Video by Three Pillars Media of Lincoln. Post-production by Evolve of Des Moines.
These days, Jim McKelvey‘s best known for his work as the co-founder of Square, the mobile payments company that enables anyone with an iPhone to accept credit card transactions.
But that’s just the most recent chapter of the McKelvey story, which includes endeavors far more distant and varied — from his years as a glass-blower to his experience writing a college text book as a college freshman. On May 10 at Big Omaha 2012, McKelvey drew on that blend of experiences to support his message: “The time is now.”
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McKelvey believes we live in a special team because three things have happened. “First of all,” he said, “we no longer have to ask permission to do stuff. We all have the ability to create objects that are fantastic and would be unthinkable even 10 years ago.”
Second, McKelvey said: “Communication has become free. Ideas move so freely and so quickly that if you have a good one, you don’t have to spend a lot of money shouting it.”
Third: “Ideas are plentiful.”
Check out the video above, the sixth in the Big Omaha 2012 Video Series presented by Microsoft BizSpark, to hear McKelvey discuss his story, Square and the special time we live in, plus field questions from the audience.
Read our recap: “Jim McKelvey: ‘Just go ahead and build it’ “
About Jim McKelvey
McKelvey is the co-founder of Square who has, over the last 20 years, started 7 companies, 5 of which he still owns. From glassblowing to payments, Jim builds firms in spaces where nobody has gone before.
Find McKelvey on Twitter: 2000f
About Big Omaha & Thinc Iowa, SPN Premier Events
Silicon Prairie News hosts two premier annual events, Big Omaha in May and Thinc Iowa in October. Both events bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, creative individuals, investors and others for a lineup of inspiring speakers, a schedule of unique networking opportunities and a community of support.
To sign-up for alerts regarding Thinc Iowa, which will take place Oct. 10-11 in Des Moines, visit thinciowa.com.
Credits: Photo of McKelvey by Malone & Company/Big Omaha. Headshot of McKelvey courtesy of McKelvey.
About our sponsor, Microsoft BizSpark
Microsoft BizSpark is a global program that helps software startups succeed by giving them access to Microsoft software development tools, connecting them with key industry players, including investors, and providing marketing visibility to help entrepreneurs starting a business. BizSpark will fast-track the success of your startup with software, support an visibility.
