For our first #BLIB we met with Tim Spell. Tim is the CEO of OpenWater, a provider of cloud-based awards software. Tim and his co-founder, Kunal Johar, originally started OpenWater as web design and development company in 2009. They have since morphed into one of the most prominent awards software (SaaS) companies in the awards industry. You might be asking yourself, what is awards software? Tim tells us that the most obvious and recognizable example would be the Oscars or the Emmys. But in addition to these huge awards programs, many companies and groups issue their own awards. And in order to mange the application submission and award issuance process they use OpenWater's software platform. Tim tells us that OpenWater is a term that rowers use to explain a full distance (of OpenWater) between their boat and their competitor's boat. He explains that it's also a philosophy of never giving up and continuing to beat a competitor even after it's clear that you're winning.
The Beer:
Tim and I started off with some relatively basic draught beers. Nothing too complex - Tim ordered a Peak Organic IPA (83) and I grabbed a Smuttynose Old Brown Dog (88). Tim began by telling me that his favorite brewery is Stone Brewing. He likes Stone because they offer unbelievable tours and they're located in San Diego (and what's not to love about San Diego!?!) We then talked about Tim's favorite type of beers: IPA's - because they're flavorful; and his least favorite type of beers: wheat beers - because they're too light and fruity. Tim explained that he likes a good Belgian/Trappist beer every once in a while too. But it wasn't long into our discussion until Tim started releasing his booze secrets. Tim is actually a bigger fan of red wine than he is of beer. His favorite red wine is made by a Washington winery by the name of 14 hands. He also likes the Jordan Winery's Cabernet.
The Bar:
Tim and I met at BarCode which is located on 17th and L street in Washington, D.C. Tim frequents BarCode because it's close to the OpenWater offices and because there is outside seating available. Our bartender was busy but nice, and the ambiance - while a bit upscale for beer drinkers - was friendly and inviting. We went during happy hour and I couldn't believe that our beers ran $3 a piece. I don't think that beer gets any cheaper than that in Downtown D.C./Farragut North. When discussing bars and restaurants, I learned that Tim's favorite bar is 51st State Tavern on L Street near Foggy Bottom. Tim recommends going there for the "local bar" feel and for the beer and wings. Maybe we'll do our next BLIB there!
The Business Leader:
Next up, Tim and I discussed his role as a business leader. He explained that his philosophy is to make sure that the company is constantly growing, cranking out new features, and that the organization is never letting up. He does this by hiring competitive people who are relatively junior and then training them on OpenWater's software and sales strategy. He has found that salespeople who have sold in the past can be challenging because often times they come with bad sales habits. One interesting cultural element of OpenWater's sales team is that they take an annual trip each year to a location outside of D.C. As part of the trip Tim requires each of his salespeople to book two appointments in the trip location prior to the team arriving there for their trip. It's a way to expand business while also engaging sales employees prior to an exciting trip. OpenWater has about 12 full-time employees right now, and at least that many contractors who work with the company. Anyone interested in applying for a job with OpenWater can click here.
A huge thanks to Tim for drinking beers with us and being a part of BLIB
#BLIB is part of an ongoing series. For more information about Business Leaders in Bars Drinking Beers you can click here.
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