Want to know how we are going to kick start our economy? Follow successful entrepreneur and Miami Beach resident, Sherwood (Woodie) Neiss and you’ll see.
Woodie is another one of those “Type-A, I can do anything I put my mind to†personalities. He is an ambitious entrepreneur who just won Miami’s “Startup Weekend†with an idea to use smartphones for instant polling. He was also in the June, 2006 INC cover story “From the Heart†where he helped start and grow a 3-time, INC 500 company that solved the problem of getting kids to take yucky tasting medicines. (He successfully exited from that company in 2007).
According to Neiss, the traditional means of startup and growth capital are no longer available to entrepreneurs. “This capital is critical for startups and small businesses to grow and hire Americans,†he says. While government is focused on trying to fix the current system, he thinks the solution goes back to our roots. Roots? Yes indeed, but not the kind you find on vegetables.
“You see,†says Neiss, “when our Nation was born there weren’t big corporations, large banks or even private equity & venture capital. For example, there were businesses like the blacksmith and his customers who needed tools. Customers purchased his products, which paid for his employees and helped fund his growth.  And they were his neighbors. Only today do we identify a problem; then come up with a solution (aka product) and think, “ok now let’s find some Venture Capital.†Continue reading
