Category Archives: Business

The Most Powerful Women in African American Owned Banks

Posted on October 16, 2013 by | 2 comments

The true worth of a race must be measured by the character of its womanhood. – Mary McLeod Bethune

Headshot-Cynthia-Day-2011

African American owned banks might be on the decline, down to 21 from 54 over the past 20 years, but the ranks of African American women in positions of power continues to rise. Our list includes 3 CEOs, 1 President, 2 CFOs, 13 Vice-Presidents, and 7 board of directors. A sign that the playing field for African American women within African American organizations is much friendlier than their counterparts. African American women comprise almost 15 percent of African American owned banks CEO positions, while European American women make up only 5 percent of European America’s top 20 banks.

We have done our best to find out just who are some of the amazing African American women serving as executives and directors at African American owned banks around the country. Some banks do not have their management or board of directors listed so we are sure we missed some, but for now here is who we found and some of their stories.

Broadway Federal Bank

Mildred Cayton is the Controller for Broadway Federal Bank, making her the number two in charge at the California-based bank.

Commonwealth National Bank

Jacquitta Powell Green is the Vice President of Northside Exchange. She has served on the boards of Volunteer Mobile, the National Check Cashier Association, the City of Prichard Chamber, Leadership Mobile and as the Nominations Chair of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and Services to Youth Chair/Greater Mobile Chapter of the LJNKS, Inc. Jacquitta Powell Green is a graduate of Alabama A & M University and Springhill College.

Citizens Trust Bank

Cynthia N. Day, President and CEO (pictured above) – assumed the presidency of the Company and Citizens Trust Bank on February 27, 2012. Day joined Citizens Trust Bank in February 2003 as Executive Vice President of Management Services after the Bank acquired Citizens Federal Savings Bank of Birmingham, where she served as the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and in other capacities since 1993. Two years after the acquisition, she became the Senior Executive Vice President & COO of the Company and the Bank. Prior to becoming a banker, Ms. Day, who is a certified public accountant, worked for KMPG as an audit manager, managing audit engagements for companies across several different industries including banking, insurance, manufacturing and educational institutions. Ms. Day has been recognized for her leadership and mentorship in various community and professional organizations including being named one of “Atlanta’s Top 100 Black Women of Influence” by the Atlanta Business League and one of Atlanta Tribune’s “Wonder Women”. She currently serves on the board of The National Banker’s Association and Aarons, Inc. She is also a member or has actively served in various organizations such as the Georgia Society of CPAs, The University of Alabama Continuing Education Advisory Board, the American Liver Foundation and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Ms. Day’s insight into the day-to-day operations of the Bank and her expertise in the banking industry adds value to the board and qualifies her to serve as a director.

Mercy P. Owens, began her service as a director in 2004.  Ms. Owens retired as Senior Vice President of Wachovia Bank with more than 30 years of banking experience, primarily in the area of compliance.  Ms. Owens is the President of Resource Consulting, which has been engaged by Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and non-profit organizations to provide training and development for her constituents.  She serves on the St. Augustine’s College Falcon Foundation Board and Emory Hospital Winship Cancer Center Advisory Board.  We believe Ms. Owens’ previous years of banking experience are very valuable to the board and qualify her to serve as a director.

Industrial Bank

Patricia A. Mitchell, EVP, Retail and Sales Operation, is also a member of the board of directors. For Ms. Mitchell, Industrial Bank is more than a job, it is a legacy. She is the granddaughter of the bank’s founder and had fate not had its hand she would have never entered the family business. Luckily, she did and the rest has been history.

Massie S. Fleming has been a Director of IBW Financial Corp., since 1985. Mrs. Fleming retired at the end of 1997 from her position as Executive Vice President of the Industrial Bank, N.A. Prior to that date, she served in various executive and administrative positions at the bank since 1959, including as Chief Executive Officer from 1985 to mid 1997.

Pamela King has been a Director of IBW Financial Corp., since June 2001. Ms. King serves as President of the accounting firm of King, King, and Associates. Ms. King was one of the first African-American women to serve on the Maryland Board that certifies CPA’s.

Liberty Bank

Rhonda M. McMillan, Senior Vice President & Chief Credit Officer, Ms. McMillan is responsible for credit administration, mortgage operations, Visa and risk management for Liberty. She has an MBA in Finance from Clark Atlanta University and a graduate degree in banking from Southern Methodist University’s Southwestern Graduate School of Banking. With over 15 years in banking and credit administration, Ms. McMillan has held numerous positions within the credit administration and risk management areas.

Mechanics  & Farmers Bank

Connie White serves as Vice Chairman of Mechanics and Farmers Bank. Ms. White has been a Director of Mechanics and Farmers Bank since 2002. She serves on the boards of the Durham County ABC Board and the NC Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. Ms. White has a total of 8 years of banking experience. Ms. White earned a Bachelors of Science Degree from Hampton University and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Kim D. Saunders has been the CEO and President of M&F BanCorp. Inc. since 2007. Prior, she served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Consolidated Bank & Trust Company. She also holds appointments as a Vice Chair of the Richmond Renaissance and member of the Virginia Fair Housing Board. A rich professional career as she has more than 20 years of commercial banking experience. She has been Director of M&F BanCorp. Inc. and Mechanics & Farmers Bank since 2009 and 2007 respectively. Ms. Saunders serves on the boards of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Biotech Research Park Corporation, Saint Catherine’s School, World Affairs Council (VA), and the Bon Secours Richmond Health System (Joint Hospitals). Ms. Saunders holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania and Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Shaw University in 2007.

OneUnited Bank

Deloris Pettis-Donaldson serves as a director at OneUnitedBank. served as Director of Internal Audit at Harvard University and was instrumental in transforming the internal audit function into a risk management department. Ms. Pettis-Donaldson has extensive finance and internal audit experience. She served for four years as Group Audit Manager of North American, Latin American, and Caribbean operations at Digital Equipment Corp. She also helped to develop and implement a risk-based operating model. Before Digital, she served as Director of Internal Audit for Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA). In addition to working at Digital and MBTA, she worked at BankBoston Corp., National Association of Securities Dealers and the accounting firm of Peat Marwick Mitchell. At BankBoston, she held a range of senior finance positions, including Manager of Regulatory Reporting and Manager of Internal Control. At Digital, she served on the Advisory Board for the Financial Development Program. She serves as Director of Harvard School of Public Health. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor. She has an MBA from Tulane University’s Graduate School of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the State University of New York, Buffalo.

Teri Williams serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of OneUnited Bank (formerly, Boston Bank of Commerce). Ms. Williams is responsible for implementation of OneUnited Bank’s strategic initiatives, as well as its day to day operations. She has 25 years of financial services experience from premier institutions such as Bank of America and American Express TRS Company, where Ms. Williams served as a youngest Vice President. She served as a Senior Vice President of OneUnited Bank. She serves as Director of OneUnited Bank. She served as a Director at Carver Bancorp Inc. since 2000. She has been Treasurer of Dimock Community Health Center for over 5 years and is its Vice Chairperson. Ms. Williams is involved in community projects, including Treasurer of UNICEF/New England and the Board of Overseers for WGBH (public tv). Ms. Williams has received numerous notations and awards for her contribution to urban communities including from the Urban League, NAACP and the National Black MBA Association. Ms. Williams holds an M.B.A. with honors from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration and a B.A. with distinctions in Economics from Brown University.

Sherri Brewer is Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer of OneUnited Bank. She has been in the banking industry for 30 years.

Cecilia Isaac serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of OneUnited Bank. Ms. Isaac is responsible for OneUnited Bank’s lending operations including loan origination (sales and production), loan service and asset management. Ms. Isaac has over 30 years of banking experience – beginning with Security Pacific and including First Interstate Bancorp and Bank of California. Ms. Isaac has retail banking and extensive lending expertise in single family lending, commercial lending, commercial real estate lending, portfolio management, loan work out, mortgage sales and credit administration. Ms. Isaac holds a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in public administration and a certificate in tax administration from the University of Southern California.

Seaway Bank and Trust Company

Phyllis Davis serves as President of Phyllis Davis Real Estate. Phyllis Davis serves as Director of Seaway Bank And Trust Company.

Gail L. Bahar, Vice President/Human Resources Officer

Lois B. Jenkins, Vice President/Trust Officer

Claudette Harris, Vice President/Marketing Officer

Trina E. Phelps, Vice President/Internal Auditor/Loan Review Officer

Denise Weaver, Senior Vice President/Operations

Arlene Williams, Senior Executive Vice President/Lending

United Bank of Philadelphia

Marionette Y. Wilson joined the Board of Directors of United Bank of Philadelphia in  1992 as a founding director. She is now retired but was formerly the Co-Founder/Partner, John Frazier, Inc., Philadelphia, PA from 1981-2002.

Evelyn F. Smalls has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Bank of Philadelphia since June of 2000.  Prior to this appointment, she was the Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Compliance.

Brenda M. Hudson-Nelson serves as United Bank of Philadelphia’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mrs. Hudson-Nelson’s responsibilities include directing financial planning, financial reporting, implementing, managing the Bank’s investment portfolio, and managing the Bank’s sensitivity to interest rate risk.  Prior to joining United Bank of Philadelphia, Ms. Hudson-Nelson was an Audit Manager for Ernst & Young, a ”Big 6” accounting firm serving clients in the financial services industry.

Dimitria Davenport is an Assistant Vice President of Compliance and Administration. Ms. Davenport’s responsibilities are to ensure that the Bank adheres to all applicable consumer protection laws, and federal and state regulations. In her eighteen-year tenure in the financial services industry, she has held key roles within Human Resources, Training and Retail Administration.

Juliette L. Holmes is the Assistant Vice President of Retail Banking and Business Development. In this capacity, she is responsible for overseeing branch operations and business development for the Bank’s three branches. Ms. Holmes has many years of experience in retail banking and has coached and mentored branch personnel to provide exceptional customer service.

2 Comments

Posted in Banking & Credit Unions

Tagged , , , , ,

42 Million African Americans Own Only 0.33 Percent Of America’s Lands

Posted on October 15, 2013 by | 1 comment

By William A. Foster, IV

A nation may be said to consist of its territory, its people and its laws. The territory is the only part which is of certain durability. Laws change, people die, the land remains. — Abraham Lincoln

ronnie-armstrong-black-farmer-indiana-070701jpg-e632bb337a6a37a1_large-1

The Land Report recently released its annual 100 largest landowners in America. To no one’s surprise there was not one African American individual or family present on the list.  The apex of African American land ownership was over 100 years ago in 1910 when African America owned almost 20 million acres. A far cry from the 160 million acres that should have been owned had Special Order 15 been honored by the U.S. government which is also known as “40 acres and a mule” to most African Americans. By the numbers we have lost over 50 percent of our land ownership the past 100 years and the number continues to drop at an alarming rate for a myriad of reasons. Given that land is the foundation for all social, economic, and political development it could be argued that you can measure a group’s power based on their land ownership. This has been true no matter the economic system in place throughout history. If this is the case then African America is seeing itself getting weaker and weaker generation after generation.

The largest landowner in the country is John Malone, owner of Liberty Media and something few know is he was the second largest shareholder in Black Entertainment Television behind the founders Bob and Sheila Johnson. His initial investment in the company was $180 000 in equity and a $320 000 loan. Eventually, the loan would be paid back but he retained his equity stake, which by the time of the company’s sale would see him receive a return of $700 million. Yes, the man made $700 million on a $180 000 investment. Needless to say, that can buy you a lot of land. In 2010, it allowed him to purchase the Bell Ranch, 290 000 acres of land in New Mexico, and as a result jumping Ted Turner as America’s largest landowner. Just between John Malone and Ted Turner they own over 50 percent of the amount of land that African America owns as a whole.

HBCU business schools have a unique opportunity to change the paradigm of African American land ownership for future generations. This is even more so true at HBCU 1890 schools where agriculture still comprises a major component within the institutions. A class designed around African American land ownership would go a long way to educating graduates, who will typically be in a much better financial position to accumulate land than those with less education. The classes themselves could teach among others things but not limited to; how to implement “poison pills” into their community to prevent gentrification, how to finance land, history of land ownership, timberland investments, and a myriad of other land-related subjects.

Gentrification alone is a problem plaguing a number of African American communities across the nation. This has been especially true for African American neighborhoods located near city centers as many in the suburbs are starting to move back inward. There is also the issue facing African American farmers in this country. Healthy Solutions reports that less than 2 percent of farms today are operated by African Americans in comparison to 14 percent in 1920. There is no doubt that if one examines African America as a nation that its food security and food dependence would have alarm bells ringing for decades now as this situation grows more dire. The USDA in 2010 settled an almost $1.3 billion discrimination lawsuit with 70 000 African American farmers. However, land ownership and African American farms continue to decline further compounding African America capability to have access to quality food options and increasing long-term health issues. I could go into how land ownership influences rezoning of political lines but then I might need to turn this into a book.

Unfortunately, it begs the question as many HBCUs move to a focus on “diversity” whether or not African American economic issues are even on the minds of many HBCU business school leadership. Our situation can not be handled as a “minority” situation. It requires a more targeted strategy to our social, economic, and political state. We can not continue to be the group who has the least but shares the most unless we are content with perpetually being in last and institutionally dependent on others. Land, it remains kind of a big deal.

1 Comment

Posted in Real Estate

Tagged , ,

Office Depot & Office Max Merge – Now They Need To Buy Best Buy & Barnes & Noble

Posted on August 13, 2013 by | Leave a comment

By William A. Foster, IV

In business, the competition will bite you if you keep running; if you stand still, they will swallow you. — Semon Knudsen

mergers-acquisitions

Life between a rock and hard place is a place many individuals and organizations try in principal to avoid at all cost. At the moment the rock and hard place exist on the landscape of the internet and traditional brick and mortar space, with Amazon being the retail rock on the internet and Wal-Mart the retail hard place of brick and mortar. Leaving other major retailers scrambling for cover and being squeezed mercilessly like fresh oranges during a summer morning in the Hamptons.

Office Depot and Office Max in February agreed to a $1.17 billion merger. It was essentially a move for survival. However, if the two assumed this in itself would be enough to survive, then they were simply extending life support not getting off it. To get off and compete they are going to have to be bold to the point of it becoming a great success or great disaster. If they are going to do so they need to act fast because the moment Amazon is able to completely implement its plan to deliver products within hours of online ordering the game is over. Therefore, let us look at the strategic acquisitions that would make sense immediately for this company that could rival Amazon and Wal-Mart’s scale presence.

Barnes & Noble would at the top of my list for the company’s next acquisition. Books are Amazon’s core business still. They are on pace to control almost one-third of the e-book sales market and probably already control at least this much if you combine e-book and print book sales which makes Barnes & Noble a key acquisition. It would give Office Depot/OfficeMax a key foothold onto Amazon’s turf. Currently, Barnes & Noble barely has a market capitalization above $1 billion making it a prime takeover target and affordable. The key part of Barnes & Noble is the Nook, which is the company’s e-reader to rival Amazon’s Kindle. It has struggled to challenge the Kindle primarily because Barnes & Noble simply does not have the R&D or marketing to encroach on Amazon with its current financial situation. Folding it into the new company would allow it to close a number of stores and make other necessary cuts to free up capital it could reinvest into the aforementioned areas. The book inventory of Barnes & Noble would also allow Office Depot/OfficeMax to make real inroads on Amazon’s turf.

The next acquisition will prove to be a bit more difficult but just as vital and that is Best Buy. Their market capitalization is hovering around $10.5 billion and would require Best Buy to be the acquiring company but regardless of how the merger/acquisition happens it needs to happen. Again, we would see a number of stores closed and other cuts. It would also allow the new company to create its own retail front with retail experience that could be reinvented to be more consumer friendly. Now, the new company could feature the Nook even more and block the Kindle’s presence. A move that Wal-Mart has already done to slow down Amazon’s encroachment. Best Buy’s Geek Squad could be further developed as a business service through Office Depot/OfficeMax commercial accounts to integrate customers deeper with the company. The electronics aspect of Best Buy then would have more cross sell opportunities between commercial/retail consumers. Wal-Mart has already established a strong foothold in electronics and Amazon is coming on fast. The casualty that was Circuit City was simply a foreshadow of what will happen to Best Buy if it does not find a dance partner and soon.

An examination of the past five years shows just how bad things are getting for Best Buy and Barnes & Noble as Amazon continues its expeditious growth. In the graph below we see over the past almost five full years Amazon’s stock price has risen almost 300 percent, while Best Buy and Barnes & Noble are down almost 30 percent over the same period. This is saying something given that most stocks have benefited greatly from the quantitative easing of the Federal Reserve as the chart also shows even the S&P 500 up over 20 percent over the same period.

amznsp

The proverbial ground is shifting under retail. It is shifting so fast that we may have passed the point of no return but I believe they still have a chance if they can pull off a merger and acquisition of this magnitude. There is no doubt that bringing together four companies, two which are commercial focused and two which are more retail oriented will be no easy task. The possibility of culture clash is heightened in this type of unification. Especially, given that time is of the essence and there is risk for not properly vetting through making sure the t’s are crossed and i’s dotted. However, there is no doubt what awaits this group of companies if they try and remain independent niche companies. Instead of standing still as they are now and in danger of being swallowed whole, maybe they can get into sprint mode and start to bite back at the competition.

Disclaimer: There is no ownership of any companies mentioned in this article by myself, my business, or my family as of this article’s publishing.

Leave a comment

Posted in Business

Tagged , , , , , , ,

The HBCUpreneur Corner – Tennessee State University’s Trina Morris & Style Root

Posted on June 18, 2013 by | 1 comment

download

Name: Trina Morris

Alma Mater: Tennessee State University

Business Name & Description: Style Root Inc., a public relations and personal development consulting firm

What year did you found your company? Started as a freelancer (sole proprietor) in 2002 and officially launched as an incorporated business in 2005.

What was the most exciting and/or fearful moment during your HBCUpreneur career?

Exciting- Every time I saw one of my clients in the press (print, online or TV), I was over the moon! Every time I proved that my petite PR powerhouse could contend with the PR giants (via international clients, corporate sponsorships, national campaigns, etc.), I was beyond delighted. When I would see the images from events that I produced, I was truly proud. Doing PR is an art as much as a strategy for me, so my events were like live exhibitions ; )

Fearful- In 2009-10, when the recession hit hard. Across several industries, PR was “the last hired and the first fired.” Also when ‘Web 2.0’ launched with social media and the abyss of the blogosphere. Whether other PR pros will admit it or not, that immediately pulled the rug from under all of us. We had to learn Web 2.0, get on the other side of (this new way) and figure out how to make it ‘billable’- in spite of it being something the client could do for free/on their own. As a very small firm, I was stressed OUT. This was also amidst a print publishing collapse. Thus, my media services and contacts were in jeopardy and I was slowly melting.

What made you want to start your own company? Networking and exploring NYC provided me with loads of connections. These industry and creative professionals (rising and seasoned) wanted to build their brands in some way, but were too close (to them) to have an objective view and fresh positioning approach. Its like they were Style Root clients-in-waiting, so I knew starting my own firm was inevitable and fast-approaching ; )

Who was the most influential person/people for you during your time in college? My sophomore Resident Assistant (RA). Her style and charm were matchless, and I knew I could learn soo much from her. Our relationship evolved upon me joining her/our sorority, and I will forever refer to her as my ‘special’ sister.

TSU’s PR Director at the time. Once I realized that Public Relations was ‘the name of this mystery career’ I duly researched, I asked to volunteer in her on-campus office. She solidified my interest in PR, and was the catalyst for my decision to pursue my Masters degree (in PR).

Trina HBCUMoney Shot

My English Professor (from hell) whose academic approach challenged me in a way I’d never been before. She made me analyze and express myself from a deeply authentic place, and defend myself in a way that has served me tremendously- as a female, black woman, intellectual and communications professional. In the end, I waved my white flag (in surrender) and she applauded my growth and talent. Turns out, she was God-sent ; )

How do you handle complex problems? To quote Nina Simone “Oh I’m just a soul whose intentions are good, Lord please don’t let me be misunderstood.”

Prayer, Yoga, Meditation, Tears, Counsel from my closest confidants, Inspirational Reading, Long Showers, Laughter, Wine- lol

What is something you wish you had known prior to starting your company? ‘Exit’ or let me say, ‘Growth’ Strategies- ones that are not purely professional, but also personal. When you are young and inspired, you dare think that you’d ever tire of the work you’re doing, or that things will change (for the bad or good). I wish someone had told me that it was not just okay to rebrand myself/business, but its necessary for long-term success. Internal and external influences must be factored in on a regular basis. OMG, I was sooo emotional about the whole process. Part of me felt like I was betraying myself/business/clients/industry, or claiming defeat. But thank God, today… I know better ; )

What do you believe HBCUs can do to spur more innovation and entrepreneurship while their students are in school either as undergraduate or graduate students? If I answer that, I will expose Style Root’s new product details prematurely. I’ll just say stay tuned for YouArePR, launching this Fall. Also this summer, I am hosting workshops (locally) which examine how to be #wholeselfemployed. My hope is to bring these unique solutions to HBCUs directly.

How do you deal with rejection? (Refer to my answer to the Question How do you handle complex problems?)And actually… I’ve gotten much better. As I’ve mentioned, the recession, Web 2.0 and my subsequent lifestyle changes were like my training grounds. I just recently re-tweeted PR veteran @TerrieWilliams who said, “Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the best things that will ever happen to us.” Its true. So to answer your question, I think rejection is simply the divine means to reception ; )

When you have down time how do you like to spend it? I have the biggest ‘auntie crush’ on my 1-yr old niece, so whenever I can hop on a plane (to the Midwest) to love her up… I do. As an entrepreneur, college professor and yoga instructor, I have a strict schedule and mainly live from a “To Do List”. Thus, I enjoy breaking up the monotony via travel- domestic or international. With others or solo. I’m definitely a beach bum, but when I can’t get there, I simply follow the sun and go on ‘staycation’ (a rooftop, park, backyard, spa, or hey… my stoop!). I also enjoy cooking. Researching and trying new recipes is my nerdland (s/o to @MHarrisPerry), and pop culture (media, fashion, music and art) will forever be a major source of inspiration.

What was your most memorable HBCU memory? Its soooo hard to just give one memory when you are a TSU alum!! All of our Greek Weeks were INSANELY entertaining (Skeeee weeeee!! to my Alpha Psi Sorors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc!!) and Homecoming was just BANANAS!! I was also on the Student Union Board of Governors (SUBG), which coordinated nearly all of the student activities throughout the year. So I could pick ANY of those events between 1996-2000… honestly, the prequel to my PR career ; )

In leaving is there any advice you have for budding HBCUpreneurs? Take personal development as seriously as professional development. Accept that you aren’t just good at one thing (and honor them as ‘transitional skills/talents’). Know your core values and deal-breakers. Volunteer. Slow down. Evolve. Do yoga ; )

1 Comment

Posted in Entrepreneurs

Tagged , , , ,

Yahoo: The Cleveland Browns Of Technology

Posted on May 22, 2013 by | Leave a comment

By William A. Foster, IV

“The brain is not an organ to be relied upon.” – Alexander Block

yahoo-fail-557x362

Marrissa Meyer, the still fresh on the job CEO of Yahoo, is quoted as saying after the recent announcement that the company was going to purchase Tumblr, “we are not going to screw this up” essentially cementing what every investor and analyst already assumed. They will screw it up. Everyone will cheer for them to get it right and somehow in a very loveable Yahooish way – they will still screw it up even with the best of intentions. It has gotten to the point where they can almost not help themselves.

When I first started thinking about this article shortly after the deal was done a few feelings emerged. First, I had to get past my frustration but I will touch on that later. Second, I realized I was glad I was not a Yahoo investor (disclaimer coming at the end) because I am now convinced they might be cursed. Some part of me initially wanted to compare them to the Bad News Bears. The loveable losers with no talent but I realized that really is not Yahoo. Yahoo HAS talent. What it seems to lack is an inward compass. This acquisition of Tumblr is like bringing in brand new furniture and sitting it in the garage while the house is in the state of a renovation at worst or just being extremely junky at best. The fact that when the renovation or cleaning is done the furniture might not even fit into the house seems to have been whiffed by Yahoo.

So why is Yahoo like the Cleveland Browns? Quite simply, it has a storied history and for some reason despite what seems now like an eternity of losing season after losing season people still want them to turn it around. They want to see them get it right. They want to see them win. Yahoo and the Browns are original franchises in their respective industries. Honestly, I am not even real sure anymore just when the wheels fell off at either franchise nor can I remember the last time either did anything that made me feel like they just might be putting the wheels back on. Both seem notorious for bringing in talent and for whatever inexplicable reason that talent succumbs to the inordinately dysfunction. Since 2004, the Cleveland Browns have had 6 head coaches. Over the past 6 years, Yahoo has had 6 different CEOs at its helm. As I said they just can not seem to help themselves.

After Marrissa Mayer arrived at Yahoo from Google as a relatively unknown to most investors and analyst but well respected I had hopes she was going to be the Mike Tomlin hire, head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers. Tomlin was well respected within intimate football circles but had been a defensive coordinator for only one year before being pegged for the top spot in Pittsburgh. Much the same could be said for Marrissa Mayer who was well liked and respected within the Google ranks and intimate technology circles but a relatively unknown quantity and like Tomlin considered quite young  and inexperienced to tackle such a position when given the reigns. She started bringing in her own team with everyone assuming because she was from Google that she was going to get Yahoo back to its search roots – and by my own prayers clean up the garage sale that was Yahoo’s homepage. After all she was sitting on $5.4 billion in cash and in need of cleaning up what seemed like the debacle that never ends. Instead, she spends 20 percent of it on a Tumblr, which is a wonderful high-user company but has yet to turn a profit in its own right and more importantly still does not provide clarity to exactly what Yahoo is trying to be. Is Yahoo a media company? A search company?

Yahoo once had the greatest messenger service on the web. Well, maybe 1A beside AOL messenger. Most people I know used both. Yahoo took the lead as it began to dominate search, email, and quite frankly just cooler features via its messenger. Yet, somewhere the wheels just started falling off. The messenger stopped getting the love and updates it needed too. It poorly integrated Rocketmail into its fold (says a bitter former Rocketmail user) in 1997. Kicking off what seems to be a continued Yahoo weakness of strategic acquisitions and integrating acquisitions. Then the race to make the homepage have everything ensued. In fact, one could argue it was this chaotic homepage that Yahoo created that almost made Google’s meteoric rise possible. Instead of Yahoo allowing users to customized their homepage it gave them everything it had, whether the user wanted it or not and most did not. I believe Yahoo assumed it was making things easier by putting everything at your fingertips. Much to its own dismay it learned that was just not what people wanted. People want simplicity and they want control. Google makes users believe they are in control by the simplicity and that they can leave at any time when in actuality it is the exact opposite. They are in control because you can not get enough of believing you are in control. Call it SRPY or search reverse psychology. Personally, I love Yahoo! Finance and use it a lot. I also love their Yahoo! Travel and have used it numerous times for trips. You know what I do not want? Anything celebrity related. I simply do not care and in many ways turns me off from going to the website from the thought of even being bombarded by it. Unfortunately, where Yahoo could have been using the $5.4 billion to reinvigorate and reimagine the user experience it now must focus on not screwing up its new treasured asset.

For Marrissa Mayer’s sake I hope she can channel her inner Paul Brown but at this point I would settle for her inner Marty Schottenheimer. Otherwise, I might really believe the curse is real and not just suffering from bad decision making. Has anyone seen a billy goat walking around 701 First Avenue?

Disclaimer: There is no ownership of any of the companies mentioned in this article by myself, my business, or my family as of this article’s publishing.

Leave a comment

Posted in Business

Tagged ,