Introducing…
…. Our newest friends, business gurus, and Next Fun (Ad)Venture partners…
Maverick #204 Ron Novak
Maverick #205 TJ Oosterkamp
Maverick #207 Joe Mechlinski
Maverick #208 Hethir Rodriguez
Maverick #209 Andrew Pototschnik
Ron Novak, Maverick1000 Member #204 – Arlington, Virginia
“I think I am good fit for this group because I tend to be a “helper” and “connector” in my own right.“
Welcome Ron! What businesses do you operate?
Segue Technologies, Inc. We help organizations automate complex business processes into easy to use web and mobile-based applications that provide value.
Why did you become a member of Maverick1000 and why are you a good fit for the group?
I joined Maverick1000 after attending the 3X multiplier trip in Las Vegas. I was thoroughly impressed with the other Mavericks, the speakers, the format, the fun and the group’s willingness to help each other. I think I am good fit for this group because I tend to be a “helper” and “connector” in my own right. I get just as excited when two people I have connected work together as I do when I close my own deals. I also am a little crazy which seems to match the DNA of the other Mavericks I met.
Super Hero Skills?
Identifying and Recommending simple ways to mitigate complex problems.
What top things would you like to gain / learn / do with other Mavericks, and what unique value do you bring to the group?
Although I own an IT company, my expertise is really in services-based application development. I would really like to learn more about internet marketing, product development, and new ways to create revenue streams online.
Unique value? I think I bring a strong technical understanding of web and mobile application technologies coupled with a unique perspective of working with the Federal Government (which other Mavericks might not have).
What is the most “Maverick” thing you have ever done?
Acquired a million dollar company with less than $10K in my bank account and no real assets to speak of.
What interests, activities or hobbies do you enjoy?
- Playing sports
- Watching sports
- Preparing for sports (particularly volleyball, football, weight-lifting) ….S0….do you like sports?
What are the Top adventures/things on your Big Life List?
- Go on a Safari
- Live in Switzerland
- Go to the World Cup
What’s the most significant / important contribution you’ve made to a community or nonprofit organization?
I delivered two mobile apps free of charge to the community that have helped people and animals in different ways. The first app is the Arlington National Cemetery Grave Locator which allows people to easily locate the gravesites and view images of friends and family of those buried there. It can be quite difficult to find markers at ANC since it is so large and this app makes it easier. The other app was developed for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. It allows people to view pets that are currently up for adoption and makes it very easy for people to donate to the cause.
Which books, authors or programs have been a powerful influence in your business and life?
From a business stand-point, Marcus Sheridan and Jay Baer are probably the most influential authors/speakers for me over the last two years. The content marketing we have developed as a company working with Marcus has significantly increased our web traffic, leads, and conversions in the last six months alone.
Ron Novak
Executive Vice President of Segue Technologies
ron.novak@seguetech.com
TJ Oosterkamp, Maverick1000 Member #205 – Utrecht, Netherlands Area
“I am good at asking piercing questions and confronting bullshit.”
Welcome TJ! What businesses do you operate?
I am the CEO at Fridays Off!® . We are training and coaching entrepreneurs to free up massive amounts of time. Right now we are focused on Europe but plan on going global in 2014.
Why did you become a member of Maverick1000 and why are you a good fit for the group?
1. Combining business building, networking + doing good
2. I’m always looking for interesting conversations with interesting people
3. I love the contribute + leave your ego at the door + informal atmosphere
Super Hero Skills?
I am good at asking piercing questions and confronting bullshit. I also simplify complex theories and make ‘m practical. I am quite good at public speaking.
What top things would you like to gain / learn / do with other Mavericks, and what unique value do you bring to the group?
I’d like to move to the next level – in my previous mastermind groups I was too big a fish in the pond. With that said, I am looking forward to being challenged! My unique ability is that I work very well in mastermind/roundtable situations.
What is the most “Maverick” thing you have ever done?
I wrote comedy for national television. Awesome TJ!
What interests, activities or hobbies do you enjoy?
- Reading
- Singing – jazz
- Playing chess
- Modern dance
- Photography
What are the Top adventures/things on your Big Life List?
- Heli-skiing
- Being part of discussing megalomaniac plans and ideas
- Catamaran sailing in the Caribbean
What’s the most significant / important contribution you’ve made to a community or nonprofit organization?
Taking a plane to NYC to train people at an NGO that is working towards solving poverty by teaching people how to work more effectively.
Which books, authors or programs have been a powerful influence in your business and life?
- Robert Middleton – put me on track with service marketing
- Perry Marshall – helped me with all kinds of marketing and business ideas, advice and wisdom
- David Allen – I taught Getting Things Done to thousands of people, once it changed my life
- Tim Ferriss – The 4-Hour Workweek, awesome inspiration to let go and rethink stuff
- Eli Goldratt – It’s Not Luck and many other books, he keeps me thinking things through
- Eric Berne – Games People Play gave me words for the way people hurt others by manipulating them
- Gary Taubs – Good Calories, Bad Calories taught me a lot about food and how science doesn’t work
- David Deida – Intimate Communion – interesting thoughts about femininity and masculinity
- Jeffrey Sachs – The End of Poverty gave me hope instead of a lingering cynicism
TJ Oosterkamp
CEO of Fridaysoff.net
TJ@fridaysoff.net
Joe Mechlinski, Maverick1000 Member #207 – Baltimore, Maryland
“I want to learn MORE, grow MORE and make MORE of a difference in the world.“
Welcome Joe! What businesses do you operate?
I am the CEO and Co-Founder of entrequest. Since 2001, entreQuest (eQ) has been in the business of helping small to mid-sized organizations grow. After working with more than 400 companies, we have proven our expertise in business GROWTH, sales STRATEGY, SALES management, TALENT acquisition, CHANGE management, and CULTURAL development.
Our philosophy is simple: we prove company growth begins with talent acquisition. Talent acquisition goes beyond recruiting good talent. It involves helping business leaders understand and tell their story in order to attract the right talent. Through our proprietary screening, hiring, and on-boarding system, entreQuest eases the hiring process for small to mid-sized businesses and helps them acquire the type of talent necessary for sustainable growth.
We wrote the book on business growth—literally. Our New York Times best selling book, Grow Regardless, defines strategic growth, talent management, change management, and organizational development—four key factors in retaining employees and building a successful organization.
In everything we do, we hold true to our four values: keep our word, grow regardless, have a relentless passion for what we do, and provide our employees and clients with a remarkable experience at each interaction.
Why did you become a member of Maverick1000 and why are you a good fit for the group?
I want to learn MORE, grow MORE and make MORE of a difference in the world. I have a tendency to find networks and communities that are aligned with my values and I was instantly impressed with the Maverick model. I truly believe you are whom you surround with and community is everything to me. I can’t wait to find and be a part of ways to help the Maverick community move forward, expand and find greater ways to contribute.
Super Hero Skills?
Grit. I don’t know how to quit.
What top things would you like to gain / learn / do with other Mavericks, and what unique value do you bring to the group?
I want to learn from people from diverse backgrounds about their journey and struggle. I want to gain insight to being a better human being. I want to make a difference with this group that has global impact.
Unique value? The value I bring to the group is my vision, my heart and my energy.
What is the most “Maverick” thing you have ever done?
My very first camping experience was climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa in 2005.
What interests, activities or hobbies do you enjoy?
I am fortunate enough to call my “work” a hobby. I am an avid reader, namely business books. I also live for the weekends and being able to make fun memories with my two young kids.
What are the Top adventures/things on your Big Life List?
- Witness the change in our educational system’s results for our young people at risk, at promise – 100% graduation for high school students in Baltimore 1stand then for the rest of the country.
- Watch 1000 entrepreneurs and small businesses in this country truly take the lead in setting the example and standard for growth, leadership and contribution.
- Share the blessings and love in my family by adopting a child in need
What’s the most significant / important contribution you’ve made to a community or nonprofit organization?
When entreQuest was incorporated in 2001, I started a non-profit organization with three other local leaders called the b4students Foundation. Operating simultaneously within the same walls as entreQuest, b4students existed as a mentoring foundation for the corporate community of Baltimore, Maryland to invest in the educational development of local high school students. Companies throughout the city would volunteer their team members to teach imperative skills of leadership, professionalism and self-value through in-school programs and extracurricular activities to those who needed the support most. In 2007, b4students was acquired by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Chesapeake and continues to offer businesses as way to contribute to the futures of young adults throughout Maryland.
Joe Mechlinski
CEO and Co-Founder of entreQuest
jmechlinski@entrequest.com
Hethir Rodriguez, Maverick1000 Member #208 – Ojai, California
“I can take a really big idea and break it down into small, easy to digest steps.“
Welcome Hethir! What businesses do you operate?
I am the President & Founder, Natural Fertility Info.com, a website that helps people who are trying to get pregnant in a natural and healthy way. I started my business six years ago and allowed it to grow organically on purpose, just to make sure I kept my lifestyle in tact. My husband Jason and I make a good time – he manages operations and I oversee the creative. With 450,000 hits a month, Natural Fertility Info.com is growing fast! We have all sorts of information that pertains to fertility as well as pages and pages of customer testimonials.
Why did you become a member of Maverick1000 and why are you a good fit for the group?
I have been following Yanik for five years! I built my business by buying DVD’s that he and other successful entrepreneurs recommended. I watched Yanik’s yearly Underground seminars and listened to other online gurus until finally, I was able to start building my own company. One thing I did not anticipate was how isolating it is to be an online entrepreneur. I am looking forward to meeting other Mavericks who are in the same position. Also, I am looking for new and unique opportunities to make an impact.
Super Hero Skills?
I can take a really big idea and break it down into small, easy to digest steps. What I really want is to be able to touch something and then go back in time to learn about the people and culture that was in existence when that object was made. Oh, and I make a killer smoothie!
What top things would you like to gain / learn / do with other Mavericks, and what unique value do you bring to the group?
I hope to gain many new friends who are passionate and driven. I am looking forward to gaining and sharing wisdom with other members. I also would like input on how to start and run multiple businesses at once. My unique value is that I am very passionate and excited about natural health, which is something I know a lot about!
What is the most “Maverick” thing you have ever done?
I went on a 10 day Vipassana silent retreat, where I meditated for ten hours a day. It was very hard but also incredibly rewarding.
What interests, activities or hobbies do you enjoy?
- I enjoy watercolor painting
- Learning the fiddle
- Golf
- Archery
- Travel
- Eating at divine restaurants
- Hiking
- New adventures
- Watching football
What are the Top adventures/things on your Big Life List?
- Go on a “City Slickers” style camping horse trip
- Have an Amazon Experience – research all of the herbs
- Do what Forest Gump did – have a walking adventure
What’s the most significant / important contribution you’ve made to a community or nonprofit organization?
I currently have 26 children that I sponsor in various countries – India, Ecuador, Philippines, Guatemala and Honduras.
Which books, authors or programs have been a powerful influence in your business and life?
- The Four Hour Work Week, Timothy Ferriss
- Science of Getting Rich, Wallace D. Wattles
- 10 Vipassana Retreat
Hethir Rodriguez
President & Founder of Natural Fertility hethirrodriguez@gmail.com
Andrew Pototschnik, Maverick1000 Member #209 – Miami Beach, Florida
“I want to have unique, twice in a lifetime experiences where I bond with new life-long friends.“
Welcome Andrew! What businesses do you operate?
My main business is Lawn Care Marketing Expert. We are the leader in done-4-you online marketing services in the Green Industry (Lawn Care & Landscaping). Local SEO, PPC, Email Marketing, Social, etc… In 2014 we are expanding into training products and coaching.
I am also working on a passion project focused on Personal Development, Mindset training and lifestyle entrepreneurship. How to create a fulfilled life… getting that balance just right between ourselves, our relationships and our businesses. When the balance is right we have “the lifestyle”.
Why did you become a member of Maverick1000 and why are you a good fit for the group?
Relationships. I live in Miami Beach. I love living here, but it is not the best place for marketers and entrepreneurs. I am passionate about surrounding myself with people smarter and more successful than I am and contributing my knowledge at the same time. It is easy to get stuck working alone in the cold dark cave of entrepreneurship.
I am very competitive and a lot of fun. Creative thinking in marketing is also one of my strong suits.
Super Hero Skills?
I can bench press at least 150 pounds. I am funny (looking) and I am creative.
What top things would you like to gain / learn / do with other Mavericks, and what unique value do you bring to the group?
I want to have unique, twice in a lifetime experiences where I bond with new life-long friends. I hope to learn how to be a better entrepreneur and a better person while contributing caring support and creative ideas.
What is the most “Maverick” thing you have ever done?
Jeeez. I wouldn’t call it Maverick really. But honestly my first solo trip out of the United States I traveled all around Thailand alone for a month. I guess it was Maverick because it changed my entire perspective on the world and the life I wanted to lead. That trip transformed my relationships and business forever.
Getting my solo pilots license and flying around South Florida and the Keys was pretty awesome too…
What interests, activities or hobbies do you enjoy?
- Jogging on the beach
- Paddle boarding
- Surfing (badly)
- Music (mostly electronic)
- Art (all)
- Film
- Technology
- Travelling
- Hiking
- Snow boarding
- Playing basketball
- Shooting guns
- Spooning
What are the Top adventures/things on your Big Life List?
- Grow my business
- Become a better human being
- Be inspired by and inspire others
- Wreck a motorcycle at high speed on a closed race course wearing a racing suit (so long as it is captured on video and I don’t tumble or crash into any walls. Only sliding).
What’s the most significant / important contribution you’ve made to a community or nonprofit organization?
My previous IT consulting company we donated our old equipment and clients equipment to local Miami community. This is an area I really want to be more active. I am really interested in teaching young underprivileged kids in Miami how to be entrepreneurs. There is a real need here.
Which books, authors or programs have been a powerful influence in your business and life?
- Dan Kennedy
- Jay Abraham
- Dr. Cialdini
Andrew Pototschnik
Founder and Owner of Lawn Care Marketing Expert
andrew@lawncaremarketingexpert.com
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