“A Day in the Life” is a series where we’ll profile a variety of residents to get an intimate glimpse into their day-to-day. These are your neighbors. Get to know them.
“You will never be as successful as you can be in your career unless you hire, and mentor, individuals who can ultimately take your job.” – Doug Shattuck
If you’re unfamiliar with the media-buying ad-tech company, OwnerIQ, allow us to introduce you. Not only is the Boston-based startup helping advertisers and marketers from big brands like Staples and Wayfair connect to the right consumers, but they’ve also managed to raise a recent venture round, worth $5 million.
Needless to say, things have been busy at the office. Just ask Doug Shattuck, the chief financial officer of OwnerIQ – fondly known as “The Q.” Here, the CFO shares with BostInno how he juggles being a triathlete with growing a burgeoning Boston company.
How do you spend most mornings?
I’m an avid triathlete, and live a long way from the office. So, my days start very early (typically around 4:30 a.m.) so I can beat traffic on the Pike and get my workout in before the day starts. After a great workout and a cup or two of coffee I really enjoy sitting in the quiet office with The Q’s mascot, Poppy the Miniature Schnauzer, thinking about the business and planning out my day. Once the lights go on, and the noise level starts to rise, it’s go time.
What are the top priorities on your to-do list right now?
First and foremost, make The Q a phenomenal success. Currently that means keeping the company well capitalized and pushing our industry-leading gross margins even higher (without sacrificing customer outcomes). This, along with the normal day-to-day fire-fighting inherent in a fast growing company, makes for quite a formidable “to-do list.”
What is the best part and the worst part about your day?
The best part of the day is witnessing The Q’s success first-hand … it makes the days fly by.
The worst part, honestly, is when after a long day I go the refrigerator and all that’s left is light beer. I prefer a hoppy IPA, and when all that’s left is something light, I’ve been known to get a bit cranky.
Who is one of the most inspiring people you’ve met during your career?
OwnerIQ’s CEO and co-founder, Jay Habegger, is an inspiring leader (and I’m not saying that because he’s my boss). He has great vision, knows where he wants to go, is capable of hearing all sides of every argument and adjust his thinking accordingly and, once a consensus has been reached, exhibits dogged perseverance in achieving the outcome. It’s not always fun and games along the road to success, but it’s always challenging and never dull.
If you could impart one piece of advice to our readers, what would it be?
Hire your replacement. You will never be as successful as you can be in your career unless you hire, and mentor, individuals who can ultimately take your job. Don’t be afraid of being replaced by someone you hired, be proud of your success, and take full advantage of the opportunities it presents.
What would you do if you were suddenly granted a day off from work tomorrow?
First, I’d be a slug and sleep in until 6 or 6:30 a.m. Then, of course, check my email (it’s only a single day off and the free market doesn’t sleep), followed by a healthy breakfast, a long uphill bike ride, a nap, and then I’d finally catch up on my New Yorker backlog.
If you weren’t answering my questions, what would you be doing instead?
I’m answering these questions in the early hours of the morning. So, after I finish this sentence I’m going to grab Poppy, sit in a comfy chair, and plan out the future of The Q!
