Andrew Levi wants to revolutionize the corporate world. As the founder and CEO of Boardroom Software Inc., which grew from the award-winning Aztec Systems Inc., Levi and his Boardroom team provide enterprise software developed to better manage complex administrative systems. Now in its fourth year of business, Boardroom boasts a 2007 “Tech Titan Fast 50” honor as the second-fastest-growing technology company in North Texas, and Levi was a finalist for the “Tech Titans Emerging Company CEO” award last year. After running or owning 12 companies, including a restaurant at the age of 19 while attending Florida State University, Levi possesses the entrepreneurial spirit in spades. And, with offices in Carrollton, Dallas, Austin, and Costa Rica (Latin America’s Silicon Valley), it’s safe to say this tech tycoon won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
Age: 41
Title/Company: Founder, chairman, and CEO/ Boardroom Software Inc. and Aztec Systems Inc.
Tenure: Four years with Boardroom, 17 with Aztec
What was your first job? Selling greeting cards door-to-door and a paper route when I was 11.
What was your worst job? Working for the Federal Reserve Bank in New Orleans. I was hired through a management program at age 22 because I had a degree in finance. Some of the management I had to deal with in that group was pretty challenging because I had a group of 21 women who had been there at least 20 years, but it was a great education.
If you couldn’t say, “the people I work with,” what would you say is the best part of your job? Having the opportunity to invent technology solutions to problems that can truly make a difference in the lives of their users.
What’s the worst part of your job? Raising money (for new ventures).
What is it that challenges you the most? Constantly striving to differentiate and innovate—really pushing the status quo.
What’s a typical day like for you? I split my time between Aztec and Boardroom so it’s one day here, one day there. Right now I’m doing a tremendous amount of mentoring the team, which is great, and it’s really fulfilling to see the younger members grow and realize their potential. Soon, I will finally get to see the Costa Rica office. My partner is there but I haven’t been yet.
What is your favorite place in Dallas? White Rock Lake
On weekends, where would people find you? Cycling or scuba diving. I don’t scuba at White Rock Lake—you would probably end up dying. I scuba at a place in Terrell called Clear Springs. I’ve been cycling on the road less than a year, but I go three or four times a week now.
What book is currently on your nightstand? Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. The idea of the book is that some of the great ideas are lost by people over-thinking possibility—if you blink, you miss the opportunity.
What’s your favorite TV show? Boston Legal
What’s your favorite type of music? I listen to such a broad array it would be hard to pick. My favorite concert, though, hands down, is Depeche Mode.
What’s your most recent major purchase?
Patio furniture
What’s your biggest regret? That I didn’t stick with learning music when I was young. I still have guitars I play with, but I can’t make time to get any better than I am now.
What do you consider your biggest weakness? The need to always be busy
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you? An early-stage mentor told me, “Make sure your house has plenty of mirrors—it’s the first place to look for inspiration.”
