 20070909 Going Solo
 First day in our NYC loft office. Three and half years ago, my business partner Josh Abramson called me to ask if I wanted to move to New York. I was a couple months from graduating and had been working full-time on CV from my dorm room in North Carolina. My partners finished school a year earlier and moved out to San Diego to run CV while I wrapped up. I was all set to move out there, too. "Ricky wants to buy a new car, " Josh explained, "but I think it's a better idea to sell our cars and move to New York instead. We can afford it now." Ricky had driven a late-model Camaro since high-school and was fed up with making excuses for it (people used to ask whether it came with a mullet when he bought it). In demonstration of his reformed taste, he decided to buy a Mercedes. He priced models and ran the math, however, and realized that a place in Manhattan might be cheaper than what the four of us might spend on car payments, insurance and gas every month. And recently, there had been some chatting about moving to New York someday, because that's where you go when you want to do something big. "Sure, let's do it." I called my mom after hanging up with Josh. She had planned to give me a surfboard as an early birthday present. She switched her order; I received 'kitchen stuff' instead. It was a bummer to miss out on San Diego. It's just one of those things you should do once, to live near a beach with a bunch of your buddies. Ricky used to send updates like, "We bought bikes for cruising the boardwalk today!!! Hurry and get out here!!!1". I was hurrying as fast as I could. I couldn't wait to join! As months passed, San-Diego-is-awesome emails arrived fewer and further between and the ones I did get read more like, "Hard to relate to people here. Their idea of ambition is picking up an extra shift at Longboards (nearby bar, Sublime cover band every other night)." In hindsight, I think their conflict with relaxing San Diego improved our company. They lived in an environment that starkly contrasted with our ambitions, and it emboldened them. They felt like overachieving rebels. I ended up going out there for six weeks to help them pack up and move to New York. When they picked me up at the airport, they pushed me into the backseat of Josh's jeep, put a blanket over my head, blared John Mayer's Room for Squares on repeat, drove for 30 minutes, dumped me off in a liquor store parking lot and sped off. They left me with a survival kit consisting of some twine, few cents short of a phonecall and a map of Los Angeles. Sometimes working at CV is exactly like what people assume. On July 1, 2004 I blogged my first entry from the kitchen of our sublet in Tribeca, which would double as our office for the next three months as our loft was being remodeled. It said, "I just woke up in Manhattan ... and realized that this is going to be the start of an amazing city life." It's reads corny to me now, yet without fail New York has never been anything less. Finally, we felt, here's a place that matches, if not exceeds, our energy. I was an orphan returning home to my birthplace after a stint in suburban Indiana foster care. The following year was a whirl. We learned a hard lesson by trashing our new loft during our first party after naively allowing the invitation to spread virally (the walls had to be repainted!). Busted Tees picked up steam and sold more than 100,000 shirts and was stocked by Urban Outfitters. CollegeHumor's audience rose from 4 million to 7 million users and increased ad sales allowed us to hire our first employee to work with us in our fifth bedroom office. Subsequently, we established office hours and wore pants to work. Most importantly, we made contacts that were out of grasp when we worked from San Diego. Nick Denton, who motivated by goodwill or his swelling crush on Ricky, I'm unsure, introduced us to everybody we needed to know, to teach us how to scale big. And, that's how we met Rebecca Mead. The writer who interviewed us for months and went on to write an article entitled Funny Boys, which was published in the New Yorker on January 24, 2005. And that's when everything changed. When good became great. Overnight, our inboxes were filled with inquiries from publishers and studios and entrepreneurs, and old classmates who now worked for banks and wanted to manage our portfolios. Within a few months, we had deals with Penguin and Paramount, and we used the book advance money to grow our staff to 12. In the next year, we doubled our staff size again and hired our first employee aged over 30, and took over the residential loft a few floors above our own for a separate office. Big Media courted us, and after conversations with Fox and Viacom and what seemed like a dozen VCs, we sold a majority stake to Barry Diller and his company IAC. There are more than 50 of us now and we work from a 17,000 sqft office near Union Square. We even have a COO who went to a fancy school. There are vending machines and interns, too. Yet, we haven't changed. We're still defined by our charisma, and what we do still feels less like a business and more like a lifestyle. And, it's still accurate to say that CV is just a bunch of friends working and living together, doing what they like and profiting from it. So, I hope you understand that it's difficult for me to announce that I'm leaving CV. My last day is this Friday. I put in my notice a few months ago, but hadn't really thought about it much until this morning when I realized this would be the last week of an era that has spanned most of my adult life! One unanticipated and stinging side-effect to building a stable business, I've observed, is that when you leave, it continues on without you. Then you quickly realize, however, that you've made a sustainable model employing dozens. That was the achievement, and there comes a time when it no longer needs to be maintained by you. You can let it be. Maybe that's what raising a child feels like. Anyway, thankfully, we made an effort to fill the company with brilliant and independent personalities that will take over for me. I'm eager for them to make it their own. In case you're curious, the reason for my leaving is simple: I have lots of ideas! and relationships! and I want to spend some time with them now. Over the past 5 years, I've sidelined several personal projects to remain focused on CV, but it's clear to me now that they're vital to maintaining my creative health. I want to focus on:
*** Thank you Jakob, Josh and Ricky. I'm happy to know that we're not much different than brothers. *** PS. Ricky now owns a Prius. 64
Comments:
said... Congratulations on living the dream. 9:20 PM Jeff Hammerbacher said... geez, i'm getting nostalgic for nostalgia from this post. i want to look back on something with awe and wonder soon. 9:41 PM Ryan said... Good luck to you in whatever is next, Zach. 9:54 PM Nick said... This is a great post! It reads very with maturity. 10:33 PM Joe said... Good luck, Zach! And if and when you're in Fort Wayne, let me know! And ... keep us updated on the exciting times YET to come for you! 11:04 PM Jordan Fischer said... chris conley, my mentor and friend at ID is putting the finishing touches on a prefab house he designed in libertyville, il. he periodically blogs about it. will you be in town for the threadless opening? 11:55 PM Silus Grok said... Good luck, Zach... keep us in the loop! There are plenty of folks out here — a lot, like me, are just crazy internet people you're never likely to meet in real life. But somehow that doesn't diminish our enthusiasm. * shrugs * 12:03 AM Mari said... Congrats zach. Can't wait to see what the future holds. PS i know a few things about 1. Socializing offline and 2. family 1:48 AM Khamis said... You have my best wishes Zach! 3:50 AM Joao Antunes said... As someone who has been following, for years, from the other side of the atlantic, the (mis)adventures of CV is a little bit sad to see you go. But at the same time what you wrote left me with a smile. Good luck Zach! 4:32 AM ana said... wow... quite a change. it takes courage, i must add... congratilations and good luck! i'm quite sure you will like it and have sucess at doing whatever comes next! the prefab idea sounds really nice! ;) 4:59 AM said... And off you go on yet another adventure. Best of luck to you. sarah shevett 5:34 AM James said... Great post, I've been a massive fan of CollegeHumor.com for about 4 years now, checking it every couple of hours for updates! You've created something amazing, that makes people all around the world laugh and smile! I can't wait to read about what you do next! Good luck! James 5:45 AM said... i actually feel a little sad now. best wishes, i'm sure you'll be really happy with this. 6:43 AM said... It sounds like it's been an interesting road so far. And it's nice to see when hard work pays off for a Fort Wayne native. But there's a great big country outside of New York, and I think that it's easy to forget that when one lives in the city. Hell, I've just moved to Naptown and I'm finding the adjustment terribly difficult. So get out there, see the rest of the world! And may I suggest a few more goals? 1. When you go home to visit family, make sure to stop by a few shows at the Brass Rail. This is very important, because the Rail is amazing and a Fort Wayne treasure and one of the seven wonders of Fort Wayne. Maybe your band can book a show there, depending on what kind of music you all play. 2. This one is a must: You need to go to Old Crown Coffee Roasters (another Fort Wayne treasure) and meet the owner, Mike, and his wife, who are beyond awesome and really doing some great things on N. Anthony, including Free Coffee Days, held at random several times a month. 2. When you buy your property to build your pre-fab house, buy some extra room to build a replica of the Fort you can use for parties and important occasions. 3. Make an honest documentary about your home town. That's all I can think of; I'm slacking and I have to get back to my studies, but congratulations! Help the rest of the people get free now, okay? 8:59 AM said... Wow, great post. I appreciate the time and effort you put into everything you do. 9:06 AM Ryan B. said... Zach, best of luck and congratulations. 9:41 AM Jimmy said... Zach, congratulations for being an inspiration without even knowing it. All the best, Jimmy in Australia, www.stabmag.com 10:46 AM Paul said... Fantastic post, its been great watching the story unfold and I'm sure it will continue. Good luck. 11:06 AM Sweet T said... congrats and best of luck to you. we're gonna miss you... or at least, miss watching videos of you at the CV office. p.s. how can anybody NOT have a crush on Ricky??? ;o) 11:07 AM fast_hugs said... Good luck, dude. You're livin' life right. 11:24 AM pete said... Best of luck. CV properties are going to loose a great creative eye. will mososo be part of on your new focus? 11:59 AM said... Zach, Good luck on the future endeavors. I would agree Katie Casey, make yourself a documentary or three. Your storytelling ability visually through photography and video -- not to mention your writing -- has kept me coming back to your blog for years. It has been an inspiration. 12:45 PM Chelsa Skees said... Good luck on your new adventures. When one door closes another one opens. I wish you the best!! 1:04 PM doug said... Good luck.. and congratulations... can't wait to see what you do next... I love prefab houses. -doug 1:08 PM Mareen said... Good luck from me too, Zach. 1:14 PM Amit Gupta said... Zach, this is one of my favorite posts of yours. Congrats and can't wait to see after the you've started your new life! 1:19 PM said... Thanks for the inspiration over the years and good luck! 2:36 PM said... Initially I thought you were crazy, but looking back at the decisions you've made this will probably look like the right decision in a year or so. Best of wishes. 3:11 PM Keith said... Good luck. Only tour with a band if you love the people you're doing it with. 5:15 PM Chrissy Fiorilli said... My best to you, Zach. Great, great work. Now onto the important question: when is the going away party? 9:10 PM Amanda said... Zach, Vimeo will NOT be the same without you on the team. You helped to create an amazing site, and we'll all miss your equally fantastic designs and CV office videos. Congratulations on living a dream life. 9:34 PM Mike Lemovitz said... Zach, For years, I've read your blog daily. It hasn't been a result of knowing you personally, because I don't. Rather, your blog has provided a glimpse into the lives of a person who has the talent and drive to do what they dream. For me, CV has always been the company I would love to be a part of. You guys have proven yourselves deserving of your success. Perhaps more importantly, you have shown that success doesn't have to change people. Instead, you guys have taken the financial and social rewards of your hard work, and used it to simply do more of what you love, whatever that may be. Thank you for providing a great place to sneak a peek into your life, and I hope to see more of it as the next chapter begins, as I'm sure everyone else does, as well. Mike Lemovitz 10:09 PM said... I've been a fan of the website for years and have watched you guys grow progressively . Coming from a fellow kid from Indiana but in the Northwest Side......I salute you!!! 1:51 AM said... I've been a fan of the website for years and have watched you guys grow progressively . Coming from a fellow kid from Indiana but in the Northwest Side......I salute you!!! 1:52 AM Daniel said... Best of luck to you, Zach. You're doing the right thing. 9:14 AM Eliot said... Hippy. 12:00 PM Fabian said... I am proud of you Bro! Hope to see you soon again... 1:26 PM Ryan said... Best wishes on whatever it is you end up doing--I'm sure it'll be interesting. 1:45 PM J. George said... Zach, from my first visit/read of your blog, I could tell you were an individual destined for wonderful, -but more importantly- creative things. It's been a pleasure to watch some of these things take form. I believe those that have witnessed your professional (as well as personal) work have been blessed to see the myriad of possibilities and the bounty of experiences to be had. Despite all these successes and accomplishments however, the core of you, the soul and child-like innocence remained intact. While CV and IAC are rightful saddened by your departure, the world has gained another bold, earnest adventurer. So best wishes Zach. I do hope you will continue blogging and sharing with those around you. Georges Danton, "Il nous faut de l'audace, et encore de l'audace, et toujours de l'audace." Continue to be daring and audacious Zach. 6:13 PM said... So looking to photos of the prefab house, spending time with your family, touring with the band, and socializing off-line. (Not neccesarily in that order). I tip my hat to you, sir. 6:29 PM said... Well, if you're the Bill Berry to CV's R.E.M., CV has three or four shitty albums in store for us. I know whatever you go to do will be a huge success. PS - No "No" in Mayer's album title. 7:26 PM said... What a truly inspiring post. I wish you all the best. It sounds like you've got some great things in your future. 10:21 PM Mitch said... I came across your blog by accident some time ago and I just visit every now and then. You inspire other, really. thanks for sharing your adventures. Best of luck to you. 9:28 AM said... You guys have inspired me greatly to learn how to develop websites. It's sad to see one of my inspirations leave. I can't wait to see your other ideas come to life. - Alex 11:07 AM mina k said... wow. what news, zach! hope you enjoy the next era of your life, pursuing your new goals. ^_^ maybe I can help you with the band thing. 2:02 PM DR said... first, congrats on what you accomplished with a great team of buddies! and, a bigger congrats on the hard decision to move forward pursuing new territories and adventures. best of luck turning your current hobbies and side projects into your new lifestyle! - daniel raffel 2:42 PM Odes Roberts said... hey man go out there and do your thing life is short. I wish you luck on all that life has in store for you. 4:02 PM said... Well, that's a little sad to see, but I'm sure you are doing the right thing. I'm sure Vimeo won't be the same without you! 7:33 PM said... Dude, you rule! All the best to you and may following desires lead to an even richer, more captivating, and satisfying life. 9:02 PM LeeColeman said... Hey I know you don't know me, but I'm married to dalas verdugo's sister. I just got my degree in Architectural Design from Clemson Universiy. For the last couple of years, prefab (sustainability, really) has been a very big interest of mine. I would be happy to help you find the right manufacturer/designer to meet your needs. Stacey and I are looking to build prefab in Portland over the next few years, so we could use the extra research. You can email me at berryjiveuptown5@gmail.com Take care. Lee Coleman 9:43 PM Délano said... Zach, I have frequented your blog and loved it. You are truly an individual with great ideas and views on the world. There is really nothing I can say but to say that you have been and especially with this decision, are an inspiration to me. Good luck, and I raise my glass to you. 7:07 AM said... Hi Zach, Congratulations and good luck. I wish you all the best. Max Oglesbee 7:34 PM Sarah said... Congrats to you on taking a huge leap, and for all of your accomplishments. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to meet you while I was in NYC last year, and you gave me a tour of your office. Keep us posted on what you're up to, and I wish you the best of luck! 10:10 PM Erick C. said... wow, what a great entry. now i know why i never met you while you were out here in Cali. you dudes are an inspiration. truly. all the best homie, flame on. 12:29 AM said... Good luck, Zach! 8:03 PM said... hi, you don't know me, but i've been reading your blog and following CV for a while. i just want to say what an inspiration you and jakob, josh and ricky are to a budding entrepreneur!! good luck in your future endeavors! 12:26 AM said... good luck, man. im touring solo right now, you're more than welcome to hop in the van. in fact, im playing in nyc on the 27th at the knitting factory. you should come out and then hit the road with me. take care. 11:15 AM embuck said... Wish you all the best, Zach 11:33 AM said... This honestly makes me want to cry. Rock on kid. You've made millions doing what you love. And now you have time to be with what really matters in life. Good for you! 10:36 PM Seth said... Congratulations on starting a successful business. They say you have to fail a few times before you make it, but I guess that doesn't apply to everyone. Good luck with your future ventures and I'm sure we'll hear more from you soon. 8:59 AM dave werner said... Congratulations Zach, and definitely let me know if/when you pass through San Francisco in the future! Best wishes for continued success. 1:27 PM Georgie said... Good Luck Zach!! 12:57 PM said... Reading all of this makes it sound like you're being shot into space or something. You rock, Zach. Hope your house turns out super awesome! ~Zack L. 1:35 PM Post a Comment |
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 Hi, I'm Zach. I grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana and graduated from Wake Forest. After college, I moved to Manhattan to get serious about a company I ran with friends. We sold it to Barry Diller's InterActiveCorp in 2006. I just wrapped up with a project I co-founded called Vimeo and left CV to focus on being a twenty-five year old. I have another blog called Copy and Taste, where I post about learning to cook. I live in Brooklyn now.  Del.icio.us My Flickr Me on Flickr Last.fm Linked in MySpace Netflix History Vimeo  Amir Blumenfeld Chris Bodenner Mareen Fischinger Fort Wayne Observed Nick Gray Hype Machine Jake and Amir Jakob Lodwick Oh My Rockness Jonathan Marcus Youngna Park Megan Scheminske Eliot Shepard Shorpy Signal vs. Noise Alex Soth Stereogum Ricky Van Veen Khoi Vinh Eugene Wyatt   Postal Skype SMS (via AIM) |