I am doing a series spotlighting the wisdom of executives. The first in the series shares Irvine, California-based Tom Fedro's insights on problem solving. To be a successful start-up entrepreneur, problem solving is critical--especially in the technology industry.

2. Executive Series: Tom Fedro, PSG, Irvine, CA
1/10/2014
ALL BUSINESS IS ABOUT SOLVING PROBLEMS
From the earliest trade to
the most recent, a
problem is identified (or
even created) and
someone comes along
with a solution to solve
that problem.
This is especially true for
start-ups.
Photo Credit: Encyclopaedia Britannica, The Cleverness of Crows, 10/07/2013.

3. Executive Series: Tom Fedro, PSG, Irvine, CA
1/10/2014
VIDEO GAMES CREATED FOR ENTERTAINMENT
What problem does a video game solve?
About 44% of Americans utilize
another device while watching
television.
NATPE, Jan 2014
Boredom.

4. Executive Series: Tom Fedro, PSG, Irvine, CA
1/10/2014
THREE CRUCIAL ELEMENTS FOR START-UPS TO
SOLVING PROBLEMS

5. Executive Series: Tom Fedro, PSG, Irvine, CA
1/10/2014
IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM
If you’re not looking at your
product as the means by
which a problem is
solved, you’re not in the
world of technology. You
may have the most beautiful
code in the world, but it is
useless if it doesn’t solve a
problem.
It’s hard to create a solution
when you’ve no idea what it
is you’re trying to solve in
the first place or the benefits
is will bring.

6. Executive Series: Tom Fedro, PSG, Irvine, CA
SOLVE THE PROBLEM
Recognize why the
problem exists. For
example, if backing up
your computer were
easy, there would be no
demand for automated
backup solutions.
1/10/2014

7. Executive Series: Tom Fedro, PSG, Irvine, CA
1/10/2014
UNDERSTAND THE HUMAN COMPONENT
It isn’t enough to identify
and solve the problem. A
successful start-up must
know how to bring the
solution to the people.
Successful entrepreneurs
do all three.

8. Executive Series: Tom Fedro, PSG, Irvine, CA
1/10/2014
WHAT’S YOUR PROBLEM?
Tom Fedro is president and CEO, of
Irvine, California-based Paragon
Software Group Corporation. Mr.
Fedro developed the business
strategy and operations plan for the
company and hired the team for its
execution. Currently recognized as
one of the “Best Places to Work” by
the OC Business Journal, Paragon is
the 3rd fastest growing private
company in the region.
You can reach Tom Fedro at
www.TomFedro.com and
www.linkedin.com/in/tomfedro.