I started the business as a hobby in 1995 while I completed high school. In 1999 I met Jim and became much more focused. I didn't have the 'startup' concept until 2005 when I read Paul Graham's essay, "How to Make Wealth". In hindsight we should have exited the company somewhere between 2003 and 2005.

re: not something VCs are interested in - we didn't require VC money. I do not think VC money is always necessary in starting a company. If anything I believe it adds a layer of complexity which could hurt founders especially with their first go at it.

re: laid back - I guess this is relative. I do know things were much more stressful and frantic in 2001. I also know we are more focused today and complete far more in 10 hours now than we did back then.