Vision takes a long time to play out

Awais Khan · January 29, 2009 · Short URL: https://vator.tv/n/393

Lessons learned from Mariah Power CEO Mike Hess

In this segment of "Lessons for Entrepreneurs," Awais Khan, VatorNews clean tech correspondent, sits down with Mike Hess, CEO of Mariah Power, a provider of east-to-install wind-powered appliances for the residential and business market.

When asked to offer up his key pieces of advice from his experience running and starting the company three years ago, Hess dove right into failure. Experienced and savvy entrepreneurs tend to be open about sharing their failures. It's most likely because the veterans know that failures help to shape the entrepreneur.

Here's what Hess had to say (partly paraphrased).

First lesson: Be patient

The first design we did failed. It did not work. The specifications, or requirements, or engineering documents. We had a choice so we could say let's hold up the tent and go home or let's re-look at the problem and see how we can change it. And that's what we did. We came up with a design we have today which is the lowest cost in the world and is a very effective system.The other lessons that we've picked up along the way, patience. It takes a long time to convince people what you are trying to do and how you're doing it so they can fund you, especially investors, they just take time. And you just have to kind of wait.

Second lesson: It will take longer than you think

The other thing is recognize that your schedule is never right. It's always going to take you longer than you think.Therefore don't get too pressured by what your schedule is. Be consistent about trying to make sure your performance goes well.

Third lesson: The customer is king

Last thing in terms of advice is your customer is king. Find the five to 10 customers who you can talk to  whenever you want to ask whether the product works or doesn't work, [and] who are going to guide you and help you understand what you need to do to meet their needs in your performance.

What about advice on managing a team? Khan asked.

Hess responded: "My guys have always said I have more energy than they do and I am at least twice older than they are. I think it's a function that you have to recognize that you feed off of each other. So you have to have a positive view; a positive orientation.  And just because you run into a problem or a disappointment doesn't mean you need to be down. It's just like football or any other sport. You've got to get the team up and get them focused and guide them. And they need to play off of each other and help each other. I like a flat organization. Everybody should be able to do their job. Nobody has to ask permission. Let's go get done what we need to get done."

Support VatorNews by Donating

Read more from our "Lessons and advice" series

More episodes

Related Companies, Investors, and Entrepreneurs

Mariah Power

Startup/Business

Joined Vator on

Windspire is a low-cost, easy-to-install wind power appliance that provides a safe and attractive method for harnessing power from the wind. At only 30 feet tall and 2 feet wide, Windspire is safe for birds and people, and is distinguished by its sleek propeller-free design, silent operation, rugged construction, simple installation and affordable pricing. Designed for operation where we live and work, it sells for $3,995.00 and comes complete with the inverter, poles, and an installation kit.

Attractive - Available in several standard colors, and with the option of custom colors and designs, Windspire provides a truly aesthetically-inspiring renewable wind power option. It is appropriate for rural, urban, and residential environments alike, and at 30 feet, it is below typical residential and urban zoning restrictions. Several Windspires placed artistically in arrays can form an interesting display of moving art in front of larger buildings.

Quiet, Safe, Bird-Friendly - Unlike conventional propeller turbines with blades that rotate many times the speed of the wind, Windspire spins at about the same speed as the wind. This makes it virtually silent, clearly visible, and very safe for both people and birds.

Durable, Easy Installation, Low Maintenance - Rugged yet simple construction means durability - the Windspire is rated for winds up to 100 mph - and low maintenance for customers. Installation is easy and straight-forward, and can be completed in a matter of hours. The Windspire kit comes with everything you will typically need, except the concrete. Simply pour a concrete foundation, attach and assemble the unit, and raise it with a winch. Once installed, you can "plug 'n produce" - plug it into your outlet, or have it hard-wired into your building, to begin drawing power from the wind. Maintenance is limited to a couple of minutes a year to oil the bearings, and a couple of hours every 10 years to replace the rotor panels and the inverter.

Power from Advanced Technology - Mariah Power’s patented technology includes a rotor, generator, and inverter designed as a complete system to optimize the conversion of wind energy into electricity. The 1kW (1 kilowatt, or 1,000 watts) Windspire will produce approximately 1900* kilowatt hours per year in 12 mile per hour average winds. The Windspire also includes an internal wireless modem that can continuously transmit power production information directly to your computer so you can check your power production at any time.

With so many advantages, and priced well below other renewable energy products, Windspire is the natural choice.
5717

Awais Khan

Joined Vator on

2561

Mike Hess

Joined Vator on