Passion Series: Shaun Newsum, Serial Entrepreneur and Software Developer
"My entrepreneurial passions had to take a back seat for four years – because my parents truly believed in having an education."
"Btw got someone that would be a great Passion interview for you. He's prob one of the best developers I know here and has a dope story. He can prob meet up with us when we shoot Sunday the 20th." That was the text I got from Mike Williams. If you haven't read my interview on Mike yet, stop right now and go read that interview!
"Yes lets do it!" is what I replied, and the rest is history.
We meet at the WeWork office in Santa Monica on an overcast Sunday morning. Overcast skies by the way are great for shooting pictures. The light is perfectly diffused, and makes easy for camera settings.
As I was driving up to the office, I see who I assume to be Shaun in a navy blazer riding on those ever so popular Bird Scooters that everyone rides in Santa Monica. I parked my car, walked over, and said what's up to Mike, who then introduced me to Shaun. I was correct, he was the guy in the navy blazer riding on the Bird scooter.
We head into the office and there was not one person in sight...ghost town. The chairs were set up on the tables like a restaurant would do at closing time. As we walked around to look for possible places to shoot, I asked Shaun what his story was, and below are his answers.
Images by Mark Mendoza - Would you mind introducing yourself, and telling us who Shaun Newsum is?
Shaun Newsum - Shaun is a born and raised Brooklyn-nite currently living LA with his wife and 2 year old son, Chase. He loves to develop software and create new ideas from the ground-up. He is a believer in staying authentic to your dreams and ambitions.
IbMM - How did you get your start in Tech?
SN - I learned how to develop software at the age of 16 during the late 90s IPO boom. I wanted an easy way to buy into IPOs while I was in class during the day. I developed a simple software to automatically check online brokerages and notify me when an IPO was available. So I would skip out of class, go to the computer lab and buy shares of the next Amazon or eBay. It worked out so well, I turned it into a subscription service for investors. I sold the company, IPO Watchdog at the age of 18.
IbMM - How does tech make you feel?
SN - Technology makes me feel empowered. Being a software developer has enabled me to manifest ideas and express those hypotheses with others.
IbMM - What has been your biggest accomplishment thus far, or proudest moment?
SN - My proudest moment was graduating from college. My entrepreneurial passions had to take a back seat for four years – because my parents truly believed in having an education. It have served me well in understanding that sometimes in life you have to live for others who sacrificed for you. You understand this more as a parent.
IbMM - What was the hardest lesson you learned on your journey so far?
SN - Sometimes nothing you can do changes the fact, the system works a certain way.
IbMM - Is there one project that you worked on that didn't come to fruition as you envisioned.
SN - So many projects fall into this. Yes. I worked on a music startup which almost was purchased by a large music streaming company. Unfortunately, they purchased a similar company a couple of months before I started a relationship with them. Timing is everything. I spent so much sweat equity on the project and unfortunately had to abandon the project as no suitors showed up.
IbMM - If you could tell your 18 year old self anything, what would it be?
SN - "Do both". Whenever encountered with a dilemma - think can I do both. You have so much energy at a young age, take full advantage of it.
IbMM - What's one piece of advice you could give for anyone wanting to do what you do?
SN - Read as much as you can.
IbMM - Do you have any inspirations?
SN - Malcolm X. Because you can transform life if you really believe you can.
IbMM - Do you have any personal mantra's, or favorite quotes you always reference?
SN - In business - "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse". In life - "patience is virtue"
Shaun, thank you so much for doing this interview with me. I look forward to your success and following your journey along the way.
www.instagram.com/newsum
