Whitney Blodgett is an established SaaS company founder and back-end developer. Her business began when she initially worked as an associate for a tech company as a junior developer. She quickly developed skills in both back end and front end developing that she decided to branch out on her own.
At present, Whitney Blodgett along with her team, serves numerous companies in different business sectors. Her goal is to establish their online retail and marketing strategies and provide them with automated services through his software subscription. Their company operates in a 3-tier service, where she offers a different package per each client’s needs. She has achieved a wide client base ranging from the local businesses that she started with until the high-end firms in insurance and financing.
Ms. Blodgett is a driven professional who is never afraid to try new ideas. “Our industry is always evolving,” she remarked. “My job is to give the best service to our clients, and I’m always looking out over the horizon to see the latest trends in SaaS development,” he added.
What was your best/favorite subject in school?
My best subjects in school were math and science. I love exact sciences because I didn’t have to memorize anything that much. I enjoyed studying about scientific laws, equations, and these things really fascinated me. This is probably the reason why I got into a STEM industry in the first place because even as a student it remained one of my strongest passions. My favorite branch of science was physics and I enjoyed calculus as well. Sounds geeky, I know. I would always be that kid that other people approach for help when it comes to equation problems.
What was your first job?
My first job was actually as an associate developer for a startup tech firm. I was tasked to create software integrated into social media for creating and editing videos. I liked the job, and it was an energetic environment to be in. It gave me enough experience to eventually decide to thrive on my own. As much I love social media and helping out millennial users, my passion is really to get into helping larger businesses and entrepreneurs. I believe that business-minded people are those who shape our economy’s future.
Where and how did you first get into the industry you currently work in?
I graduated with a major in Computer Science at the University of Georgia. Considering that it was really my path all along, I don’t really see a specific point where I decided to be in the industry where I’m at. My turning point to start my own company, however, was 2 years after I worked as an associate developer on my previous firm.
How have those jobs prepared you for what you do now?
First of all, it taught me more experience-based skills in web development and software development. My previous job also gave me the insight to understand user experience, and how I can use technology to make people’s lives easier. I just shifted the focus from individual users to businesses’ needs, and I tried to integrate it with the consumer needs as well. When you look at large retail sites such as Amazon or eBay, you would notice that their interface is very minimalist and the main focus is on selling. I believe that it is the key to successful online retailing.
Describe the best day of work you’ve ever had.
The best day of work I had was the first time I landed a client when I started out as a company. We were just a team of 3 back them, me with 2 other junior developers. Our first client was a local outdoor gear store in Atlanta who wanted to try out online retailing. I presented them their probable online business plan and how convenient it would be when they would opt to use or SaaS service. The meeting was successful, and the rest is history.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I keep myself motivated by reminding myself that our business is the backbone of many businesses. Just like any other SaaS company, a lot of entrepreneurs rely on our services to serve others. It’s like a web of influence. So when I remind myself that I help businesses, I help individual people as well.
What kind of business ideas excite you most?
Our company is looking into adding more artificial intelligence features in our SaaS services. At present, we have already integrated the use of 24/7 customer support using chatbots, but we also want to have better data analytics through machine learning.
Have you ever tried any unorthodox techniques to attract attention to your business?
I wouldn’t really call it unorthodox, but I would say it was a daring move. Whenever I see poorly made retail websites of businesses, you know, those websites that still look like they’re from the 90s, I immediately pitch our SaaS company’s services. Since we specialize in developing online retail stores, a lot of them are attracted to the proposal.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
I am just simply proud of the accomplishment I feel when satisfied business owners show their appreciation for our services. That, for me, is something that is ultimately rewarding above anything else.
What wisdom would you have liked to share with yourself when you first started out?
Since I was a perfectionist, it took me a while before deciding to branch out on my own. I had to make sure that I know everything, that my steps are already paved before I tread along a certain path. I realized that in life it doesn’t work that way. Sometimes you just have to take that first step even if you’re filled with doubt. Either way, you learn from your mistakes or you succeed.