Time is the enemy

October 23, 2007

Time is the enemy

Today was a tough day. For the second time in my life I had to tell a great team of people that the idea they'd worked so hard on was going away. After 3+ years, our management team and board of directors has decided to scale back our operations at Judy's Book and seek a strategic acquiror.

As a CEO, I know this is the right thing to do for our investors. But as an entrepreneur it's disappointing to stop chasing an idea just when it's beginning to take root in the popular consciousness. We've (I've) made plenty of mistakes along the way with Judy's Book, but our decision last year to focus on local shopping wasn't one of them. Greg Sterling has been more eloquent about this opportunity than I'll ever be, but I'm certain the ideas we're pursuing here at Judy's Book will ultimately become a significant piece of the online and local
shopping puzzle, and I'm sorry that I and my team won't be the ones to carry the ball across the finish line.

Depending on how you count it, Judy's Book is my fourth or fifth startup, and it definitely won't be my last. It's hard to say goodbye to great ideas and even better people, but it's also exciting to be looking ahead to a new chapter. More to come...stay tuned. Don't turn the channel.

Oct 23, 2007 4:27:12 PM | Business

19 Comments

Andy,

I'm sooo sorry to hear the news. We (at YellowBot) always liked Judy's Book.

I'll miss hearing about Judy's Book as a company, a product, a business, and an experience. Best of luck to you and the staff.

Emad

Posted by: emad | October 23, 2007 at 06:02 PM

That sucks, Andy. Good luck to you and your crew.

I've thoroughly enjoyed your blog-- thanks for the effort you put into this.

Posted by: Doug | October 23, 2007 at 06:30 PM

Sorry to read about your tough day. =(

Posted by: Anne-Marie | October 23, 2007 at 07:09 PM

Hey Andy,

I know what you mean. I have been there and had to shut down one of my last start-ups.

Give me a buzz if you want to grab a coffee. Would like to kick around some new iseas.

Lee
206-861-3405

Posted by: Leigh | October 23, 2007 at 07:42 PM

Sorry to hear it -- good luck in your next venture!

If there's anything you think we at YellowBot/Solfo can do with the remains of Judys Book, be sure to get in touch.

Related to your post on the 18th: Your posts about the transition(s) at JB sure have been interesting -- much appreciated! I'm looking forward to you continuing that sort of posts in your next venture, too.

- ask

Posted by: Ask Bjørn Hansen | October 23, 2007 at 08:15 PM

Sorry to hear that Andy. Keep us posted. Let me know if you ever make it to LA....

Posted by: Ben Casnocha | October 23, 2007 at 08:47 PM

I continue to appreciate your transparency and look forward to reading more about this and other ventures.

Posted by: AdamD | October 23, 2007 at 10:28 PM

Andy,

Hearing this I wish I'd made this morning's Open Coffee Club, for moral support if nothing else. I'm the graybeard consultant type who shows up sporadically, and talks about engineering transitions as companies grow up (or don't) and "acceptable exits" sometimes.

So, I too know that when it is time to make that call, it's time. That's part of what you owe the investors, but also the team whether they know it or not.

In a serendipity event, item #2 in this post on Slacker Manager is about the same thing:

http://www.slackermanager.com/2007/10/the-top-5-management-zingers.html

I'm around if I can help. That includes your next one, whatever it turns out to be.

- Jim

Posted by: Jim Bullock | October 23, 2007 at 10:47 PM

Hey Andy,

You guys gave it a great shot and were always fun to compete against. I look forward to following your future exploits.

Andrew

Posted by: Local SEO Guide | October 24, 2007 at 10:15 AM

Hi Andy,

My name is Wayne Lambright and we never had a chance to speak. I'm really sorry about judysbook closing down; I have been watching you since day one. I would like to talk with you about a venture I have been working on. Its called Tastyr.com. We're easy going and I think what we’re up to would be of interest to you and possible your old team.

Let talk sometime this week

Sincerely

Wayne Lambright
415-750-1921

Posted by: Wayne Lambright | October 24, 2007 at 10:18 AM

Hey Andy

It sucks to have to let people go. I've had to do it myself and it's one of the worst things to have to do in business. If you think i can be of any help to your recently departed, please let me know. I know of some great opportunities in the Seattle Software community. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

Boris Epstein
CEO - BINC
www.bincsearch.com

Posted by: Boris Epstein | October 24, 2007 at 10:37 AM