How do you succeed as an entrepreneur?

“Persistence is everything,” says Joe Colopy of Bronto Software.

As part of WRALTechWire’s Insider Interview series, we are asking Triangle entrepreneurs about who they are, what they do, and what advice they can offer to those thinking about or have already launched their own businesses.

Be sure to read Insider columnist Joe Procopio’s “Having a beer with …” extensive conversation with Colopy.

Our Q&A is with Joe Colopy:

  • BASIC FACTS:

Age 42

Date, place of birth: January 13. Akron, Ohio

Education: Harvard, Computer Science / Economics UNC, MBA

Family: Married. 4 Kids.

  • ABOUT YOUR COMPANY:

Company: Bronto Software

Located: Durham, NC

When founded: 2002

How many employees: 175+

  • WHAT MAKES YOU WHAT YOU ARE:

What were you doing immediately before becoming an entrepreneur?

Working in marketing at  Red Hat. Went to graduate school at UNC and was a teacher in the Peace Corps before that.

Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur?

I have been entrepreneurial since I was a kid. It wasn’t a conscious choice.

Are entrepreneurs born or taught?

Bit of both.

How many ideas did you explore before settling on your current company?

I worked on predecessors to Bronto for 18 months between my time at Red Hat and the formal start of Bronto

What you do when you’re not working?

Spend time with my family. Exercise.

What was the last book you read?

“Wolf of Wall Street”

What do you read daily?

Tech blogs. Local business news. TMZ.

  • ADVICE TO ENTREPRENEURS

What’s the most important thing for entrepreneurs to know?

Persistence is everything.

What’s the most important thing for prospective entrepreneurs to know?

Entrepreneurism is hard but worth it if you are wired that way.

What is the worst thing about being an entrepreneur?

You are never really satisfied or settled. There is no real separation between your work and personal lives.

What is the biggest challenge facing entrepreneurs today?

Staying focused. It is very important to avoid distraction and not confuse being busy with being productive.

What’s the best thing about the Triangle as place to start and grow a business?

Nice balance of several things — quality of life, progressive area, and economic growth.