Before becoming an entrepreneur, Mike Del Ponte spent several years traveling the world volunteering and working in microfinance. The influence of global cultures blended with modern minimalism shows in the space he currently inhabits in San Francisco. Pieces sleek and digital are placed comfortably alongside the raw and colorful collections from global travels.
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Connected tech runs through Mike's home from kitchen to home security. The Prep Pad, by Orange Chef Co., is a smart food scale that scans whatever ingredient placed on it and provides nutritional information so you can quantify what you're putting into meals as you cook them. August Smart Lock is a smartphone-connected lock that helps you control who can enter your home -- it recognizes you when you arrive via bluetooth, and can recognize your trusted family and friends, as well.
Mike isn't shy in talking about his morning routine and Mashable visited him at home to learn more about how he uses digital gadgets at home and what it means to have work/life balance in his life.
Q&A With Mike Del Ponte, Founder/CEO of Soma
How did Soma start out?
The idea for Soma came about one night at a dinner party. Unwilling to place a cheap plastic water filter on the nicely set table, I thought to pour the filtered water into a glass wine decanter as an alternative to serve the guests. Unfortunately as I did this, the lid of the water pitcher fell off, spilling water all over the kitchen floor. Having always had a passion for humanitarianism and entrepreneurship – I set out to create a water filter that’s beautifully designed, easy to use, made of sustainable materials and supports charitable initiatives.
How would you define your neighborhood, and what appeals to you about your space?
I live in Nob Hill. It's an old, French-influenced, quiet part of town between the bustle of Chinatown and Polk Street. I love the hidden gardens, Huntington Park, and seeing cable cars drive down Hyde Street.
How do you discover new home products, and what features or aesthetics are you looking for?
I love blogs like Uncrate for anything new on the scene. I look for minimalist design and items that can make me healthier or more productive.
Walk us through a typical day.
6:30 a.m.: Wake up.
7:00: Work out.
8:00: Breakfast meeting.
9:30: Arrive at the Soma office. Team meditation.
9:45: Team huddle.
10:00: Meetings, calls (almost always taken outside), top priority projects, the occasional team recess.
8:00 p.m.: Event or drinks with friends.
10:00: Read.
10:30: Sleep.
How do you describe your personal style, when it comes to your home.
I'm living in an apartment designed by Lindsay Cope. It's filled with amazing artifacts from her travels - from poison-tipped arrows from rural Kenya to Cuban cigar boxes to Indonesian puppets.
Do you see your home getting more connected? What's next for you?