The first book that traces an African American-owned high-technology business from dream to basement startup to multimillion-dollar international success.
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Proving Ground – A Memoir by W. David Tarver
What would cause a young African American engineer to walk away from a promising career at the world’s foremost electronics research and development company to start a business, from scratch, in his basement? David Tarver not only did that, he convinced two African American colleagues to join him in the improbable venture. Twelve years later, he negotiated the sale of that venture, Telecom Analysis Systems Inc., for $30 million. Tarver’s business success was accomplished without the help of angel investors, venture capital, government grants, or minority business development programs. He and his colleagues conceived, designed, engineered, and manufactured sophisticated telecommunications instruments and sold them in more than twenty countries. Along the way, they learned valuable lessons about technology, race relations, and business.
Proving Ground traces David Tarver’s journey from ambitious youth to determined entrepreneur to “free man.” The journey began in General Motors boomtown Flint, Michigan, where young David wondered why his father, an accomplished radio and television technician, only exercised his passion for electronics in the basement of their home. Inspired by his father’s expertise and the civil-rights movement, David resolved to one day start a company that made “electronic stuff.” He wanted to prove that, given opportunities and access his father never had, he could take charge of his career and his life. After college at General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) and then the University of Michigan, David began his professional career at AT&T Bell Laboratories in Holmdel, New Jersey. After seven years at the amazing Bell Labs, he decided to leave to fulfill his childhood ambition: David finally created a company that made “electronic stuff,” in the basement of his own home.
David Tarver felt he had something important to prove—to himself, to his colleagues, and to society. That is why he was willing to risk everything on a roll of the entrepreneurial dice. His compelling story will inform, motivate, and inspire anyone who has ever contemplated starting a business.
I enjoy many type of books, especially biographies, and Proving Ground is more of what it claims, a memoir. The memoir was an educated read for two main reasons: it’s history about David’s extended family in the south, about Flint, Michigan and the environment that made him the person he is; and secondary, the recollection of the ups and downs of running his startup.
You can see the anthropological interest in Part 1 of his memoir. David tracked his family’s origin and painted a fascinating picture of his ancestor and how they were impacted by slavery and segregation. As I started to read this, I can already sense how these events later will define the author. For me, I’m intrigued about his earlier family’s (and ethnic) struggles because without it, it wouldn’t have meaning in the end when he sold his business. As an immigrant from Vietnam and escaping to the US, I can relate to some of the race struggle and the sacrifices that parents go through to make a better live for their children and generations after. I truly believe every success story has a beginning and the memoir explained it well for David.
In addition, the memoir would be a good academic book for entrepreneurs (and I don’t mean for collegiate). To me, David is a true startup entrepreneur due to his long love with electronics that he got from his dad to his inspiring attitude for making a difference in the world with his invention. The chapters involving his decision to leave his first professional employer at Bell Labs and how he started his TAS business is common nowadays but necessary since it was his leap-of-faith moment. Although some entrepreneurs might think most of his points are basics but I see different. Many can talk but David put it into action (and successfully) using his selling skills, networking abilities and his home-grown business sense to manage the company. I was enlightened in the section on him discovering a book about Bill Gates’ Microsoft origin called Hard Drive and how David applied the “startup mode” in his struggling business at the right moment. It tells me that everyone can learn from each other.
I recommend this memoir for any startup entrepreneur regardless if they are black, white or asians (or from an indifferent industry other than technology). It’s inspiring and educational but not for those who don’t have patient since it did took David’s TAS company over ten years to meet his success ( where I thought success was achieved earlier when they achieved their first million dollar annual sales. Peace!
Thanh
I was honored this morning to hear (in person) David speak to a group of 50+ people (Boomers i.e.[baby boomers]) and he inspired everyone in the room. His story, the slides he presented were absolutely fantastic. What an inspiration he was to the entire crowd. It’s never to late to follow a dream, even when that dream had to be put on hold for whatever life’s reasons are….he encourage folks to follow it if you are passionate about it. I cannot wait to get a copy of his book, and read it from front to back. I have always been proud to be black, always will…David just refreshed feelings I have forgotten about, and I know now what I need to do. Thank you, Thank you, thank you Sir David for your words and encouragement!
Dear Mr. David Tarver,
I read about your book and you in the Michigan Chronicle, I used to attend U of M before I transferred to Wayne State University where graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration. I am currently working on Maximillian Bryan & Marcell Technologies Internationale a hi-tech start up, and I have written the book Training Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s Technology available on Amazon http://www.amazon.com, and I have been published in Baseline magazine http://www.baselinemag.com; Baseline is an online and print technology magazine for CIOs based in New York, New York. I am curious about your book mainly for your marketing strategies that you used to sell you telecom equipment and to find out how you and your team kept going before the sales came in and while you were developing your telecom equipment. Take care…
Sincerely,
Mr. Winston Shines
Principal Consultant
MB & MTI
Web: http://mbmtinternationale.sharepoint.com
Blog: http://mbmconsulting.blogspot.com
E-mail: wshines@mbmtinternationale.onmicrosoft.com
E-mail: mbmwinstonshines@hotmail.com
E-mail: mbmwindowsserver@google.com
Facebook Business Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maximillian-Bryan-Marcell-Technologies-Internationale-LLC/140988465978339 please click on like for the page.
I just purchased “Proving Ground” and it hasn’t yet been delivered. But, after seeing Mr. Tarver’s interviews and reading excerpts, I know it’s going to be good. I worked both as a multinational lender with large corporations, and also small businesses as an economic development financier at different times in my career. Thus, I can appreciate just what an incredible accomplishment Mr. Tarver’s story really is. And, I always take pride whenever a fellow Flintite, makes good in his or her respective field. I will give you my thoughts once I have read your book thoroughly.
I’m not surprised @ his accomplishments, as they say in sports,”He is SPECIAL”. We here in Flint knew it ALL along, there were many special people in Flint. My man David did not forget something his father probably said to him,”Work is like tennis / golf : if you play with someone better than you, the challenge & stimulation will stretch your game”. & now you know the rest of the story !
We are often asked, “Where are todays heros?”. We do not need to look very far, but we must share the story. David Tarver has slain the dragons of the business world, he has pursued his dream, using his unique skill and individual talent to overcome, what some would view as insurmountable odds, to achieve success … in other words, a true American hero. Encourage others to learn and share is story, by reading “Proving Ground” and passing it on.
David, as a direct recipent of the fruits of your successes, I am so proud of this enjoyable book and the continued pouring out of blessings upon others that you provide along the way. This is a must read for anyone who has a dream and KNOW that they can make it come true with vision, hard work and determination. Thanks for all you do.
Congratulations David Tarver!
What a great achievement to write this book, your story.
I read a few pages and find it engaging and interesting.
I didn’t realized how much research can go into writing a book.
You have already succeeded in words and action.
Best of luck!
Susan
Hi David,
Congratulations on your new book! You are a role model for all of us. How many people talk about what they plan to do, but never actually do it, but you always find a way to get it done. I can’t wait to read your book, especially the Bell Labs chapters, so I can “relive” the extraordinary years we had at Bell Labs. Thanks for sharing your remarkable journey!
David, I was captured by the first paragraph and wanted to read more. I cannot wait to read the entire book. Kudos to you for doing something many only dream about.
Yvonne: thanks for the considerable time and attention you spent reading and commenting on the pre-release version of “Proving Ground.” As you know, I greatly appreciate your efforts and value your opinion.
Buy this book for every child you want to inspire. We all search for stories we can relay to our children and the young folk we hope to inspire. Stories are the testament to their own possibilities and the endless opportunity waiting to be harnessed. Many African-American entreneneurs have shared their stories but few provide the in-depth insight into the foundational components of success as ‘Proving Ground, A Memoir’ by W. David Tarver. From the Tarver matriarch’s stories of determination through challenging social and economic times to insights into the dreams, preparation and acute clarity of a kid slightly ahead of his time, this account provides lessons on many levels. It is a story about an uncanny vision, by an unlikely character. It shares the preparation, trials and triumphs of a journey traveled by far too few. Thank you David for sharing your story with us and Congratulations on a job well done. Thoroughly enjoyed and very highly recommended!
The book is outstanding! I wondered if that was my first thought because my uncle is the author. But as I delved into each chapter, I was drawn into the successes (and failures) and the intimate feelings and pressures of a young entrepreneur. As I read, I found myself cheering for David at each milestone of growing the company, feeling bad at each mis-step, and even scolding him for negative thinking.
This biography is a must-read for students, entrepreneurs, and those working in a corporate environment. It is a true success story and motivational tool.
David Tarver has written a book for both the young and old. This is a book of hope. As a young person, David dreamed of a better life and set about to accomplish his dreams. David captured the American Dream without being a Rock Star or a famous athlete. No matter what your current position is in life this book expresses that hopes and dreams can be accomplished by common people that work toward their goals with a plan. Life is a PROVING GROUND which we all must face. God Bless you on your journey – GREAT BOOK DAVID!!
I have the great pleasure of knowing David Tarver but I didn’t know all about David until I was given the opportunity to preview and critique Proving Ground. The way this book is written, with its level of detail and the sequencing of events, give me insights about David and what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. We’ve all heard before the stories of the business that got started in the basement or garage. When you actually know the person who the story is about and recall the conversations you’ve had with them about their journey, a memoir such as Proving Ground helps to paint a much more precise picture and helps to recall the emotions during the conversations about David’s journey.
This book is so clearly written that even if you didn’t know David before, you will feel like his is one of your close friends and that you too, were a part of his journey. Very well done, David.