Tell us your name and a little about yourself.

Over the years I have learned that there is one topic virtually everyone loves talking about – themselves. Yet the open-ended “tell me about yourself” ask always seems painful. Really quickly… my name is Adam, I’m an LA native, an entrepreneur, and a long-suffering Angels fan.

What exactly does your company do?

We build and operate technology-driven companies, taking internal ideas and transforming them into self-sustaining businesses. We have launched a few different businesses over the years, including Beverly Hills Chairs, a leading office furniture e-tailer; Custom Tobacco, a one-of-a-kind cigar customization e-commerce platform; and Veloz Solutions, a technology consulting and software development practice.

What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?

Entrepreneurship brings challenges big and small constantly, and while you never enjoy them, once you are in the game for a while, you accept their inevitability. The biggest challenge has been sustaining multiple businesses. The vast majority of new ventures don’t make it and the fact that we are still around is a testament to our resiliency. In fighting through challenges over the years, I have channeled the competitiveness I have had from the time I was a little kid, fighting to succeed in business instead of in sports or school.

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

Be more patient. I have always been very ambitious and goal-oriented, and early in my career, I was so focused on trying to plow down the path I had charted that I lost sight of the importance of fully experiencing the moment. Spending an extra year or two at a job could be a good thing in the long run. Don’t feel the need to rush through life and through your career.

Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?

Even though they would give me a hard time if they read this, it would have to be my parents. Fortunately, they are too busy and unimpressed with PR I get to care to read this, so I think I am safe.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?

There are so many people I am grateful to who have helped me along the way that it would be unfair to name just one. It is amazing how many people have invested in me from the time I was born until today. I am grateful to all of them.

What do you see as your greatest success in life?

I would like to think I am a net positive in people’s lives. One of the most impactful movies I have ever seen is It’s a Wonderful Life. If you can enrich the lives of others in some capacity, that is real success.