Worcester Business Journal

August 1, 2016

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www.wbjournal.com August 1, 2016 • Worcester Business Journal 13 >> S M A L L B U S I N E S S & E N T R E P R E N E U R S 888-599-2265 I www.SouthbridgeCU.com *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate is determined by your personal credit history. Motorcycle rate applies to 2011 & newer motorcycles; maximum term of 60 months. Offer valid on loans new to SCU. Current SCU loans may refinance with a minimum of $2,500.00 additional funds subject to value of motorcycle. Payment example: $10,000.00 @ 2.99% for 60 months; P & I $179.65, total interest over life $778.87. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and rates may change at any time without notice. Membership to SCU requires a one-time interest-earning deposit of $5.00 in a prime share account. Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Employer. Federally insured by NCUA. NMLS #616673 THE OPEN ROAD STARTS HERE. I T ' S T I M E T O R I D E . Southbridge I Fiskdale I Sturbridge I Southbridge Lending Center I Auburn 2.99 % APR* Motorcycle loans starting at Apply online today at www.SouthbridgeCU.com now that we have video and have names under our belt. SHEPLER: We all had been or became experts in our own areas, and we all shared a lot of the same values, which is so important to have. GERZON: One thing they don't tell you when you start a business that becomes successful is there is this quiet transition from doing the work all the time to managing the work … It's real- ly difficult because, automation is the wrong word, but you want your brain in everyone else's so the aesthetic is the same and the quality is there. In December of 2015, the founders re- evaluated their position, realizing they were all open to selling the company. In April, they were acquired by Matter Communication out of Boston. It was an acquire-and-hire situation, with the trio and the vast majority of Skyscope's 10 employees transitioning over to Matter. DUNN: The risk grows exponentially as the reward grows linearly in service- based businesses, for the most part… We didn't want to do it forever, and it's really hard to shut down a business you've started; and it's not good for your resume or your employees. GERZON: I was looking for that mentor and that person with more experience than me that I could learn from. It was great being around all these talented creatives that are able to provide perspective on things. SHEPLER: We moved from check- ers, and now we are playing chess. DUNN: I'm working for Matter now… It takes away the risk that keeps me up at night: Am I going to be able to pay my employees this month? Am I going to have an employee quit? I don't have to worry about that stuff as much as I used to. The acquisition has opened a door to an uncertain future. While their roles at Matter afford them continued growth opportunities, both Shepler and Dunn have a further entrepreneurial itch to scratch, although the form it will take has yet to be determined. Gerzon appears enthusiastic about his future with video production. SHEPLER: Matter is still a very entrepreneurial company, so to their credit, I don't feel like I am losing much of that at all because they are so entrepreneurial... [I'm] excited to do things I haven't been able to do with Skyscope in video production with the resources of a larger team and larger organization. GERZON: I feel I have graduated into a role I didn't initially see myself interested in, which is finding clients and pitching clients. I see myself inter- ested in that now… and finding com- panies across the country that want innovative video and making that hap- pen as the producer. DUNN: I have absolutely no game plan except working at Matter for now... One day I will hopefully start another business, with Sam ideally. We work really well together and have a yin-and-yang partnership. n DON'T MISS THE PARTY OF THE YEAR! Pre-registration required www.wbjournal.com/40underforty MECHANICS HALL, WORCESTER 5:00 pm - Awards Ceremony Cocktail reception & networking to follow. Cost: $55 SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 2016 Honorees will be announced in the August 29 edition! Please join the Worcester Business Journal and our sponsors as we celebrate the class of 2016! REGISTER TODAY! Presenting Sponsors 15th ANNIVERSARY 15th ANNIVERSARY 2016

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