Q. Kindly give our readers an introduction to your business. Please include what your business is all about, in which city you are located and if you have offices in multiple locations/ cities.
Ans: We are a small, tight team of professionals dedicated to helping small to medium businesses reach their growth potential by making operations more efficient, increasing sales and public impact, and modernizing for today’s business climate using technology and software as a basis. We are process-driven, and have high standards of excellence, and values we are proud of.
We’re located in sunny South Florida, about 20 miles South of West Palm Beach, and 30 miles North of Ft. Lauderdale, and our offices are about 2 minutes away from some of the most beautiful beaches and real estate in the world! How lucky are we? (OK, start planning your reasons to fly down to meet with us!)
We’ve been in business in Boynton Beach for almost 19 years. Prior to that, our offices were located in Miami, FL. All of our staff are local, speak English clearly, and are always available to speak with you about your project. We do not believe in outsourcing – so we’re part of the solution, not the problem. One of our competitive advantages is that you will have a direct relationship with the entire development team.
Q. Kindly give us a brief description about yourself (it should include your brief educational or entrepreneurial background and list some of your major achievements).
Ans: Mark Turkel, CEO and Senior Software Architect
Mark Turkel is the Founder, CEO and Senior Software Architect for a software enterprise that was formed in 1989. The company specializes in business-class software applications. Over the 2 plus decades the firm has successfully developed and delivered world-class applications to a myriad of industries including but not limited to Hospitals and other Medical facilities.
Mark was instrumental in developing software for Microsoft platforms at a time when the Windows operating system was initially emerging. Today his firm provides applications over a variety of platforms includes web, desktop and mobile platforms.
In 2002, Mark was joined by his business partner James Wright and currently have 9 in staff which includes Architects, Developers, Web Designers, and a quality control department which is second to none. The firm creates client applications for IPhone and Android devices.
James Wright, CTO and Senior Software Architect
James has been a major force here at PBSD since his first day on the job some 10+ years ago. Outstanding database and analytical skills, strong large database experience, and an uncanny knowledge of .Net software development are just some highlights of his excellent abilities.
The development team ultimately reports to James. James plays a key role in scope and requirements technical documentation, database design and management, decides what technology a new project will incorporate, and has a great track record of combining the latest leading-edge technology with great ideas. Some of his achievements include the Document Imaging and Optical Recognition project for Lear corporation, and his creation of JobTimeClock.net, just to name a few. Take a look through our portfolio, and you’ll see fine examples of the works of James Wright!
James is a trusted partner in Palm Beach Software Design, Inc. and we are proud to have him here.
Q. What inspired you to (start a new business venture) or (to make significant changes Ans: in an existing business)? How did the idea for your business come about?
Even in high school, I was an entrepreneur, knowing that I would own and run my own business as soon as possible, because I was sure that I could do it better. I wanted to control my projects, my clients, and of course my financial future.
Q. What three pieces of advice would you give to budding entrepreneurs?
Ans: Have a plan, have the money to execute the plan, always work to profit and not just break even.
Q. What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: Sales, Accounting, and whatever skill you used to allow you to open your business.
Q. How many hours do you work a day on average?
Ans: 10
Q. To what do you most attribute your success?
Ans: Good communication, solid understanding of my client’s needs, good planning for the software solutions.
Q. How do you go about marketing your business? What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Ans: We have been working via referrals for the last 30 years, but this is not “marketing”. Currently, we optimize our SEO results when searching for our services, pay for clicks via Google. We are now engaged with a local state college to get help with our marketing efforts from their business school.
Q. Where did your organizations funding/capital come from and how did you go about getting it? How did you obtain investors for your venture?
Ans: We did not solicit investors to grow our company, but rather grew from the profits we earned, retaining 100% of the equity in our business.
Q. What is the best way to achieve long-term success?
Ans: Care about your clients, your relationships, and make sure you cross the finish line every time.
Q. Where you see yourself and your business in 5 – 10 years?
Ans: I see my business on the same continuous growth path, with myself enjoying larger and more complex projects.
Q. Excluding yours, what company or business do you admire the most?
Ans: Google
Q. How important have good employees been to your success?
Ans: Employees are the most important asset of our business.
Q. How long do you stick with an idea before giving up?
Ans: Not as long as I used to. I now know when to quit.
Q. What motivates you?
Ans: Life motivates me.
Q. In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.
Ans: Exciting!
Q. If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
Ans: Set guidelines to make sure I take on the right types of jobs, be strong when it comes to pricing and billing.
Q. How has being an entrepreneur affected your family life?
Ans: As most will say, there’s lots of “hills and valleys” in the beginning. It has created a lot of stress financially in the beginning, but always “worth it” when we have the freedom to do what we want to do, when we want to do it.
Q. What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?
Ans: My greatest fear is not being able to deliver on my commitments. I manage it through good communication, good project management habits, and being able to lend a hand technically when necessary.
Q. How did you decide on the location for your business?
Ans: Easily accessible location for my employees, and close to home for me.
Q. Do you believe there is some sort of pattern or formula to becoming a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: No.
Q. If you could talk to one person from history, who would it be and why?
Ans: Bill Gates, because his vision has changed the world as we know it.
Q. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
Ans: Tesla
Q. How can you prevent mistakes or do damage control?
Ans: Clear and regular communication with my clients and my staff.
Q. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
Ans: Motorcycles, Surfing, and RC flying machines
Q. What makes you happy?
Ans: Bills paid and a free schedule to go have fun!
Q. What sacrifices have you had to make to be a successful entrepreneur?
Ans: Consistent and regular income.
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