This article covers the author's transition from small molecule organic synthesis into polymeric materials and nanotechnology which led to receipt of the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award in 2007. This includes his start in organometallic reaction development, synthesis of precisely controlled oligomers, conjugated polymers, planar conjugated polymers, and his work on fullerenes. Also mentioned are the people of influence in his life during that formative period. The meaning of nanotechnology is explained in light of bottom-up vs top-down construction and then more specifically related to the passive, active, and hybrid sides of nanotechnology research. These three areas are explained using examples from the author's laboratory: from the passive side, functionalization of carbon nanotubes and their use in composites; from the active side, molecular electronics and nanocars; and finally, the hybrid side, complementing silicon with molecules.