OC Metro Magazine's annual 40 under 40 list highlights some of Orange County's most successful young movers and shakers. Learn about Steve West's greatest inspirations and most daunting challenges, and what advice he would have for other young professionals. Also, what are his plans for the future, and who would he like to take to dinner?
Steve West, President of Metafuse Inc.
While training for the 1996 Olympics, Steve West searched for business alternatives that allowed him more freedom to train. His solution: Metafuse, a company that has become a leading Web-based project management software solution provider.
The most important lesson learned:
I learned that it takes much more than just a great idea to build a product and company from scratch. Determination, focus and patience are critical, because it takes time to find the right team, build a great product and establish a loyal customer base for your company.
Your next big step:
For our company, it will be important to significantly grow our market share over the next few years. Many companies are still using spreadsheets and/or a combination of desktop software tools to manage their projects, rather than use a comprehensive Web-based project-management software tool like Project Insight. Ultimately, we’ll need to increase the awareness level of how important collaborative Web-based project-management software is to the success of nearly all businesses.
Advice for other young professionals:
If you have a great idea that you believe in wholeheartedly, then by all means chart your course and set sail, so to speak. Plan carefully and execute your plan with determination, but be prepared for the unexpected, and be ready to adapt your plan when necessary. If you believe in yourself, you can succeed in fulfilling your vision.
Read on at OCMetro.com to find out more about Steve West and the 40 under 40 list.