Character Interview: Chris Camden and James Callahan, Best Friends, Business Partners and Cyber Lords
I recently caught up with Chris Camden and James Callahan, co-founders of LazerShark, the hottest gaming website in cyberspace. Their pictures have been plastered across the covers of every industry periodical in the country as two of the thirty biggest names in technology under thirty… and it doesn’t hurt that their smiles can melt the panties off any woman in their line of sight. I don’t know any female in her right mind that wouldn’t want to be sandwiched between these heartthrobs. But I digress…
Okay, back to business. I’m focused now.
Me: Guys, thanks so much for taking the time out of your crazy schedules to chat with me. Our readers are extremely anxious to find out more about the dream team that just scored one of the largest buyouts in Silicon Valley history. How does it feel?
James: Incredible, so rewarding. We’ve been working toward this goal for the past three years with the help and guidance of a great team of investors. But we still have a long way to go, and a lot more work to do.
Chris: Yeah, it feels great, kind of like driving my brand-new Bentley. <snickers> Seriously, though, this was a real partnership effort. You can only achieve this kind of success when you set common goals and work together to achieve them. Jay is the geek in this relationship and I’m the salesman. It’s a great mix of skills.
James: That’s right. We work our strengths to the fullest and compensate where each of us may be lacking.
Chris: Dude, speak for yourself. I’m not lacking in any area.
James: My bad. You’re the most modest, humble person I know.
Me: Inquiring minds want to know… now that you’ve taken over as the virtual gaming lords of the universe, what’s next on your agenda?
James: We’re starting a new project. It’s kind of early to discuss details but it’s going to be a winner.
Chris: Think revolution… light sabers, battletoads… and minions.
James: Dude, you’re giving everything away. You’re about as subtle as a hand grenade.
Chris: Oh come on, those hints were brilliant! You’ve got to give the people a little taste, Jay. Don’t be so neurotic.
James: Have we gotten to the question about how I’ve been able to avoid strangling my business partner yet?
Me: <laughs out loud> You guys are too adorable… er, um, I mean, entertaining. And you’ve also been best friends since kindergarten. How do you manage the friendship versus the business partnership?
James: It actually works well for us. We’re pretty much no holds barred. If there’s an issue, we put it out there and talk it out.
Chris: You can’t take things personally. We made a deal when we first started on this path that we’d always separate our work lives from our personal lives.
James: Yeah, I remember that deal. It was nice in theory. Too bad you couldn’t keep your—
Chris: Whoa! I’m talking about us here. Don’t go off-track.
Me: No, please go off-track…this sounds juicy.
James: Let’s just say my business partner made a pretty large error in judgment that could have cost us our future.
Chris: You’re being really dramatic, Jay. It’s all good. LazerShark was never at risk.
James: Your life sure was. Talk about wanting to strangle someone…
Me: How would you each describe one another?
James: Chris is the most loyal guy I know. He’d do anything for the people he cares about… I mean anything. I’ve never met another person so willing to put his own comfort and happiness aside for others.
Chris: I’d go to war for you, man.
James: I know you would. And I love you for it. <playfully punches Chris in the shoulder> He’s also impulsive, outspoken, cocky and can charm the skirt off any girl he meets… admittedly, a pretty impressive skill.
Chris: Aw, I’m blushing. Thanks for stroking my ego.
James: As if you needed it…
Chris: It’s only one of the things that can never be stroked too often…
Me: <fanning myself> Ahem, so Chris, any thoughts on James?
Chris: Smart. Sexy as hell. Socially inept but we’re working on that.
James: I like to think I’m making progress.
Chris: Always striving to improve. Kudos, man.
Me: Ever had your sights set on the same girl?
James: No, I prefer girls that can use more than one-syllable words in conversation. Actually, let me rephrase… I prefer girls that can actually engage in conversation. <snickers>
Chris: <rolls eyes> What can I say, Jay? Sometimes it’s better to have actions drown out the words. Talking’s overrated.
Me: Okay, so speaking of the ladies… here’s the question all the fangirls have been aching to ask two of the most eligible bachelors in the Bay area… what are your relationship statuses?
James: Um yeah, not so eligible anymore.
Chris: Reformed.
James: More like whipped.
Chris: Really? You sure you’re pointing that finger in the right direction? The first gift you ever gave Jess was the family jewels. And it’s been downhill from there. Yes Jess, anything you want Jess, sure I’ll bend over now Jess. <smirks>
James: I’ve always been a fan of monogamy, unlike this guy. His motto has always been ‘the more, the merrier’ at any one time.
Chris: Life is like tearing through a bag of Lays…can never eat just one.
James: A point you’ve proven again and again and again.
Me: But rumor has it you’re off the market…scooped up by none other than your former investment manager, Mia Bradshaw. So monogamy…?
Chris: It’s a new look for me. I’m digging it.
James: So is your fiancé.
Me: She’s a lucky lady. That news is going to be very disappointing to all your fangirls. Okay, last question. Silk or satin?
James: Either.
Chris: Neither. <smirks>
***