The idea was so big I am not sure in the beginning my mind could be totally wrapped around it. Despite the lack of full understanding, there was a spark â a twinkle of excitement as I sat in my chair at one of my favorite local restaurants, Aubrey's.
See, I learned about Spontivity talking with one of the creators at a local restaurant. They wanted someone with a new outlook to give a fresh response. Out of every person in the world, somehow they were directed to me. I felt honored to be considered. Even though I knew nothing about the journey I was about to embark, something told me that I just couldnât pass it up.
Spontivity was a concept I hadnât even fathomed, yet I was so intrigued by the opportunity. As I was introduced to the team that first day, I could think nothing more than these few people must have some sort of brilliance hidden behind the façade of their young normal looking appearances. They seemed no different than me, yet I thought my simplistic brain had no hope of concocting the intricate designs they had somehow created.
After spending more time with this team of 6, I have found that they are dynamic. This group of individuals truly brings out the best in each other. Every talent is utilized, stretched and interwoven between them to generate a powerhouse.
I had never in my wildest dreams thought I would work for a startup. I am such a conservative that I had always thought of them as shaky and unsafe without promise of return. Although no one likes to admit that they are wrong...I couldnât have been more erroneous. The entrepreneurial spirit is extremely tactical and balanced. Every decision is calculated and deeply researched.
I have a genuine love for originality, novelty, and innovation. I dabble in many things like creative writing and painting. Something I had forgotten when considering my feelings about startups was the freedom of creating your own culture â one of my very favorite things about joining Spontivity. Have you ever woken up in the morning and thought that you just couldnât bare going into the office? I can say without a doubt I have never felt that way about this job, because I love my work environment. Itâs about being productive while enjoying yourself. When you love what you are producing, it doesnât really seem like toiling labor.
Does that mean that this avenue of career comes without sacrifice? Absolutely not. A quote by Sidney Howard stands out to me when I think about the choices that the Spontivity team makes,
âOne-half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up before you get it.â
I have never met a group of 20-somethings who worked harder. Their outputs far exceed the hours on their timesheets. Without sounding as clichÊ as possible, their drive to success is truly inspirational. Each one of them gave up their own stable career to pursue this vision.
I push myself harder to produce better work than ever, because I believe that they deserve nothing less than my best. Why would you want to work for people who demand anything less? Simple answer is I donât. Because this is a startup and they require superior effort, I am able to take my creativity to the limit. I stretch my brain every time I come to the office. I am constantly learning new concepts of marketing, the meaning words Iâve never heard of, and how to be a more innovative and better person. I made a very serious decision to leave a perfectly healthy job to chase dreams with the Spontivity team for no other reason than that I believe in them. I feel that my personal sacrifice is merely a propeller forward allowing me to focus more attention to bigger things.
When reflecting on my experiences with Spontivity as a whole I often consider what common ground all of us do share, which is our roots. No, I donât mean that we are all from the same place or have been friends for years. We did, however, all come from the University of Tennessee. UT was the cultivator of all our minds. As I approach my graduation in May, I often wonder about the weight of my degrees. The average graduate from the College of Business lands a stable, 40k a year, entry level job. These are the statistics provided to every student here, which are still impressive I donât deny. Spontivity has busted me out of the suppressed box by realization that this is not the cap of opportunity. Those front line jobs with mindless tasks are not the best I can attain. Greater things can come from graduates of this university. UT promotes big ideas. I think the university should take great pride in the fact that these alumni have larger than life ideas, and instead of leaving them as something to be pushed to the back of their brain are building a tangible brand.
The spark that was introduced on my first day has inevitably turned into a flame. All the enthusiasm derives from the creation, the reason the team exists â Spontivity. Itâs an idea I personally view as fail proof. It is the resolver of a problem every person on the planet faces at one time or another, an outlet for thrill seekers, a way for people to expand their network, and above all a way for any person to maximize the harvests of life. How could it not be a triumph?
Ultimately, Spontivity is more than just a brand for us. It is the potential of an enhanced life. It embodies the satisfaction that every minute devoted is well worth it. It is fuel to the spark of passion lit in every one on this team that is now a full fire.
