Brick businessman combines tech know-how with creativity
Asbury Park Press 12:03 a.m. EDT June 23, 2014
Jim Mahlmann owns NetCetra, a Web services business in Brick
When did you decide you wanted to be an entrepreneur?
When I realized that I enjoyed the creativity of expanding a business to whatever area interests I would like to pursue.
Why did you start this business?
I was asked by a client that I was creating videos for to create his website.
Were there any challenges that made you think twice about striking out on your own?
No, it was in my blood.
If you could do it again, what would you do differently?
I started with a partner. I would not do that again.
What’s the best business advice you have ever received?
As soon as you can, work “on” your business, not “in” your business.
What personality trait helps you the most?
Creativity.
What’s the hardest part of the job?
Trying to stop thinking about it.
The easiest?
Going to the office every day.
What surprised you the most about running the business?
The level of intensity with cutting-edge technology that never stops.
Describe your most unusual customer, job or work experience.
A woman came into my office and said she wanted to start a website to sell used baby clothes online. I thought she was crazy. It turned out she was crazy like a fox. She could not keep up with demand. This was about 10 years ago and e-commerce on a local level was not what it is today.
How would you like the business to grow and change?
I would like to expand our data center in Walla Walla, Washington, and do more cloud technology.
In one sentence, tell us why customers should go there.
We have 20 years of experience in every aspect of the Internet and the knowledge to give any client the best chance at success and visibility on the Web.
When you leave work, do you leave the office behind, or are you always in contact?
I am always available even though I have tech support 24 hours a day.
What do you do in your off time?
My wife and I love to travel. This is an amazing country.
When you leave the business behind some day, what will you do?
Be a consultant for the industry. I do that now for academia to ensure high school and college programs keep up with the needs of the business community on the Internet.
NETCETRA LLC
Describe your business: Internet web services: design, marketing, hosting, programming and colocation hosting
Owner: Jim Mahlmann
Address: 503 Brick Blvd., Suite 103, Brick
Phone: 732-262-7888
Website:www.netcetra.com
Hours: Sales/Design: from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; Technical support: 24/7
Founded: 1994
Article posted in the Asbury Park Press.
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