James Williams
📍Austin, TX | CEO @Monetta | Helping people become dog parents smartly
📝 Editor’s Note
My two-year-old has the most unsettling habits.
Unlike any kid I’ve ever met he refuses to Chick-Fil-A nuggets and whenever he passes someone on a walk, he asks them “what is your name?”
Puzzled is an understatement. Caught off guard, people typically pull-out their headphones to say “what?” or act like they didn’t hear him and keep moving.
However, we do get some people that stop to have a brief introduction. I think all parties typically leave with a smile. I can’t say that this has left such an impression that I now go up to strangers, but it does make me realize how being genuinely inquisitive about someone else can brighten their day.
Without further ado….
Why James?
James and I are related from a few generations back and recently had the opportunity to connect. Not only do we have a similar family tree but we also cheer for the same depressing sports teams - the Carolina Panthers and Virginia Cavaliers. James is a really interesting and smart guy who recently launched a company helping to increase compatibility between future dog owners and the breeds they choose.
Follow James on Linkedin
Self-Description
These days, I'm feeling pretty optimistic, intentional, candid, focused, and fulfilled. Especially when I get to pet a dog.
James’s Recommendations
Written in his own words…
Products
My morning coffee ritual wouldn't be complete without my Aeropress. It makes the best coffee, hands down. The XL version is great because it allows for two servings, so I can share without feeling selfish. Cleanup is a breeze. If you haven't tried the inverted method, I highly recommend it. Here's a video to get you started.
They’ve gone mainstream, but I’ll keep wearing them. They are incredibly comfortable for both street and office wear. They can be dressed down for casual days or add a fun accent to a more dressed-up outfit. The V-12's are my go-to shoes.
Food and Drink
Phony Negroni, TÖST, Copenhagen Tea Company, Tapatio Blanco
If you’ve also dropped the drink but still want to scratch the itch, Phony Negroni, TÖST, and Copenhagen Tea Company are great options. For those still imbibing, Difford’s Tommy’s Margarita is easy to make and lovely enough to crave another. Tapatio Blanco is the bottle I would grab.
Music
Khraungbin & Tame Impala
I’m a big fan of recorded live shows. If you’re looking for background TV cocktail party music that could just become the focus of the party, Khruangbin crushes their Pitchfork live show:
and Tame Impala nails their play through of their album Innerspeaker:
Travel
Go to Ninh Bihn in Vietnam. Stay at Nham Village resort. Go to Thung Nham Bird Valley around sunset and take the group boat. It’s beyond magical, and not touristy. Limestone cliffs, flocks of seabirds nesting in waterside trees, and local families enjoying the view make you step back and wonder how you ended up in the middle of this.
Content
The Hard Thing about Hard Things
This book just blew me away. It felt like it was reading my mind during my late-night CEO thoughts. It changed how I think about project memos and foundational guides for better team alignment. Its no-sugarcoating approach is perfect for someone like me who can be overtly optimistic at all times. Mainly, it taught me to embrace the struggle and keep going. I’d call it a must-read for first-time founders around MVP launch time.
Plug
Check out Monetta! We’re focused on helping future pet parents, especially newer folks, meet their ideal breed online and in-person before committing to buying.
Here’s what our most recent dog parents said:
“Monetta’s platform felt like a steal for the experience provided. We feel like we got four times the value. They helped us find a hypoallergenic breed that matched our preferences, significantly reducing our anxiety and effort. Meeting the Lowchen in person and learning from our host Amy solidified our choice. Their full-service approach gave us confidence we were doing things the ethical way, from understanding the financial realities to working a reputable breeder.”
Want to reach out to James? Please reach out via email at monettalabs@gmail.com
P.S. from Rambull — if you are like me and eat Tums like candy, try keeping a container in your car. Has saved me more than once. However, in talking with James who can commiserate on the indigestion front, he recommends Papaya Enzymes. “Please order asap. It's a game changer, and natural. Complete credit to my girlfriend Selena.” Consider me sold.
Papaya enzymes helped me a ton with indigestion when I was pregnant!
Hey James!!
These are two of the best YouTube videos, like across all of YouTube.