Long Overdue Update

Thought it'd be good to post an update (it's been quite awhile).

We decided, in 2011, to put our grad school plans on hold for a while.  There were a few reasons--I won't bore you with too many details--but all-in-all, I think the wait has been beneficial.  In the last two years, I've been able to expand my network of relationships quite a bit, and have forged a few really exciting research partnerships.

Last summer, I started work on a pretty exciting field experimental project, and I think we are going to end up with a pretty exciting paper (or two) out of it.  At the moment I'm first author (we'll see where that goes), and I have a feeling this work might lead to my dissertation topic.

More importantly, the last two years have allowed me to explore a bit, and have brought my research interests into focus.  In hindsight, I don't think I would have done well as an applicant two years ago, largely because my research interests weren't well-defined at all, and I think my SOP would have come across as a random list of academic "hot topics".

Which brings me to now:  as you have probably inferred, I've applied to grad-school this round (for admission in Fall, 2014).  I'll post a list of schools I applied to separately, but let me refresh my bio and details for you:

Age: 34
Discipline: Management/OB
GMAT: 44V/48Q/6.0 Written/750 Overall
Research Experience/Relevant CV Info: Three papers in progress.  I'm first-author on one.  One will be submitted to a prominent journal (hopefully) within the next 2-3 months.  Seven conference presentations (including two PDWs, one of which I was listed as co-organizer for).  15 years of work experience--5 as an entrepreneur, 10 in a mid-sized manufacturing company (most recently in senior management/executive level roles).  Numerous invited speaking engagements (including a few keynote addresses, and an MBA lecture at a European B-school).  Significant media coverage of my work in industry (relevant to my research interests).
Letters of Recommendation: Three incredible researchers who I count as my friends (all of whom I've worked with on research projects).  I'm very fortunate that these folks are my friends and colleagues--and believe in my enough to recommend me for acceptance to various programs.
Other: I have a family.  I've been married nearly 15 years (to a wonderful lady who loves me enough to sacrifice by giving up the income we've been lucky to have for the past few years--and moving to a place where it snows--so that I can pursue my dream).  And I have three children, all of whom are a little anxious--but also love Daddy enough to help him follow his dream.