Same Book, New [Inspirational] Chapter

I do not know what chapter I’m on in my life, but it’s probably safe to assume that a new one will begin tomorrow (Friday). I can only hope that the book is an epic, with many more chapters to come, but as we close out this section, it’s been nothing short of amazing.

I’ve broken my life down into two parts: school and post-school. Though I’m only a few years post-school, I have had a heck of a rollercoaster ride and learned quite a bit. During my school years, I was fortunate to meet an amazing group of guys and spent a lot of time with them growing up… essentially, I had 10 brothers that I played sport (hockey, tennis, etc) and got in trouble with (corn, sombrero, tequila). While in school, I also launched my first venture and got a taste of the business world.

I was never an A+ student in school; heck, the only classes I had with my best friends were study hall and lunch… they were all in high honors (even though they didn’t study!) and I was right below them (and I did study!). I guess the business world came to me early because my grades certainly weren’t going to get me far. If I was going to make it in this world, I thought, I must make it happen myself.

So I did…and boy did I learn fast. There were nights that I would go sleepless, days that I’d be on top of the world, and I experienced business the hard way… the only way… and learned a lot.

Post-college, I jumped directly into the business world by co-founding what is today, IGA Worldwide. While working with a world class team to build out our organization, I’ve learned a lot both personally and in business context. Whilst my days are filled with in-game advertising, I’ve spent many a night with different startups and projects around Manhattan. The early stage entrepreneurial atmosphere is thriving (contrary to what some may think) and I’ve met some incredible people who have amazing ideas, unbelievable drive, and a passion to get things accomplished.

My personal life has changed a lot in the past year as well. A trip to Las Vegas has resulted with my now fiancé Sherri, who some of you have been fortunate to meet. Needless to say, I’m ecstatic about her and the life lessons we’re embarking on everyday we wake up.

Officially, my new chapter starts tomorrow when Sherri and I receive the keys to our new home in Westchester County…. after 4 ½ months of searching and lawyer negotiating. For those of you who aren’t native New Yorkers, it’s about 22 miles north of Manhattan in the ‘burbs (suburbs).

My whole life has revolved around inspiration. To me, I derive inspiration wherever I am at that particular moment… can be from the colors in the forest I’m staring at, the baby in the stroller being pushed down 3rd Ave, the beautiful clothing on a nicely dressed woman, watching Ari say something ridiculous on Entourage, etc.

Tomorrow, a whole new chapter of inspiration will begin and I have no idea where it’s going to lead me. I started my first business while I lived in Westchester County (before I moved out of my folks home) and now I’m back, a few towns over and a few businesses later.

With only the two of us sharing our new home, it is probably going to echo from one room to another. We have earmarked a room on the top floor as our office, but most likely to be called, the Inspiration Room. Sherri and I have decided that this room will be different from all other rooms in the house (color, look/feel) and will be our think-tank, war room, idea furnace, laboratory, etc.

I am excited as ever to get this room finished and organized. After April 27 (our official move-day), most of the blog postings you will be reading will be written from this room… and who knows what the new chapter in my life will bring to this blog.

With the move and the wedding, it’s certainly a busy time in my life… I’ve also managed to release projects such as the not-for-profit darrenSalon and the upcoming entrepreneurial office space endeavor… and a few more in the pipeline.

The last 25 years have inspired me to inspire others, ignite businesses, friendships, and passion. The new [inspirational] chapter begins tomorrow and I’m looking forward to it…

Tagged as , , , , , + Categorized as Darren Herman, Startup & Venture Capital
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