What it Takes to Become Number One

In a world of information overload, the way customers find and connect with businesses can often become a complicated process. Garrett Gee, Ben Turley, and Kirk Ouimet plan to simplify this procedure and change the way businesses connect with customers through their app, Scan.  Scan allows businesses to create their own QR code with links to their websites, Social Media or phone number. In turn, users are able to scan the code with their camera phones and directly connect to the company, all with a single tap. CEO/Founder Garrett Gee discusses his journey from the conceiving an idea to creating the number one downloaded app on the market. Tell us about the ‘light bulb’ moment that sparked the idea for this company. The initial idea came to me the first time I ever saw QR code and mobile scanning technology. I was impressed by the technology, however, the websites, apps, and other products built around the technology were difficult to use and ugly. I believed that through proper design I could deliver a simpler product and better user experience. How does Scan work? There are two parts to the Scan app. The first part is the website where individuals and businesses can customize their own codes. They can link these codes to their website, contact information, Facebook etc., allowing them to connect with their customers like never before. The second part of Scan is the technology which enables users to quickly scan QR codes, bar codes, and other scannable codes. What challenges have you faced in starting Scan and how have you overcome them? One major challenge has been the need to focus. As with most small companies, there are 100 different features you can implement, directions you can go, and industries you can target, but we understand the importance and power of staying focused. We would much rather do few things better than many things at lesser quality. Is the QR business a crowded segment? When we first launched our app there were hundreds trying to do something similar. Now there are thousands of competitors. We set ourselves apart through our app’s design, speed, and overall quality, becoming the fastest growing in the market with over 50 million users around the world. What differentiates Scan from competitors? The major difference between Scan and competitors is that we have a presence on both sides of the experience – a website for businesses and mobile app for consumers. Most competitors have only a website or only an app. There is much power in being able to control the experience beginning to end. Name three things that drive you. I have an innate passion to create, whether that is through art or entrepreneurial ventures. I have amazing family and friends that support and inspire me. Also, my parents, grandparents, and those who have blessed me with the life I have humbly inspire me to do the same for my own children and future posterity. What advice can you offer potential entrepreneurs? Develop your personal marketable skills and talents. These skills and talents will not only help you build your own business, but they will also act as a parachute if things fall through. For me, this was my design and engineering skills. If my ventures were to ever fail, I still have these skills that allow me to freelance at $300 per hour or work full-time with a salary of $150-200K. For more information about Scan, visit http://scan.me. The app is available for download at http://get.scan.me.