Derek Johnson, CEO of Tatango

Derek Johnson was suspended in the third grade for selling candy at school.  But that was 9 businesses ago, and at only 24 Derek is now the Social Media-friendly, always accessible, CEO of text-messaging service Tatango. How accessible?  He posts his personal cell phone number online and has video cameras streaming live from his office.  And if you look like Derek, that’s a pretty decent marketing plan.

1. What is Tatango and how does it work?

Tatango is a company I started while in college that simply put, offers group text messaging.  Tatango allows any group to collect, manage and text message all of their group members from both a computer and mobile phone.  We have all types of groups using the service, like athletic teams, religious organizations and businesses.  Any type of group that would like to get a message out to their members in a fast, efficient manner can benefit from using Tatango.

2. You say you didn’t get good grades in school (I don’t believe you).  What about your personality makes you so such a successful business person?

Yea, I was a horrible student.  I wasn’t even able to get into the business school at the University I attended.  I think education plays a big part in being a successful entrepreneur, but what has always separated me from others is the “hustle”.  In the end, it really comes down to who wants it the most. I really want it.

3. At 24, you have already started a handful of businesses.   Do you think you would ever have the attention span to commit to someone for more than a few months?

Yea, I’ve been known to have a pretty short attention span, in both business and my dating life.  With how crazy my life is right now, I think someone would really have to impress me to even try and hold my attention.  I think it’s possible though.  If you’re up for the challenge, here’s my cell phone number 206.334.4012.

4. Do you ever feel like you’re better than other guys your age?

No, not at all.  I think everyone excels at his or her own things, mine happens to be business.

5. You took a rare day off recently to attend a friend’s bachelor party. Do you feel like you’re missing out on your youth by spending so much time working on your business?

Yes, there is no doubt about it that I’ve missed out on certain parts of my youth by focusing so much on my business ventures.  I feel though, if you really want something, there are going to be tradeoffs.

6. You’re looking to date women in their early twenties, but seem to feel they aren’t as motivated.  Why don’t you just date older women?  I’m motivated.

I would be down to date an older woman.  If you’re ever in the Seattle area, be sure to look me up.  In regards to the first part of the question, I wouldn’t say “motivated” is the right word.  Most of the girls that are in their early twenties are just finishing up college and their lifestyles, goals, availability, etc. are just different than mine, which makes it very hard to get on the same page with someone.

7. I get the feeling you are doing well financially.  Are you afraid of women who may look at you and see dollar signs?

A lot of people have the misconception that just because I started my own company, I am set financially.  This is very far from the truth, as the majority of what I have is tied up in the company.  I still get those types of girls approaching me though, but it’s very easy to see their intentions.

8. Has being a single entrepreneur helped you or hurt you in your business and why?

The biggest benefit to being a single entrepreneur has been the ability for me to focus 100% on the business.

9. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Being the CEO of an internet startup, but things change so fast, and I really only plan a couple of weeks in advance.  10 years, who knows really?

Derek’s Bio

Derek Johnson is the 24 year old CEO of internet startup, Tatango.com. A dropout of the University of Houston Entrepreneurial program, Derek has raised half a million dollars in investments for the company from private investors and the Bellingham Angel Group. As any entrepreneur will tell you, launching a company is hard work. Derek, a self proclaimed workaholic puts in 100+ hour workweeks to fulfill his vision of Tatango. Derek and the Tatango.com team have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Seattle Times, Mashable, TechCrunch, PC World, LifeHacker and other national publications.

Want to connect with Derek?  Follow him on Twitter and Facebook!