ProxBox provides an array of tools to alleviate the pain realtors experience on a daily basis. Chelsea White and Bryan Barringer founded Proxbox to tackle common issues such as marketing listings, collecting feedback from interested buyers, and scheduling showings. One of the most notable features of Proxbox is the ability to provide information customizable by room for interested shoppers during an open house tour using sensors. Currently Proxbox is the only app on the market to assist agents in all aspects of their job. We sat down with Chelsea to discuss her journey through Start Co.’s Seed Hatchery Acceleration program.
Q: Where did the idea for your business come from?
A: Traditionally, agents struggle to exchange listing information on demand. We provide a solution that actively markets listings onsite 24/7. Our solution brings homes to life by using beacons. Therefore enhancing the entire real estate experience. When we first started researching this technology in the real estate market we couldn’t find anything close to what we have currently designed. And even to this day competition is very low and isolated. Yet after hundreds of customers interviews, the demand for ProxBox is high.
Q: What does your typical day look like, and how do you make it productive?
A: I start every day off with a checklist. I list five to ten item to complete by the end of my work day. As a growing startup, every minute counts and you want to make sure you are spending your time on things that help and growing your business.
Q: How do you bring ideas to life?
A: If you want to bring an idea to life make sure you do lots of research about your idea. Make sure there is a market or problem your idea can help or fix.
Q: What’s one trend that really excites you?
A: BEACONS, BEACONS, BEACONS.
Q: What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
A: I read lots of books from other entrepreneurs and take notes. I apply those notes to my business. I have found the best way to grow as a person and leader is learning from others’ mistakes. Most of the time, it can save you lots of time and money.
Q: What advice would you give your younger self?
A: Do research about the product and market before you sell anything. Remember building something for everyone is like building something for no one.
Q: As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
A: Working out daily and eating healthy!
Q: What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
A: Team dynamics! My co-founder and I worked hard on building our team and business foundation. Early on we found out communication is key!
Q: What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
A: Losing a business. I started my first business at twenty-one years old. I was lucky it grew really fast and failed even faster. I made lots of mistakes; I had no idea how to run a business successfully. I knew I had a great idea but I had no business canvas or execution plan to put in place. I overcame it by learning from my mistakes. In my business now I research everything and assume nothing. I also make sure there is a positive return in every decision concerning the business and its growth.
Q: What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A: New popcorn bucket for a movie theater to help the butter to salt ratio. That is all I’m saying.
Q: What was your favorite or most impactful experience at Start Co.?
A: Start Co. picked our company to travel to San Francisco to meet with investors and to do more market validation. That was the first time I pitched to agents, sellers, and homes buyers outside of my city. It was amazing! It helped me grow as a salesperson so much. I will forever be grateful for that experience.
Q: What were your expectations coming into the Start Co. program and how did that change? A: We really didn’t know what to expect other than it was going to be a lot of hard work. Over the course of six months, we realized just how much work and dedication was involved. And the Start Co. team was with us the whole way. My co-founder and I are so happy we entered the Start Co. program it has helped our business grow to where it is now.
Q: How can people reach you?
A: Learn more about Proxbox at their website https://www.f6s.com/proxbox and contact Chelsea White at cwhite@proxbox.me.
______________________________________________________________
Interested in participating in Start Co.’s Summer Accelerator Program? Apply before Wednesday March 1, 2017 at http://neverstop.co/seedhatchery/.