Thomas Rockwell Mackie, co-founder of TomoTherapy, spoke Wednesday at the Fluno Center about his experiences as an entrepreneur.
TomoTherapy is a radiation therapy machine that contains a CT scanner, Mackie said. One feature of the machine is that it allows patients who need bone-marrow transplants to receive radiation directly to their bones without affecting the lungs, liver or brain.
It's not just about money, it's about helping people,"" said Carl Gulbrandson, managing director of Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. ""His company does a tremendous job of helping cancer patients.""
Mackie also discussed the business aspects of being an entrepreneur, and gave faculty members advice if they wished to start their own business, including determining motivation and assessing the risk level.
Mackie's talk was part of WARF's Gilson Discovery Series.
""A big part of our mission '¦ [is] to get out into the world and make a difference in people's lives,"" said Janet Kelly, WARF communications director.
Mackie said it is important for potential entrepreneurs to ask themselves what their motivation is for starting their own businesses, whether they will have the time and ultimately whether they will enjoy it.
""Enjoy what you do, and the rest will take care of itself,"" Mackie said.
According to Mackie, another question to consider is the level of risk that will be incurred. he said the best position to be in is one of low risk with high reward. However, most entrepreneurs find themselves in a position of high risk and high reward.
Mackie also addressed the issue of whether or not scientists could double as businessmen. Although presentation and analytical skills are similar, scientists are not trained in many business skills, including reading financial statements and deciphering government regulations.
""It is much better to hire a professional business person if you're aside this and would like to start a company,"" he said.
Mackie closed his talk with words of advice, ""Don't be quick to give up, there's lots of people that are going to tell you that you are going to fail.
