Local Voices

Three Minutes Across the Counter With Kevin Szypula

A chat with the CEO of Melville-based Driven Local.

"Three Minutes Across the Counter" is a new feature on Patch in which we chat with local business owners. If you would like to be featured, email ryan@patch.com with the name of your business. 

Today we chat with Kevin Szypula, the CEO of Driven Local, a digital ad agency located in Melville. 

Patch:
How did you get your first start in business? 

Kevin: I had a phenomenal time in the Yellow Pages world in the 90s (I worked the Bronx and Queens markets for many years – fantastic people). I was hooked on meeting, learning about and helping small and medium size businesses.  Everyone was a character in their own way, the only thing that was consistent across them all was that they all thought they were running the most important and greatest business in the world… because it was to them.

Patch: How did your parents influence you as a business owner? *

Find out what's happening in Half Hollow Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kevin: My parents always gave me a loose leash to try different opportunities.  As long as I was busy (out of the house), they were content. 

Patch: How long have you lived here? 

Find out what's happening in Half Hollow Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Kevin: I have lived on Long Island my whole life.

Patch: What's your favorite thing about living here?

Kevin: Long Island has many recreational, economic and social positives. However, to answer as a business owner --  the talent pool. Although not cheap… our talent pool is on par with some of the tech hot beds around the country including San Francisco and Austin. Long Islanders are thick skinned, smart and dependable… which are important attributes for a company like ours.  We have had tremendous success turning local interns into valuable employees.

Patch: What's a business mistake you've made that later you were glad you did?

Kevin: Hiring too many people, too fast.  This was painful early on, however it accelerated our learning curve.  We learned the proper pace for hiring, who to hire, and when to hire.  We now have a healthy mix of sales, sales support and admin.

Patch: Tell us something about yourself that most of your neighbors don't know.

Kevin: I truly enjoy my job.  When I have a clear opening on my calendar, even on the weekends, I often head in to the office to work on the business (I get a lot done when the office is empty or close to empty).

Patch: What's the best business advice you've ever received?

Kevin: Surround yourself with good people, smarter than yourself (ideally working with or for you, however not necessarily).  Priceless advice.

Patch: What advice would you give to a small business owner just starting out?

Kevin: Sacrifice now, succeed later.

Patch: What do you look for when you hire?

Kevin: Positive energy, flexibility and personality.  We have a fantastic culture in our office(s).  Our people are what I am most proud of.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here