Listen to Henter Interview, Part 5
Ted Henter: (continued) So, it's so important that when these good people come your way to accept the fact that they can do it better than you can.
So when I realized that Glenn was a better programmer than me, so I kind of stepped out of the way and let him handle those issues. And now we have other people there that are much better than me, also. And when Eric Damery came along, I realized that I didn't have to be the guy out there demo-ing the product all the time, taking credit for the product. Let somebody else do it because they do it better than me.
And when Jerry came along and showed me what needed to be done, they're just better at it than I am and it's important, once you realize that, to just get out of their way and let them do it. So that's been a key reason for the success of the company. You can't keep the credit and the limelight to yourself. You've got to let somebody else, when they're better, get it there. Of course, you want to find good people.
Even if they're not better, but if they can devote more time to it than you can at that point in time.
So it's very important to share all that with other folks. And I've been very fortunate that those people came along at the right time, at the right place, and stepped up to the challenge and contributed to the success of the company.
Tony Candela: One of the things I have noticed in the folks who I've interviewed so far for this series has been I think, statistically, a steadier than average family support. Longer marriages, fewer divorces, believe it or not, in the midst of what were stressful times.
So, on the family side, I think that one of the secrets to success seems to me to be having that steady support around you. What would you say?
Ted Henter: I would agree, 100%. I came from a very stable family background. My parents are married 67 years and I'm very fortunate that my wife stuck with me and we were able to raise the kids together. Had we gotten divorced it would have hurt both of us, economically and a time when we couldn't afford it, if there is such a time when you can afford it. Raising the kids is easier if you're together. It takes less time. So it certainly contributes to it. You can focus more on business.
I've been just very fortunate that I had the time to also spend time with the family and raise some kids. Because that is the future.
Tony Candela: If there was a thing that you wish would have made it off the drawing board, what would it be?
Ted Henter: It must be the Virtual Pencil. I can't think of anything else, really. The Virtual Pencil. Had we done it at Henter-Joyce or Freedom Scientific, and committed ourselves to it, we could do it, probably could do it quicker. So that would have been the benefit there.
Tony Candela: So unlike others who I've spoken to, you are still pursuing the dream?
Ted Henter: Yeah.
Tony Candela: They had the dream and it didn't work out and they've reached the end of their careers. Although, there are those out there who have some more dreams and if the opportunity comes along, they'll pursue them. But you actually are in the midst of pursuing your dream, right now.
Ted Henter: Yeah. One of the advantages I have regarding that is that I'm blind. So I'm faced with some of these issues every day. That's why I was driven to develop a better screen reader. And now, even though I don't have to do mathematics or take algebra courses, I'm very much aware of the problem and the issue. And so, I'm driven to solve that, make those solutions as well.
But being blind and being in this business is a big advantage.
Tony Candela: Have you had to wrestle much with consumer politics, through the years? I know National Federation of the Blind has had you at conventions. They consider you their friend. There are other philosophies out there that compete with each other and I suppose, in the end, that is healthy, as long as they play nice. Have you gotten caught up in any of the, I'll call it the consumer politics?
Ted Henter: Not significantly, no. I do lean toward the NFB, that's for sure. Early on in my career, Dr. Jernigan had a few words of wisdom for me, which has been very good advice and so I try not to get too involved in it, simply because it can be a negative with some people and a positive with others, of course.
But I do currently serve on a board at the NFB and help out there. And have contributed money to the building.
Tony Candela: And you give a scholarship, you used to give a scholarship. Freedom Scientific might still, if I remember correctly, in the form of software?
Ted Henter: Yes. And I'm pretty sure we'll continue doing it with Freedom Scientific.
Tony Candela: Well, Ted Henter, thank you so much for a wonderful interview, a wonderful time here with you in St. Petersburg. I've been in the bosom of your household, your family. We had lunch together. Thanks to Mel and to Emley. Thanks for a great lunch and a wonderful time.
The people who are interested in assistive technology for the blind, not only do they thank you for all you've done, but they thank you for putting your words down on tape for us to all listen to, into the future.
Thank you.
Ted Henter: Tony, you're very welcome. It's been a very enjoyable experience and it's a very worthwhile project. Good luck with it.
(End of Interview)
