Former NASA Software Developer Launches Software Startup
This profile features Tony Ingraldi, a software developer that is working on launching his own software company while working part-time as a software contractor to fund his startup.
Name:
Tony Ingraldi
Family Description:
My wife Marsha and I have 5 children: Caroline, age 17; Colleen, age 13; Sam, age 10; Emily, age 7; Caleb, age 4. Marsha and I have been married for 20 years and we live in Yorktown, VA.
Business Name:
Majesty Software
Business Description:
Currently I have dual-employment. I work part-time for a large government contracting firm and I am also working to build up my sole-proprietorship, Majesty Software. I have performed freelance and consulting under the Majesty Software name but my main focus is on developing software for the iPhone and on producing an instruction course in computer programming primarily for the homeschool community.
Location:
Yorktown, VA
Formal education/training:
My formal education consists of a bachelors degree in aerospace engineering and a masters degree in aeronautics. I have also taken several computer programming training courses over the years. Much of the knowledge required to do what I do today has been gained through books, on-line resources, and experience.
Prior work experience:
I worked as a NASA civil servant at Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA for nearly 18 years. I resigned from NASA in 2005 to work for a small software development firm in Suffolk, VA. I returned to NASA as a part-time contractor in July 2009.
Forming the Idea:
Developing software has been enjoyable for me ever since I touched my first computer way back in 1980. I decided to take a shot at the iPhone market due to the appeal of the device itself and my long history using Apple technologies.
I've had occasion to train or mentor others in computer technologies and I want to have a larger role in home educating my children. This is where the idea for the computer programming course came from.
How you got started:
I founded Majesty Software in late 2007 when I began work as a government sub-contractor. I expanded into the iPhone market in 2008.
Last year, our family reached a major milestone. With the Lord's blessing, we were able to pay off our home mortgage and we are now 100% debt free. This gave me the freedom to leave full-time employment and have greater opportunity to work on my business and be home with my family.
What was it like in the beginning:
We're just really getting started with our new mode of life with me working a part-time job. The increased time freedom is wonderful and we look forward to what the future holds.
What stage the business is at now:
Majesty Software has two titles for sale on the iPhone App Store and I have some other ideas that I am pursuing. My short-term focus will be on developing the programming course so that it will be ready for sale by the end of the year (2009).
The biggest challenge you’ve faced:
The biggest challenge is figuring out how to effectively market iPhone software that sells for just 99 cents. I have yet to solve this problem!
Key steps that made the difference:
Having a focus on becoming debt free was huge. Aside from that, I'd say beginning to develop some aspects of my business before I left full-time employment was vital. I spent many nights and weekend hours working on software development before I resigned my full-time position in July 2009.
Lessons Learned:
Marketing is hard. Much harder than technology.
The best advice you received:
I have heard numerous people who I have learned from say that "leaders are readers." I have made a conscious effort to take more time to read quality non-fiction books. I don't read as much as I'd like, but this is great advice.
What your work and family life was like before:
I don't feel like I can claim the title of entrepreneur quite yet, but I can say that when I was working a full-time job and commuting 50 miles round trip that I didn't get to spend the kind of time at home that I now enjoy.
What your work and family life is like now:
I'm amazed to have the opportunity and freedom that I currently enjoy.
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