The Startup Specialist
I got out for some Fall golf this past Sunday and Pete, who was in our foursome, a salesman for a well-known recruitment company asks me, “So, what do you do again?” After sharing about my company, and what we do at Peralta Design, Pete then asks me, “So, how many companies have you started?” and off the top of my head, I could only rattle off a few… the one that usually comes up and gets the most laughs is Tasty Golf Tees, the flavored golf tee company that my buddy John Packes and I started up back in 2006.
On the drive home, my brain still firing away, I came up with a few more companies that I’ve started, or been involved with starting. But you know how that is, you always think of something better to say after the fact. Truth is, the tee box is one area where you are supposed to be quiet on the golf course, so we really didn’t have enough time for me to get into details. In all fairness to Pete, we’ve positioned Peralta Design as Startup Specialists, so his question was valid, and I thought it would be a good idea to share with you the many companies that I’ve been involved with starting up.
What is a Startup?
A startup company or startup is a company, a partnership or temporary organization designed to search for a repeatable and scalable business model.
Here are some of the startup companies I’ve started personally as a founding partner/entrepreneur:
• NeuSource Financial Group, LLC (Mortgage Re-Financing Business)
• The Gorilla Group, LLC (partnership) Creative Services Company
• Altara Media Creative Technology Services Company
• Tasty Golf Tees, LLC (www.tastygolftees.com) Flavored Golf Tee Company
Here are some of the companies that I’ve been involved with during the startup process (while at Walker Digital):
• priceline.com
• priceline webhouse club
• priceline gas
• perfect yardsale
• Gameshow24
• Retail DNA
• PrizeCo
• Conversion Marketing
• Skillgames
• Ringtoss
• Breitstar Agency
• Vendmore / Quickstore24
• US HomeGuard
• Guaranteed Play Poker
• Too many more to remember!
Here are some startup companies that we’ve helped launch through Peralta Design by providing creative services, branding, identity, strategy, web development services or all of the above:
• Visionary Health Consultants
• TruOptik.com
• Daktori.com
• savemyfare.com
• X2theL.com
• Asuka Lounge
• NetLib.com
• PopView Maps
• Blackhawk Capital Partners
• BTRE Partners
• iPrompts
• Spangenberg Family Foundation
• SaShi Hair
• Varick Center for Empowerment
• Constant Vigilance Education Consultants
• Ingenious Initiatives
• Phlex360
• BlueWater Ventures
• Plant Transformation Technologies
• TechDev Holdings
• LeGrand Tutoring & Prep
• MyGreenAffect
• Spicy Magazine
• Newport Health Solutions
• Most recently: SterlingMedicalAdvice.com
• Too many more to remember!
Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
Before success comes in any man’s life, he’s sure to meet with much temporary defeat and, perhaps some failures. When defeat overtakes a man, the easiest and the most logical thing to do is to quit. That’s exactly what the majority of men do. – Napoleon Hill
I didn’t just wake up one day and have a successful business. You can’t set out to be the next successful entrepreneur if you are afraid to fail. I have been involved in many failures and have started up many companies over the years. As you can see, the chances are that most new startup businesses won’t be successful. Priceline.com is still one of the very few ‘original’ dot.coms to survive the bubble and still be standing 15 years later (stock currently trading at $1058.52 per share! PCLN)
Never Give Up
I started up four other companies before I decided to focus on Peralta Design. I remember my kids finding out about Tasty Golf Tees and shouting, “We’re going to be rich!” – nope, doesn’t work that way, but you never know. Point is, you never give up and you keep trying.
I get a genuine kick out of coming to work each day and not knowing what great idea might be on the other end of the phone when I pick it up. It’s a real passion of mine to help others realize their dreams and help them along the startup path. I feel very blessed to be able to use my talents, do what I enjoy, and help other bring their business ideas to life. We have the resources both in-house and in our network of service providers to help you with branding, identity, pitch decks, web development, monetization strategies, marketing, LLC formation, patents, trademarking and everything in between.
I look forward to hearing about your next big idea! (Yes, I will sign an NDA)
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Ramon has over 20 years of experience in award-winning, market-proven, print collateral, marketing material, iphone/ipad app and website design specializing in corporate identity and branding. Ramon’s passion for entrepreneurial design was borne out of 10 years as Creative Director for Jay Walker at Walker Digital, the Stamford based idea laboratory and business incubator holding over 300 US Patents. Ramon served as Senior Art Director on the start-up launch team behind Priceline.com, a Walker company and invention. Most recently, Ramon’s logo and identity work was selected to be published in “Typography and Enclosures” the fourth book in the Master Library series by LogoLounge. Most recently named 2013 Shelton Award Best New Startup Consultant.
Company Website www.peraltadesign.com
Follow Ramon on Twitter @Peralta_Design