Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Sciandra
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo NY and went to Williamsville North High School. I then attended the University of Buffalo but pretty quickly figured out college was not for me, not because of grades or anything but the way you were forced into learning. After a year I decided to join the US Army and work as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist. While stationed in Germany I had received an appointment to West Point and was sent back to the states to attend the Prep School in Monmouth County NJ. While at the West Point Prep school I came back around to my previous conclusion at college that something was not right and I needed to pursue other options. At this point I had met a girl (my current wife for 31 years, Lisa) and took a job working for the base General to finish my time out in the Army. While working for the General I was introduced to the first version of the internet (DARPA net), email, GPS and desktop computers. I had found my passion and began to create some small office automation and tracking applications.
Shortly after that I exited the service and found my way to a small small startup communications company in NJ. This lead me to meeting and working with my current business partner Brad Banyas for the first time, and relocating with my wife to Georgia for another startup company. Brad and I worked together for a bit and then we both went our separate ways, me moving on to larger and larger companies running various development and product development teams, eventually making my way back to NJ and working in Manhattan and then back to GA. Eventually when the recession hit I found myself out of work in 2009 and Georgia with a wife and three kids. I happened to meet back up with Brad at one of the local parks when our sons were play against each other in football. He asked me to come work with him and grow his software business OMI, which is still around today and that we are Partners at as well.
In 2021, Brad and I started our first venture outside the software business SaltyMF Enteprisess LLC. SaltyMF is a lifestyle business focused in areas we both had interest in that covers anything from music, sports, apparel and podcasting. The ethos of the Brand is The Attitude Wears Well and is all about honoring all kinds of people with focus on Family, Friendship and Loyalty!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
With business as in life it is not always easy, there are always challenges and the key for us has been how you react, recover and anticipate the next one. We have faced many struggles with several recessions, the internet bust, covid and what seems to be the ever changing and rapidly advancing technology landscape.
One thing that has been super valuable to us over the years has been the business partnerships we have been able to create with customers and our partners. We always look to partner with like minded companies that value honesty (even if it hurts), fairness and seeking real partnership and not just a relationship.
We have been doing this long enough that we know that it takes a tremendous amount time, effort, passion and money to succeed in a startup and it is not for everyone.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SaltyMF Enterprises?
SaltyMF Enterprises was founded by two longtime friends and business partners Brad Banyas and Paul Sciandra. The Brand was born at the edge of the ocean with an encounter between Brad and a Salty old beachcomber. The two talked and told their life stories, Brad told the old man, “You are one SaltyMF’r,” as he turned and said goodbye, the old man yelled out, “That sure would make a funny t-shirt.” They laughed and went on their way.
If you wander upon that Old SaltyMF’r Combing the Beach… Tell him he’s the GOAT and we made a few t-shirts in his Honor. Thank You!
We believe in the spirit of Freedom and Individualism of those who desire to live life on their own terms. Everyone has a story to tell, it may not be perfect nor ideal, but it is Real. Our logo was chosen to represent independence. The Goat stands on the foundation of SaltyMF as a reminder to each of us that The Attitude Wears Well.
Our promise is to always value loyalty, friendship, and family! Our business is all about attitude! Our goal is to possibly create the Greatest Brand of All Time.
We are a lifestyle brand that basically loves life. Through our Salty’s Live Music Program we uncovered a huge gap in the way local musicians are trying to get noticed and wanted to provide a seamless experience to help promote their music and build their community by leveraging a musicians greatest asset, their groupies (existing fans), Local Venues where they perform and highlight musicians to Promoters that may not be aware of the amazing talented musician next door.
In September we are launching a new and exciting service to help. You may ask what the hell do we know about technology? Glad you asked, our founders Paul Sciandra and Brad Banyas just happened to have 50 years of combined experience in the good ole technology space, so this is old hat. These two old goats just happen to love music, drink a lot of beer and probably took your mom to concerts like Van Halen, AC/DC, The Grateful Dead and others, before your mom met your father.
SaltyMF is a brand that honors individuality and people that love the freedom of simply embracing who they are! Everyone has a story to tell, it may not be perfect nor ideal, but it is Real.
Our promise is to always value loyalty, friendship, and family! Our business is all about attitude! Our goal is to possibly create the Greatest Brand of All Time.
Voila! BandGroupeez was Born to Rock & Roll! Coming to a city near you in the Fall of 2024.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck, whether good or bad, plays a significant role in both life and business. In life, unexpected fortunate events can open doors to new opportunities, relationships, and personal growth, while unfortunate events can challenge resilience and adaptability. In business, serendipitous moments can lead to groundbreaking innovations, successful partnerships, and market breakthroughs. Conversely, unforeseen setbacks can test an organization’s strategic agility and crisis management. While skill, preparation, and perseverance are crucial, the unpredictable nature of luck can profoundly influence outcomes in both personal and professional realms.
ALWAYS get back up and try again!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://saltymf.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SALTYmfGOAT/
- Twitter: https://x.com/GoatSaltymf
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saltymf
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/4fzzgONqfNYCS9k06vsuws?si=51fc50070e5f4aee
