Entrepreneurial adventures offer lessons

Michael Cloran is problem solver. And he knows how to turn the answers into viable businesses.

Cloran, 43, is an Indiana University graduate who built and then sold a successful Chicago-based Internet service provider before launching Interactions Corp., a Carmel tech firm that has raised $34 million in venture capital.

The founding partner of Indianapolis-based venture development company DeveloperTown, Cloran now wrapping up a cross-country tour promoting uFlavor, a startup he hopes will become the YouTube of the beverage industry.

His partners in the latest enterprise—Purdue University grads Nathan Altman and Mike Mitchell—will handle day-to-day operations, in part because Cloran knows his limitations.

“Twice I took a company above 50 employees, and both times I broke it,” Cloran said. “I’m really good at the first part: coming up with the idea and making it work.” But when it comes to what he calls “organizational science,” he has learned to let others take the helm.

His insight is admirable. Rather than push himself to do something he knows others do better, he is content to focus on his strengths and make a difference there.

OK, now it’s time for some reader participation: What have your entrepreneurial adventures taught you about yourself? And how can others learn from those lessons?