Ajax Greene lives and works in the Hudson Valley region of NY state. He is a well known and respected serial social entrepreneur/business adviser/global connector of confidential business transactions. Ajax helps build organizations and focuses on building a community that expresses a deep commitment to being conscious of the triple bottom line of people, planet and prosperity. As a former world class rock climber and adventure athlete he understands commitment, drive and vision!
Sophi’s note: I met Ajax a few years ago through a networking organization called Green Drinks. As long as I have known him, he has been dedicated to building businesses that are socially and environmentally responsible. HOORAY!
What did you do for work the last time you worked as an employee?
In the late 90s, I was president of a specialty mail order pharmacy company specializing in HIV.
That sounds like a great job! What made you realize that you wanted to leave that and work for yourself?
I am intensely independent and even when I worked for others, I never strayed from being authentic to my own self.
You’ve started a number of different businesses, what project are you working on right now? I’m currently running Re>Think Local, which is a start-up, registered as a non-profit. Re>Think Local supports and connects the local independent business community in the Hudson Valley region of NY state. It is member supported and earns income stream from educational events that are open to the public.
How long has Re>Think Local been around?
This startup launched in early May 2012 with a staff of 3 people.
What’s a former business that you aren’t working on anymore?
My biggest business failure was EcoTrack, which I founded in 1994. I left in 1995 and the business folded soon after. The business was the right idea – manufactured high end apparel made from recycled PET- but perhaps at the wrong time.
Did you lose a lot of money?
About 10k, personally. I viewed it as a cheap MBA.
What did you do after Eco-Track?
I got a job as President of the HIV prescription company.
What do you take away from businesses that didn’t work out.
I had an epiphany about 10 years ago after realizing I worshiped friends who had the same company for many years, then sold it. I realized that my life is about change…so rather than fight it, it made sense just to incorporate it into my existance.
What are your immediate plans for the future?
I am planning to be with ReThink as long as I can be, with the knowledge that when it is time to move on, that’s OK. Working with a lot of different businesses makes me really smart because I’ve had the experience of lots of different types of experiences and can change quickly.
How much money did you have saved up before you went on your own?
None.
Sophi’s note: NONE!!!!
Do you think you would make more money as an employee?
The further I get from my authentic self, the more money I make. I made tons of money working for the pharma company. Working for Monsanto probably pays a lot, because you’re being paid to put your emotions and intellect and your values aside for the promotion of the company.
Do you have anxiety about money?
Yes.
How do you deal with that?
Mindfulness, and understanding the Universe will always take care of me and always has.
Do you have health insurance?
No because cash was tight during the Re>Think Local startup phase. I’m hoping that this is temporary and I will have health insurance soon again.
How much time do you spend looking for new business?
It has been integrated into my life typically, but now with Re>Think Local I’m doing many more administrative tasks. With On Belay I did much more networking.
Sophi’s note: On Belay is a business advising and coaching service.
How do you use Social Networking tools?
I’m on FB, Twitter and LinkedIn. The one I’m the most engaged with is Facebook and that’s because it seems to resonate with me the best.
Do you get the emotional support necessary to take all of these risks?
Yes, but I specifically have set up the resources to get that support via a Men’s group and a CEO support group.
What do your friends say about your work for yourself lifestyle?
I’m surrounded by people who are entrepreneurs so it doesn’t feel uncommon.
Can you share your advice for people who want it too?
People should figure out who they are and be authentic to that. Build your own “brand” around that. One of the keys to success… Sophi’s note: this is funny- I interrupted Ajax to say “is only work on your passion??”
And he replied: “if that were true, all men would be gigolos and starving to death.”
But seriously, one of the keys to success is that you need to have four circles with the sweet spot intersecting in the middle (Venn diagram!) passion, skill set, what people are willing to pay for and what the world needs.
Connect with Re>Think Local on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ReThinkLocal
Read more about Ajax Greene at his On Belay website