Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with the
newly minted Dr. Roger Austen to discuss entrepreneurship. Dr. Austen operates
an independent political advising company that is affiliated with many of the
campaigns in North Central Florida.
What are the important skills that have brought you
success in being a political consultant?
Apart from all the political know-how and connections
with different political figures; it is really just a matter of actually seeing
an opportunity and taking it. I have been at this ever since I went off on my own in the 90’s and it has all been about making yourself stand out from everyone else.
What skills would you have liked to learn if you were
in my position as a student taking an entrepreneurship class?
If I were in your shoes, I would learn how to get a
business off the ground through getting venture capital. What I mean by that is
that all the money that was put up for my business came from years of working
at other firms. If I could have the chance to sidestep those years through
investment capital, I would in a heartbeat.
Being an entrepreneur means what exactly to you?
The personal definition for Roger Austen is as follows:
not having to deal with anyone above me, having complete control in the
direction of my company and finally, helping my clients win elections and get
into office.
What surprised me during the entire interview was
Roger’s common theme of being able to do what he wanted and how he wanted it to
accomplish his goals both political and financially. Another facet of surprise
was the fact he built himself a one-man operation through years of acquiring
capital on his own and making connections with different lawmakers throughout
the state.
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