Piloting Your Business to Success, with Michael Hendricks of SureHosting

Michael Hendricks, founder and CEO of SureHosting Internet Solutions, joins Smart Companies Thinking Bigger host Kelly Scanlon to discuss how he turned a childhood passion for computers into a thriving business. As Michael puts it, he was always “that kid” growing up. At the age of 7, he gained infamy when he tore the family computer apart and successfully put it back together. His parents gave him a PC, but with one caveat: He had to sign an agreement to never touch the family PC again. Little did his parents know, they were giving him the gift of a career. Before starting SureHosting at age 24, Hendricks worked for Silicon Valley companies and in IT in the healthcare industry. Tune in to capitalize on the wisdom of Michael's experience as a business owner: Michael's business partner and best friend from high school was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Learn how Michael dealt with the partner's separation from the business and eventual death. "It taught me that business was for real," he said. "If we didn’t deal with the painful situation and save the business, it would cost all of our employees their jobs. It was a hard lesson, but when I hear about companies who work with spouses or family members, I think about this and realize it can work, but it takes a commitment from all parties that the business comes first."How his love for flying helicopters taught him important lessons about hiring and training employees.How business owners can learn to view technology as a return to the bottom line rather than as a cost. As Michael puts it, "You should not be 'spending money' on technology." Visit the archives to listen to all the shows in the Smart Companies Thinking Bigger lineup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices