Next Up Columbus 2020: Manny Larcher
Interview by Sarah Shumick
Name: Manny Larcher
Age: 31
Profession: CEO at Stopwatch Creative
Neighborhood: Clintonville
Education?Certifications: BGSU/CSCC/OSU – Business
Quote: “I have a deep appreciation for life, my family and the people that I partner with, which keeps me invigorated throughout the day.”
Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram (Stopwatch Creative) | Instagram (Collaborate and Elevate)
Manny Larcher is a first generation American, born in Columbus after his parents immigrated from St. Lucia. He spent some of his childhood in St. Lucia, but has called Columbus ‘home’ since his preteen years. Although Larcher experienced success in the corporate world, he always felt there was “more to do.” Teaching himself how to develop websites and freelancing on the side eventually led to Larcher’s marketing role with Ardina, a startup backed by Cardinal Health and Rev1 Ventures. Larcher now serves as CEO and co-founder of Stopwatch Creative, a local consulting agency that works to tell brand stories through design and creative marketing campaigns.
Larcher loves living and working in Columbus, a city he touts as a “hard-working, creative city, with ethnicities from all over the world.” He firmly believes in the Columbus way. “There is a unifying energy and a spirit of collaboration to help one another.”
Give us a snapshot of your career path:
I am a first generation American born in Columbus, Ohio. Growing up I lived in my parents’ birth country, St. Lucia, from ages 5-11. Being thrown into this new culture and life gave me a perspective that I took with me as I got older. I had early success in corporate America, however, I always felt that there was more to do. My enjoyment for helping others find purpose in their work led to me working with many people from numerous industries. I taught myself how to develop websites and started freelancing, which led to a key marketing role with Ardina, a startup company backed by Cardinal Health and Rev1 Ventures. Stopwatch Creative was founded shortly after with my partner, combining our love for business development and marketing, as well as incubating new products such as Collaborate and Elevate and YourInfoDaily.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
Gratitude. I have a deep appreciation for life, my family and the people that I partner with, which keeps me invigorated throughout the day.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
I truly believe that you can learn something from every single person you encounter, and because of that, mentors in my life come in numerous forms. I could (and maybe will one day) write a novel about how their knowledge on vision, efficiency, consistency, and patience combined with their experience has helped me. I believe that these interactions and connections are the key to success and happiness.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
I have a gym membership, which I visit a few times a week. Basketball and swimming are both activities that clear my mind. I love to cook. I enjoy preparing a meal and spending time with family and friends.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
Like many young boys growing up, I had hoop dreams, and wanted to be a professional basketball player. As I got a little older and realized that may not happen, and then that shifted to owning my own business.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
Right now, I am currently reading Flow by Ted Kallman, which is a great book on improving organization efficiency. The only podcast that I have consistently been listening to over the past few years now is This Week In Startups with Jason Calacanis.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
I am inspired by so many others who have been selected in the past years which is why this means a lot to me as well as my team. To be honored by your peers in the town that you are from, is extremely humbling.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
Columbus is a hard-working, creative city, with ethnicities from all over the World. I believe that the pulse of Columbus is grit, unity, and collaboration. There is a unifying energy and a spirit of collaboration to help one another.
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in Central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. Special thanks to the Columbus Young Professionals Club, Discover Financial, and Zipline Logistics for their support of this awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2020” »