RoadLaunch is a Canadian-based software and service startup, changing the way digital freight is managed. The principle of digital freight is simple: companies use digital platforms to match a Shipper’s freight with available Carrier capacity. The goal is to better utilize motor carrier capacity.
RoadLaunch provides cloud-based digital management solutions for freight companies across North America, using real-time location sensors to monitor trucks, trailers and driver dispatch. The company works through a vast network of partners, including small to mid-sized freight carriers.
FreightFlex is the company’s flagship product. Customers find they experience a direct increase in revenue and operating efficiencies within hours of using it.
We caught up with RoadLaunch Founder Cory Skinner to learn more about this niche, but important, industry.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR COMPANY?
RoadLaunch started when I was driving down the highway and noticed so many transport trucks that have a sticker saying “come drive for us” or “now hiring”. So I started talking to our customers and realized that many have the same problems that they are trying to solve. From there, we went to work and now have the RoadLaunch platform!
WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING ABOUT BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR? WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST CHALLENGING?
Being an entrepreneur is an incredible journey; the peaks are amazing and the valleys drive you. The idea that I can work and collaborate with people and solve challenges within an industry is very appealing. The most challenging comes being able to deliver products that not only have market fit, but are immersive, engaging and has differentiation in technology, for me, this is always top of mind.
HOW HAS ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEFIED OR LIVED UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS?
It has absolutely lived up to my expectations! It is not an easy set of steps to undertake, and some days, it can feel like it may not even be worth it, but, at the end of the day, I get to work with great people, deliver great products and solve every day issues in logistics, using new technologies – incredible!
HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED WITH INNOVATION FACTORY?
I had the opportunity to meet with members of the Ontario Centres of Excellence and with it, they highly recommended I connect with iF and the mentor community.
HOW DO YOU MEASURE SUCCESS?
We measure success is a few ways, but the most important for us is voice of customer. We took a lot of time to develop our products based on customer discovery, so, now, we measure success with metrics on tool usage, retention and churn.
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOU FROM YOUR COMPETITION?
RoadLaunch combines Internet of Things (IoT), with proprietary products and AI powered by IBM Watson. We have created products that saves customers time, normalizes the logistics landscape and allows both shippers and carriers to interact with tools not found anywhere in the market. As an example, a carrier can simply ask the question “Do you have loads in Hamilton ON?” in our web based chat and that AI is also found in Facebook messenger and Slack.
WHAT IS THE BEST RECOGNITION YOU HAVE RECEIVED?
We recently graduated from the Infiniti Lab in Toronto and in October, was selected to travel to Taipei, Taiwan to take part in an extensive program to meet with investors, customers, government officials and look to grow partnerships within Asia markets.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE NEXT YEAR AND BEYOND?
Over the next year, we plan to grow our product offerings and offer new products that are driven by customer discovery. We are now looking to secure strategic partners and ensure that with the right technical integrations, offer IoT/AI for logistics that no other company has been able to bring to market at the same time as RoadLaunch.
WHAT SUPPORT WILL YOU LOOK TO INNOVATION FACTORY FOR IN THE COMING MONTHS?
The next few months are crucial for RoadLaunch to further polish our customer acquisition and conversion processes. While we have had good success in bringing shippers and carriers to our platform, we can always do better in adding value and keeping them happy.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS WHO MAY JUST HAVE AN IDEA?
Yes, have fun! What you are doing is a lot of work, you may doubt yourself, be faced with challenges and sometimes not feel like it is a good idea at all. Keep in mind, that if it was easy, everyone would do it and have fun. Always, try and have fun ☺
HOW CAN WE CONNECT WITH YOU?
Website
www.roadlaunch.com
Facebook
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LinkedIn
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