In 1995, Joel MacIntosh started WolfNet Technologies in “The Dungeon,” the garden level of his south Minneapolis home. Initially, WolfNet focused on building Web site products and custom e-commerce applications for clients in more than 25 industries. In 1998, the company began servicing the real estate Industry with Mlsfinder.com, its IDX/VOW property search system.
WolfNet now works almost exclusively in the real estate industry.
In his role as CEO, MacIntosh focuses on WolfNet’s business management, business planning and product development. He also is active in sales, marketing, client consulting and speaking engagements. MacIntosh holds a BSB degree, majoring in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship, from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management.
Prior to forming WolfNet, Joel opened five TCBY franchise locations in the Twin Cities area as a general manager for Northland Yogurt, a position held while attending college. Following Northland, he started and operated two service companies that manufactured, marketed and distributed water filtration and water conditioning systems.
MacIntosh will speak at Real Estate Connect in New York City, Jan. 9-11, 2005.
Panel or session at Connect: Lead Qualification–Manage Them, Convert Them
What are your current or childhood nicknames?
My friends call me “Mac.” My dad calls me “Jinko.” I’m still not sure where that came from but it’s endearing nonetheless.
Which daily newspaper do you read and which section of the newspaper do you read first?
The Wall Street Journal. I read the cover first for the quick national and international scoop, then on to the business section.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve ever packed in a suitcase?
A breast pump in a carry-on bag (traveling with my wife Erin, of course). They screened the bag and the security fellow was miffed by this strange looking piece of equipment. He nearly didn’t believe me as to its function.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Classic Rock, Blues, Jazz and Classical.
What style of home do you live in and when did you buy it?
Cape Cod, purchased in 1999.
Where did you spend your last vacation?
In the Gulf of Mexico fishing in the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Annual Labor Day Tournament on the Dana Ann. We took third place in the Wahoo category, though Hurricane Ivan cut the tournament short.
What professional accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
Building a class-A, top-notch staff. I’m tremendously proud of our crew and their unending dedication to our success.
What personal accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
Moving out on my own at age 17 and then putting myself through college while working full-time. I didn’t sleep much but managed to pay all of my bills and graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management with Distinctive honors.
How many e-mail addresses do you have?
Seven.
What worries keep you awake at night?
Actually, my wife keeps me up at night. She’s a big time night owl. Then I worry that I won’t get enough sleep. Seriously, I worry about my family and friends because they mean more to me than anything else. Then comes business, if I’m still awake.
What lesson did you learn in the last year?
Successes and failures are nothing more than opportunities to further develop your sense of humor.
What is your favorite technology device or software application?
Postini. Their junk-mail and virus-filtering product is fantastic and saved me from having to change my seven-year-old e-mail address. We liked it so much that we partnered with Postini and now offer their services bundled in with our own.
What is your opinion of Inman News?
Outstanding real estate industry news source; I read it every day.
What was the best gift you ever received from or gave to someone else?
Without a doubt, my son Oscar (he just turned four). There is no greater gift than that of a child and I am a proud Papa indeed.
What was your top New Year’s resolution and have you kept it so far?
To keep my e-mail inbox under 100 messages. No dice.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Unfortunately, both. I stay up late and get up early.
What is your worst vice or bad habit?
Tequila. But then again, I subscribe to the motto “everything in moderation including moderation itself.”
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