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The Browser by Mike Hofman
April 14, 2008
Remembering Jeff Timmons, Top Entrepreneurial Thinker
Posted at 6:37 PM
Jeff Timmons, a trailblazing professor of entrepreneurship and a longtime member of the faculty at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, died on April 8 at age 66. The school, which is considered a preeminent center of the study of entrepreneurship, counted Timmons among its best-known and most influential professors. He was the author of several major works about entrepreneurship including The Entrepreneurial Mind and Venture Capital at the Crossroads, co-authored with William Bygrave.
Timmons's seminal achievement was the book New Venture Creation, a work that managed to be both epic in scale and exceedingly practical. It was filled, for example, with advice on drafting legal contracts and how to predict and limit disputes among co-owners in a family business.
In a 1999 article in Inc., Tom Richman named it one of the eight books every entrepreneur should read before starting a business. "[L]ots of people have already done what you propose to do—that is, start a company—and Timmons has collected many of their experiences here," Richman explained. "Why should you stagger through the entrepreneurial process blind when others have already explored and mapped it, and why not at least be aware of what they've learned?"
Among his other accomplishments, Timmons is credited with writing one of the first academic theses to focus on contemporary entrepreneurship, and he started what is believed to be the first collegiate business plan competition in the United States, in 1984. Timmons, who arrived at Babson in 1982, also taught for a time at Harvard Business School. He was also a charter board member of the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
In a note announcing Timmons's death, Babson provost Patricia Greene (herself one of the nation's leading experts on entrepreneurship), noted that on the day before he died, "Professor Timmons spent the entire day at Babson with a small team discussing the history and future of entrepreneurship. He was brilliant in the way that he shared his insights, knowledge, and enthusiasm. His passion, as always, was striking."
"Professor Timmons’ impact and influence on Babson and the global entrepreneurial community is unparalleled," Greene concluded, "and his passing is a huge loss."
Timmons is survived by his wife Sara, and two daughters.
Were you a student of Timmons's at Babson or Harvard? Did you work with him through one of the numerous start-ups he nurtured and advised? If so, please feel free to post your memories of him here.
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Jeff's death was a big surprise. Unfortunately, there has been no indication of what caused his untimely death. Is there any information on this?
Jeff was a mega-hero to me in the field of entrepreneurship. I spent some time in discussions with him at entrepreneurship conferences at Babson as well as as SEE and REFLECT events. I could listen to him for hours. His presentations were always so inspirational and he was so charismatic! I am proud to have known him.There is NO ONE who can even come close to replacing him!
Lois
Lois and other friends,
My dad died of a massive heart attack. Apparently he had had a another heart attack in the previous four years and he was not aware of it. As far as we can find out there, is absolutely no way we could have known. It was instantaneous; he never knew.
Thanks for your kind words.
Jesseca Timmons
Jesseca I am so sorry to hear about the loss to you and your family. I cannot imagine how great he was to be around on a regular basis.
The loss of my favorite professor (my second favorite could not hold a candle to Professor Timmons) and an inspiring mentor (second only to my Father) leaves a gaping hole in my heart. What a great man! His impact, that will continue to spread through us all, is immeasurable.
Godspeed to you all,
Paul Stafford
To the Timmons family my deepest sympathy.
I worked for Dr. Timmons for three years at Babson College. I was his personal secretary and enjoyed every moment. He had this unsurpassed energy and enthusiasm that was so contagious to his students and all who met him. In following his leadership, it brought out the best work ethics in me. I am still influenced. to this day, to achieve all I can and be all I can. Thank you Jeff.
You left us too soon.
Go way back with the professor - to Northeastern, where I was in one of his first classes , and graduated from the first Entrepreneurship class in 1977.
Remember how he pushed me for greater detail on my business plan - he was an original thinker , and helped turn my NU experience around.
Was so happy to see him follow me to Babson ( not really) when I went for my master's.
Always wished I couldv'e taken more classes with him.
I am really saddened to hear Prof.Timmon's death. I read his book "Venture" in 1994. I used it to create and run my first business in Africa, with sales of 2 million. I used his "opportunity selection criteria" to go into the computer business and do well. I read his book to this day. I felt he was like a father to me.
R.I.P
thanks so much! Jessica
I was so fortunate to have taken Professor Timmons' Entrepreneurial class and to write a case for my final course some 20 years ago. He was truly inspirational and gifted. I cannot count the number of times over these two decades that I have repeated his many pearls of wisdom including "Happiness is a Positive Cash Flow". We have truly lost a one-of-a-kind leader and mentor.
I only just heard the news today of Jeff's passing. What a shock. And what sad news. The world is a lesser place without him. To his family I extend my most sincere condolences - and a heartfelt Thank You for sharing him with so many of us. He was my professor at HBS - and was truly one of the great teachers I ever had in my life. I wrote a case for him in my 2nd year and have stayed in contact with him ever since...frequently calling him for advice on my career and on strategic issues related to whatever company I was dealing with at the time. I have recounted his wisdom of "Know your walkaway price!" countless times in my career since taking his class. I last spoke with him just last year. He was always so giving of his time and knowledge. The world has lost a great man. But what a legacy he left us with his example on how to live and share our lives.
A shock and a great loss. Such vigor in the classroom, such involvement in and contribution to students' career decisions.
Erik
HBS '91
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