Bob La Loggia

Chats Toastmasters

Bob La Loggia

Member since March 2011

Profile Index

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Occupation and Employer:
StormSource Software

Accomplishments and Interests:

I've been in the technology world ever since graduating from the University of Arizona in, oh, a long time ago. :)

I founded StormSource Software in 2001. We have an industry-leading online appointment scheduling system called Appoinntment-Plus (www.appointment-plus.com). It's used by both small and large organizations from massage therapists and other service providers, to shipping docks. It's a fast-growing company, so it keeps me off the streets.

My passion is business. I study it and live it every day, but still feel like I've just scratched the surface. My other passion is my family. I'm married and have a 6 year old future dictator. She's spunky and I like that.

I also love to exercise, but, mama mia, it is tough to squeeze it in sometimes.

And, of course, I love Toastmasters!

Personal and Career Goals:

The overriding goal in my life is to have wisdom. I want to be able to continually and consistenly cut through all of the clutter and see the world differently.

For my business, I want to create the most amazing company on Earth. I want everyone in the company to feel like family. I want to provide unlimited opportunities for growth, education, and achievement. I want to engender a culture of hard work and urgency, but also one of lightness and fun. The company is and will always be run democratically - anyone is free to provide input and question any decisions. Defensiveness and big egos have no place in our culture, but respect and thoughtful discourse rule the day.

Building a great company is a huge challenge, but it's also hugely fulfilling.

Communication and Leadership Goals

What objectives do you hope to accomplish as a member of Chats Toastmasters?
To become the leader and influencer I want to become, I have to be a skilled and effective speaker. I will be a lifelong practicer of speaking. You can always improve.

Is public speaking a requirement of your job or profession?
Only if I want to be successful. :)

How would you describe your current skill level as a speaker?
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd rate myself a 3-4. I've done a lot of speaking, but I need a lot more practice.

Do you have any specific fears relative to public speaking?
I don't have any specific fears and when I'm speaking a lot, I don't even get nervous. But, if I'm out of practice, the nerves start creeping back in and negatively impacting my effectiveness.

Why did you choose to join Chats Toastmasters?
What initially brought me to Chats was the time and the location, but what sold me was the energy and the quality of the people.

What can Chats Toastmasters do to help you accomplish your goals?
Make sure I get a chance to speak in some capacity at every meeting.

Tell the group anything else that you'd like us to know about you!!
I'm an optimist. I think you have to be an optimist to be an entrepreneur. I'll find something positive in most any situation. It makes for a pretty cool life.