David Hollerbach can talk to anyone—it’s no surprise he works in sales. Cybersecurity sales, to be exact. And while cybersecurity is essential to how our world functions, David admits that when he tries to explain the technical details, people often lose the plot. So for this round of Insights, we zoomed out and asked him to share some human-first advice.
David has been part of the Hula community for a long time. In that time, he’s found more than just a place to work. He’s built deep, meaningful friendships that extend far beyond our walls. He’s also a great example of the many members who aren’t entrepreneurs, but make up a significant part of our community: remote workers whose jobs may take them beyond Vermont, but who still need a place to land.
We appreciate David for being an open book—someone who isn’t afraid to be himself, to ask real questions, and to show up authentically. Read how he arrived at that place below.
Q: What’s a piece of advice you give to other people?
A:
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You are the only one responsible for making yourself happy. It’s very easy to look externally for validation, stimulation, and acknowledgment that you’re on the right path. A journey I’m still working on every day is to know that when the external stimulation goes away inevitably you are just left with yourself to find happiness. Do what makes you happy.
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Everyone starts somewhere, it's just a matter of getting the ball rolling.
Q: What’s something a mentor or important person has shared that made an impact on your business or career?
A: While a cliche, something I’ve always carried with me is “if you worry, it only hurts you twice”. I’ve always been quite a little worrier since I was young. From worrying about what people think of me to if the family dog was going to get into some chocolate while I was at school to if I’m going to get into the right school, I’ve always found something to get worked up about.
Finally, when I was graduating from college and finding myself without a plan of what I wanted to pursue, I started to get very worried I wouldn’t find a career.
My mom, being a cornerstone of my support system, instructed that I can only focus on what is within my control, and if I worry too much, I’m only putting myself through it twice. Whether it’s if don’t get a job I want or I’m not living in the right city or I won’t be near friends, any time chance is involved and I’m faced with adversity, I return to it will work out how’s it’s going to. If something doesn’t go my way, worrying does me no favors.
Q: What role does community play in your career or business?
A: One of my strengths is building deep relationships, which helps me communicate openly and effectively with friends, family, and colleagues on personal or career challenges. I work remotely, so the community at Hula feels much like coworkers in a traditional workplace setting. I’ve surrounded myself with a smart network and have always leaned on advice from others. After moving to Boston with my network from UConn, I quickly realized it wasn’t the kind of community I was seeking. Outside of work, I’ve developed a love for music, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, and bringing my dog along with me, and those interests have shaped the kind of people I gravitate toward. Despite my UConn network making up a big part of my community, I decided to move to Burlington in pursuit of like-minded individuals who reflect the environment I want to grow in both personally and professionally.
Q: What was a pivotal moment or realization in your personal or professional life that has changed your trajectory?
A: I’ve decided to lead a life based on what I think is going to fulfill me rather than what others think. I’ve learned that when I make decisions with others in mind, it makes me anxious. When you make decisions with your own happiness in mind, that is when you’re able to find peace.
Q: How do you handle setbacks or failures without losing motivation?
A: Life is all about dealing with rejection. You have to learn to trust that the next opportunity is always coming. All you can do is focus on what is in your control.
Q: What’s a personal habit or mindset shift that significantly improved your business or work life?
A: Have hobbies. When I feel most myself is when I’ve made time for my interests. I also believe that human connection and community is one of the biggest cornerstones of life. After spending the week progressing on the guitar, climbing, bike riding, going to concerts by myself and dancing like no one is watching, spending quality time connecting with friends, my bucket tends to be full. This helps me really show up in all areas of my life.
Q: Is there a transformative book, speech, or presentation that you’d recommend to other aspiring business professionals?
A: Start with Why by Simon Sinek
Q: Anything else you'd like to add?
A: Have fun out there :)
