Michael Manelidis is an entrepreneur whose thoughts run in a direction I don’t mind following. What does he think KillerStartups should have asked him in our interview? “What’s your favorite cocktail?” of course. Bootstrapping a business is often grueling work, and it’s important keep in mind other life concerns such as cool libations.
We could all go for some summer refreshment in tough economic times. Maybe even our websites. Manelidis’ startup templatesites offers a variety of website solutions. He’s been in the business of web hosting and design for twelve years. Templatesites is his latest Greek venture and in this startup founder interview, he told us about mojitos and turning his hobby into a full blown business.
How’d you come up with the name for your company?
Michael Manelidis: I believe templatesites.net is the perfect name for the project. The domain name describes the service, and it’s easy to remember. We could’ve thought of a new brand name, but for marketing and many other reasons, we chose “templatesites.net.”
What’s the very first thing you do at work everyday?
Visit KillerStartups.
Awe. That’s great to hear! So, tell us… How many people did you start the company with and how many people work for you now?
We started the company with 2 people. Now we have 30 people around the world.
That’s awesome! Any thoughts on the struggle of starting up?
Struggle makes you learn and appreciate things.
How do you handle frustration? When/how was the last time you dealt with frustration?
I analyze situations and try to find the best solution–learn from the mistakes and avoid them in the future.
What’s your office environment like?
Friendly environment with happy people.
How do you picture your company in 5 years?
Being in Alexa’s top 15.
Who or what inspires YOU? Role models? Bungee Jumping?
People around me, people I care about and I love inspire me. I like games (just don’t have enough time to play). I like NFS and Starcraft.
How’d you first think about your project?
It’s started as hobby and became a business.
Got any great bootstrapping tips for the lean startups out there?
Picture your goal, believe in it and deliver it.
What would you be doing if you had one year off and $500,000 to spend?
Marketing investment. Upgrade products and solutions. New partners / new deals. Create a job community for talented web designers around the world.
What’s it gonna take to make you feel successful?
New orders.
Website you couldn’t live without and why?
Google.com – Google has changed many lives, as it has mine. Daily Tool for managing different goals and tasks.
Dogs or cats?
I have 2 cats and 2 dogs (Lab and Pug)
iOS or Android?
iOS
What’s the greatest thing about your company/website/idea?
Included in the price when you purchase a template at templatesites, you get unlimited hosting with a domain name and SEO submission service. Also, you can enjoy live template customization with our web design team.
Where can our readers get a hold of you? Facebook? Twitter? Google+? Personal blog? Any other projects you’re working on that we should check out?
Previous project: coolhost–web hosting (Greek)
What’s your favorite cocktail?
Mojito.
