SUMMARY:

In this episode of Choppin' It Up, host Will Jenkins interviews Michael Horvath, Co-Founder and COO of Revenova. Mike shares his journey from a musician to a successful entrepreneur in the tech industry, detailing his experiences in various roles, the founding of Forseva, and the subsequent creation of Revenova. The conversation explores themes of innovation, collaboration, and the importance of maintaining a profitable business model while navigating the challenges of the tech landscape. In this conversation, Will Jenkins shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the success of his companies, the impact of cloud technology, and the importance of customer engagement. He discusses the innovations in real-time rating and AI integration, the challenges faced during the early days of building a product, and the key lessons learned for startups. Jenkins emphasizes the need for hard work, ethical practices, and staying focused on customer needs as essential components for success in the tech industry.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Music and software share a blend of structure and creativity.
• Early career experiences shaped Mike's approach to tech.
• Transitioning roles in tech provided valuable insights.
• Founding Forceiva was a collaborative effort with strong mentorship.
• The importance of a unique brand name in business.
• Revenova aims to innovate rather than integrate.
• Customer feedback is crucial in product development.
• Maintaining profitability is key to sustainable growth.
• Strong partnerships can drive business success.
• Navigating the tech industry requires focus and discipline. Building a successful business requires a strong resale channel.
• Cloud technology became crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Real-time data access is a game changer in logistics.
• Early customer collaboration is vital for product development.
• Marketing should only begin once the product is ready.
• Understanding customer needs is essential for product success.
• Ethical practices are fundamental in business relationships.
• Startups must be prepared for long hours and hard work.
• Customer engagement drives product evolution and innovation.
• Focus on your mission and listen to your customers.

CHAPTERS:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Mike Horvath and His Journey
• 02:09 - Early Life and Career Beginnings
• 04:31 - Transitioning Through Tech Roles
• 07:49 - Founding Forceiva and Its Success
• 10:41 - The Birth of Revenova
• 22:35 - Growth and Investment in Revenova
• 27:24 - The Journey of Building a Successful Business
• 30:10 - The Impact of Cloud Technology and COVID-19
• 33:01 - Innovations in Real-Time Rating and AI Integration
• 33:59 - Early Days: Building the Product and Gaining Customers
• 40:00 - Growth and Customer Engagement Strategies
• 47:01 - Key Lessons for Startups and Future Outlook

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

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ABOUT THE JOURNEY PODCAST: 

Welcome to The Journey Podcast, where we talk freight, sales, tech, the market and everything in between. Hosted by Will Jenkins, CEO and Founder of Journey, this show pulls from years of building & scaling freight brokerages along with the work our team does with hundreds of clients. We break down how brokers grow, how teams sell, how leaders hire, and what it takes to perform at a high-level in this industry.