In my early days I had the chance to meet Andy Warhol and he once said, “They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” That is exactly what David Cohen did by bringing this great format to the Boulder/Denver area. The Open Angel Forum Jason Calacanis created is a very well thought out approach for startup companies and Angels to break bread, drink and take startups to the next level.

I have been in business for many years and what I experienced on Feb 3 was truly amazing. The power of so much passion brought to life by the entrepreneur and the angel’s passion and willingness to take the risk of taking companies to the next level is truly the American Dream along with job creation, which is vital to rebuilding the economy.

As I walked through the door for the OAFCO it was a very relaxed atmosphere with a beer in hand and stimulating conversations to start the evening. Fifteen minutes before presentation time Jason and David gather us for a team meeting to go over the flow of the evening. We received the order of the presentations and then David gave us the most important rule “ You need to take a sip of your beer during the presentation.” We were the top five companies, all of us were stoked to be picked and now getting ready to pitch. Here are some great posts from the other companies on the event here, here, here, and here. After the meeting, the five companies clichéd ourselves as the First Alumni of the OAFCO. That was pretty cool. (See OAFCO Class of 2010 picture.)

My company had the second spot in the line up so we were up pretty quick. Tyler came and got us and for the first time we unveiled 911elerts born out of two years of hard work and drive to see it through.  Seven minutes goes extremely fast so anyone out there that is going to apply be prepared to get your message out quickly. (Thank God I had Jon, my COO, there to keep the pitch moving because I can talk and talk about my company.) What’s great about the OAF format is that it vets out the companies as well as the angels. Take advantage of the opportunity that it gives you if you are picked to present at future events.

Thank you Jason, David and Brad for the opportunity. I am grateful for your vision and passion to help others. Entrepreneurs seek out your local chapters of OAF as they come to life it is truly amazing.