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Category:
Published: January 2008
Ed Mitzen, CEO of Palio Communications, candidly discusses his belief in giving back to his community, finding that difficult balance in life, and how he got started on his path to success.
Success Magazine: How do you define success?
Ed Mitzen: For me, success is being the best person I can be the best father, the best friend, the best employer. It is making a positive contribution to this world, while having a ball along the way.
SM: You graduated from Simon School of Business. How did your education prepare you to be an entrepreneur?
EM: I was a Biology major in college, which meant that unless I went to medical school, I had virtually no practical education that I could use in business. The Simon School MBA gave me business knowledge from former entrepreneurs that helped prepare me to go out on my own. It also taught me to farm out the accounting work, which I genuinely found boring beyond words.
SM: Your focus has been on healthcare marketing, consulting and advertising. What initially sparked your interest in this field?
EM: Both of my parents worked in healthcare, so in a sense, I was born into the field. I always admired people that dedicated their lives to improving human health, and I wanted to contribute in ways that would make a difference.
SM: Through CHS and Palio Communications, you achieved a great deal of success in a very short period of time. To what do you attribute such success?
EM: I have always felt that my success came from extremely hard work, as well as an undying appreciation for those that worked with me. I hired people who were smarter than me and then I got out of their way. I think that has been critical. Both Palio and CHS have amazing employees to whom I will be forever grateful.
SM: What was the most difficult hurdle you faced in starting your own business?
EM: For the first three years or so, we had tremendous financial pressure to make payroll, pay bills and earn enough money to keep investors satisfied. It was tremendously difficult to block out the financial stress and push forward. I had to instill a sense of confidence in customers and employees, while I was shaking in my boots.
SM: At what point did you realize you were successful in your venture?
EM: When people began telling me they wanted to work for me, rather than me trying to convince them to give my companies a chance.
SM: You are originally from the Capital District. How much of a role did your connection with the area and people have in your original success?
EM: I've always loved this area. It's a great place to raise a family. As such, it was very easy to 'talk up' the area to potential recruits and their families, in an honest and straightforward way.
SM: Many employees at Palio have relocated to the region. How does this contribute to the local economy?
EM: Over half of Palio's employees relocated here from other areas. These positions are typically senior roles where folks are buying homes, enrolling children in schools, participating in local events and donating time and money to local charities. I think it's reasonable to say that few new companies in the past ten years have contributed more to Saratoga Springs and the surrounding communities.
SM: It is clear that you have a lot on your plate. Is it difficult for you to find a balance between your business commitments and your personal life?
EM: Truthfully, it is difficult. For years, no matter where I was, I felt like I should be somewhere else. If I was home with the kids, I thought I should be working. If I was working, I felt I should be spending time with my family. Over time, I was able to strike a healthy balance, based on my own personal values. It also helps to sleep a lot less and refuse to ever get sick. I wish there were more hours in the day.
SM: What characteristics do you possess that may set you apart from other entrepreneurs?
EM: I try very hard not to stress about things, and to keep a lighthearted approach to life. My father died at 41 years old, and that taught me at a young age to live every day like it's your last. Life is way too short. I've also found that in many ways, business is a personality contest. People want to work with people they trust, but also ones that make them smile and laugh.
SM: You believe in giving back to your community. Why do you feel this is so important?
EM: I truly feel blessed to have built two thriving companies. And I recognize fully that we did get some breaks along the way. For me, it is so fulfilling to be in a position to help others. I give because it genuinely makes me feel wonderful to contribute.
SM: What philanthropic work are you most proud of?
EM: I have always considered it a great honor to contribute to the Double H Ranch. I cannot think of a more noble cause than being able to help families with ill children. I'm blessed to have three healthy kids, and I want to give back to those families who are less fortunate.
SM: You are a Board member at the Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne. Why did you choose this organization?
EM: I was introduced to the Double H Ranch through a good friend, Guy Mastrion. Guy's passion for the group was infectious, and he inspired me to get more involved. The more I learned about the camp, its leaders, its volunteers and staff, I was hooked. It truly is a magical place and I am so grateful to them for allowing me to play a small part in that.
SM: Many of the charities that you have supported are focused on children. Why do you feel it is so important to give to our youth?
EM: Children, unlike adults, are typically in a position where they cannot help themselves. They look to adults for tenderness, guidance and love. I have always wanted to help put kids in the best position to succeed as adults. I'm blessed to be in a role where I am able to do just that.
SM: You are on the board of directors at SPAC. Why is this organization of particular importance to you?
EM: SPAC is such an icon of our community. Some of my fondest memories as a child growing up in the Capital District were attending concerts and events at SPAC. It is a gorgeous location. In all of the chaos of day-to-day life, SPAC events provide a time for families like mine to reconnect to spend a night away from the TV or internet, and experience culture unavailable anywhere else in the area.
SM: What do you find to be the most admirable quality a person can have?
EM: Kindness.
SM: In becoming an entrepreneur, did you have a mentor? Who have your role models been?
EM: My mentor and role model was my late father, who passed away when I was 18. He taught me the value of hard work, as well as honesty and integrity. He also instilled in me a sense of family. No matter how tired he was from work, he was always right there at my Little League and Pop Warner games.
SM: What advice would you give to a new business owner or entrepreneur?
EM: My advice would be to treat everyone with respect and admiration, whether they are the CEO of a big prospective customer or the janitor who cleans your office.
SM: What goals do you have for your future?
EM: The most fun I've had in my professional career has been at the very start of each business. I definitely want to build more businesses. I honestly enjoy the journey as much as crossing the finish line.
SM: Do you believe you have achieved success as you define it?
EM: I feel I'm off to a good start, but I have a lot more to contribute to this world. And I hope I have as much fun in my final 40 years as I've had in the first 40.
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