Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Craig Ceccanti. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Craig, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing in my industry is the need to find the right partner to create custom software for businesses. More and more I’m seeing the need for specific software development created uniquely for a company because using an off-the-shelf version of the software just doesn’t satisfy all of a company’s needs.

I started my career as the co-founder of Pinot’s Palette. After growing the company and expanding to a franchise model, we expanded to over 150 locations. Since then, I have helped build and mentor hundreds of companies in multiple verticals. When developing Rivalry Technologies, a company that provides mobile ordering in stadiums and healthcare facilities, we knew creating custom software was essential to the growth potential of the business.

That’s why I created T-Minus Solutions, a consulting agency that helps founder-led startups and growth companies create customized software solutions. This company speaks directly to the trend I’m seeing in our industry: developing more reliable partners for software creation. Companies like Pinot’s Palette and Rivalry Technologies utilize this service as well as many other clients that have the same need and vision as we share.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I first got into Pinot’s Palette because my mom dragged my brother and me to a painting class. We felt like if we were going to go, we were going to make it fun. So, we brought beer. It certainly was fun and for years I kept thinking this would be a great business idea: to combine a fun activity like painting with a social drinking aspect. Years later, after moving to Houston, I opened the first Pinot’s Palette. It was a huge success which led us to franchising. As Pinot’s Palette took off and continued to grow, we learned a lot about technology and how to create unique software and integrate it into our company. This put a bug in my head for later projects.

Since Pinot’s Palette, I have helped develop Rivalry Technologies and T-Minus Solutions. I also have mentored and talked to hundreds of budding entrepreneurs and helped them through the inception and growth of their companies. T-Minus Solutions combines two of my passions: helping founders grow their dream and discovering opportunities via technology. This magical combination allows me to partner with them to create customized software solutions to help with the development of their business. We solve the biggest problem that companies often face as they scale which is getting away from the problems of cookie-cutter SaaS platforms allowing them to build, grow, and harness technology to drive value to their customers and bottom line.

Currently, I am working to expand my reach of helping entrepreneurs by publishing a book, “A Founder’s Guide to a Software Startup” soon to be released.

I am most proud of my mentees that have been able to take our lessons and create opportunities, growing their businesses and expanding markets. To watch these brilliant founders flourish is an honor.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Telling the truth. Trust is the cornerstone of reputation building. You build trust over time by becoming a thought leader, delivering consistent results, and connecting on a human level. As a founder, CTO, and angel investor my reputation is my equity. Providing straight, selfless, and honest feedback to those seeking guidance and support is my bedrock. Those that come to me to discuss a software idea over coffee know they will get a trusted advisor on the other end of that cup of joe, not a salesperson. This comes easy if your focus is to help people first and grow your own business second.

Any advice for managing a team?

Management and leadership are some of the most challenging aspects of running a business. First, establishing a clear vision of where the team is going and why is critical. It is hard to keep up morale if the team does not believe that the destination is possible, and we are all rowing in the same direction. Second, leading with a set of values that are baked into the DNA of the company ensures we are aligned in how we work together to achieve our client, company, and personal goals. Lastly, we maintain an open environment with honest communication, frequent touch points, and healthy debate.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tminussolutions.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tminus-solutions/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/tminussolutions
• Other: https://www.craigceccanti.com/