 Allan Michael Grant, Chief Executive Officer Webmasters International, LLC 770-374-4223 (mobile) Education: 2006, B.S. Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology CoC: What interests you about the field of computing /computer science? Allan Grant: What interests me the most about computer science is how it affects the way I think and solve real life problems. In that sense, my field of study sort of mimics reality, with the functions of CS always developing into metaphors for how I perceive my surroundings. This same idea can be associated with designing and implementing a business model, which in itself is very similar to developing software. I strongly believe that studying computer science is the best possible preparation for business. CoC: Why did you choose CoC/Tech over other programs or universities? Allan Grant: Georgia Tech’s world-class Computer Science program, HOPE Scholarship, and the opportunity to live in Atlanta, these were the three factors that made the College of Computing at Georgia Tech a clear choice above all other universities. CoC: What is the coolest thing you are doing / have done in your studies at CoC? Allan Grant: The CoC education assisted me in founding a successful web development business. I established Webmasters International in 2005, after competing in MBA-level business plan competitions around North America. The plan was to consolidate the world-wide web development (design & applications) outsourcing market. Currently (as of August 2006), Webmasters International has 19 employees located in both Ukraine and Atlanta. The company is profitable and growing rapidly. My goal is to employ 2500 offshore developers within the next three years. CoC: What is the biggest challenge? Allan Grant: Without a doubt, finding the time to sleep. Between juggling business tasks, school assignments, and a personal life, I have nearly driven myself to the brink of insanity. My savior? A PDA I have had since freshman year. During the GT experience, I have come to believe that it is always possible to accept more responsibilities – the difficult part is choosing which previous engagements to sideline. CoC: What are your professional goals upon graduation? Allan Grant: My goal is to continue as the CEO of Webmasters International, to grow the company and position it for consolidation or buy-out. In addition to WMI, I am a co-owner of A-Top Realty, a real-estate brokerage company that is developing Georgia’s first online real estate community, and a partner in two internet application start-ups where I can leverage my experience in creating world-class web applications. Webmasters is only the first step for me in realizing my dream of creating value through entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Since childhood, my life goal has been to create as much positive impact on people of the world as possible during the course of my lifetime (i.e. to maximize the creation of value for “the system”). My plan for tackling this goal has two phases. First, I will create wealth through entrepreneurship. Second, I will create sustainable philanthropic ventures to distribute wealth to those whose lives will be most impacted by it. I will never forget the day when I gave 500 rupees ($10 USD) to a disabled man, while in India. To me, it was the cost of two drinks at the bar; I lost nothing from the transaction. To him, it was enough to buy food for a month, and he was positively impacted by the transaction. Now that’s a transaction that creates value for “the system”! CoC: How do you feel CoC is preparing you to accomplish those goals? Allan Grant: The College of Computing at Georgia Tech has enabled me to take the first steps towards new venture creation by developing my understanding of the best software development practices. It has also connected me to a whole network of alumni and Atlanta business professionals. Most importantly the GT experience has taught me how to think about “problems as opportunities for solutions.” CoC: Anything else to brag about? Don't be shy - tell us everything... Allan Grant: In 2005, I became the chairman of WebChallenge, a high school web development competition sponsored by the Technology Association of Georgia. This is an exciting opportunity for me to give back to an event that shaped my career. After competing for two years in high school (2000, 2001), I ventured into the professional web development field. For the first time in the eight years of the competition, WebChallenge 2005 was held at Georgia Tech and officially sponsored by the College of Computing at Georgia Tech. More than 30 schools participated and winners received scholarships towards their college education in Georgia. In 2006, my goal is to increase the scholarship amounts, as well as the number of schools participating. I strongly believe that this competition is helping encourage technology education in Georgia high schools, while positively impacting the lives of the participants. |