#098 - Bridging Communication Gaps: The Hi There Solutions Story with Chase and John Prieve

Summary

In this episode of the AdaptX Podcast, Brendan Aylward speaks with Chase and John Prieve, founders of Hi There Solutions, a company dedicated to creating communication solutions for the deaf and hard of hearing community. They discuss their personal connections to the deaf community, the development of their products Hi There and Just Talk, and the challenges they face in scaling their business while ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The conversation highlights the importance of community feedback, the need for awareness in the market, and their vision for the future of accessibility technology.

Takeaways

• Hi There Solutions was inspired by personal experiences with hearing loss.
• The company offers two main products: Hi There and Just Talk.
• Hi There provides instant video calling with captions in multiple languages.
• Just Talk facilitates face-to-face communication between deaf and hearing individuals.
• The business model includes both B2C and B2B approaches.
• Compliance with the ADA is crucial for businesses using their technology.
• The founders emphasize the importance of community feedback in product development.
• Funding challenges are common for startups in the accessibility space.
• The company aims to expand its reach to various industries and communities.
• Future plans include innovations in education, music, and gaming.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Hi There Solutions

00:49

The Origin Story of Hi There Solutions

04:55

Understanding the Business Model and Compliance

11:55

Challenges in Accessibility and Business Expansion

17:20

Demonstrating Value Beyond the Deaf Community

22:33

Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges

25:02

Navigating Software Development as Non-Technical Founders

26:02

Funding and Scaling Challenges

26:53

Targeting Diverse Business Verticals

27:53

The Importance of the Deaf Olympics

30:13

Fitness Industry's Role in Accessibility

31:56

Leveraging University Resources for Growth

32:59

Challenges with Major Tech Companies

34:58

The Spark of Innovation from Personal Experience

35:51

Improving Fitness Accessibility for All

37:48

Vision for the Future of Hi There Solutions

Just Talk! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_4S5uhstu0

Hi There!!! : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yhNWknAWNA

Website: www.hitheresolutions.com

Hi There Solutions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hithere_solutions/?hl=en