Welcome to SF Manny!

Photo of Manny escorting James and I to get some afternoon coffee.

Manny recently moved to San Francisco recently all the way from San Diego. I’ve been really enjoying our conversations about how to build products, building teams, and how to pick co-founders. He’s probably the most chill person I know–perhaps it’s because he’s a surfer at heart.

By the way, I really like how this photo came out. I think I no-scoped it while I was holding my coffee with the other hand. There’s something really organic and analog about this.

I’m really looking forward to building Input with him, as well as other projects in the future. He’s a humble guy, but don’t let him fool you–he’s filled with wisdom… and humor!

Positioning + Storytelling for Startups with Camille Ricketts

Camille sharing some major keys about marketing for early stage companies.

Camille covered a lot during her preso, but the one awesome take-away was to focus on our HXC–Highest Expectation Customer. The HXC are people that are potential customers/users of your product, but they are the hardest to convince. However, once they believe in your product, they will be the biggest advocates. Companies like AirBnb and Dropbox used this technique, and it also humanizes the language and voice you need to use in order to speak to this audience.

Side note, Camille shared an additional preso that captured the Voice Brand Standards for First Round… and I need to get a copy of it. There was some really juicy information in there too.

Little Yosemite

Photo of Joe exploring the dried up waterfalls in Little Yosemite.

It was kind of a last minute decision to go to Little Yosemite in Sunol (located about 1 hour south of SF). I pretty much looked at google maps and pointed at a little patch that looked green and decided that I wanted to go on a hike. Joe and I have been talking about doing more outdoorsy stuff for a while now, and it was so convenient hopping in a car and getting out of the city.

The images don’t really do the scenery justice, but this was one of the gorgeous trails

The trail was really easy and absolutely scenic. However, you’ll noticed the sound of planes fly overhead ever so often. I guess it’s really hard to get away from it all… but overall, it was really relaxing spending the morning doing a light hike.

This is where we stopped and turned around.

I’ll probably come back here again soon… and maybe bring my bike. I’ll need to do some research first to see if they allow it in this park.

If you notice the sign, it says “Watch out for snakes!”

I may need to bring a longer lens next time as well. There’s a ton of wild life–we saw deer, turkeys, etc. Also, a little tip, if you decide to visit Little Yosemite make sure to bring extra water–it’s hella dry.

Happy Birthday Patrick!

Photo of Patrick enjoying the day on a beautiful saturday afternoon.

A couple years ago, Patrick years threw a birthday party and cooked for everyone. This year, he took a more practical approach and invited everyone out to Washington Square Park.

We spent most of the day laying out getting vitamin D and eating plenty of food. It was great seeing everyone and catching up.

The pizza from this place was insanely delicious.

Walking to china town to get egg tarts. Apparently, there was some sort of fall moon festival.

Apple Watch Series 4

Photo of my Apple Watch, Gen 1

As much as I love my Apple watch, it might be time to upgrade. The series 4 will be able to detect a-fib, a heart condition I unfortunately have. A bunch of my friends an colleagues texted me after the Apple announcement about this feature.

As much as I’d like to rock a classic mechanical watch, having a personal ECG will be an amazing feature. I think I’m going to order the 44mm in black. I really want to get the stainless steel with sapphire, but the watches don’t really hold their value or last that long… so, the lesson learned is to spend less and keep up with tech cycles.

Close up of the Gen 1 watch, with all the battle wounds

For whatever reason, folks in SF hate on the Apple Watch as if it were passé. I personally feel like each generation gets a little better. In fact, I’ve known other watch enthusiasts completely switch over to the Apple Watch.

I just wish that the watches had a little more longevity. Apple is offering me $25 for a trade in. Hah! Anyway, I think Annie said she might get me the new model. *grin*

3500 Miles Later

A photo of my electric bike.

1.5 years and 3500 miles later, my e-bike has held up pretty well. I have to say, it looks magnificent in this light.

Ps. I’m hoping to get a bike rack for my car soon so that I can explore some some new trails around here. If you’re in the area and want to go for a ride, let me know!