Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Grace.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I always thought growing up that there was something magical about technology. Later I learned that innovation is part of what creates my passion for technology. I saved every dollar for my first computer in the “gig-economy” before it was considered trendy or Harvard Business Review material. Mowing yards, installing network cable for businesses, bussing tables and helping teachers do technical support. Once I had access to a personal computer, my imagination and desire to learn flourished.
I became a tech entrepreneur at age sixteen. The gigs gave me the confidence to know that more growth was possible. I learned programming, graphic design, cybersecurity, and network technologies. A group of software engineers and I formed a business to create what was then a competitor to SAP and Salesforce today from a software product perspective.
By eighteen, I knew there was a lot more to an “organization.” I believed then, and still, believe that organizational excellence is something that many businesses do not execute well. I think of this simply as creating an environment that takes care of people and nurtures the right business activities. All of these early experiences became a vital part of my DNA as a leader.
Since then, I have been a part of hundreds of acquisitions, several personal company exits and a lot of learning. I live by the personal motto, “Ancora Imparo.” From Latin, this translates to “Yet, I am still learning.” This was written in margins of a journal owned by Michelangelo. To me this represents living with a heart of humility, and that there is no end state. In life, you are never “there,” because there’s always something new to learn. This is something I hope to pass on to my two daughters Shelby and Avia. Speaking of learning, I would not be where I am today without my incredible wife, Liz. She has taught me a lot, including the joy of family. Work will always be there. When you learn to appreciate the simple happiness of family, it amplifies even your professional life.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m not sure that it has been a road. A road would imply some pre-defined path or some form of definiteness. In W. H. Murray’s “The Scottish Himalayan Expedition,” Murray notes, “Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.”
Murray wrote this in reference to an expedition in the Himalayas. One which he had a scant likelihood of accomplishing. In this way, my road has been much like an expedition. The expedition is an ongoing exercise in exploring uncharted territory. There have been many hardships, challenges, disappointments, but not without joy and the constant of commitment.
It turns out that having success at a young age creates interesting challenges. One story that I can now look back on and laugh about is just how foreign what I was doing was to my family. At one point, after early sales of software, my family believed that the only way a kid can make that kind of money at that age was selling drugs. Both technology and entrepreneurship were unknown territories for them. Years later, after watching the mass consumption of technology and the physiological needs driving it, turns out, they weren’t that far off in their conclusion.
Lack of support, encouragement, and understanding were roadblocks that added to the challenge of doing something new. It wasn’t only from family – there were skeptics and critics at every turn. The key is to understand that if you always let majority rule, you will not travel very far. Fear of the unknown, false perceptions and snap judgments are often to blame for negative attitudes toward entrepreneurs. It’s important to frame the negativity in a way that fuels your forward momentum. Easier said than done at times, but character building and a key to success.
To say that you have your blood, sweat, and tears wrapped into a new venture is an understatement. One occasion in which entrepreneurial challenges extended past normal business challenges was when my business partner and friend Daniel Gilbert passed away from stage 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme Brain Cancer. It was then that I experienced what the difficulties of starting a new business, and a friend’s death can bring forth. Each moment is precious, and there are no guarantees. We all move forward with a set of expectations about our life. What happens when life challenges those expectations?
There are challenges we face every day. Even if unrelated to business, having the motivation to get out of bed in the morning is worth something in this over-saturated day and age. One thing I have learned is that your core motivation cannot be skin-deep to achieve anything significant. If it is skin-deep, when you are tested, you will not pass. You have to feel it in your bones. That raw, gnarly thing at the root of it all is called grit.
Please tell us about Rising Tide Initiative.
Rising Tide Initiative, a 501(c)3 non-profit is a leader and supporter of new ideas, ventures, and creations that ultimately better the lives of those around us. We collaborate with individuals and organizations to change the world by increasing social and economic prosperity within our local communities.
I’m chairman of this initiative, and very passionate about creating an environment for entrepreneurs to succeed. I think the cascading impact that amplifies our communities when a small business or start-up succeeds is something to behold. Economic development isn’t typically a dinner table conversation. But, if it’s done with a results-oriented focus, maybe it puts the dinner on the table. I utilize every skill I have at my disposal to push the Rising Tide mission forward.
Catalyst Partners is a for-profit company focused on investing time, resources and capital in companies powering a tech-enabled world. Our team helps to solve the challenging problems of scale for businesses.
As a managing partner for Catalyst, I’m responsible for portfolio company performance and opportunity identification. I leverage my experience to help mentor companies and make high-quality investments.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
There’s no single characteristic. But, a book by Anthony K. Tjan sums it up quite nicely. Heart, Smarts, Guts and Luck, Oh, and faith.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5049 Edwards Ranch Rd.
- Website: http://risingtideinitiative.com
- Phone: (817) 919-9810
- Email: kgrace@catalyst.partners
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