Challenge - Spring/Summer 2012 - Tiffin University

Commencement 2012
board that I return as CEO and either shutter the company or
sell it to someone who would at least allow the service to continue,”
Michel said.
The board brought him back on board. The company still
cut more jobs and was down to a staff of 10, yet it generated
enough advertising revenue to cover its costs. A year later,
Michel was able to sell the company.
He took the lessons he learned and started another
company, Affinity Labs. “This time around, we made far fewer
mistakes and were rewarded with a quick acquisition,” he said.
From there, Michel created Nautilus Ventures, the successful
seed venture fund he runs today.
Through risk-taking and failure, Michel had found success.
The most important thing, he said, was not giving up.
Michel shared what he sees as the five simple rules that can
lead to achieving one’s dreams. Collectively, he said, they address
the areas of risk, failure, ethics, and success.
Michel then challenged the 2012 graduates, and also reiterated
the quote from Thoreau: “If an average Navy guy from
Illinois can use these five rules to stumble his way to becoming
an entrepreneur, what can you do I’m betting a whole lot
more. So take a chance. Move to where the action is. Swing for
the fences. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and
live the life you have imagined.”
8 | SPRING / SUMMER 2012 | CHALLENGE