APP FACILITATES TEMP TASKS
iHelper connects jobs that need doing and people who can do them, writes Lloyed Lobo
The iHelper app is communitydriven marketplace where individuals and businesses can outsource tasks, find local services or hire flexible staff in minutes via a smartphone. Whether it’s garden maintenance, house cleaning, moving, beauty services or pet care, iHelper can find the right person.
Users can choose from a list of popular tasks and provide some very basic information like a name, description of the task and desired price before posting it on iHelper. Other nearby users can see the task and respond with their comments and prices or simply accept the original offer.
Once a task poster accepts a request, both parties are free to message each other to plan a date and time when the task will be completed. Once completed, iHelper releases payment and asks both parties to provide reviews.
Here’s more from iHelper founder and CEO Alex Ulitenko:
Q How did you come up with the idea for your startup?
A I recently lost my job like many others in Alberta. I searched far and wide, but could not find any openings despite having more than 15 years’ experience in various companies, including Google, and a Master’s degree in business. The most interesting thing was that I couldn’t even find unskilled work like moving furniture, delivering flyers or cleaning com- mercial buildings. So I began to think it would be nice to create a platform where anyone could find a temporary or part-time job.
Q What has been the biggest challenge so far? What have you done to solve it?
AI think the biggest problem when you’re just starting out is the eternal lack of finance and time. We continue to experience a shortage of both of them. Solving the lack of time issue can be a challenge since there are a million things to do, but the key is to stay focused on things that create the biggest impact for your business. The money issue is easier to solve. There are loans, savings, investors etc. We decided to not raise capital before we were ready to show investors the finished product. And now you can download our app both on iOS and Android. Q Are there any key individuals outside of your organization that have been of great help to your startup? A My wife, my co -founder, Dmitro Petlin, and my friends have provided both resources and financial support. They rejoice in every little success we have, even more than me. Our IT consultant Michael Shadle continues to provide us the best solutions despite all the headaches we give him. Q What would you like to share with other aspiring entrepre- neurs? A Just get started. You can think about it for years, but then someone else will come along and do it. Once you take the first step, remember to work hard and not give up.
Q What made you choose to go down the path of entrepreneurship?
A Throughout my career I’ve managed projects for large international corporations. I view it the same way, except this time the resources are extremely limited. It makes my job more interesting and exciting. I really want to make it easier for anyone
to get a temp job. Q What do you and your startup need help with?
A We are always open to new ideas, mentorship, investment and even talent that wants to join our team. We recently launched our app on iOS and Android and have been rapidly growing our user base. Check out www. ihelper.io and give us a try. Lloyed Lobo covers technology startups in Alberta. He is a partner at Boast Capital and co-founder of TractionConf.io. If you’d like to be featured, please email llobo@boastcapital.com.
For the Calgary Herald