| |
|
|
| |
EVENT DETAILS |
Technology companies experience the hard truth of sink or swim unlike any other industry. At this Lunch & Learn, hear from Baruch alum Burt Welte (B.S.' 1958), who started two successful computer companies -- one before the personal computer was even invented, the other one after.
The ups & downs of entrepreneurship
After a stint as a system technician as IBM, Burt Welte recruited five of his IBM coworkers to quit their jobs & start their own business venture: a systems & programming firm not too different from the behemoth company he'd just left. Welte grew the firm to a staff of 25 employees made up of computer programmers & analysts. But with change looming in the tech landscape with the advent of the personal computer, he decided to sell the business to a public computer leasing company, which had the resources to weather a storm that would wipe out numerous software companies that failed to adapt.
After selling the company, Welte found himself in limbo. Interestingly, it was another technological sea change that brought Welte his best opportunity yet. He discovered a need for dedicated supply chain software in the import/export industry. He founded the World Trade Computer Exchange, which provides computer software services to companies engaged in importing & exporting.
While the company thrived, 16 years later it lost 80 percent of annual revenue in one year. Personal computers were becoming less expensive & more advanced, & Welte's business started to decline. He knew it was time for a change or else the company would not survive. So what happened next? Come to our Lunch & Learn to find out!
About the speaker
Burton Welte is a 1958 graduate of Baruch College. During his college tenure, Mr. Welte took 6 months out to serve in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Welte is also a mentor with Baurch College's Executive on Campus program, where he advises students interested in careers in Computer Info Systems, Info Tech, & Data Management.
|
|
|
|
|
|
