Connect with us

Interviews

Interview with Reeve Benaron, Co-Founder of Intrivo Diagnostics

Published

on

Interview with Reeve Benaron, Co-Founder of Intrivo Diagnostics

Reeve Benaron is an entrepreneur with a strong interest in healthtech, martech and adtech. Co-Founder and co-CEO of Intrivo Diagnostics, a healthtech firm set up in response to the need to find solutions to the pandemic, Reeve is also Chairman of AUDIENCEX.

Reeve launched AUDIENCEX in 2012 and turned it into one of the most innovative platforms for clients to maximize their marketing spend through the judicious use of AI and automated systems. Following the success of the company, an offshoot venture capital firm was also launched – AXVP. Reeve started out his investment banking career. At just 25 years old, he became one of the youngest ever VP at the Salomon Brothers investment banking division.

In February 2020 Reeve founded Intrivo and has been co-leading the team in developing an end-to-end healthcare technology management system beginning with COVID. This includes a rapid at home test called ON/GO and the accompanying platform that tracks and traces results. Working primarily with employers across public and private sectors, the ON/GO system runs on Intrivo’s proprietary Diagnostics as a Service (DaaS) technology, which allows seamless tracking and management.

Employers across the US have been using the ON/GO platform to effectively manage their workforces to avoid prolonged shutdowns or interruption to productivity due to COVID-19. The company has also donated $1 million worth of ON/GO COVID tests to hospitals in Ukraine. Intrivo is now in the process of working with other healthtech firms to put together another round of support for Ukraine.

Where did the idea for Intrivo Diagnostics come from?

We launched Intrivo as a direct response to the urgent need for progressive testing solutions to the then evolving pandemic. Working with the best scientists, future thinkers and software developers, we have grown the company into the provider of a key COVID-19 testing and tracing platform for employers and businesses, as well as rapid tests for end users at home.

Our mission at Intrivo is to get the best healthcare to those who need it most. We believe that everyone, everywhere is entitled to access real time healthcare, regardless of where they live and how much money they have. This underpins everything we do.

We’re now turning our attention to a world that is effectively managing COVID-19 and using our expertise to search for solutions to new global health problems.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

For me, every day must start with the right attitude. I wake up and meditate to get my mind calm and exercise. I tend to look at challenges as opportunities and remember to take the time to be grateful for where I am, right now.

I also find it conducive to cross the hardest thing off my to do list first. This energizes me to deal with the rest of my day and keeps momentum going.

Each day I reach out to one person who is struggling and try to make their day better.
A lot of my time is spent with raising my three sons and staying actively involved with their sports and extracurricular activities.

How do you bring ideas to life?

By communicating with lots of people at all levels and learning all the time. I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart and so I’ve naturally always had an active interest in brands and businesses and what they need to do in order to be successful.

This inspired me to launch AUDIENCEX – in order to empower every business with the tools they need to compete with established and large organizations. There is always a solution somewhere, and I strive to find it.

Been part of a team that builds products to advance humanity and drive innovation.

I believe that startups are the core driver of economic growth and job creation in this digital age.

What’s one trend that excites you?

The wider applications for automation and AI within healthcare to treat people anywhere and at any time. We’re only scratching the surface of what this tech can do to help us extend and improve the quality of our lives. Embracing AI is a natural extension of my commitment to improving myself and the services that we offer our clients.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

Less procrastination and pushing things forward whenever possible

What advice would you give your younger self?

The biggest lie is the lie you tell yourself – always stay true to your core beliefs. Keep an attitude of gratitude and be of service whenever possible.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

Anything is possible if we think it so and have an effective plan to execute. We can accomplish anything that we set out to do with the right tools.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I stay in a healthy routine to keep myself balanced mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I try to practice humility and stay in gratitude.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Surrounding myself with talented and good people who are not afraid to work hard and go to any lengths to solve the issues at hand.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

I spread myself too thin and underestimated the scope of work. One of the biggest obstacles with startups is being forced to wear so many hats and play different roles in the early stages of the organization.

I have learned to pace myself, set realistic goals and delegate to people who I trust.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Oftentimes whatever applies to people, applies to animals. At home testing and treatment for pets has a lot of potential and benefits for our four legged friends ?

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I recently made a donation to an organization that supports children who need to find a home.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

All technology exists to help us solve problems and, ultimately, to improve our daily lives. And for someone living in the city, Waze does just that. Finding the best way through the traffic is one of my daily challenges and this software saves my sanity!

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude by Napoleon Hill. I read this early in my career and had a revelation that with a positive attitude and hard work anything was possible.

What is your favorite quote?

“Winners are not people who never fail, they are people who never quit”

“If you focus on the hurt your will continue to suffer, if you focus on the lesson you will continue to grow”

Key Learnings:

  • Communicating and listening are vital to long term success in business.
  • Be grateful every single day and treat problems as opportunities.
  • Technology exists to improve life – embrace AI and automation and make it work for your clients.
  • Our mind is like the software and our body is the hardware. What kind of programming we fill our mind, the body will put into action, consciously or unconsciously. If the programming is faulty, the body will show it.
Originally published on IdeaMensch.

Interviews

Interview with Adrian Tobey, Founder of Groundhogg: Insights on Entrepreneurship and Marketing Automation

Published

on

Interview with Adrian Tobey, Founder of Groundhogg

Table of Contents

Introduction

Adrian Tobey is a marketing automation expert and the founder of Groundhogg, a WordPress plugin that allows businesses to automate their marketing and sales processes. With over 10 years of experience in digital marketing, Adrian has helped numerous businesses grow and scale their operations through automation. In this interview, Adrian shares his insights on entrepreneurship, marketing automation, and the future of digital marketing.

What inspired you to start Groundhogg?

I’ve always been passionate about digital marketing and helping businesses grow through automation. When I saw how expensive and complex some of the existing marketing automation tools were, I realized that there was an opportunity to create a more affordable and user-friendly solution that would be accessible to businesses of all sizes. That’s what inspired me to start Groundhogg.

What makes Groundhogg different from other marketing automation tools?

Groundhogg is unique in that it’s a WordPress plugin, which means it’s seamlessly integrated with the WordPress platform. This makes it easy for businesses to use and manage their marketing and sales processes without having to switch between multiple tools. Additionally, we’ve focused on creating a user-friendly interface that doesn’t require a lot of technical expertise, making it accessible to a wider range of businesses.

How do you think marketing automation will evolve in the next few years?

I think we’ll see a greater emphasis on personalization and segmentation in marketing automation. Businesses will need to tailor their messaging and communications to specific segments of their audience in order to stand out and engage with their customers. Additionally, we’ll see more automation tools that are specifically designed for smaller businesses, as these businesses become increasingly reliant on automation to manage their operations.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

My advice would be to focus on creating value for your customers. Don’t get too caught up in the latest trends or try to replicate the success of others. Instead, focus on creating a product or service that solves a real problem for your customers and provides them with tangible value. If you can do that, success will come.

What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an entrepreneur is managing my time effectively. There are always so many things that need to be done, and it can be difficult to prioritize and stay focused. To overcome this, I’ve had to develop strong time management skills and learn how to delegate tasks effectively. I’ve also learned to say no to things that don’t align with my goals and priorities, in order to stay focused on what’s most important.

How do you balance your personal life and work as an entrepreneur?

Balancing personal life and work as an entrepreneur can be a challenge, but it’s important to make time for both. I make sure to schedule in time for my family and personal hobbies. I also prioritize my work tasks based on their level of urgency and importance. I’ve found that setting boundaries and being intentional about how I spend my time has been key to achieving a healthy work-life balance.

What are your future plans for Groundhogg?

We’re always looking for ways to improve and expand Groundhogg. In the near future, we’re planning on releasing a range of new features and integrations that will make the platform even more powerful and user-friendly. We’re also looking to expand our team and grow our customer base, in order to continue providing value to businesses of all sizes.

Closing Thoughts

Adrian Tobey is a true expert in the field of marketing automation, and his passion for helping businesses grow is evident in everything he does. If you’re interested in learning more about Adrian Tobey and Groundhogg, you can connect with him on LinkedIn.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Alex Malebranche

Continue Reading

Interviews

Interview with Alex Malebranche, Insights on Entrepreneurship in the Aviation Industry

Published

on

Interview with Alex Malebranche, Founder and CEO of PlaneAhead

Table of Contents

Introduction

Alex Malebranche is the founder and CEO of PlaneAhead, a company that provides private jet charter services. He has a degree in finance and marketing from the University of Miami and started his career in the financial sector before transitioning to the aviation industry. The passion of Alex Malebranche for aviation and entrepreneurship has led him to build a successful business that caters to a high-end clientele. In this interview, he shares his journey as a founder, the challenges he’s faced, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

What inspired you to start PlaneAhead?

My love for aviation and entrepreneurship inspired me to start PlaneAhead. I’ve been passionate about airplanes and flying since I was a child. I started flying lessons when I was 16 and got my private pilot’s license at 18. After working in finance for a few years, I realized that my true calling was in aviation. I saw an opportunity to combine my passion with my business skills and create a company that provides a better experience for private jet travelers.

How did you validate the business idea and find your first customers?

To validate the business idea, I conducted extensive market research and engaged in conversations with prospective customers. I attended aviation industry events and trade shows to network and get feedback on my concept. I also reached out to existing private jet charter companies and learned about their operations and customer needs. Once I felt confident that there was a demand for my service. I started reaching out to potential customers through my personal network and online advertising. Our first customers were primarily referrals from friends and family. But as we grew, we started getting more business from corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals.

What challenges have you faced as a founder, and how have you overcome them?

As a founder, I’ve faced many challenges, including raising capital, building a team, and navigating regulatory hurdles. One of the biggest challenges was building a brand and establishing credibility in a competitive industry. To overcome this, I focused on providing exceptional customer service and building relationships with customers and industry partners. I also invested in marketing and PR to raise awareness of our brand and services. Another challenge was managing growth and scaling the business without sacrificing quality. We overcame this by hiring experienced professionals and implementing processes and systems to streamline our operations.

How do you differentiate your services from private jet charter industry competitors?

We differentiate ourselves from competitors by offering a personalized and customized experience for our clients. We take the time to understand their needs and preferences and tailor our services to meet their specific requirements. Our investment in technology and data analytics enables us to offer our customers real-time information and valuable insights. Additionally, we have a network of industry partners and suppliers that allows us to offer unique amenities and services, such as in-flight catering and ground transportation.

What is your vision for the future of PlaneAhead, and how do you plan to achieve it?

Our vision for PlaneAhead is to become the leading provider of private jet charter services globally. We plan to achieve this by expanding our network of aircraft and destinations, investing in technology to enhance the customer experience, and building strong relationships with our clients and industry partners. We also plan to focus on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint by investing in eco-friendly technology and initiatives.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the aviation industry?

My advice would be to gain as much knowledge and experience in the industry as possible before starting a business. This could include working for an aviation company, getting a pilot’s license, or attending industry events and conferences. It’s also important to do your research and understand the market and competition. Finally, you should be prepared to work hard and be persistent, as building a successful business takes time and effort.

How do you balance your work and personal life as a founder and CEO?

Balancing work and personal life can be a challenge as a founder and CEO, but it’s important to prioritize self-care and time with loved ones. I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries and delegating tasks to my team. I also make time for hobbies and activities that help me relax and recharge, such as traveling and flying.

Closing Paragraph

Alex Malebranche’s passion for aviation and entrepreneurship has led him to build a successful business that provides exceptional private jet charter services. His journey as a founder has not been without its challenges. Still, his dedication to building a strong brand and providing personalized service has set PlaneAhead apart from competitors in the industry. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn from his experience and commitment to excellence. You can follow Alex Malebranche on his LinkedIn profile or visit PlaneAhead’s website to learn more about their services.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Omer Molad

Continue Reading

Interviews

Interview with Omer Molad: Insights on Building a Startup, the Future of Hiring, and Staying Creative

Published

on

Interview with Omer Molad, Co-Founder of Vervoe

Table of Contents

Introduction

Omer Molad is the co-founder of Vervoe, an AI-powered hiring platform that helps employers hire the best candidates for their open positions. Prior to starting Vervoe, Omer Molad worked in marketing and analytics for various tech companies, including Waze and Google. He has also served as a mentor and advisor for several startups.

In this interview, Omer Molad shares insights about his experience as a startup founder and his vision for the future of the hiring process.

What inspired you to start Vervoe?

My co-founder David Weinberg and I were both frustrated with the traditional hiring process, which often relies heavily on resumes and subjective evaluations. We wanted to create a more objective and efficient way for employers to assess candidates, and we saw an opportunity to do that with AI. Our vision was to build a platform that could evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities through real-world simulations, rather than relying solely on their past experience or education. That’s how Vervoe was born.

How does Vervoe differentiate itself from other hiring platforms?

One of the key ways we differentiate ourselves is by using AI to automate the hiring process as much as possible. Our platform can evaluate candidates’ skills and abilities in real-time, which means employers can get a more accurate and objective assessment of their capabilities. Additionally, we provide a library of customizable assessments that are tailored to specific job roles, so employers can ensure they’re evaluating the right skills for each position. Finally, we provide a candidate management system that streamlines the entire hiring process from start to finish, which saves employers time and resources.

Can you tell us about a significant challenge you faced while building Vervoe and how you overcame it?

One of the biggest challenges we faced early on was getting the word out about Vervoe and convincing employers to try our platform. We knew we had a great product, but it was difficult to break through the noise and get noticed. To overcome this, we focused on building relationships with potential customers and showcasing our product through demos and case studies. We also leveraged content marketing and social media to raise awareness about Vervoe and the benefits of our platform. Over time, we were able to build a strong customer base and grow the business.

What advice do you have for other startup founders?

My advice would be to stay focused on your vision and don’t get sidetracked by distractions or noise from the outside world. Building a startup is hard, and there will be many ups and downs along the way. But if you believe in what you’re doing and stay committed to your goals, you’ll be able to weather any storm. It’s also important to be adaptable and open to feedback from customers and the market. Listen to what people are telling you, and be willing to pivot your strategy if necessary. Finally, surround yourself with a strong team of people who share your vision and are committed to helping you succeed.

What is your vision for the future of the hiring process?

Our vision is to make the hiring process more objective, efficient, and fair for everyone involved. We believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize hiring by providing a more accurate assessment of candidates’ skills and abilities. We also think that the traditional resume-based approach will eventually become obsolete and that employers will rely more on real-world simulations and other objective measures to evaluate candidates. Ultimately, our goal is to create a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and get hired based on merit, not just their credentials.

Can you share a project or initiative that you’re currently working on that excites you?

We’re currently working on a project to integrate Vervoe with other HR technology platforms, such as applicant tracking systems and video interviewing tools. This will allow us to offer a more seamless and integrated experience for our customers and their candidates. We’re also exploring ways to use machine learning to analyze candidate data and provide insights that can help employers make better hiring decisions. I’m excited about the potential of these projects to make a real impact in the hiring industry.

What do you do outside of work to recharge and stay creative?

I’m a big believer in the power of exercise and mindfulness to recharge and stay creative. I try to work out regularly and make time for activities like hiking and yoga. I also make a point of disconnecting from work and technology for a few hours each day, whether it’s by reading a book or spending time with family and friends. Finally, I find that travel is a great way to gain new perspectives and stay inspired, so I try to take at least one big trip each year.

Closing Paragraph

Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Omer. Where can our readers learn more about you and Vervoe?

You can learn more about Vervoe and Omer Molad. You can also follow me on LinkedIn at for updates on our latest projects and initiatives.

Liked this interview? Check out this interview with Cam Sloan

Continue Reading

Trending