Profile / Jason Hancock

Where were you 10 years ago?

I was running my own company in London. It sold office equipment to small companies and provided financing. I was single, playing semi-professional rugby.

Are you a big guy?

I'm only 5 feet, 10 inches.

Where do you want to be 10 years from now?

This is the best business to be in. You're dealing with the world's most unreliable product, people. I'd like to be in this business. I'm fully committed to this business.

What or who would you like to come back as in your next life?

A cat. They sleep all day and play all night. They lie out in the sun and do what they want to . . . when they want to do it.

What are your favorite investments?

Traditional tech companies. Database companies. Intel and Oracle.

What kind of car do you drive?

Porsche Carrera Cabriolet.

What are your work hours?

I probably work 13 to 14 hours a day.

What are your favorite Web sites?

Nasdaq.com, Etrade.com, HomeGrocer.com and Mylackey.com.

What do you consider your greatest extravagance?

My car. I'm an accessory person.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

Get a good lawyer when applying for a visa. (Hancock is a U.K. native.)

What are you addicted to?

Probably work and my wife. I'm also totally addicted to cold beer at 5 o'clock on Friday.

What are you passionate about?

I'm passionate about cars.

Do you have any unrealized dreams?

To make Seattle closer to London. That's where my family is.

Why not move to the London office?

We love the environment and climate here. My wife is American.

What caused you to do what you're doing?

I was running a division of a large printer company. I spent an enormous amount of time and money recruiting. Then I knew I was in the wrong business. It was better on this side than the product side.

What's your favorite place in Seattle?

That park in Queen Anne (Kerry Park). We took our engagement and wedding photos there. And Wild Ginger and Boat Street Cafe.

If you were assured you would succeed at it, what would you choose to do with your life?

Race-car driver and a good husband.

What technology do you despise?

Cell phones ringing during dinner. Police radar gun.

Do you have a favorite charity?

I chair one of the cabinets in (the local chapter of) the United Way. I'm also active with the British American Chamber of Commerce.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by other people's success, people achieving through adversity. You read stories on business success of women and minorities, and handicapped people climbing Mount Rainier. That's inspiring.

What humbles you most?

Atrocities in developing countries. Lack of understanding and resources given to these countries.

- Interviewed by Roger Yu.