CT Entrepreneur Develops Web-Based Platform

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CT Entrepreneur Develops Web-Based Platform

March 13 2018 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, Greater Hartford, startup, startups

George Constance is CEO of Kronicity.

George Constance is CEO of Kronicity, a web-based platform for simplified data collection, organization, validation, and value enhancement from any source. George told Innovation Destination Hartford about how he developed his business, shared startup challenges he faced, and provided advice for other entrepreneurs.

INNOVATION DESTINATION HARTFORD: When and why you launch the startup?

GEORGE CONSTANCE: I began building Kronicity in 2013 to continue my love of history and paleontology. As a 25-year veteran micropaleontologist in the oil industry, I developed correlation tools that facilitated analysis of my work and allowed me to communicate this technical information with other professionals and non-technical oriented stakeholders.

The oil crash of 1999 coupled with the Exxon-Mobil merger brought that career to an end. Hurricane Katrina then found me in New England. Determined to return to the field of paleontology, I obtained a Master’s in Technology Commercialization from Northeastern University and began to build Kronicity.

IDH: How did you develop the business concept?

GEORGE: I took note of the successes and failures I experienced as a paleontologist and applied them to data analysis in general. I decided the internet needed a better way to collect, arrange, and display data—one that allowed for enhanced understanding and added value through perspective and data validation. It was pretty much what I did for geologists, but on a much larger scale with a much broader market.

IDH: Did you rely on any Connecticut resources as you were starting out?

GEORGE: I set up shop at Axis901 in Manchester for critical business building assets. The co-working space provided a place to work, like-minded entrepreneurs, and access to a much broader network of talent.

IDH: How are you marketing and building a customer base?

GEORGE: Technology directors in schools, which is my launch market, are well networked and easily reached through trade shows and conventions. Likewise, my collaborators are in publishing and complementary markets. It’s important to work with networks that will benefit from your success.

IDH: What’s the biggest challenge your startup has faced?

GEORGE: Like all others, lack of cash and lack of talent. But, also, as a new concept, my real challenge was finding collaborators and investors who understood the concept.

Consider how many investors took a pass on early Microsoft and Apple prototypes. It’s easy to be discouraged by having so many doors slammed in your face. Persistence, so often, is the difference between success and failure.

IDH: Tell us about your best day as an entrepreneur.

GEORGE: After failing with four developers, an executive at a major development firm took notice of what we were doing and introduced me to my current developer and partner. Like the previous four, he promised the world and on delivery date for the alpha, I expected the usual—delivery of what they could develop rather than what I wanted developed. That early prototype was much more than I asked for. He was developing version 5.0 with features I didn’t think were possible. Persistence had paid off.

IDH: Any advice to others who are thinking of launching a startup in Connecticut?

GEORGE: You’re in it for the long haul. Do your homework. The best product doesn’t always succeed. Sometimes the adequate one that’s best aligned with the market is the one that makes it.

Work with a vetted business strategist who is unbiased. You’re going to have to build a plan that is good enough to attract the right people and slay your fears allowing you to risk it all—home, retirement, savings, time. And your spouse has to buy in too. It’s going to be really hard.

When seeking investors, don’t take the first one that rolls into your lap. Look for an investor in your industry or one that will benefit from your success. A lot of so-called investors are clueless. You want one that will not only provide working capital but also advice.

Talk to everyone for advice. Most entrepreneurs, including me, are happy to meet for coffee and share their experience and help others avoid the mines they’ve discovered.

Learn more about Kronicity

WEB: kronicity.com
EMAIL: George.constance@kronicity.com

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Entrepreneur Founds Social Media Startup with a Social Impact

March 05 2018 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, Greater Hartford, launching a startup in Connecticut, launching a startup in CT, startup, woman entrepreneur, woman-owned business

Innovation Destination Hartford Website Curator Nan Price spoke to Jabberhead, LLC Founder Janice Gucciardi about her startup experience.

NAN PRICE: Did you always want to own your own business?

“There’s innovation in taking your idea and building it out into a business,” says Jabberhead Founder Janice Gucciardi.

JANICE GUCCIARDI: I did. I spent about 17 years in the marketing industry working at various high-profile businesses. In the back of my mind, I always had a yearning to start my own business. But, if you asked me 10 years ago, I didn’t know if I would physically be able to do it.

NAN: What changed?

JANICE: I was in a severe car accident, and it took a long time for me to recover. After that, I realized if I can get through that, I can start a business. Sometimes you just need to jump. For me, it was just time. I think that’s where I got the motivation to finally launch the startup. I opened in May 2016.

NAN: How did you develop the business concept?

JANICE: I decided to launch a social media business when I realized many businesses and firms weren’t marketing social media effectively. I knew I could make a difference using social media for acquisition, retention, and to help brands share their stories.

NAN: You come from a marketing background, was it challenging to write a business plan? Did you have any of that background?

JANICE: Yes, I had the experience developing business plans for several companies, as well as teaching various sales force teams how to use and market themselves with social media.

NAN: So, you felt fairly confident going in?

JANICE: Absolutely.

NAN: Tell us about the social impact mission at Jabberhead.

JANICE: Our mission is just as important as our work. Every time we get a new client we deliver four bags of groceries to a shelter in the community.

NAN: That’s fantastic. As a startup, what does being innovative mean to you?

JANICE: Being innovative as a company right now isn’t just about being a female-owned company or employing people with diverse cultures and backgrounds. To me it’s about taking it one step further to grow the business with these assets—it’s how you lead, it’s the unique qualities the people you hire bring to the table, and it’s about evolving (giving back to) your community. As simple as it sounds, giving hope is very innovative now.

NAN: What types of challenges did you encounter as you were launching the startup? Anything you weren’t expecting?

JANICE: Accounting—I can’t stand it. Seriously, hire people who can do the things you’re not strong at, so you can focus on your strengths.

NAN: Let’s talk about marketing. How are you building your clientele?

JANICE: Strictly hustle. Using digital methods, promotion, and networking. We are now at a great point of getting business recommendations as well. The hustle is never-ending when you’re a business owner, but you love every minute.

NAN: What types of companies and industries do you work with?

JANICE: Jabberhead works with businesses of all size—and different industries. We like this approach and think it makes our work more interesting. We work with many beauty businesses, such as our new client Grace Williams Hair Boutique in Avon. They want to increase traffic and came to us for our digital expertise. We are also the agency for Moms Time Out, a local television show that is becoming increasingly popular with social and publicity.

NAN: Are the businesses you work with local?

JANICE: Jabberhead has more Connecticut-based clients because this is our home base. I’d like to expand across the East Coast next.

NAN: Any other future goals?

JANICE: If you’re a business owner, you want to maintain your existing base, and continue to grow your client base. We would like to make Jabberhead a household name—by growing it nationally.

NAN: Earlier you mentioned the importance of focusing on your strengths. Any other advice for other entrepreneurs who are starting out?

JANICE: Keep it simple. Reevaluate yourself every three to five months. Hire people you know you can trust—and who trust you—and be good to them.

Also, if another entrepreneur is contemplating starting a company. I’d say go for it. There’s innovation in taking your idea and building it out into a business. You can do anything you put your mind to.

Learn more about Jabberhead

VISIT: www.jabberhead.net
FOLLOW: Facebook, Instagram jabberhead and Twitter @JABBERHEADLLC

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Startup Provides Risk Management Software for Businesses

February 21 2018 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, Hartford, Hartford accelerator, innovation, reSET, reSET accelerator, social impact, startup, startups

Mark L. Barry recently co-founded FieldOwler LLC. The Connecticut startup is participating in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator, a program is designed for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development.

Mark L. Barry is Co-Founder of Connecticut startup FieldOwler LLC.

Mark told Innovation Destination Hartford about what he hopes to gain from the Impact Accelerator and his plans to become more involved with the Connecticut entrepreneurial ecosystem

INNOVATION DESTINATION HARTFORD: How has your background shaped you to launch your startup?

MARK BARRY: My background as a business advisor, management consultant, and executive has given me unique perspectives on worker classification and matters involving compliance with labor standards.

Businesses that classify employees as independent contractors—knowingly or unknowingly—are not only out of compliance with labor law but are engaged in a high-stakes game of financial and operational roulette. In the event independent contractors are determined to be employees by a government agency or in the courtroom, businesses can face significant expenses due to back pay that may be owed to employees, associated back taxes, interest, and any imposed penalties.

IDH: When and why did you start your company?

MARK: FieldOwler was formed in June 2017. We created our software to specifically solve this problem, so owners and executives can proactively make more informed and holistic worker classification decisions that promote long-term success of their unique businesses.

IDH: How did you develop the business concept?

MARK: The idea grew out of my collective experiences and began to take shape following a series of client-related worker classification experiences while performing in a business advisor capacity.

I spoke about my business concept with a cross-section of business owners, attorneys, CPAs, and advisory professionals and conducted research about the market. It soon became evident that the combination of my varied business background, first-hand experience with multiple worker-related audits, and deep interest in labor compliance matters could bring significant value to businesses that are currently utilizing or thinking about utilizing independent contractors.

I brought the concept and requirements to my friend, Kam Heydari, a former CTO. That day, Kam became my co-founder and we agreed to collaborate on developing a software solution.

IDH: Tell us a little about the products and services you offer.

MARK: FieldOwler currently provides two software products and an array of high-value professional services. Our offerings enable businesses, organizations, and agencies of all sizes and industries with heightened risk management capabilities that foster enhanced worker classification compliance.

The FieldOwler ARM (Audit and Risk Management) platform provides a secure, hosted environment, a rules-based engine, multi-factor assessments, unique risk scores, and estimates of misclassification exposure.

FieldOwler ARM Light is a risk assessment tool that provides a high-level cross-section of a select number of risk categories that is helpful to owners and professionals in human resources, finance, and compliance disciplines.

IDH: Why did you become involved in the reSET Accelerator program?

MARK: I was referred to reSET by the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC). The next day I found myself at a meeting with reSET’s Jeremy Szechenyi and Hibba Meraay to get an overview of their offerings for startups like FieldOwler. I was excited to learn about the Impact Accelerator opportunity, in part because of the high-quality programming and support network provided, but also because being a part of the Connecticut entrepreneurial ecosystem is very important to me.

I was raised in Manchester and attended schools in Connecticut and realize that now is the time to step up and help create new jobs. We are also in the process of developing an intern program at FieldOwler, which is a rewarding way to give back and provide opportunities to students at my two alma maters—University of Connecticut and Trinity College.

IDH: In what ways is your company making a social impact?

MARK: By enabling businesses across the United States to make more informed and holistic worker classification decisions, FieldOwler helps heighten labor compliance efforts. This is important because, for every business we serve, we contribute directly to helping create a more level playing field among the business community.

IDH: What has been your biggest challenge as a startup?

MARK: Preparing ourselves sufficiently to approach and pitch effectively to potential investors has been our biggest challenge to date. We are excited about our acceptance in the Impact Accelerator because the four-month program will help us accelerate our readiness to take this important step on our business journey.

IDH: What resources do you need most to move your company forward?

MARK: Referrals and investment capital are critical to moving our company forward.

First, FieldOwler is working to build partnerships with law firms, CPA firms, and members of the advisory community. It’s imperative for us to become a trusted, independent resource for these firms, which can refer their clients our way. It’s also important for us to reciprocate and refer our clients to our partners.

Second, finding the right investment partner to join our team and help us execute our growth plan is a big and essential step for us. Being a part of reSET’s Impact Accelerator and rich entrepreneurial ecosystem of potential clients, investors, advisors, and mentors is a significant part of our efforts to accelerate in both areas.

IDH: What is the best advice you have given/received?

MARK: Given: Developing those around you to become comfortable with being uncomfortable will help them better embrace change and increase performance during challenging times.

Received: “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” – R. Buckminster Fuller

Learn more about FieldOwler

VISIT: fieldowler.com
FOLLOW: LinkedIn and Twitter @FieldOwler

Find out more about startups participating in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator:

Bare Life – Food and Beverage Startup For Healthy Eating
CNG Fit, LLC – Startup Brings Fitness/Dance Workouts to Wethersfield, CT
florapothecarie — Startup Launches Natural Beauty Line
Project Ray – Startup Makes Smartphones Accessible for the Visually Impaired
SKYWIREme – Startup Provides Messaging Solutions for Nonprofits and Growing Businesses
Two Happy Homes – CT Company Provides Co=Parenting Tools

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Silicon Valley Mental Health Startup Creates a Presence in Hartford

February 13 2018 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, Greater Hartford, Hartford, Hartford startups, how to start a business in Connecticut, reSET, reSET accelerator, social impact, startup

LARKR CEO and Co-Founder Shawn Kernes has established a presence in Hartford for his Silicon Valley-based startup.

Silicon Valley-based LARKR is one of many innovative startups in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator. The program is designed for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development.

LARKR CEO and Co-Founder Shawn Kernes talked about the importance of establishing a presence in Hartford and what it really takes to launch a startup.

INNOVATION DESTINATION HARTFORD: When did you launch the startup?

SHAWN KERNES: We officially launched LARKR in November 2017. The app is now available on the Apple App Store and will be coming soon to Android.

IDH: How did you develop the business concept?

SHAWN: For more than 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of leading burgeoning companies like StubHub, eBay, and Beyond The Rack, which all disrupted their respective industries for the better, utilizing the best of new technologies. Although the work was enjoyable and I was successful, after a while I began to feel as though something was missing.

Meanwhile, I saw my wife Chris Kernes, a licensed marriage and family therapist, gaining personal satisfaction and joy by helping hundreds of people overcome their personal challenges through therapy.

I knew I wanted to do something that had a social good component. Then, I learned that an estimated 30 to 50 million Americans aren’t getting the mental health care they need. Closing this service gap using modern technology became my passion project, and the idea for LARKR was born.

IDH: Tell us more about LARKR and what makes it innovative.

SHAWN: LARKR is an on-demand mental health app seeking to close the massive service gap that currently exists in mental health care. Through an easy-to-use-platform, the app connects patients across the country with certified mental health care professionals in real time from the convenience of their smartphones. In addition to therapy sessions, the app provides free tools for everyday mental wellness, including a daily mood tracker “My Story,” a daily good deed suggesting feature “Be the Change,” and guided meditations.

IDH: How does the app work?

The LARKR app connects patients across the country with certified mental health care professionals in real time from the convenience of their smartphones.

SHAWN: LARKR provides a convenient alternative for people who may not have access to or may not be comfortable with traditional therapy. Once users create a free profile with LARKR, they can be connected within minutes to licensed clinicians via live streaming video for 50-minute sessions. The platform also allows for multi-user sessions from different locations, which means couples can schedule a therapy session together while on their lunch breaks or parents can join their child’s session during the discussion of a particular topic.

In short, the app ensures that mental health care is readily available for anyone in need, anywhere and anytime.

IDH: Why did you become involved in reSET Accelerator program?

SHAWN: Typically, reSET’s Impact Accelerator works exclusively with local businesses, but its leadership team was so excited by LARKR’s mission that they invited us to participate.

The program’s thought-provoking workshops and powerful network, combined with its passion for changing the world through innovation and entrepreneurship, fit right in with LARKR’s company values.

Also, since Hartford is known as “the insurance capital of the world,” it is a valuable location for healthcare companies like us to establish a presence.

We are excited about the opportunity to utilize the Impact Accelerator’s tools and insights to help us reach more people in need of LARKR’s on-demand therapy services.

IDH: In what ways is your company making a social impact?

SHAWN: As many as 50 million Americans who suffer from mental illness currently go without needed healthcare due to cost, lack of access to qualified local practitioners, or because of the outdated stigma that exists around seeking mental health care.

By minimizing the barriers that keep people from receiving care and making it easier for people to get the help they need, LARKR will not only improve the quality of life for millions of Americans, but ultimately save countless lives.

IDH: What has been your biggest challenge as a startup?

SHAWN: All startups are hard. They are lonely, scary, and psychologically stressful. Great startups aim to change the world in some way, and resistance to that change can be daunting.

Our biggest challenges are related to awareness and stigma. People can’t use something they don’t know about, and won’t use something they are afraid will cause them embarrassment or even humiliation.

IDH: What resources do you need most to move your company forward?

SHAWN: Top of mind right now are: capital to accelerate growth, help navigating the insurance and medical establishment, and, of course, media support to raise awareness.

IDH: Any advice for other startups?

SHAWN: There are many important don’ts:

Don’t get discouraged.
Don’t fear competition.
Don’t lose track of what's important.
Don’t get married to your own ideas.
Don’t forget to breathe.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can do it all yourself.
Don’t expect others to do the things you don’t want to do (take out the trash, clean the kitchen, drive people home) and don’t be late for meetings—be the first person in and the last person out.
Don’t pay yourself more than you really need. If you are a founder and are able to squirrel away money for a rainy day, you're doing it wrong. Your equity is your savings plan.

I would also add that no one will ever care more about your business, your customers, your success, or you, than you do, so roll up your sleeves and make it happen.

When asked what it was like to be an overnight success, I think it was Reid Hoffman who said, “It’s nice to be in the daylight after years of darkness.” Remember, startups don’t just happen, they take years of hard work, sleepless nights, fights, failure, and tears. But succeed or fail, they will be some of the best years of your life.

LARKR Co-Founder Jon Dabach also noted that the best advice he ever received was actually from me: Just do it. There are a million reasons not to create a startup and there are a million people who will tell you you’re crazy for even trying. But if you have an idea you really care about, something you can live and breathe day-in and day-out for years and not get bored, then just figure out a way. Beg, borrow, and steal and just start. There’s no template, no business plan, no mentor who knows everything—you just have to start.

Learn more about LARKR

VISIT: larkr.com
FOLLOW: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter @LARKRCOM

Find out more about startups participating in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator:

Bare Life – Food and Beverage Startup For Healthy Eating
CNG – Startup Brings Fitness/Dance Workouts to Wethersfield, CT
florapothecarie – Startup Launches Natural Beauty Product Line
Project Ray – Startup Makes Smartphones Accessible for the Visually Impaired
SKYWIREme – Startup Provides Messaging Solutions for Nonprofits and Growing Businesses
tripBuddy – Startup Provides an Innovative Carpooling Experience

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Startup Provides an Innovative Carpooling Experience

February 05 2018 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, Hartford, Hartford accelerator, innovation, reSET, reSET accelerator, social impact, startup, startups

tripBuddy Founder Tawheed Abdul-Raheem (left) and Alex Fero (right), Head of Marketing and Business Development.

tripBuddy Inc. is one of many innovative startups in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator, a program geared toward entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development.

Founder Tawheed Abdul-Raheem told Innovation Destination Hartford about what makes his startup innovative and discussed what he hopes to gain from participating in the accelerator.

INNOVATION DESTINATION HARTFORD: Describe your company. What makes it innovative?

TAWHEED ABDUL-RAHEEM: tripBuddy Inc. is a carpooling startup with the sole mission of reducing the number of cars on the road during peak commute times. We have developed a custom algorithm that optimally matches users who live or commute on the same route lines and pair them together. Our ride matching platform helps users save on commute costs and reduces their carbon footprint on the planet.

IDH: When and why did you start your company?

TAWHEED: The story behind tripBuddy dates back to 2008 when I arrived in the United States to study for my undergraduate degree. There were multiple occasions when I needed to leave my undergraduate campus to go to the store, but realized that transportation such as the college shuttle was unreliable.

Most of those times I would find many other students at the store as well, but I was too shy to ask for a ride. I wished a platform existed to connect me to other students. This encouraged me to devote my senior thesis to the creation of an application that would effectively track his campus shuttle bus.

Fast forward a few years, I was faced with a less than optimal situation once more, having to commute about an hour and a half each way daily to get to my new job in a city a bit too far from home. This transportation experience, along with many others, led to the development of tripBuddy in 2016. The application intends to facilitate commuting and ride sharing for those who do not wish to take a train for two hours.

The tripBuddy family hopes to engage users, drivers, and riders to hopefully one day contribute to the reduction of traffic.

tripBuddy screenshot

IDH: Why did you become involved in reSET Accelerator program?

TAWHEED: We got involved in the reSET Accelerator program because we looking for a launch pad to accelerate our growth and get us in front of decision makers. Additionally, we felt the program would provide us with much needed resources and networking opportunities an early-stage company needs.

IDH: In what ways is your company making a social impact?

TAWHEED: The goal of tripBuddy is to minimize commuter traffic and present a platform for commuters to meet, while riding together. The backbone to tripBuddy is the riders and drivers, so our role is to provide the most efficient medium for these interactions to occur—all while improving commuter/travel time and expenditure. Our company creates more human-to-human interaction, while also reducing costs, like many other companies have done in recent years.

IDH: What has been your biggest challenge as a startup?

TAWHEED: Our biggest challenges thus far have been the fact we are still relatively new and our lack of connections to key decision makers in big firms to help drive our message.

IDH: What resources do you need most to move your company forward?

TAWHEED: They say cash is king in the startup world. We are looking to raise a seed round to boost our reach and create brand awareness.

IDH: Any advice for other startups?

TAWHEED: Sales is a numbers game—to increase your chances of success, make sure you reach out to a ton of potential customers.

Learn more about tripBuddy Inc.

VISIT: www.thetripbuddyapp.com
FOLLOW: Facebook , Instagram tripbuddyapp, LinkedIn, and Twitter @tripbuddyapp

Find out more about startups participating in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator:

Bare Life – Food and Beverage Startup For Healthy Eating
Project Ray – Startup Makes Smartphones Accessible for the Visually Impaired
SKYWIREme – Startup Provides Messaging Solutions for Nonprofits and Growing Businesses

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Startup Provides Messaging Solutions for Nonprofits and Growing Businesses

January 24 2018 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments

SKYWIREme Founder Jeremy Smith is one of 22 startup founders participating in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator.

East Hartford-based SKYWIREme is one of many innovative startups in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator. The program is designed for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business development.

SKYWIREme Founder Jeremy Smith told Innovation Destination Hartford about what he hopes to gain from participating in the accelerator.

INNOVATION DESTINATION HARTFORD: When and why did you start your company?

JEREMY SMITH: While volunteering for a non-profit organization in Hartford I observed the challenges and inefficiencies of their communication methods. Talented and committed administrators were spending an inordinate amount of time trying to mobilize volunteers, members, and leadership teams through direct phone calls and email communications. The genesis of SKYWIREme was the desire to solve this problem. The company launched in June 2011.

IDH: How did you develop the business concept?

JEREMY: After completing some market research, I realized that existing services for optimized communications charged rates that made them infeasible for non-profit organizations with restrictive budgets. Some providers required software installation on specific computers owned by their customers. This limited the ability for a team of administrators to manage contact information, group configurations, and communication workload. I decided to design and develop services that supported mobility, ease of use, and effective communication mediums at fixed-price points for the customer.

IDH: Tell us about the services offered by SKYWIREme and what makes them innovative.

JEREMY: SKYWIREme provides easy-to-use group text messaging (open rate of 95% to 98%), voice messaging, and email services through our intuitive website. Customers are not restricted to the physical location of their organization since our service is accessible from a smartphone, tablet, PC, or Mac. We offer these services for a fixed monthly rate and provide unlimited usage for our customers. The services help them keep their audience informed and positively impacts organizational operations.

IDH: Why did you become involved in reSET Impact Accelerator?

JEREMY: I was born in Hartford and raised in Windsor, CT. My objective is to impact the Hartford region in a meaningful way through business growth. The reSET Impact Accelerator has a mission, set of objectives, and strategy that exudes excellence. Excellence is my objective.

IDH: In what ways is your company making a social impact?

JEREMY: SKYWIREme caters to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and growing businesses. Our features and roadmap should always align with the communication/messaging needs of these organizations. I believe non-profits focusing on the education, health/wellness, and the development of communities are critical within a regional “nervous system.” In most systems, communication is paramount.

SKYWIREme Founder Jeremy Smith discusses career strategy and entrepreneurship to with class of 2017 graduating seniors at Mount Saint Mary College.

IDH: What has been your biggest challenge as a startup?

JEREMY: Developing a marketing strategy has been the most challenging. Targeting specific digital and social platforms and producing the right content for the platform requires a great deal of testing. We’ve learned a lot over time and continue to improve.

IDH: What resources do you need most to move your company forward?

JEREMY: Networking and connecting with prospective clients and influencers who can refer our services is very high on the list. The disciplined entrepreneurship framework the Impact Accelerator adheres to should harden our strategic plans and operational practices.

IDH: What is the best advice you have given/received?

JEREMY: Given: Commit yourself to learning and, as you strive, maintain perspective.

Received: “Double down on your strengths!” Dr. Fay Cobb Payton, Program Director at the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the Division of Computer and Network Systems.

Learn more about SKYWIREme

WEBSITE: www.skywireme.com
FACEBOOK: /SKYWIREme
INSTAGRAM: skywireme
TWITTER: @SKYWIREme

Find out more about startups participating in the 2018 reSET Impact Accelerator:

Bare Life – Food and Beverage Startup For Healthy Eating
CNG Fit, LLC – Startup Brings Fitness/Dance Workouts to Wethersfield, CT
FieldOwler — Startup Provides Risk Management Software for Businesses
florapothecarie — Startup Launches Natural Beauty Line
Project Ray – Startup Makes Smartphones Accessible for the Visually Impaired
SKYWIREme – Startup Provides Messaging Solutions for Nonprofits and Growing Businesses
Two Happy Homes – CT Company Provides Co=Parenting Tools

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Startup Launches App to Connect Entrepreneurs and Help Build Businesses

January 18 2018 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: business, Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, entrepreneurs, Hartford, startup, startups

Entrepreneur and Nomads Dream Founder Jeffrey Safo-Darko at the 2017 United Nations Social Venture Challenge.

Entrepreneur and East Hartford resident Jeffrey Safo-Darko owns SD3 Media Agency and is currently working on a new startup, Nomads Dream. Jeff spoke with Innovation Destination Hartford about the impact of technology and innovation are having on the “entrepreneurial generation.”

IDH: You’re at the beginning stages of your startup, a mobile app that aims is to “revolutionize the way millennial entrepreneurs collaborate and build businesses.” Tell us how.

JEFFREY SAFO-DARKO: So many talented people give up on their dreams because they never had the connections, knew the right people, or felt they were were in the right city. A lot of people want to move to the top cities and can’t either because it’s too expensive or they can’t find work.

In this age of technology, you can easily use an app to have an Uber driver come to your house or book an Airbnb room. I figured, why not find a way to make it easier for someone to accomplish their dreams and goals and remotely connect with the right people, who are also interested in those same goals?

That’s pretty much how the idea for Nomads Dream started. My Co-Founder Nda-Jiya Suberu and I developed an algorithm that helps match people depending on their interests, skillsets, and requests.

This is an entrepreneurial generation. In the next 10 to 20 years, a lot more people are going to be self-employed and geared toward entrepreneurship. There has to be something that’s really helping these people connect. That’s pretty much the goal of Nomads Dream.

IDH: When do you plan to launch?

JEFFREY: We want to launch in March 2018 at South by Southwest (SXSW), which will take place in Austin, TX. Right now, we have a working prototype and we are aiming to demo it among the University of Connecticut, Boston College, and the University of Oklahoma.

IDH: Why target educational facilities to launch?

JEFFREY: One of the biggest difficulties new startups face when launching a social app is hitting critical mass, or basically meeting the minimum number of users needed to keep the app functional and effective.

Introducing this app to colleges makes the most sense to me, because they’re filled with tens of thousands of students with different personalities, career goals, and—most importantly—time.

Of course, not every student wants to collaborate with like-minded individuals, but the amount of awareness this will create is an important factor to reaching the people who do. The truth of the matter is, recommendations play a major role in most of the services we use today. And college students create the most word-of-mouth opportunities—from classrooms and dorms, to student clubs, to spreading the word back home in their respective communities during breaks.

IDH: You’re tapping into a whole new market and providing a service that hasn’t been explored yet. Who is the audience for the app?

JEFFREY: People looking to make a shift in careers or launch a new venture often run into problems where they want to build experience, but they don’t have anyone to build it with. That’s really what the platform is for—to help people make those connections.

Maybe there’s somebody else out there who could use help with marketing and you can collaborate. Then you can build your resume based on the work you’ve done together. Or, what if you’re an entrepreneur who wants to build an app but doesn’t have the technical knowledge? You can find somebody to assist with that. You can make connections and collaborate—potentially build your tribe and develop a startup.

IDH: What does being entrepreneurial mean to you?

JEFFREY: To me, being an entrepreneur means finding something you believe in and being willing to take the risk to achieve that goal—whether it’s something tangible or intangible, whether it’s a big dream or it’s just the idea of owning a local shop.

IDH: Have you always felt entrepreneurial?

JEFFREY: I wouldn’t call it entrepreneurial, but I’ve always felt the need to tread my own path and make a change. In high school, I honestly thought I would be a psychologist or something similar, because I loved to listen to and analyze a person’s situation and then provide solutions.

I love the feeling of making something easier or someone feel better. I guess that passion of grew into something bigger and me wanting to make a positive impact on a larger scale. Launching Nomads Dream, running my media agency, and being involved with the Golden Child Foundation, are all channels for helping people live to their fullest potential.

IDH: Where do you see the future of innovation?

JEFFREY: I really see everything being geared more toward globalization, which is why I’m focusing so much on tech.

I think people are unaware of the impact artificial intelligence (AI) is going to have on the workforce. They have an idea, but I think they’re underestimating its power. And I do believe we will reach a time when developing your own skill and your own way of generating that revenue will be the main workforce. A lot more people will be seeking ways to develop money on their own, as opposed to working for major corporations.

IDH: As an entrepreneur, how can you tap into that movement?

JEFFREY: That’s right where we are—which is where I feel like platforms like Nomads Dream will be developed. Entrepreneurs and those with business skills can attract and meet other people with like skills or skills that can complement theirs, so they can build something to help generate revenue.

IDH: Let’s talk about community involvement. You recently became a member of Hartford Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs (HYPE).

JEFFREY: I connected with HYPE because I felt like I was lacking that sort of influence in the Greater Hartford area. I want to engage in more networking and tap into more local resources.

IDH: How did you connect with HYPE?

JEFFREY: I want to say I found out about HYPE through Instagram. I saw a hashtag and it sparked my curiosity.

IDH: social media works!

JEFFREY: Yes!

IDH: You’re a 2017 Outstanding Youth Delegate for the United Nations and chairman of the Golden Child Foundation. How did you become involved with those organizations?

JEFFREY: I became a Youth Delegate by pitching my ideas about Nomads Dream.

My Co-Founder Andagia introduced me to The Golden Child Foundation—he pretty much founded it in Oklahoma City. It’s something I want to bring here to Hartford. It involves a scavenger hunt that’s geared toward community development. One of the goals is to drive traffic to local shops through the scavenger hunt. Our focus is to bring it into Hartford, so I’m working on making connections. I’m hoping it will start with HYPE, with me connecting with the right people.

IDH: Do you plan to get more involved with the community as you’re developing this new startup? Is that part of your mission?

JEFFREY: Definitely. The mission is to hopefully bring on more developers and people who can assist with marketing. I’m looking to base everything I’m doing here in the Greater Hartford area, which is why I reached out to develop that support system.

Find out more information about Nomads Dream

VISIT: www.nomadsdream.xyz
FOLLOW: Twitter @NomadsDreamXyZ
LEARN MORE: Read our interview with Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE) Executive Director Kim Bishop and HYPE Program Director Jackie Valliere: Hartford Young Professionals & Entrepreneurs (HYPE)

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Greater Hartford Fitness Startups

January 08 2018 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneurs, fitness, Greater Hartford, innovation, startups

A LIFER Fitness Studio instructor leads an outdoor spin class in West Hartford's Blue Back Square.

Just in time for 2018 New Year’s resolutions. Check out these six innovative fitness startups in the Greater Hartford area.

BODYROC FIT LAB

CEO and Founder Shaun Chambers defines his life as an entrepreneur in one word:
“Relentless. There is nothing in this world that can stop me from being successful. And we’ve hit every possible snag. Yet here we are in a better situation with better feedback, with a better business, with amazing clientele and great support in a better area. Everything happens that’s supposed to happen, which is why you can’t stop.”

READ: Entrepreneur Launches Fitness Startup in West Hartford
VISIT: bodyrocfitlab.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /BodyrocFitLab, Instagram @bodyrocfitlab, and Twitter @BodyRocFitLab

EXCEL FITNESS

Owner Jeff Roux’s advice for other startups:
“Make sure you do what you love. Try part-time to see how the waters go. Start small. It’s better to be a small fish in a big pond and then expand to a bigger pond. Start small, make sure it works and make sure it’s something you can do and then commit to a bigger thing.”

READ: Excelling at Entrepreneurship
VISIT: excelfitnessct.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /Excel-Fitness-your-life-excelerated and LinkedIn

LIFER FITNESS STUDIO

Owner Debra Fountain on what it takes to be an entrepreneur:
“For me, it’s about the product. If you’re going to be an entrepreneur you have to really love the product. And for me, it’s fitness.”

READ: Entrepreneur Creates Fitness Startup Success in West Hartford
VISIT: liferitswhatwedo.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /liferfitness, Instagram @liferfitness, and Twitter @liferfitness

Fitness entrepreneur Racquel Lunser (center), creator of Racquel’s Addiction Fitness.

RACQUEL’S ADDICTION FITNESS

Founder Racquel Lunser’s advice for startups:
“Provide a service or product you believe in and are passionate about and provide consistency and dependability. Your audience has to be as passionate about your brand as you are.”

READ: Fitness Entrepreneur Opens Workout Loft in Hartford
FOLLOW: Facebook /RacquelsAddictionFitness

SUDOR TAINO GROUP FITNESS

Owner and Founder Karla Medina on what makes Sudor Taino innovative:
“When I was developing my startup plan, I knew I wanted to be labeled as an innovative variety fitness studio. Because we will be innovative, we will keep changing, and we will always be aligned with variety instead of being aligned purposely with one type of exercise.”

READ: Entrepreneur Founds Innovative Variety Fitness Studio
VISIT: www.sudortaino.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /SudorTainoGroupFitness and Instagram @sudortainogroupfitnessstudio

TEN MINUTE TAI CHI

Co-Founder Jeff Steinberg on what it’s like to be an entrepreneur:
“Being a successful entrepreneur is like having two personalities. The introvert has to spend a lot of time in their own head conceptualizing and planning. It takes a lot of time and there is no schedule. Once the concept is mapped out, the extrovert comes out to pitch, sell, and collaborate to put the concept in motion.”

READ: Innovative B2B Company Helps Launch Connecticut Startup
VISIT: www.tenminutetaichi.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /tenminutetaichi

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Innovation Destination Hartford Best of 2017

December 29 2017 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, Greater Hartford, startup success, startups

2017 was a productive year for Greater Hartford startups—and Innovation Destination Hartford web content! Throughout the year, IDH met with dozens of innovative startups in all types of industries and all stages of growth. Here’s a recap of 10 of our most-viewed stories in 2017:

ALVARIUM BEER COMPANY

Alvarium Beer Company co-founders Brian Bugnacki (left), Mike Larson (right), and Chris DeGasero (seated).

Co-Founder Brian Bugnacki offers advice for startup breweries:
“I would highly recommend going through the exercise of developing a business plan, tearing it down, and tweaking it several times. This phase took us several months and countless hours as a group. It won’t just be a document that is in a binder; it answers almost all of the questions you can think of before you even begin, and you gain a much more in-depth knowledge as opposed to reading forums on a website.”

READ: CT Startup Brewery: Alvarium Beer Company
VISIT: www.alvariumbeer.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /AlvariumBeer and Instagram @alvariumbeer

AMERICAN CLADDING TECHNOLOGIES

President Jeff Whittaker discusses the startup’s biggest challenges:
“Expanding into new vertical markets is one of our major challenges. We see potential in targeting other industries with boilers burning aggressive fuels that cause erosion and corrosion. Another challenge is getting potential customers to understand what laser cladding is and the benefits it offers.”

READ: Innovative CT Technology Startup
VISIT: americancladding.com

DORM ROOM COUNSELING

Marc Lehman, Founder on pioneering an innovative teletherapy practice:

“The idea was essentially born out of situations where my clients were looking to transition to college and continue to see providers. It was a nice, easy, seamless progression.”

READ: West Hartford Entrepreneur Launches Innovative Teletherapy Startup
VISIT: dormroomcounseling.com
FOLLOW: Marc Lehman on Twitter @mllehman

EAT IN CONNECTICUT

“Social Media, PR, & Marketing Story Tellers” Cheyney Barrieau, Jeannette Dardenne and Kristen Fritz (left to right) of Eat IN Connecticut at Taste of Blue Back Square & The Center on July 27, 2016. (Photo courtesy of Eat IN Connecticut)

Co-Founder Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne on having a good partnership:
“What I’ve learned from working with Kristen as an entrepreneur is we have such different skill sets, yet it really helps when we’re working together. We are able to bring different experiences to our clients.”

READ: CT Social Influencers Launch Startup Marketing Agency
VISIT: www.eatin-ct.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /groups/Eatinconnecticut, Instagram eatinconnecticut or Twitter @Eatin_ct

HOW BAZAAR

Owner Latoya Gibbs on choosing her store location:
“Being in Hartford definitely was important. Anything I did I wanted it to be within the Hartford community. I was born and raised in Hartford. I love the city. I also get a lot of support from the community. Without this community, I would not be here and my store wouldn’t be so successful.”

READ: Startup Clothing Boutique Finds Success in Hartford
FOLLOW: Facebook /howbazaarfashion and Instagram howbazaarfashion

MERCADO

Startup advice from Co-Founder Heather Riedl:
“As an entrepreneur, you can get caught up in trying to please too many people or trying to be something for everybody, rather than be everything to somebody. You can’t please everybody. So, you have to try to do what you do and do it best so you stay focused on your true goal as an entrepreneur.”

READ: Startup Food Truck, Catering Business Finds Success in Greater Hartford
VISIT: www.mercadofoods.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /MercadoFoods and Twitter @MercadoEats

MESSED AND DISTRESSED

What does being an entrepreneur mean to Founder Nikki Lehr:
“It means I get to connect with people. I also recognize that a business only works if it’s filling a gap that people need. So, my goals as an entrepreneur are to fill people’s needs and work with them.”

READ: CT Student Entrepreneur Launches Successful Startup
VISIT: messedanddistressedclothing.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /messedanddistressed and Instagram @messedanddistressed

SIMPLYVITAL HEALTH

SimplyVital Health Co-Founders Kat Kuzmeskas (CEO) and Lucas Hendren (CTO) sport their Boost VC t-shirts.

Founder and CEO Kat Kuzmeskas discusses making changes to your business concept:
“We’ve experienced a lot of pivots. We handled them by talking to customers and talking to our mentors. Specifically with customers—I had a lot of conversations with healthcare providers to test the idea before we even had a platform.”

READ: CT Startup Creates Provider Care Coordination Platform
VISIT: www.simplyvitalhealth.com
FOLLOW: Twitter @SimplyVitalHQ

VASU TRIBE

Co-Founder Natalie Wheeler discusses advantages of the Arbor Art Center location in Hartford:
“We’re cross-pollinating with like-minded entrepreneurs and small business owners whose businesses are driven by passion and creativity. There’s a lot of cross promotion. We all support each other.”

READ: Women-Owned, Hartford-Based Yoga and Spa
VISIT: vasutribe.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /vasutribe and Instagram @vasutribespa

WHSQUARED

Founder Jeff Lovanio on how he developed his business concept:
“I knew there was a ton of stuff to do in West Hartford, but as I searched I found it very difficult and cumbersome to find a one-stop-shop that listed things to do with kids. For a town like West Hartford, I thought there should be a better solution.”

READ: Startup Launches Mobile App for West Hartford Events
VISIT: whsquared.com
FOLLOW: Facebook /whsquaredweha

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Hartford-Based Startup Offers Yoga and Life Coaching

December 20 2017 Innovation Destination: Hartford Startups 0 comments Tags: Connecticut, CT, entrepreneur, Hartford, small business owners, woman entrepreneur, women business owners, women-owned business

Live Like a Lotus Founder Felicia Jordan told Innovation Destination Hartford about her startup experience, the impact yoga and mindfulness can have on young children, and the connection between yoga and life coaching.

Felicia Jordan is Founder of Live Like a Lotus, a Hartford-based yoga and life coaching startup.

INNOVATION DESTINATION HARTFORD: Did you always know you wanted to start your own company?

FELICIA JORDAN: I always knew I wanted to do something that inspired others, enabled them to recognize the importance of being mindful, and ultimately helped them become the best versions of themselves.

IDH: When and why did you open Live Like a Lotus and how did you develop the business concept?

FJ: Live Like a Lotus was established in 2015. I came up with the idea based on what I was drawn to—yoga was always very transformational to me, not in only in a physical sense, but mentally. I knew I had to do something to share my positivity and inspiration with those around me.

I had practiced yoga for fun for more than 10 years. Then I decided to attend Bloom Yoga in Southington for a 200-hour teacher training program to deepen my personal practice. I knew yoga was always more mind than body-focused for me, so I simultaneously obtained a life coaching certification that incorporated yoga, called Yoga2Life.

Because of the many losses I have dealt with in life and the way I was able to process and move forward, I knew I wanted to offer yoga and life coaching. Then I also began to focus on children (ages 3+), which was when the real magic started to happen.

IDH: What makes your startup innovative? What do you do differently than other local facilities?

FJ: Live Like a Lotus is very innovative because there are not a lot of yoga businesses with a strong focus on children. Yoga and mindfulness can positively impact children’s lives if they begin to practice at a young age.

“Live Like a Lotus is very innovative because there are not a lot of yoga businesses with a strong focus on children,” says Founder Felicia Jordan.

The majority of my children’s yoga classes are held within a preschool program (or as an after-school program at the facility). I’m not just leading a yoga class, I’m also creating ways in which children can use yoga and mindfulness in their daily lives while also enjoying a great class with their friends!

IDH: Tell us about the correlation between yoga and life coaching.

FJ: Yoga and life coaching are very connected. The program I completed focused on how we can bring what we practice on the yoga mat and instill it in our daily lives off the mat. Because I have always felt the connection with yoga in my mind first and foremost, all asanas aside, this program really spoke to me.

I believe Live Like a Lotus has an amazing way to show others a place where coaching and yoga unite and enable them to become the best version of themselves. Much like a lotus grows through the mud to come into full bloom, we move through hard times in our lives to overcome adversity and negativity.

IDH: How are you marketing and building a customer base?

FJ: For me, it is different than some other yoga businesses as I am a one-woman shop. I’ve been able to market first through my many friends and supporters within the yoga world, and through social media. I love to post information about not only yoga and life coaching, but also positivity, great recipes, and well-living.

IDH: Tell us one or two things we don’t know about what it’s like to be an entrepreneur.

FJ: Entrepreneurs hear from a lot of naysayers. It’s up to us to follow what we feel in our hearts and what we are meant to do. That alone will prove them all wrong and allow us to shine brightly.

IDH: What’s the biggest challenge your company has faced as a startup?

FJ: The biggest challenge is finding the space (not in a physical sense) your company belongs, especially when there are so many amazing yogis and natural healers in the Greater Hartford area. You must remain authentic, after all, this is the only way your actions align with your true beliefs.

IDH: Any advice for entrepreneurs or startup business owners?

FJ: My advice is to always hold fast to your dreams. We are all born with an innate calling, it is up to us to answer to it and to not allow the doubt we call fear to get in the way. The only way to truly follow what we want to do is to take the first step in the direction outside of our comfort zone.

To learn more about Live Like a Lotus, visit www.livelikealotus.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram @livelikealotusllc.

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