Maximum Velocity: The Origin of My Self-Given Nickname & Advice To Get What You Want
In 2009, ShowClix was one of a handful of emerging tech startups in Pittsburgh, including College Prowler (now Niche), CivicScience, Deeplocal, Songwhale, Schell Games, and Modcloth.
We were the first crew of young, software-based companies in the city.
Since we were overworked and always looking for an excuse to party, The ShowClix team had an idea: Let's create a startup bowling league. And we wanted our first target to be Deeplocal. We challenged. They accepted.
At the time, Deeplocal was best known for Chalkbot. The first use of robotics in advertising, Chalkbot printed inspirational messages, submitted by people all over the world via Twitter, on the route of the Tour de France.
Before heading to the now-closed Forward Lanes in Squirrel Hill, we met at Mineo's for pizza, This is where I first hung out with Nathan Martin, Heather Martin, Dimitry Bentsionov, Matthew Pegula, and David Evans, Deeplocal's brilliant, quirky, and very funny CTO. We clicked. I immediately had a crush.
What didn't click was the ShowClix bowling team. We sucked. We lost by a lot. But we had so much fun with the Deeplocal crew. I knew this wouldn't be the last time we'd hang. I had a feeling that these people were going to be my friends. And that holds true 12 years later.
We went back to the office the following day and decided to send Deeplocal a congratulations card. I signed that card: Lynsie "Maximum Velocity" Campbell. That was the first time I ever used this "nickname." Maximum Velocity was my bowling strategy – and my life strategy in general. Move fast. Get shit done. I've been trying to get this self-given nickname to stick ever since.
A few weeks later, the Pittsburgh Technology Council was hosting the annual Tech 50 Awards. ShowClix was nominated in the Rising Star category. Deeplocal in the Art + Technology category.
A bunch of the ShowClix team wanted to attend, but we couldn't afford an entire table, so I called the woman who was running the event, Melissa Ungar, and asked if we could split a table with someone.
"Is Deeplocal attending?" I asked. The answer was yes.
"Can we share a table with them?" The answer again, yes.
"Why?" Melissa asked.
"I want to sit next to David Evans."
Melissa laughed and agreed. And David and I were inseparable from that night forward. We dated for three years, bought a house together in Regent Square, and raised two amazing dogs. While we didn't end up together, we've remained the best of friends. In fact, David makes MULTIPLE appearances in my book.
OK, get to the point, Lynsie.
Yes, I'm writing this because it's a fun story that I like to share, but also to remind you that if you want something, you have to ask for it. Do not be afraid to ask for what you want. Nobody is going to hand it to you. You have to go and get it.
In this instance, asking for what I wanted changed my life. These friendships changed my life.
That said, after 12 years, I still haven't been able to get the Maximum Velocity nickname to stick. And I'm still on a mission to make this happen.
A few months back, I told Ted Serbinski about my lame attempt to make this nickname stick. His response, "It's too long. Shorten it to MaxV."
So today, my ask of you is, call me MaxV. Pretty please? 🙏 😆
Remember, your fate is in your own hands. Ask for the impossible! You may actually get it.
Until next time,
✌️Lynsie
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