Editor’s note: As part of WRALTechWire’s new Insider interview series, we will be asking entrepreneurs a series of questions designed to help our readers learn more about the people building successful businesses. Today’s Q&A is with Rob Cotter of Organic Transit. What does he do other than work? What drove him to be an entrepreneur? What’s the best thing about the Triangle as a place to launch a company? What’s the worst? (Be sure to read Joe Procopio’s “Having a beer with ..” interview with Cotter.)

GETTING TO KNOW ROB COTTER

The Bio

  • Age: 57
  • Date, place of birth: 10/12/56 Brookhaven, NY
  • Education: Psychology/Journalism

The Startup

  • Company Name: Organic Transit
  • Located: Durham
  • When founded: February 2012
  • How many employees? 19

Insider’s Thinking:

  • What were you doing immediately before this company? Consulting on NYC Bike Sharing
  • What were you doing immediately before becoming an entrepreneur? Attending grammar school.
  • Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur? It’s what I am, there was no choice involved.
  • Are entrepreneurs born or taught? Presumably both but my first inclination is born.
  • How many ideas did you explore before settling on your current company? Many
  • Last terrible idea you had before starting this company? A TV show for used cars.
  • What you do when you’re not working? Sleep and eat.
  • What was the last book you read? ”Mission in a Bottle,” by Seth Goldman and Barry Nalebuff
  • What do you read daily? Inhabitat.com,
  • What’s the most important thing for entrepreneurs to know? A wealthy uncle. In addition; thick skin, stubborness and honesty.
  • What’s the most important thing for prospective entrepreneurs to know? Important to evaluate one’s own personality and desires.
  • What is the worst thing about being an entrepreneur? (He didn’t answer.)
  • What is the biggest challenge facing entrepreneurs today? The pressure for quick returns and to stay within certain parameters.
  • What’s the best thing about the Triangle as place to start and grow a business? Low cost, comfortable and intelligent folks.
  • On the other hand, what’s the worst thing about the Triangle as place to start and grow a business? I could really use an ocean up the street.