Lance Montgomery and Bryan Baeumler, HeyBrian App
By Sonya Davidson
Consider it the Uber of home repairs and services. The HeyBryan app recently launched in Toronto after a successful launch in Vancouver. Backed by HGTV Canada's TV host Bryan Baeumler this new app connnects pre-qualified, insured home service providers to home owners all in the convenience on our mobile devices.
The HeyBryan app (iOS and Android) is a safe and secure way to connect with skilled workers from electricians to plumbers and beyond. We had the opportunity to sit down with Baeumler to find out more.
This is being touted at the Uber of home Renos?
BB: They were the first with the technology but I think the idea of punching something into your phone and getting a task done and having someone on the other end that’s interested and available is great. I guess you can also consider it more like the Tinder of home repairs.
I definitley don't know much about Tinder other than from my friends, explain?
BB: Yeah, I don’t either but I hear it from others. It’s really like a dating app but the difference is at the end of the “relationship”, as brief as it may be, not only does money change hand but also a rating is posted so the next “suitor” can check it out.
Right now rating is just one sided but we’re thinking about adding the opportunity to have it two ways. It’s important as well. As a home owner you want to deal with a good business and as a business owner you want to know what it’s like to deal with a homeowner sometimes. There have been trust issues between homeowners and tradespeople for so long. This is a great crowd-sourced way to find opinions on the experts.
So, can anyone join in as a service business? It sounds great for people who are looking for extra work or retired.
BB: Yes, if they pass the vetting process. They must have the skill in a particular task and experience.
What is the vetting process?
BB: Essentially it’s the same way that anyone would do their due diligence on a company. The hard thing for home owners is the time you spend on researching. But even still, you can do all the due diligence and it may not be enough. This will quickly identify who’s great on paper and who’s actually good in class and on the street.
How many experts do you have signed up?
BB: There’s over 1000 already signed up. The demand is high and even when we recently launched there were people already interested in services before our official launch.
So, how does it work for the consumer?
BB: You would go on the app and post what job you’re asking for. The app will connect you directly with the people who would be interested in providing that service. Rather than you phoning a large contractor needing say, a hole in your drywall repaired, you’re inputting a specific job request. Then the experts in that exact field know what your needs are as well. It's a way to really narrow down the search to exactly what you’re looking for and vice versa for the expert.
So, as a consumer I can say what my budget range is?
BB: Exactly. You can also see the experts and their hourly rates before deciding on who you want to work with. It’s not a random match. You can also set your own rates.
But does it just match up to the nearest expert, or the one that is the fastest that can get to me? I’m thinking about how Uber works.
BB: That’s where it differs from Uber and it’s more like the dating app. You get the final decision on who you want to work with.
What kind of tips do you have for consumers when they are looking for an expert especially new home owners?
This is that conundrum. We get a lot of feedback even through our own website from people that are frustrated and say “I can’t find someone" to do this specific task. Someone may want a few drywall pops patched up but they’re calling up larger companies that drywall condominiums. It’s not the right call. So, the advice is to go on the app and post your job. The people that are specifically interested in that size of job in your area and within your budget are going to connect.
The other thing to be aware of is everyone is so “hip” to marketing so even the smallest owner/operator who has one part time staff who helps with his website and Instagram feed he may appear like a major corporation. This app really comes down to someone to accepting a job that they are actually good at.
I admit to being caught up in flashy websites and then realizing it's sometimes smoke and mirrors. Good point. So, how quickly can a job be done?
BB: As quickly as the two sides can agree. Certainly you can request emergency. Instead of having to spend a lot of time searching for the right people, your post allows experts to see exactly what you need and help zone in a lot faster.
What about the reviews - how will the app monitor those?
BB:It has to be an honest review about an actual experience. When I was a young owner, your name, business and reputation is all you have. That’s on you. If you get a bad review, it’s up to you to do better. It’s a motivator really. Imagine if all the previous dates gave you a review on the dating site?
And what about the name of the app?
BB: For years we’ve been thinking about the perfect way to do this and when Lance Montgomery (President CEO and Founder, HeyBryan Inc.) approached me early on with the technology it made sense. As for the name, I thought about how it doesn’t matter where I go, and even walking down the street, people are always yelling “Hey Bryan! Where do I find this..." or "Hey, Bryan, can you recommend that..." and that’s where it all came together. It’s very seamless and organic. The intent and the technology and the opportunity just came together very easily. The app is going to provide a great service for so many people. I think the fact that it will hold the experts accountable visibly in public is important. I’ve heard of stories where someone who had a good reputation actually made a real mess . You’re only as good as your last job. If you’re held accountable it will keep the heat in the fire.