187: How an Ex-Microsoft Employee Becomes a Leading Tech & Software Innovator – Gregory Raiz of RaizLabs

Gregory Raiz - RaizLabs Interview

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Background on Greg Raiz of Raiz Labs:

Gregory Raiz is a leader, speaker, and innovator. “The thing that fuels me is the desire to make things that improve people’s lives.” Greg was the founder of Raizlabs, a four-time Inc. 5000 winner and national leader in mobile and technology design and development. The firm was sold in 2017 to Rightpoint where Greg stayed on as Chief Innovation Officer. In 2019 Rightpoint was purchased by Genpact, a global services company.

Greg’s technical background and customer-centric approach has led him to speak to thousands of executives and technology leaders on the topics of Innovation, Mobile, and the future of tech.

Being a graduate from Tufts University with an engineering degree in computer science, Greg enjoys giving back to the startup community in Boston. He’s actively involved in angel investing and advising companies that are looking to make a difference in the future of software.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

  • [2:17] After selling Raizlabs, Greg does angel investing, advises startups, and plans on another business venture.
  • [4:25] Greg studied Computer Science in college, had a job in Microsoft, and started a consulting business that focuses on software and web development.
  • [6:35] At 23 years old, Greg was fired from Microsoft, which was a low point in his life. This incident led to the idea of starting his own business.
  • [9:41] Greg shares his experience working in Microsoft.
  • [12:54] After Microsoft, he worked for a small software company while doing his startup business at night.
  • [18:11] According to Greg, building a reputation is one of the key steps when growing a business.
  • [19:42] During the first couple of years, he wasn’t sure about the success of his business and he was questioning whether he did the right thing.
  • [22:33] The company grew steadily in the first few years until it came to a point that he needed to set up an office.
  • [26:12] Greg offers a bit of advice when it comes to making uncomfortable decisions in business.
  • [29:45] The shift towards producing mobile applications happened when the iPhone was launched in 2008. They created a mobile app called RunKeeper, which cemented their reputation as a top app developer in the early days.
  • [34:34] As the company grows up to 30 employees, Greg learned new things in managing the business.
  • [37:05] In 2016, running the company took a toll on Greg and it became too stressful.
  • [41:09] A company called Rightpoint acquired Raiz Labs. Both their visions are aligned, which made the acquisition easier.
  • [43:24] Greg is one of the very first snowboarders in the mountain. He also gives an analogy between snowboarding and business.
  • [47:11] In terms of new business ideas, Greg offers a few suggestions to the listeners.

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Fabulous 4 Questions:

  1. 📖 📚 Favorite Book(s)? The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
  2. 🙌😎 Favorite Amazon.com purchase? Wireless meat thermometer – so simple, so useful
  3. 🌱💸 Favorite Tool that's GROWN your Business? GSuite – Google's Email, Docs, Suite
  4. 💭💡 BIGGEST Challenge keeping your Business from GROWING? Biggest issue is always reinventing your business and approach everytime the business doubles

Key Point from the Interview:

  • “I always tell entrepreneurs that if you’re completely comfortable, you probably waited too long. You need to be a little bit uncomfortable about the decisions that you’re making and the leaps that you’re making, whether it’s hiring or growth, or other types of investment, if you’re completely comfortable, man… you’re probably going a little bit too slow.”

Resources Mentioned:

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