So I have been told, I mean asked, to start blogging. As we increase our social media presence at Genumark, I suppose it’s a good idea.  At the very least I might learn a little more about the world my kids are living in.

Now what should I talk about? I doubt anyone cares that the Hot and Sour Soup I had last night at Lee Gardens on Spadina is still the best on the planet. Or that my new favourite television show is Shameless on Showtime. I think Lisa and I could be the only two people in Canada watching that one.  So, to keep things interesting and business-related, I’ll tell this little story instead.

Back in 1977 I was a counselor at Camp Walden in Michigan. One of my campers at the time was an energetic 8 year old boy named Eric Lefkofsky.  Fast forward another 20 years or so and now I’m working with HA-LO Canada.  HA-LO buys a company called Starbellywhich positioned itself as the ultimate internet solution for the promotional products business. As it turns out, Eric (now about 30 years old) and his partner Brad Keywell own Starbelly.  I dig up my old Camp Walden yearbook and show the cabin photo to my new boss, and we share a good chuckle.

Soon thereafter, for a variety of reasons, we decide to go our separate ways.  I suppose Eric spends the next decade continuing to run and invest in a variety of Internet start-up companies. Well, last week I read that Eric made Forbes list of billionaires. Amongst other things, Eric is the single largest investor of Groupon! I got a big kick out of seeing that. My old camper, Eric Lefkofsky, a great guy and really smart to boot.