TJ McCue has been a biz dev and marketing consultant, recovering and practicing, for the past 20 years. He wonders why we write these bios in the third person…

So, let’s switch gears. I’m writing about myself here, in this bio. I’m a strategic thinker and problem solver. I love startups. Really love ‘em. I own a small company called Q4Sales (www.q4sales.com) and frequently hear the advice that one must stay focused to create a successful business, but that is an ongoing challenge when you have so many hats to wear as an entrepreneur.

In the last 20-plus years, I’m most proud of my startup life. This is not in precise chronological order. I’ve had an adventure travel business fondly called the Overhang Club because I got stuck on a 400’ cliff, in an overhang, unable to climb back up and had to be rescued, by my business partner who has never let me forget it. I led SCUBA trips, caving explorations, and jungle hikes.  I’ve been a dolphin researcher (with my wife) swimming with wild dolphins in the Bahamas (www.biminiadventures.com).

I started a software-as-a-service company called AdventureBase.com with Jeff Walters (who recently sold another company to ClickTactics which has become www.ClickSquared.com ). We had a great run at AdventureBase during the height of the dotcom and dotbomb. We survived and learned a ton.  I’d do it all over again and I’d never hesitate to call in Jeff.

I’ve helped connect many startups to investors and other entrepreneurs to the right partners. I find this work incredibly rewarding. Entrepreneurs, in my view, provide the lifeblood of our economy. They differ from Small Business Owners who are, in their own right, crucial to our economy, but not the same risk taker as a guy or gal inventing something new or innovative that has not been tested or proven before.

I had a short stint in the mortgage industry where I was a fish out of water. Did a turnaround job for a wireless software company, bought and renovated and sold 6 or 7 houses (that was after my lobotomy, I think…).  Served in the USAF and am proud to say that I understand service to my country and continue to believe in the people who keep us free. Completed a 4 year degree in 8 years, but only took 2 years for graduate school.

Currently, Q4 Sales helps clients compete online with off-the-radar marketing. And I’ve teamed up with Gary Anderson to write this blog on Retirement – because frankly that’s what we’re all working for, whether we admit it or not. Okay, some people say they are working because it is their passion, but that’s a tiny minority. Most of us are working so we can save enough money not to work when we hit 70… And we’ve teamed up because we advise the “unretired boomer” and a few GenX and GenY types about how to create a solo401k plan that gives them complete and slightly scary control over their retirement assets.

The foundation of this blog content comes from that work and those stories of others who have done cool and great things with their self-directed retirement accounts.  I created one of these solo 401k plans and promptly made a small investment in a technology startup in Seattle called Shiftboard (www.shiftboard.com ). Imagine that…

Our newest venture is at: www.unretiredboomer.com.  Come share your stories of smart retirement investing into real estate or a tech startup or a franchise with us there.  We are looking for case study-type examples. Or come visit and learn how you can do it, too.