Jared's Blog

Buzz Off

One day, two bees are buzzing around what's left of a rose bush. 

"How's your summer been?" asks bee number one.
      
"Not too good," says bee two.  "Lotta rain, lotta cold. There aren't 
enough flowers, therefore not enough pollen."
      
The first bee has an idea. "Hey, why don't you go down to the corner and 
hang a left?  There's a bar mitzvah going on. Plenty of flowers and 
fruit."
      
Bee two buzzes, "Thanks!" and takes off. An hour later, the bees bump into 
each other again.
      
"How was the bar mitzvah?" asks the first bee.
      
"Great!" replies the second.
      
The first bee, however, notices a small circle on his friend's head, and 
inquires, "What's that on your head?"
      
"A yarmulke," is the answer. "I didn't want them to think I was a Wasp."

So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

I started working at Tumblr the day after I graduated in May 2009.  It’s been a remarkable year - I learned more than I did in four years of college, met brilliant and talented people, and was given an incredible opportunity doing business development at one of the hottest startups out there.

I’ve always had a proclivity to stray from the common path.  Whether it was leading bands in high school, managing a digital and print publication throughout college, or running a music marketing and production company, entrepreneurship is in my blood. With a problem-solving idea, a brilliant co-founder, and a whole lot of luck, I’m off to launch my own startup (more news on that end coming soon, but for now visit http://GroupMe.com or go follow our Tumblr or Twitter).

I have a whole lot to be thankful for.  For one, the whole Tumblr team has been wonderfully supportive.  A big thank you to John Maloney who took a random chance on a college grad, showed him the ropes, and mentored me all the way through. Another big thank you to David and Marco who have been nothing but supportive and helpful over the past month.  I’m also indebted to all those who have helped make this possible: my friends, co-workers, new acquaintances, family (who has encouraged and been with me through thick and thin), and Carrie - my better half who keeps me going everyday.

Stay tuned for updates on all things GroupMe - I’ll have a big post on that coming soon. Exciting times to come.