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Paul Piciocchi is a self-described "Chronic Entrepreneur and Passable Photographer". After (eventually) graduating from the University of Florida, Paul founded a technology training company with then college roommate and best friend, Jay Vickers. To both their considerable surprised, in five years, they saw their business grow to over 100 employees and more than 40 training rooms. At the time of the sale of their company to Michael Milken (Knowledge Universe), their clients included AT&T, Westinghouse, NASA, Disney World and many other impressive sounding firms. After moving between a dozen cities in less than a decade and becoming a bit dizzy, Paul finally landed in Denver, Colorado where he currently owns, operates & drinks at a number of nightlife venues - as well as a small hedge fund and an equally tiny real estate firm. Paul resides in Lower Downtown Denver and is (weather permitting) often found in Wash Park during the weekends attempting to become at least decent at Volleyball. Additionally, he finds some satisfaction in micro-lending, the process of making tiny loans to individuals in developing countries to help them launch their own small businesses:
I believe that one of the most effective methods to break the cycle of poverty is investing in people that hope to make a better future for themselves and those around them. 'Give a man a fish and he eats for a day, teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime' is an often overused saying, but it doesn't make it any less true.
In
my opinion, Kiva.org is one of the best micro-lending organizations out
there. They have a wonderful track record (100% of my loans have
been repaid) and have a huge, growing network of partners and
businesses. If
you are reading this and feel you might be interested in helping people
through Kiva.org, please allow me to help you get started by giving you
a $25 gift certificate.
Regards,
-Paul |
