Dijon, the mustard Max Effgen, September 28, 2011 I turned the bottle of Grey Poupon around and saw that there was sugar in the list of ingredients. It did not seem right. That cannot be right. This was mustard. Dijon. I started doing some research. This was 6 months ago. Turns out that Dijon mustard has been regulated… Continue Reading
So long Coach Perry Max Effgen, September 12, 2011December 2, 2013 My thoughts and prayers today are with my old high school coach, Dave Perry, and his family. He passed away yesterday after fighting complications from prostate cancer. He was a coaching legend at Fenwick High School with 17 Water Polo and 3 Swimming State Championships in Illinois on his resume…. Continue Reading
Unplug Max Effgen, September 5, 2011December 2, 2013 This summer I have come to appreciate the power of being unplugged. Just a few days here and there have made a big difference in my mental outlook. Being fortunate to visit some amazing places does not hurt either… Continue Reading
The power of imagination Max Effgen, August 20, 2011 My son recently provided this gem while playing with Lego: “I followed the instructions of my imagination.” It reminded me that I need to follow those instructions a little more often myself. Continue Reading
Questions Max Effgen, July 31, 2011 Consultants are trained to ask questions. Some good, most are bad and total waste of time and energy. This has the effect of making clients feel like you are wasting their time. I like to keep it direct and too the point. Inital client engagements are a success if I… Continue Reading
Bumblebee Max Effgen, June 27, 2011 Very excited to be working with the Brian Otis, Ken Myer, Henry Berg and Mike Clarke on the Bumblebee wireless sensor this summer. Apparently, you have to have 10 letters or less in your name to work on this project. Kidding aside, this is a very slick processor with some… Continue Reading
Aqua Sphere Goggles Max Effgen, June 5, 2011December 2, 2013 I have been in the pool most of my life. Competitive swimming started at 8 and I still occasionally do an open water race or Masters meet. Taking a page from Parenting Young Athletes the Ripken Way: Ensuring the Best Experience for Your Kids in Any Sport by Cal Ripken… Continue Reading
How to Look Smarter than Your Lawyer and VC Max Effgen, June 1, 2011 Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson’s book Venture Financings: How to Look Smarter than Your Lawyer and VC is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. I am looking forward to it having taking a venture financing class as part of my MBA this year. The more you know about venture financing,… Continue Reading
How to Brand You Max Effgen, May 31, 2011 Received an interesting email yesterday. One of my “mentees” from the UW SEBA mentor program asked me a question. He is a super sharp doctoral candidate and taking in internship with the World Bank this summer. He is anxious about how he will fit in a large office of a… Continue Reading
Greg Gottesman at RSVC2 Max Effgen, May 15, 2011 Start-Up Culture by VC Greg Gottesman from Foster School of Business on Vimeo. Last month Greg Gottesman accepted my invitation and spoke at Rock Star Venture Capitalist #2. He did an awesome job going through 13 characteristics of great companies as he has observed through his many years in the… Continue Reading