Moving Forward: Leaving Tech Hub after Great 6 Years
In 2013, I attended a Startup Weekend hosted by Nick Mohnacky & Chris Callahan that changed my life, propelling me on a journey of building #SouthFloridaTech.
That adventure took shape in launching Palm Beach Tech in July 2015. Today in June of 2021, and now as Tech Hub South Florida, our nonprofit startup has grown up to help lead our tech industry:
- Collaborating with every major University, College, School District, and Code School in South Florida
- Working with 200+ Corporate Members, including Fortune 1000 & Publicly Traded Companies
- Formed a diverse Board of Directors of 50 impactful Tech & Community Leaders
So after 6 passionate & dedicated years of Building South Florida’s Tech Hub, I’m moving forward to build new impactful projects to help our community thrive.
But I’d like to share some of this story…
We Built a Community
In May 2015, I went full-time on building Palm Beach Tech, with no safety net nor promise of success. I’d been ideating a tech organization for over a year, speaking with visionary leaders like Brian Breslin (Refresh Miami), Orrett Davis (Orlando Tech), and Daniel James Scott (Tampa Bay Tech).
Over 50 tech leaders joined an organizing meeting at Superior Virtual, at the future home of 1909 in West Palm Beach. Alan Murphy Jr was one of the first to raise his hand to say, “let’s do this thing,” becoming our first Chair. Chris Nielsen & Levatas built the brand and website pro bono and we were off.
Our biggest early success was hosting the Palm Beach Tech Meetup, which attracted 100+ people every month with speakers from companies like PayPal, TEDx, and Uber.
Struggles & Lessons
Being broke — that was an anxiety-stricken feeling.
My bank account had gone negative a few months into building Palm Beach Tech. Thanks to a bad transfer, and horrendous overdraft fees, my personal account went over $1,000 in the red.
Keep in mind, I became a Founder at 25 and leaned on constant mentorship to overcome any adversity. So I had my fair share of hurdles along the way, with plenty of learning coming from being honest about them.
There were also plenty of nights I went to sleep excited for the next day, and a few where I was truly saddened by the days.
Prioritizing work life balance was a life changer, and something I encourage every entrepreneur to focus on. Strong friendships and support systems are essential for anyone’s personal & professional success.
We Succeeded, and I’m Eternally Grateful
I’m so proud of where Tech Hub South Florida is today.
So many people took part in the early days, from white boarding strategy with Bryan Conklin, to building a membership program with Frank Barbato. Clay Williams & Achieve helped launch our first moonshot — a Coworking Space which would later become a building block to launch 1909.
And more recently Michael Fowler & Mihai Fonoage catalyzed our Talent & Education efforts time and time again. Andy Parry & Office Depot hosted 3 Annual Hackathons, with more to come.
There is such a massive appreciation I have for the Board Members, Volunteers, Interns, and so many countless supporters, where a few words would never be enough. And I must thank those from our staff over the years who brought Tech Hub South Florida and 1909 to a successful & impactful reality: Brian Dapelo, Dana Fletcher, Stephanie Buzano, Tyler Tornabon, Corey Kelly, Danielle Casey, Ryan Walden, Shana Ostrovitz Abby Hopkins, Peyton Rajewski, Rich Andrews, Ronny Victor, Monica Rojas, and Nikki Cabus.
What’s next?
Tech Hub will be in good hands, growing exponentially in impact thanks to each and everyone involved.
Some think I’m planning a run for office… so I will categorically deny that inauspicious rumor. There’s much more to life than politics.
My life’s mission is to positively impact the lives of others, specifically through technology and innovation. So I’m happy to be advising a few amazing startups here in South Florida, including my friends at GetSpeedBack.
I’ll also be launching Emergency Ventures, a startup I’ve been ideating for the past 3 years. I believe technology can help save lives in disasters, and I’ll be dedicating my life to this mission.
I’ve always said, my success would be when Tech Hub could thrive beyond an individual, just as any business should exist beyond its Founder. And I’m happy to say I can exit as a joyful, successful Founder. I’ll be leaving behind an amazing organization that didn’t exist six years ago. And it wouldn’t have been possible without those reading this, and for that I am so thankful.
With great pride and true love for this community, thank you #SouthFloridaTech!
— Joseph R. Russo
