Bob Parsons: An American Original
Literally! With Rob Lowe
Deep Dive
Why did Bob Parsons decide to run GoDaddy Super Bowl commercials, and what was the outcome?
Bob Parsons decided to run GoDaddy Super Bowl commercials in 2008 to boost the company's market share, which was stagnant at 16%. The commercials were provocative and unconventional, which generated massive attention. The first ad aired successfully, causing a surge in internet traffic that nearly crashed their servers. The second ad was pulled by Fox, leading to a media frenzy that further amplified the brand's exposure. This resulted in GoDaddy's market share increasing from 16% to 25% overnight.
Why did Bob Parsons buy Scottsdale National Golf Course for $100,000, and what was the strategy behind it?
Bob Parsons bought Scottsdale National Golf Course for $100,000 by joining the club and offering a better deal to the membership. The original deal was for the members to buy the club for $100,000 with a $5 million letter of credit and other conditions they couldn't meet. Parsons offered to post the letter of credit and loan the money to the members, with the condition that they convey the club to him after acquisition. This strategy allowed him to secure the property at a fraction of its value.
Why did Bob Parsons start the PXG golf club company, and what was the initial challenge?
Bob Parsons started PXG to create the best golf clubs possible, without the constraints of price points and time frames that traditional golf club manufacturers face. The initial challenge was designing and manufacturing high-quality clubs, maintaining inventory, and entering a shrinking market dominated by established brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, and Ping. Despite these challenges, PXG has become revolutionary and highly sought after.
Why did Bob Parsons struggle with PTSD after returning from Vietnam, and how did it affect his life?
Bob Parsons struggled with PTSD after returning from Vietnam, which manifested as a dislike for socializing and a heightened sense of alertness. He noticed he was different from his pre-war self, feeling more isolated and less sociable. Despite this, he channeled his focus and discipline into his work, which contributed to his success in business. The Marine Corps, which initially helped him graduate high school, also instilled in him the values and discipline that helped him overcome these challenges.
How did Bob Parsons learn to code, and what impact did it have on his career?
Bob Parsons learned to code by reading a book on programming in BASIC during a 12-hour layover at Stanford University. He then applied his newfound skills to write programs that improved his work as an accountant. This led to the development of his first software product, Money Counts, which managed home finances. Learning to code from a book and applying it practically was a pivotal moment that significantly influenced his career in technology and business.
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