Toshy Penton of Logical.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m the founder of a small search marketing company in Charlottesville, VA. I got married in 2022 and am a happy pet-dad of three cats and a dog. In my free time I love to golf, listen to music, and gawk at motorcycles.
What do you think is the single biggest misconception people have when it comes to startups?
That they are always go, go, go! It’s often true, sure. But the best part of having my own business is that I can create my own schedule. I’m often busy, but I also need that time to relax!
If you could go back in time to any moment from your journey, and give yourself one tip, what would it be?
Exercise. Growing up, I always ran around and playing as many sports as I could. But after the good old days of little league and rec soccer, when the going gets tough, exercise is so important to stay happy and healthy.
What makes you stand out as an entrepreneur?
I like to think that I’m good at data analysis. I’d also like to think that I’m openminded and have the humility to listen and learn when I don’t have all the answers.
What are some of the best working habits you’ve gained over the past couple of years?
Exercise again! When I’m running in the morning and getting my cardio in, my mind stays fresh and hungry.
Give us a bit of an insight into the influences behind the company?
Our biggest influences are our employees and our clients. We want to deliver high quality services and we want to provide a workplace that’s fair and enjoyable to the folks that work for (and with) us.
Where do you see your business in five years?
I’d like to see us grow, but slowly. I want to create the right kind of growth. The kind that is more than just monetary rewards. I’d want growth that allows me and the company to live out our values in and outside the workplace.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be for you in getting there?
The hardest thing for me is staying on track with the habits that keep me healthy and motivated. I’d like to think I’m a hard worker but when I’m exercising and doing the things I need to do to stay sharp, I can certainly up the ante.
Talk to us about your biggest success story so far?
I love it when clients tell us how much our work has helped their business. I can’t pick one but when I hear a client say that our work is continually helping their business, I can’t help but smile.
How do clients and customers find you? Are you much of a salesperson for yourself?
Most of our customers find us online! I am not much of a salesperson. I’m happy to chat about the benefits of search engine optimization and marketing but I’m much more interested in the details behind the scenes.
That may be good for certain clients but I’m sure I get too far into the weeds with some folks!
What one tip would you give to fellow startup founders?
Just keep going. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wondered if what I’m doing will actually work. I’m still not sure! You just have to have the belief in what you’re doing, and that somehow, someway, you’ll make it work.
And finally, what do you hope the future brings both you personally, and your business?
Success! Happiness. Joy. Fulfillment. And certainly more time to travel. There are so many places I’d like to experience. I’ve traveled in Southeast Asia, and lots of the western hemisphere but I’d love to get Europe, Africa, and Australia.
