Gary Vaynerchuk is a bad ass. He’s an incredible speaker, a best selling author, and CEO of social media brand consultancy, Vayner Media. He’s also very quotable.

I’ve been fortunate to know Gary for a few years. When I heard he was doing an interview a day in 2013, I thought it might be fun to get him on the phone and record it for you guys. It was.

Here are a few quotes from the quick conversation, he has a way of packing them in.

On his energy:

It’s how I’m wired. I think it’s my competitive advantage. My natural skill that matters.

It’s around something I think is very noble, which is caring about your audience. It feels good. It’s something I’m capable of doing, so I’m executing.

On the common threads in startup communities:

It’s always characters that look a little bit like you… there are always 3 or 4 or 5 or 1…individuals that really become the catalyst. The spark. The light that all the lightning bugs are attracted to.

It’s the Slobotski’s of the world, the Tony Hsieh, the You, that start it and become the foundation of a change. That’s why I think it’s possible anywhere.

On angel investments:

It’s the idea and the person. It’s really not more complicated. Do I think they can do it? And will they fight, pivot if the idea wasn’t right? That’s why I like people.

There are things I enjoy. E-commerce. I come from it. Product centric. Mobile. If I understand it and I believe in the people, I’m interested.

On pivoting:

You give up on an idea when you don’t believe in it anymore.

The second you crack, and don’t believe in it, that’s when you should change. But if you still believe in it, that’s what got you there in the first place, so keep going.

Hundreds of people told me that Twitter was a waste of my time in 2007. Hundreds, hundreds and hundreds. But I had conviction. I never wavered.

On the call we talk recharging (with the Jets and IU basketball) and putting things into perspective. Gary also puts me on the spot– asking me if I think he’s cocky.

Make sure and take a listen. It’s less than 10 minutes and Gary rocks the cellphone. He is unquestionably best heard realtime, where his passion can smack you in the face. Hard.

Want to follow up? Connect with Mike at http://sproutbox.com/trotzke. You can also follow Mike on Twitter at @trotzke.

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