Member Profile: Randy Locklair

Name: Randy Locklair, HatchMAP LLC
Occupation: Founder & Lead Software Architect
Website: hatchMAP.com

Tell us about your business:
hatchMAP provides software architecture, design and development services to clients around the country. We work on both a consulting basis and also as "Venture Technologists" - offering our full software lifecycle services on an equity basis.

Are you self-employed?
Yes! 

Why did you choose the independent route?
Because I'm rebellious - okay, maybe not only that, but I was tired of making other people look good and not being recognized myself. I had a really bad experience at the last "real job" I had, and decided it was time to venture out on my own.

What issues have you run into as an independent business owner?
Finding time to fit in all of the "other things": HR, accounts payable and receivable, and legal services. The first focus when starting a new venture is figuring out how to pay your bills. It's hard to make time to handle these general corporate tasks, and even harder to pay someone else to do it, but they are important. Being here at Bitmap and surround by people that handle some of these things really helps!

Why Coworking?
Mostly the vibe - it's great to be surrounded by creative minds. Even on those days where I have to hunker down, shut my office door and focus, it's nice to know I can take a few steps and have people to chit-chat with. Plus it's fantastic to know that when I need to talk to a designer or lawyer or another technical mind about a project, there are people I can seek out without walking out of the front door!

Any success stories related to issues that, if working for others, would have been difficult to solve?
Difficult to solve, no. But, it's especially motivating knowing that every minute I spend, every design I write, every line of code I produce...it's all something I'm doing for myself and my team.

Why did you choose Bitmap as your Coworking home base?
I took a look at the Bitmap space months ago, before it was finished, and already loved it. Once I came in to see the finished project and the wonderful people working inside, it was a no-brainer. We are also in a time of expansion and it's nice to know there is additional desk space for rent as my team grows.