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Success Stories

Each small business has its own needs. We don't believe that "one size fits all", especially when it comes to small businesses.

Here, we salute some of our small business clients and their 401(k) successes.

As I'm leading David Burk back toward the conference room for our interview, I can't help but wonder if the meeting will be bleak and uneventful – a discussion on retirement planning isn't exactly an ideal topic for a beautiful Friday afternoon.

Little do I realize the hour will unfold into a discussion about the spiritual side of starting a business, his infatuation for automobiles, the meaning of following your passion and the importance of saving for retirement at age twenty.

Why did you start your own company, and what were some difficult hurdles to overcome?

I was addicted to startups, I started the company in 1995 when the Internet was new and it was an exciting time. Eventually we grew to 150 and I knew one of the arms had to be cut off, it was just too big.

You wanted to get back to the basics?

Yes, I decided that I would be the one to leave. We went from 150 to two people on September 12, 2001 – it was time to start from scratch and my parents and friends all thought I was crazy to start the company all over again, especially at such a difficult time. I bought back the name and did just that.

Was it difficult to start over and attract new business?

No, not really. You find out who your friends are when you go from 150 to two employees, basically, overnight. One client asked me, "What would it take for you to start the company again and how much would you need?" You attract new clients through word of mouth, outreach and your reputation. Reputation is important.

Who's your favorite type of client?

Automobile companies

Why automobile companies?

Because I love cars. We worked with Tesla Motors and they created an amazing electric sports car.

Did you think about saving for retirement when you were in your twenties?

Well, I think, out of one-hundred, my concern about saving for retirement was a fifty. I mean, I thought about it, but it wasn't a priority. People should begin to save in their twenties—young people don't understand how crucial it is. I always tell my younger employees this, especially when they first enter into the professional world out of college. If you begin saving the maximum between twenty and thirty, you can put away more money than you will save in your thirties, forties and fifties combined—think about it. I think it's important to understand the time-value correlation: you don't necessarily need to put away a lot but you should be putting away some money all the time.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own company, should they take the leap and go for it?

If you're thinking about starting a company based on something you love—just do it. Figure out how to get paid for what you love. Everything in life is about commitment, magic happens when you make the commitment. I don't know if you know who Joseph Campbell is but he's an author that has written numerous books on mythology and heroism. Anyway, he said, "follow your heart and doors will open where you never thought they would." Once you make the commitment to do something, the rest will follow—great things happen when you follow your passion. I truly believe you'll regret it more if you never try.

Why does your company select The Online 401(k) as your retirement plan provider?

We work in the online business and The Online 401(k) knows how online commerce works, we want a company who shares the same values and understands the business we're in. We know The Online 401(k) will continue to provide the best plan and client support because they understand our values and the digital culture.

If you had the opportunity to retire tomorrow, what would you do and buy first?

I wouldn't buy anything but I would travel to Bali, it's a spiritual and romantic spot.

Find out more about Clear Ink and their story at www.clearink.com.