Diverse Tech Founders Media

Diverse Tech Founders – Interview with Donovan Wright

The home renovation process is demanding. Also, there is no single location where clients can quickly gain context, enabling them to make decisions with little or no context, resulting in costly errors. According to research, the construction sector loses $177 billion each year due to rework, delays, and overspending. This week on the Diverse Tech Founders podcast, we have an in-depth discussion with Donovan Wright, co-founder, and CEO of Guilde, a mobile property management app that makes renovations stress-free by centralizing control.
[00:48] Childhood - Starting the conversation, Donovan answers whether the younger Donovan would be friends with Mr. Wright today. Also, he describes his initial encounters with technology and invention.
[06:16] Guilde – Donovan discusses what Guilde is and where this concept came from. Moreover, he outlines what casual renovators will receive from Guilde that they cannot receive elsewhere.
[14:05] The Evidence – Donovan talks about the signs of traction that encouraged him to continue with Guilde.
[17:30] Business Model – Donovan explains how he generates money with Guilde and provides insight into what consumers can expect through Guilde. Further, he clarifies who is not eligible for Guilde.
[22:50] Support – Donovan recalls several individuals who assisted him with Guilde, regardless of their sector experience. Also, he shares some of the most valuable guidelines he follows.
[30:17] Impact on Family – Donovan highlights his company's positive effects on his family.
[32:19] Ideal Co-Founder – Donovan vividly portrays what he most admires in a co-founder.
[35:37] A Million Dollars – Donovan describes what he would do if he had a million dollars.
[38:12] Best Piece of Advice - Donovan shares the most profitable piece of advice he has gotten since the founding of Guilde. Also, he describes how he keeps his work enjoyable.
[43:27] Inspiration – Donovan mentions which artists inspire his work most.
[46:59] Billion Dollar Company – Donovan discusses if he desires to lead a billion-dollar firm and why he does or does not.
[50:15] Detroit – Donovan shares what he is most excited about in Detroit and where he would go if he had to relocate to another tech startup ecosystem outside of Silicon Valley.
[55:34] One Question – Donovan outlines the question he would pose to a company's founder if he had the opportunity.
[57:49] Get in Touch – Donovan lists the most efficient means of contacting him and the most helpful service he provides to his clients.
Resources:
Connect with Donovan:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dgw757/

Quotes:
“For me, having a marketing background, you have to make decisions before you actually see traction.”
“But as an entrepreneur, everyone knows that there is always a struggle. But I think that will be the biggest thing, making me a more active listener.”
“To me, where the magic is for every successful single founder is how they got those first paying customers.”