In our Igniting the Spark series, we spend a few minutes with founders, entrepreneurs and leaders to explore the moments, challenges and ideas that have shaped their journey.
In this interview we speak with Paul Stamoulis, Managing Partner at Clarim Holdings, about building meaningful connections through business, navigating complexity and the importance of learning from others.
Your What & Why?
Q1. Briefly, what does your business do, and what is the purpose?
We established a US family office on behalf of Jim McCann (founder of 1800 flowers.com). The family business is not about gifts, its really about making connections with others. That desire – to connect folks together and let the joy and spark activate from those relationships is where we find the most joy. We have chosen to enter businesses that feed these connections (media, marketing, experiential agencies), just to name a few.
Your Spark
Q2. What originally sparked the idea to start the business?
When we started Clarim, we realized the network we are fortunate to participate in yields tremendous opportunity – personally, professionally and commercially. The business was simply a means to formalize these connections, whether through investment, commercial partnerships or otherwise.
Hardest Challenge?
Q3. What’s been the toughest challenge you’ve faced so far?
I think our toughest challenge is running multiple activities at the same time. Operation of an existing public company, a media company, an investment management firm – these are where Jim is prolific with this time and effort. It’s a challenge managing the various demands, but thrilling at the same time.
Q4. What advice would you give other entrepreneurs/leaders?
Push through. It’s that simple. As companies grow, so to does the leadership team. The complexity only increases and the reasons to slow down naturally overtake the organization. Keeping pace and pushing through is a lot of our conversation focus these days. Invariably, we get there – perhaps imperfectly, but getting to a conclusion and reworking along the way is where we believe the best people thrive. We also make mistakes, but net/net we keep ingenuity at the heart of the business.
The Highlight
Q5. What achievement are you most proud of? Why?
That one is easy. I am proud of the firm we have now created as it will serve multiple generations of the family. The network we have amassed, through our various efforts, is one that will continuously grow and create meaningful connections that have a positive impact.
One Piece of Wisdom
Q6. What one piece of advice would you share with your younger self if you were doing it all again?
Learn from others as much as possible. There are so many people doing amazing things with their time and talents. Learning what makes them tick and how they operate can provide invaluable learnings for the future.
Client Story – Working with Ignition Law
Ignition Journey
Q7. What led you to work with Ignition Law?
A mutual friend has placed us in contact and I was quickly able to make a strong connection with the team.
Legal Support
Q8. How did Ignition support you through this, and what difference did we make?
Our latest transaction represents our first foray into the UK. Learning the differences between UK and US was where I most needed assistance. Our team was there every step of the way as a. great ‘translator’. Adding to this, we needed to close the transaction quickly and on budget. The team did both effectively and was true pleasure to work with.
The Experience
Q9. What do you value most about working with Team Ignition?
Its never easy with time zones. This work required turnarounds overnight and early in the am. The team was able to manage the work and responses on a very timely basis, but also ensured we all kept our family commitments. That balance is important to everyone but hard to manage at times. The team shared the workload seamlessly and with ease.
Keeping Motivated Beyond Work
Q10. What keeps your spark alive, inside or outside of work?
Making new connections. Take for instance my new relationships at Ignition. I know there will be more opportunities to work together and hopefully bring others to the table that can help each of our professional efforts.
Sharing Knowledge
Q11. What book, video, Ted Talk, quote or single piece of advice can you share with our SME Community?
The Emerson poem about success is where I often turn. The quote “ to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” It reminds us that success has many levels, but ultimately is as simple as helping others.
