From Lab to Patient, Garage to Market NEW JERSEY NURTURES NEW VENTURES
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formality to stand out as their representative. His carefully crafted appearance not only enabled him to appeal to a broad audience but also exemplifies a cornerstone of successful business branding and public relations. Whether they’re socializing at a networking event or sitting across the table from potential investors, successful entrepreneurs understand they must sell themselves as much as they sell the product or service they’re working to launch into the marketplace. Perhaps most significantly, Washington was a firm believer in the power of a representative democracy. Long before official polling gauged the sentiments of the American public, Washington enlisted members of his staff to visit citizens and get feedback on his performance and how the new government could better serve them. In 1792, informal polling conducted by Washington’s secretary, Tobias Lear, revealed strong public support for a second presidential term. As Washington knew, a leader is neither an intellectual island nor is he or she always right. A true entrepreneur is always open to feedback, especially constructive criticism, as a way to refine his or her internal methodologies and external marketing methods. While popular opinion can’t be the sole basis for decisions, it’s an important element to be considered. Startup entrepreneurs must never lose sight of the value in welcoming the observations and opinions of others within the company and those who utilize their products. Considering yourself immune to negative appraisals or suggestions for improvement is a recipe for failure. These stories are just a small sampling of how George Washington’s grit, persistence and determination defined a nation … and serve as an inspiring road map for startups in 2026 and beyond. When you feel frustrated in your entrepreneurial journey or need some new inspiration in any aspect of your life, take some time to explore our first
If you’re a budding entrepreneur who calls New Jersey home, you’re in one of our country’s strongest, most nurturing states for taking your ambitions to the next level.
Episode 16 of Philip Crowley’s “From Lab to Patient, Garage to
Market” podcast provides 31 minutes of fascinating content that easily supports this statement. Special guest Kathleen Coviello, chief economic transformation officer at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (“NJEDA”), details some of the ways the state government is actively working to position New Jersey as a hub for innovation through ongoing economic and logistical support for its home-grown life sciences, technology, manufacturing and film/digital media industries. In addition to discussing a host of entrepreneur-focused programs currently available through the NJEDA, Coviello offers practical words of encouragement for startup founders and other business leaders. On the topic of attracting and solidifying investors, she reminds podcast listeners that all profit opportunities begin with the entrepreneur’s genuine passion for his or her unique product, service or innovation. “If you, as an entrepreneur, are hedging your bets and you don’t believe in the success or the opportunity, you’re not going to get anyone else to believe in that opportunity. I’ve heard some really great investors say, ‘Bet on the jockey.’ You have to have someone who believes in whatever the business value proposition is, and [that belief] is going to drive to success.” Responding to this statement, Crowley noted that “a group of jockeys and a team with multiple talents” could make an entrepreneurial venture particularly attractive to potential investors. Coviello agreed, adding that the NJEDA’s Innovation Fellows program requires participants to have a team of at least three individuals, with one team member serving as the tiebreaker when necessary. “No one can do it all alone; anybody who thinks they can is fooling themselves. Realizing where your strengths are, and supplementing where your weaknesses are with other members of the team, is critical to success.”
president’s extraordinary life and ask yourself, “What would George Washington do?”
More information on the NJEDA is available at NJEDA.gov.
Hosted by Crowley Law LLC Founder and Managing Partner Philip Crowley, the “From Lab to Patient, Garage to Market” podcast explores the critical issues and concerns impacting the biotech, life sciences and startup markets by offering fresh perspectives from industry leaders and experts. It is available on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, all major podcast channels and at CrowleyLawLLC.com .
–Philip Crowley
908-460-5529 — 3
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