Robert Sirotek Interview
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Q: Please tell us who you are, what you do and about your career history.
A: I graduated from University with a degree in Management, majors in marketing, computer science, and a minor in finance and technical communications. Since 1976, it was my goal to work with computers. At that time, big mainframes were the thing. Then came along the PC, and right away I knew where I was heading. That led me to become one of three co-founders of Sirtech Software back in 1980. My main responsibilities at the publishing company included creating national marketing plans and oversight of its execution, oversight of all sales, development of world-wide distribution channels, licensing of new programs from budding authors, as well as general responsibilities connected with operating a company. We continued publishing products until 1997 when the firm ceased operating. By then it was too hard to be a publisher with sales of less than 100 million dollars and have any credibility from trade accounts. However, one of our other companies strictly developed software, so from time-to-time, when projects were finishing, it was my job to negotiate licenses for these products with publishers. I still continue to do this for the developer today.
Also I worked as a member of the Board of Directors for a large NASDAQ traded firm, current serve on the advisory council of another software start-up, and have made numerous investments in other promising technology firms. Currently I am enjoying time with my family, though now that I am well rested, soon I will need to become more active as a team player with another firm.