Stephanie McLarty, REfficient

Stephanie McLarty is CEO and Founder of REfficient

Insights from this interview with Stephanie McLarty

There was a problem that launched this new business

About REFficient

Reduce, Reduce, Recycle

An online marketplace for companies to buy telecom and AV equipment

They can shop for deals in the excess inventory of other corporations

Benefits to participants

Buyers can buy equipment at reduced costs

Sellers free up storage space and gain income

Useful resources are kept out of landfill

Sellers receive certified statements about their environmental performance

Most equipment comes with warranty

About Stephanie McLarty

Graduated from an Arts & Science program – that taught her to connect the dots

Masters in Peace and Conflict with intention to work for UN but that training helps manage people in business

Got first job because a friend on the inside recommended her

Asked lots of questions to learn the job

Enjoy speaking with customers

Working and travelling in Thailand and India challenged her to think differently

Continues to take courses on personal and professional development

Other Insights from this interview with Stephanie McLarty

Shipping was a problem so we introduced Shimple – Simple Shipping – we learned how to ship and calculate all costs – and we make money with this service

Learned how to run a business and to market and that is more important than the technical part

Trend in business of being a good company – sustainability is important

Key for startup business is deciding where to focus your limited resources

I was afraid

Excited and nervous in early state – suffered at least five nights of no sleep

In early days – fake it till you make it

Don’t try to get it perfect before you launch

Media attention was a nice to – not a must do

Tips for others

Grow yourself – that will help you grow your business

Try – in spite of your fears

Put support structures around you

Sleep, eat well, and connect with friends and family

Learn more about the company – REfficient

Read about REfficient in Business Week

Watch video interview with Stephanie McLarty on NewsClip TV

Click below to listen to or to download this interview with Stephanie McLarty on Business In Motion.