Entrepreneur Interview #1 – Week 3

My entrepreneur friend, Jamie O’Rourke, was a star running back at Vanderbilt University. His time on the field cultivated the necessary mentality to become a successful entrepreneur. As a collegiate athlete, his daily routine created the mental toughness to psychologically endure under pressure; practical business knowledge and skills were acquired later through experience and self-education.

During any given football game, a running back may rung the ball, catch a pass, or block an opposing player; at times, they may even throw a pass or kick the ball. Jamie ignored the obstacles in his way, on and off the field, and kept the end zone in site. When one of his young children got a Roller Racer – a human-powered vehicle for children – which had been created by a retired Boeing engineer for his grandson, and realized people were willing to pay more for it than it would cost him to sell,he purchased it.  His mastery of marketing resulted in WHAM-O buying the Roller Racer for millions.

To put this in perspective, WHAM-O is a 68-year-old company that also is known for the Hula Hoop, Frisbee and other popular toys.  From these meager beginnings, Jamie went on to open a toy company, Kidpower, in Brentwood, Tennessee.

1.     What three pieces of advice would you give to college students who want to become entrepreneurs?

·         Create personal needs

o    Jamie: I did this by getting married having children (9), because entrepreneur’s personal and business goals are inextricably linked. 

·         Avoid partners

·         Find a way

2.     What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

·         Uncommon sense

o    Jamie: I would define 'uncommon' sense as being a rarified form of common sense! Some might take this to mean luck or providence, but uncommon sense to me means that you are flexible and can adapt quickly and easily to new circumstances.  

·         Passion  

·         Vision

Reflection: My family and the O’Rourke’s have been friends for over 25 years and time changes a person. Coming from his success and fame (in Nashville) as a star football player, with a dynamic personality, Jamie had an air of arrogance about him that while a boon to his entrepreneurship, did little in the way of relationships. However, after a failed marriage and death of a child, Jamie no longer appears arrogant, but rather has a humility that demonstrates self-confidence and wisdom.