David Nackley is driven and passionate, recognized as a leader in the finance industry with a focus in the Technology space on private equity, corporate finance, and commercial banking. Throughout his career, David has led a multitude of successful deals, including the acquisition of new clients for the companies he has worked with. One of David’s many fortes is his boldness — When traditional strategies are not effective — for example, in new or unusual markets — David is unafraid to consider new and untested strategies. This leadership plays a critical role in penetrating new markets, markets where traditional strategies would never work. Clearly, David is a major asset for companies that are looking to close deals that are aimed at pushing for greater profitability.
David lives in Darien, CT. He has served on the boards of the Darien Youth Lacrossse and Darien Youth baseball, feeding his passion for helping the young improve and grow. In his free time you can find him playing golf, reading books or taking a weekend ride on his motorcycle.
Where did the idea for your company come from?
My oldest son inspired my business idea when he was only 8 years old: He suggested that I start a firm advising companies on how to raise capital and structure their business because I seemed smart and knew a lot! (The wisdom of Youth!)
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
My typical day begins with an early morning run/bicycle ride. This allows me to get my mind clear and focused for the upcoming day. I then start dealing with my email correspondence between clients and vendors. I try to segment my days and work on my most importance tasks that I have prioritized. I do my best to take care of these tasks early before I begin getting interrupted by emails, phone calls, meetings or texts. Prioritizing my day helps me keep organized and refreshed and lets me work through a lot more tasks and projects.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I rely on the old method I learned as I was studying Engineering in college, Skunkworks. I believe in emailing my colleagues and team members and asking for their thoughts. I allow a few days for everyone to think about it before we begin discussing it as a group.
Discussion is not a formal process, everyone is able to contribute. The discussions are kicked off by the person who sent out the idea. That is the extent of formality. The rest is a free-for-all brainstorming process. If we get stalled or can not come to some conclusion, I will usually jump in and make the final call.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I am excited by the next generation of digital innovations and the opportunities they will bring around the Cloud, Internet of Things, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Earlier Riser (5:30am) and do not look at any electronic device( except for newspapers and my books) until 9am. This allows me to focus on the items that I have set as my priorities for the day and not get distracted or sidetracked by outside influences
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be more patient, listen more and talk less. Sometimes youthful exuberance and energy can hold you back. Understanding all facets of the problem/situation can be more helpful than proceeding down the path to solving a problem quickly in order to impress the boss/team.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
It is not only about the content. Body language and the correct choice of words matters. Too many speakers proceed believing that content is the most important factor in speeches and presentations. Your body language matters when it comes to persuading and influencing others. Gestures and movement, posture stance, facial expressions, your use of performance space and even the vocal component of your presentations play into how others perceive you.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Set task lists and monitor them. I strive to always do what needs to get done no matter how much I may dislike it. I do not like putting tasks off or worse not doing them at all because they aren’t fun or take a long time.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Content Marketing. For years in finance we always sold the Brand, the product or just the need for money. I met with a marketing expert and she opened my mind to marketing the content and ideas not the product. It also allowed us to market to more people in a company’s finance department, which led to more business as these people moved up or on to other companies.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
My biggest failure was trying to do everything all by myself. As a founder/entrepreneur you feel like you have to know everything, solutions, media , content even how the technology you are using works. This is a misuse of ones productive time. When I finally leaned on my network of colleagues for their expertise in different areas, I was able to spend more time thinking strategically about clients and growth and less time on the minute details, that while important were better handled by those with the expertise in those areas.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A website service to automate school and athletic medical forms. I remember each August having to fill out by hand over 12 forms for my children to go back to school and participate in after school activities. The time is right for computers and Web Services to take on and automate this old manual process.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
Buying an Insta-Pot. I like to cook healthy meals and soups, but like any entrepreneur I am time constrained. This allows me to put together great meals in 45 minutes or less and the kids love my cooking.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Sleep Pillow, Sleep is one of the most abused resources that our body and mind needs. This software helps me get to sleep in any time zone, hotel and helps me get a solid 6-7 hours of straight sleep. I also use it to help meditate which helps me clear my head during the day and keep myself thinking clearly.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
“Make Your Bed”, written by Admiral William H. McRaven. I am constantly re-reading chapters for their simplicity and relevance in everyday life and problems.
What is your favorite quote?
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”
-Vince Lombardi
Key learnings:
• Be aware of your body language, tone of voice and facial expressions, as well as words you use. These will reveal a lot about you.
• Success is the result of hardwork, perfection, learning from failure, loyalty and persistence.
• Time management and staying organized is about making your available time serve your needs. Each decision should be based upon what you are trying to achieve. Goal setting makes it much easier to make the right decisions.
• Don’t put off tasks or avoid them because they aren’t fun or do not offer immediate gratification. Always strive to do what must be done.
• Seek counsel and opinions from others you respect and admire.
Connect:
Linkedin/davidnackley
@dmnnackley
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.