthen and show their identity in a career, home, or social setting.

How:

Unlike traditional career development or life coaching, Doctored Designs offers a complete system that includes all things identity. As an identity/career developer, Brenda Carrasco, will inventory a person's entire life and then design a customized action plan around the professional and personal desires of each individual. Doctored Designs services include a summary of a person's identity, comparison studies of other people with similar strengths, and a plan for short and long term change designed to help you align your true self with what you do, say, and buy.

Why:

During these tough economic times, many Fresnans are going through a difficult life or career transition where the new path is not clearly defined. Having to find a new career and redefine oneself can be a stressful life change. Brenda specializes in helping people define their path so they can move forward into the next stage of life with enthusiasm and support. She helps people fill up their time schedule with the things they love and find more meaningful, ultimately creating greater fulfillment in all areas of life.

doctoreddesigns.com

559.869.8659

follow Brenda on Twitter: @DoctoredDesigns

Buy Local (Talent): Kengi, Miles & Eric

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:29:00 +0000

Today it's a trifecta of coolness...a threesome with swagger. The fellas at Spline Motion Studios are funny, talented and appropriately geeky. What is better than working with 3D masters who enjoy a good beer, watch cartoons and refuse to tuck in their shirts?

From 3D renderings to crazy animation to interactive websites, Kengi, Miles and Eric can make your dreams a (virtual) reality. They are currently looking to break into the feature animation department. Spline Motion can be Fresno's very own Pixar. I'm sure the guys would enjoy that. So stop sending your 3D work to India and Canada, and give these guys a holla.

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Kengi, Miles & Eric.

Who:

Kengi Her, Miles Wilhelm, Eric Spikes - Partners, Spline Motion Studios

What:

3D Animation, Interactive Web Apps, Product Visuals

How:

These guys visualize what can’t be seen, hasn’t been created or you wish existed.

Why:

Kengi fought hard to come to Fresno from Laos, Eric left Hawaii for Fresno and Miles has no place else to go. But they all have faith in this city. While most other animation studios are in the big cities getting lost in the mix, Spline Motion is rocking downtown Fresno trying to make a big noise and having fun while doing it.

splinemotionstudios.com

559.486.1691

follow Spline Motion on Twitter: @splinemotion

Buy Local (Talent): Ryan Corrigan

noreply@blogger.com (Travis Sheridan) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:48:00 +0000

Take out your phone and put Ryan's number in your list of contacts. Then get back to generating innovative ideas that need legal protection. I've known Ryan professionally since he was practicing at a big ol' firm. He worked with so many entrepreneur that he was inspired to abandon the comfort and security provided by working for someone else. So he's out on his own with his name on the shingle at the Corrigan Law Group.

Ryan's approach is that of a trusted advisor and consultant. He does not keep an hourglass on his desk when you meet with him. I value his wisdom, passion and authenticity. I also value his dedication to the community of entrepreneurs.

TalentLocal

Below is more information about Ryan Corrigan.

Who:

Ryan Corrigan -- Entrepreneurial business lawyer with law practice focused on helping startups and growing businesses navigate through business, corporate, trademark/copyright, securities, licensing and Internet legal issues.

What:

Legal advice on starting a venture
Corporate and LLC formation
Corporate/LLC internal documents – shareholders/buy-sell agreement, operating agreement, bylaws, minutes/consents
Intellectual Property – federal, state and international trademark protection; copyright registration; nondisclosure agreements; licensing agreements
Internet law – e-commerce transactions, domain name disputes, website legal documents, online privacy issues, online copyright issues
Business transactions/contracts – licensing, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, independent contractor, employment, stock purchase/sale, asset purchase/sale; acquisitions; agreements with investors; state/federal securities law exemptions (when issuing stock/taking money from investors)

How:

Ryan uses technology to make the practice of law as efficient as possible, enabling him to deliver high quality legal services / work product to clients in a more cost-effective way than traditional brick-and-mortar law firms can. He can work virtually, out of his home office, as does the support staff. Ryan meets clients at their office, at a nearby coffee house or at the conference rooms at CargoBay/OfficeBay. Also, as much as possible Ryan works on a fixed-fee or project-based billing basis, rather than the traditional time-based billable hour model. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, Ryan understands the value of a dollar and a business’s need to stay within budget.

Why:

You don’t need to go to the Bay Area or LA to get these services.

corriganlawgroup.com

559.326.7919