Author Profile – Kenneth Marks: Handbook of Financing Growth
Q: Why did you decide to write this book?
A: After having grown my own company over 13 years from startup to about $22 million in revenues, having to raise capital through the various stages of a business as a CEO, I realized that that there weren’t books that addressed the topic of financing smaller companies. Further validated after my MBA and having participated in CEO groups like YPO and EO where I saw my peers struggle with the same issues I had. Further validated after working for an investment. As part of launching an advisory based business (now called High Rock Partners), I wanted to (1) document my experience, knowledge and research, and (2) generate a credibility piece to differentiate myself / firm in the market. Now desire to use the book, network and research to pursue doctorate in business.
Q: Do you have any secret writing tips you’d like to share?
A: In writing the Handbook of Financing Growth, one of our objectives was to capture the best of industry knowledge about each topic and fill in the gaps with our research, experience and empirical data. To do this, we reached-out to the thought leaders and captured their input… so I’d say a secret writing tip for us was to not reinvent the wheel in terms of re-writing what someone else had done well. We obtain permissions and incorporated others work to improve the overall value to our readers.
Q: Tell us a quirky or funny story about you!
A: I run at full speed a lot of the time and need a rest every now and then…somewhat like Einstein (only in habit not intellect). In my business of helping companies grow …I periodically take the lead as President or an executive of the business to facilitate change. So, needing my rest I’ve been known to take a mid-day nap, and unfortunately was caught on camera by some of the creative types in our new-media business at the time.
Q: Have you ever battled writer’s block? How do you deal with it?
A: All the time. I find that when I’m pressured and have client work and priorities on my mind, I can’t relax enough to get the words from mind to paper. For me, it takes getting into the writing-zone and being able to focus.
Q: What’s your favorite quote?
A: Given the topic of our book is about financing companies. I’d quote my co-author and mentor, Gonzalo Fernandez (also author of Cuba’s Primer – Castro’s Earring Economy 2009). As my CFO in several companies, he’s always told me “Don’t be a forecast hero”. For those that raise money and have to live with the promises made, there’s a lot of wisdom in his words.
Q: Who inspires you the most?
A: From a business perspective, it is my clients. I love to learn about business, new strategies, what works, what doesn’t and how to solve problems. I find that my clients and their challenges stir me to drive ahead.
