Turning an Idea Into a Successful Startup with HopSkipDrive
We’ve all been there. You watch the news and hear about a thriving company and think “Why didn’t I think of that?” It seems as though everyone has an interesting idea they want to turn into a successful business. But how do we do it? HopSkipDrive is an example of an innovative company that makes life easier for parents by finding a safe and reliable driver for their children. These drivers must go through background checks and vehicle inspections, not to mention have five years in childcare experience.
What makes HopSkipDrive different is simply their approach to the business and the deep love they have for the problem they found a solution to. Joanna McFarland explains, “Being super passionate about and closely connected to the problem we are solving has been a key part of our success”. They have clearly demonstrated how much they care about the product they produced. “[the app] was created as a solution for our own deeply personal needs.” Finding a problem you have in your own life and being able to develop a solution is not an easy task.
The idea started at a birthday party. Joanna remembers, “We were talking with other moms about the stressful and often impossible logistics of managing work, life, multiple kids and transportation to school and extra-curricular.” Some of the best ideas stem from the simplest conversations. An inspiration for average people with valuable ideas looking to break into the startup world, HopSkipDrive encourages getting to know the people who are driving your children. On their website, there are pictures and bios of some of the drivers they have. Daily, these three moms are solving this universal problem with technology in the timeliest way.
HopSkipDrive uses technology to their advantage. The drivers must agree to signing the children out of school or practice, and confirming a passcode with their passengers. Though HopSkipDrive has a very large social media presence, they still believe in old-fashioned word of mouth. Joanna states, “We created a service that our kids use, too, so from our product and safety standards to the team we’ve built and our service commitment, our solution is different than anything out there and parents are talking about it! That’s the best kind of marketing.”
Founded in 2014, this growing company has already reached the masses. They already have about 100 secure drivers all over LA and are looking to expand to other cities in the future. Plans for the years ahead look bright for HopSkipDrive as they make their mark in the tech industry.
Special thanks to Joanna McFarland, Founder & CEO of HopSkipDrive