Face to Face - February 2012

Michael Hemphill

CSG Direct, Inc.

President / CEO
Las Vegas & Reno
Number of Employees: 28
Years in Nevada: 18
Years with Company: 18

What do you like most and least about your industry?
Most: The industry moves much slower than technology so we are always able to create new systems and technologies to help our clients gain advantage. Least: The industry moves much slower than technology so the adoption rate of new ideas can be slow too.

What would you want your legacy to future generations to be?
I hope my legacy is an example of the American struggle and pursuit of the American dream to inspire people to reach for their own inner greatness.  Too many people settle for average existence because their parents and friends did too. Someone has to be a guiding light in every family and every neighborhood.  I hope to inspire people to be the light in the room no matter how difficult the dream is.

What is the bet perk of your career?
I get to make a difference for some fabulous community businesses.

What business advice would you give someone just starting in your industry?
A business plan doesn’t matter if you don’t have customers.  Get your first customer first!  Follow your dream but keep your feet on the ground.  Remain humble and care about every client like the blessings they are.

What do you wish you would have learned at the beginning of your career?
Employee personality types. How to place the right employee type in the best job for them, where they would flourish the most.

What was the toughest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Perfection is a journey to an impossible place that is still worth the journey.

What is the worst criticism you have overcome?
Wow, good question! Overcome? Still battling? I know my weakness is my drive to invent that comes before all else. I appear aloof in social gatherings and have no patience for small talk or television. I struggle to take time out to enjoy social gatherings like I should.