We started LaserKard LLC to learn how to start a company by doing it. Spinning off an idea that I created in the basement of the MIT Media Laboratory, the initial product versions include high-end business cards for those who wish to stand out. And with creating that have arisen numerous leadership challenges and opportunities. A newer, laser-etched anodized aluminum prototype is below.

Understanding what could be done involved dealing with ambiguous information from all ends: sourcing, a vendor who was charging more than his fair share for cutting, and ultimately my partner and I trying to determine what the best course of action was given limited time and resources. Guiding the endeavor has included learning how to truly pitch an idea hundreds of times and effectively communicating the meaning of the product to a potential customer. We are currently rebooting our system with our own laser working on the metal cards and are exploring medical ID cards (our cards never fade) as well using our same lean manufacturing model. A very early prototype of demonstrating basic use is shown below.