Paul Wnek Feature
Paul Wnek is the Founder and CEO of Coalescence Cloud, and ExpandAP.
Paul Wnek is a 15x Salesforce Certified B2B Solutions Architect and founder and CEO of Coalescence Cloud (a Salesforce consulting partner) and ExpandAP (an expense, AP and corporate credit card automation application built natively on the Salesforce platform). Paul is well-versed in CRM, ERP, PSA, billing, CPQ and other business systems topics, including enterprise software, expense management, Salesforce integration and more.
[Q U I C K N O T E S]
- Position: Founder, CEO
- Industry: Technology, Entrepreneur
- Location: Dallas, TX, USA
- Website: Coalescence Cloud, ExpandAP
- LinkedIn: Paul Wnek
- Instagram: N/A
Paul, can you start off by telling us about yourself and why you chose entrepreneurship?
I was born and raised in Maryland (the DMV) about an hour from DC, I moved to the Dallas Fort Worth area to attend the University of Dallas, where I studied Business Administration for my bachelor’s, and most of a Masters of Science in Finance (2 courses from completion, not sure if I’ll get around to finishing it). Besides a 2 year period when I moved back to the DC area, I’ve lived in the DFW area, currently in Frisco, TX with my wife Marisa, 4 year old son Cyrus, and 2 mini golden doodles Winston and Daisy.
Entrepreneurship was something I knew to be my life’s path since I was in middle school. It was reaffirmed during my college days working full time as a server at several of Dallas’ top fine dining restaurants, standing on the other side of the table from CEOs and incredibly successful and consequential individuals, with whom I connected and several of which continue to mentor me today! I chose to be an entrepreneur for the complete challenge that it is: It forces the entrepreneur to be the best they can be professionally which demands the best on the personal side. I feel it goes hand in hand with the journey of life.
Can you tell us what drives you to be successful as a CEO and entrepreneur?
Besides not wanting to fail like most people, as well my personal and family’s financial well-being depending on it; as an entrepreneur I’ve sold my employees, clients, and partners on an idea (s), my company(s). I owe it to them to be successful and support their success. It’s a web, everything is interwoven now. I can’t fail, it’s a long way down but an overwhelming and exciting journey.
Tell us about your vision of your company in the next 2-3 years.
Coalescence growth to 150 full-time employees ($50M annual revenue), and ExpandAP at $25M ARR
What’s the one or two accomplishments that you’re proud of?
Pulling Coalescence back from the brink while turning down an bad investment offer that would’ve made the recovery easier. We’re thriving now but things were bleak.
What advice do you have for other up-and-coming entrepreneurs?
You’ll find everything you’re looking for by building resilience. Resilience requires high stress (challenges often ones that suck and take you to the brink of failure), consistency, and discipline – in all facets of life.
Are you active on social media professionally? If so, what platforms work best for engaging your followers?
Also something I’m challenging myself to get into this year. Planning for LinkedIn and Twitter.
Who was your biggest influence?
Not my parents, I’ve done everything the opposite of what they would’ve wanted. Elon Musk – his resilience game is strong and ambitions are out of this world, he doesn’t need any of it and his success rate is far beyond any serial entrepreneur.
What is the most challenging part of your work as a CEO?
Balancing risk (growth opportunities) – Big picture. The need to be available, intelligible, and flexible daily with clients and employee needs (haven’t been able to fully shut off more than a day at a time since starting Coalescence in July 2020).
What do you have your sights set on next?
Launching ExpandAP, my second venture and some ambitious growth planned for Coalescence.
What is a day in your life like?
- Wake up around 6.
- Make breakfast for our 4 year old.
- School drop off at 8:30.
- Gym at 9 (personal training Monday thru Thursday, Vinyasa Yoga on Fridays, cardio/extra leg day on weekends)
- Work Meetings 10:00 to 6/7 pm
- Dinner
- Bedtime for the little one
- Work or a Walk Bed by 10.
Do you have any hobbies?
I’m challenging myself to get some as of this year. I’m big on working out. Looking to get into golf.
What makes you smile?
Spending time and vacations with my family. Positive client reviews/feedback.
What are you never without?
My Samsung Fold (smartphone)
What scares you?
Heights.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere tropical but I’m open to all types of places.
Other work, published articles, interviews or accomplishments:
- The Digital Executive Podcast
- CIO.com – Digital Transformations Fundamental Change Management Mistake
- Star CIO – Technologies Industrials POC
~ Paul
