Elizabeth: Hi, Mr. Robinson. Thank you so much for agreeing to spend a little time with us today.
Joe: It’s my pleasure. I’m always happy to talk to people about the work we’re doing at Robinson Enterprises.
Elizabeth: Oh, sure. We can get into that, too.
Joe: What do you mean, too? What else would we talk about? Remind me, would you, the name of your publication?
E (mumbling): InspyRomance. We’re a blog with a pretty unique demographic. And I really think our readers are going to be more interested in learning about the man behind the desk. So, let’s dive right in. How is it that you’re single and a billionaire in your mid fifties?
Joe: I didn’t quite catch the blog name?
E: Oh, it’s in all that paperwork I sent over. But let’s get back on track.
Joe (frowning): Honestly, I’m more surprised when I hear about billionaires who manage to have successful marriages. Unless you’re starting out with family money, there’s a lot of hours required to achieve success in the business world. Evenings and weekends aren’t time off if you’re driven.
E: I guess I can see that. You started out with an idea for business software, is that right?
Joe: Yes. In college, I got the idea of some ways to make standard business applications more functional. It was natural enough to split off from there and branch out into cyber security. And then, really, if you’re going to make it in the DC area, you need to have government contracts–so we started a division dedicated to that work. Along the way, I acquired a social media platform and video game company. So now there are five branches of Robinson Enterprises.
E: And you run all of them? Yourself?
Joe: I do.
E: Do you sleep?
Joe (laughing): Not a lot. But I love it. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
E: No regrets, then?
Joe: Hm. I guess I can’t say there are absolutely no regrets. There are times I wish I’d found a way to have a wife and family, but the company demanded so much time, it probably wouldn’t have been fair. Might not have worked. Anyway, I like the life I have now, so it’s not as if I have any room to complain.
E: Was there someone special and it didn’t work out, or is that more of a generic wish?
Joe: Wow. That’s…I’m not sure I want to answer that question. What does it have to do with interviewing me about my company again?
E: Think of this as more of a human interest spotlight. So?
Joe: Not since college. And she’s a world-class heart surgeon now, so it’s not as if she spent her life pining, you know? We both had big plans. It wouldn’t have worked out. For either of us.
E: That’s sad.
Joe: Not really. Like I said, she’s doing what God wants her to do. So am I. It’s okay. And when you look at the good things I’m able to do because of how successful Robinson Enterprises is, it’s hard to mind.
E: Oh? Tell us about that.
Joe: I’d be happy to. Can you give me one second? My admin is buzzing me. *muffled conversation* I’m sorry. It seems I need to go. I have a big meeting that I’m due at in just about ten minutes.
E: Of course. I appreciate you working me into your schedule. Do you have any parting words? Maybe some advice to all those budding entrepreneurs out there?
Joe: Just keep working hard and never give up. The hours are worth it in the long run. Even if you do end up with some heartburn now and then.
E: Are you feeling all right?
Joe: Me? Oh sure. I’m fine. Thanks again for the interview. If you’ll let our public relations manager know when it’s published, she’ll make sure we add a link to our website. Sorry to run–but like I said, big meeting.
E: Of course. Thanks, Joe.
Find out all about what happens next for Joe in So You Want a Second Chance. Book one in the So You Want to be a Billionaire series.
You can grab Joe’s story on Amazon here.
(After June 15th, Joe’s story will be available in Kindle Unlimited.)
Book 2 in the series, So You Love to Hate Your Boss, is included in the Love’s Treasure Collection.
What would make you take a chance on a billionaire series? I’d love to give one commenter their choice of any of the So You Want to be a Billionaire books. I’ll draw a winner on Saturday, June 5th.
Elizabeth Maddrey is a semi-reformed computer geek and homeschooling mother of two who lives in the suburbs of Washington D.C. When she isn’t writing, Elizabeth is a voracious consumer of books. She loves to write about Christians who struggle through their lives, dealing with sin and receiving God’s grace on their way to their own romantic happily ever after.
I’d take a chance since I’ve not read anything like that. Thank you
Probably not for me. Billionaires don’t interest me.
What about them makes you say that?
Thanks!
I have no issues with billionaire stories, lol, part of the fantasy, right? Plus the ones I have read are all in CF so the authors make sure God keeps the characters grounded! I look forward to reading this!
Yay! Thanks Paula :) I do agree that Christian billionaires are different — the stories really are less about monetary excesses.
I’d take a chance on reading a Billionaire romance story. I imagine billionaires are just like most people, just really rich, but riches don’t always make for a easy life either. Thanks for the chance to win!
Dianne – I’m with you usually – but here’s my review of Elizabeth’s book: I don’t particularly like billionaire stories, but since Elizabeth Maddrey is one of my favorite authors, I decided I should try hers out. I liked this one because how much money the main male character has isn’t really the key to his character – it’s a good story even if you leave money out of it. More important is his problem with being a workaholic, contrasted with his generous heart that really cares about his employees. I also like this book because the two main characters aren’t young – they’re both in their mid-50s – a nice change from so many romance books about the young and beautiful.
It’s so true that money can’t fix everything! Thanks, Megan. :)
I would totally read a billionaire romance, I like reading about them falling in love and seeing that money is not everything.
I would give it a try if it was one of my favorite authors
I’ve read several billionaire/millionaire/celebrity books. They all feel the same to me. But I would take a chance because it’s not the economic status that intrigues me — it’s the impediments to a real romantic relationship.
I’m pretty much there for any story of someone falling in love :) But definitely I agree that in Christian romance there has to be an understanding that money brings its own problems along for the ride.
Favorite authors can get us to read all kinds of things we might not think we’d enjoy :)
I guess there’s an element of “they all feel the same” that can be applied to any genre (I’m looking at you, Cowboy romance ;) ) — I know for me, I like to set out to look for what’s different. That little shift in perspective can often mean I end up really enjoying a book/genre that I thought I disliked (I’m looking at you again, Cowboy romance. ;) )
I’ll admit that I don’t go looking for Billionaire stories, and I’ll admit that I’ve read some that I really liked because of the author’s, and their books were not your typical billionaire story. So, I’d be willing to try your book, too!!
Yay! There are some great Christian billionaire stories out there right now – I’ve been enjoying them.
They sound like great reads, Can’t knock anything down unless you give it a try. I would love to read it. Have a Great week and stay safe.
They sound like great reads, I would love to read it. Have a Great week and stay safe.
I would try a Billionaire one because it would be something different for me! I like to shake up my reading every once in a while so I don’t get stuck in a rut :-)
Thanks for the fun character interview!
Thanks! You too :)
Thanks Trixi! Shaking it up can definitely be good.
That was fun!
I love billionaire series!
I am not a fan of Billionaire romance, but if any of my CCR authors write them, I will read them! I am loving Elizabeth’s new series. It’s all about character development and getting along with the most unlikely others….I look forward to reading all of these stories.
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview and hope you enjoy the books!
Yay! I’m so glad you’re enjoying them Margaret!
It would have to be a modest cover. The story would need to find appealing. The male should not be over confident and a jerk. Thank you for the opportunity. God bless you.
Thanks, Debra! I feel like I could use your list for any book :)
Enjoyed the Q&A.
Just got started on Joe and Cynthia’s story and am enjoying it very much. The billionaire factor is downplayed in favor of the history and circumstances of the characters. That’s really what matters, after all. I liked the tight connection between the Q&A and the opening of the book. :)
I’d love to try one especially if he’s a single daddy & not a mean guy.
I’d like to try a new type of book for sure
Thanks, Denise!
Oh yay! I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. And haha, I did enjoy ending the Q&A right there :)
Single dads are great book heroes. I don’t have any in my billionaires, but there is a single mom.
Yay! Thanks :)
I do enjoy changing up what I read once in a while, even if it is the same genre.