Avanti, Avanti, Sempre Avanti Max Effgen, April 9, 2025 The Italian phrase “Avanti, avanti, sempre avanti”—translated as “Forward, forward, always forward”—is a rhythmic, resolute declaration that carries the weight of history, culture, and human spirit. It’s a mantra that echoes through Italy’s past and present, a call to action rooted in resilience and optimism. To an outsider, it might… Continue Reading
Conquering Heroes Max Effgen, January 11, 2024January 11, 2024 Congratulations to the 2023 Michigan Wolverines! This season has been tremendous. Really happy I had a chance to see a game at the Big House and the Rose Bowl this season. This victory was a true team effort. It starts at the top. Coach Harbaugh embodies the Michigan Man (See… Continue Reading
Improve your outreach Max Effgen, September 14, 2023September 14, 2023 Startup Outreach Slap an “angel investor” tag on your LinkedIn profile and watch the unsolicited outreach from startups of all sizes and industries fill your Inbox. I do love the hustle and the willingness to “cold call.” All positive signs are that these startups may get some traction for some… Continue Reading
Innovation into start-ups Max Effgen, April 11, 2017 Foster’s Buerk Center translates students’ Innovation into start-ups from Foster School of Business on Vimeo. Truly a privilege to be asked to tell a little bit about my story. Foster School of Business at University of Washington was a great experience. Continue Reading
What is a Michigan Man? Max Effgen, November 26, 2016 What is a Michigan Man? I learned a little about that unexpectedly from the man himself, Bo Schembechler almost 25 years ago. I was in my sophomore year and in need of a hair cut. My barber at the time was Jerry Erickson at the Coach and 4 Barber Shop…. Continue Reading
Ignite Seattle 23, Fixing the World’s Biggest Machine Max Effgen, February 20, 2014September 5, 2014 http://www.flickr.com/photos/morgenschuler/12653082165/in/pool-ignite/ Last week, I had an amazing opportunity to talk about the World’s Biggest Machine and how to fix it. These great pictures by Morgen Schuler Photography are a bonus. Continue Reading
WSJ: Arthur Laffer: Tax Internet Sales, Stimulate Growth Max Effgen, April 20, 2013September 5, 2014 Comment on Dr. Laffer’s recent Wall Street Journal opinion piece on taxing internet sales. Sales taxes are legally due for in-state transactions. The online retailer (e.g., Amazon, etc.) does not have the obligation to collect these taxes due to the Internet Tax Freedom Act (ITFA), enacted in 1998 and extended… Continue Reading
If you are going to Istanbul and need a rug guy… Max Effgen, January 24, 2013September 5, 2014 A friend of mine will soon be traveling to Istanbul. The mention of travel immediately took me back to my visit there now over a decade ago. Amazing city. The sights, the smells, the history. I developed an appreciation for oriental carpets during an earlier trip to Morocco. I ended… Continue Reading
No Hall of Fame call for Edgar Max Effgen, January 10, 2013September 5, 2014 Edgar’s final at bat Edgar Martinez was overlooked by the Baseball Writers of America again yesterday. Total shame. The DH rule has been in place for 40 years this season. Ironically, the rule is older than the Mariners. The statistics are real and even more impressive given the steroid fueled… Continue Reading
The next challenge Max Effgen, October 24, 2012September 5, 2014 I am on to my next startup challenge and I could not be more excited. We are heads down at the moment, but received some nice press today in Seattle’s Geekwire. GeekWire: Stealthy energy startup SuperCritical Technologies Continue Reading