We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andrew Guasch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andrew below.

Hi Andrew, thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, I see each phase of my career as a crucial building block towards where I am today with Authentic Dynamics. My time as a server from 2011 to 2016 was foundational, teaching me invaluable lessons about human connections, empathy, and the art of service. I learned how kindness, humor, and making people feel special not only enhances their experience but also encourages loyalty and trust. This understanding of human interaction significantly influenced my approach to customer service in all my subsequent ventures.

Transitioning to owning liquor stores in Maryland was a step influenced by opportunity, timing, and a desire for economic freedom. From 2015 to 2020, I ran a diverse range of liquor stores, including a craft beer outlet and a specialized wine store. This period honed my skills in business management and market understanding but also brought to light my desire for creating a more meaningful impact.

The decision to pivot to Authentic Dynamics, a web and mobile development company, was driven by my realization of technology’s inexorable role in shaping the future and my desire to make a lasting positive impact. Had I started Authentic Dynamics earlier, directly from my serving days, I might have missed the rich business insights gained from the retail world. Conversely, starting later would have deprived me of the valuable lessons learned through direct customer service.

In retrospect, the timing of starting Authentic Dynamics feels just right. The empathy and customer-centric approach I developed as a server are now integral to how we engage with clients, focusing on understanding their needs and desires rather than just business transactions. My experience in retail added layers of business acumen and market insight. This unique blend of experiences – from serving to retail, and now technology – equips me with a comprehensive understanding of creating value and meaningful connections, which is essential in the tech-driven world we operate in.

So, looking back, I wouldn’t wish to have started sooner or later. Each phase of my journey has been instrumental in shaping my entrepreneurial ethos and the success of Authentic Dynamics. The lessons learned in each role, whether as a server, a retailer, or a tech entrepreneur, contribute to a holistic approach to business that prioritizes empathy, customer experience, and impactful service.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m the founder of Authentic Dynamics, a company that stands at the intersection of technology, innovation, and social impact. My journey into the tech industry was driven by a deep-seated desire for intellectual challenge and a passion for business that pushes the boundaries of my mental abstracting abilities. Although my early career in running liquor stores was fulfilling, I yearned for something that would engage my love for math and science more directly. This led me to self-teach coding as a hobby, which eventually became a professional pursuit. A significant nudge came from a friend, an implementation manager at Trustpilot, who saw my potential in coding and encouraged me to delve deeper. The realization that technology is a one-way street, always moving forward, cemented my decision to pivot into web and mobile application development.

At Authentic Dynamics, we specialize in web and mobile application development across iOS, Android and desktop platforms. Our approach is unique in that we transform every website and application into a case study, gathering data to understand user interactions and optimize their experiences. Our team is diverse and highly skilled, featuring a UX/UI lead with specialized qualifications and a backend engineer with a PhD in computer science. We utilize a variety of programming languages and technologies, including Python for backend development, and have extensive knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Kotlin, Swift, and Objective-C.

One common challenge our clients face is having overly broad objectives for their web or mobile applications. Our expertise in UX/UI design, combined with our deep understanding of human psychology, allows us to refine these objectives and craft interfaces that truly align with our clients’ primary goals.

What sets Authentic Dynamics apart are two core elements: our commitment to creating social impact and our meticulous attention to detail. We offer free basic websites to small businesses lacking a strong online presence, reflecting our belief in technology as a tool for positive change. Additionally, our focus on detail is unwavering, as we engage in extensive testing, SEO optimization, and case studies to deliver applications that offer measurable value to our clients.

One of our proudest achievements is the creation of Scribient, a project that aims to bridge the gap between government and citizens. This application simplifies and demystifies interactions with government entities at all levels, fostering a stress-free, judgment-free environment for user queries and engagement.

Our core philosophy at Authentic Dynamics is centered around the belief that technology should be accessible, impactful, and elevate the human experience. We strive to be the leading service provider that enables all businesses and users to establish a robust online presence, regardless of their economic background.

Looking forward, our goal is to continue amplifying our social impact. We aim to be recognized not only for our excellence in service but also for our commitment to making advanced technology available to everyone, helping businesses and individuals alike thrive in the digital age

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for expanding our clientele at Authentic Dynamics has been deeply intertwined with our commitment to social impact, particularly through providing our services for free to those in need. This approach is not just about altruism; it’s a strategic business decision rooted in the understanding that satisfied clients, especially those who were initially skeptical, become our most valuable advocates.

By offering high-quality web and mobile development services at no cost to select clients, we’ve been able to demonstrate the transformative impact of our work. This strategy has been instrumental in building trust and credibility. Businesses that initially doubted the necessity or efficacy of a robust digital presence become convinced when they see the tangible benefits. Their success stories, stemming from a service they were initially unsure about, turn into powerful endorsements.

The key here is the ripple effect of client satisfaction. A happy client, particularly one who has experienced a significant positive change, is likely to share their experience with others. It’s been observed that clients who have had their expectations exceeded and witnessed daily impacts on their lives or businesses are inclined to tell 10-20 people about their experience. This word-of-mouth is invaluable; it’s the lowest cost customer acquisition strategy and the most authentic. The more satisfied they are, the more likely they are to talk about the service provided, directly promoting Authentic Dynamics.

This approach aligns with our belief in the power of technology to level the playing field in the digital economy. By assisting those who might not have the means to invest in digital development, we not only contribute to their success but also create a network of organic marketing that is both genuine and effective.

In summary, providing exceptional service, especially to those initially unconvinced, has been a cornerstone of our growth strategy. It fosters a community of satisfied clients who naturally become ambassadors for our brand, demonstrating the impact and value of our work to a wider audience. This strategy has been fundamental in establishing Authentic Dynamics as a leader in web and mobile development.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The significant lesson I had to unlearn in my entrepreneurial journey was the notion that “money always comes first.” This mindset shift originated from my experience running liquor stores, where I was confronted with the realities of consumer behavior and addiction.

In the liquor industry, particularly in craft beer and wine-centric stores, there’s a prevalent 80-20 model, where 80% of the products are consumed by 20% of the customers. Sometimes, this skewed even more dramatically to a 90-10 ratio. The same pattern was evident with lottery sales, another major component of our business. This reality was a constant reminder of the addiction issues many customers faced.

I recall times when regular customers would come in for lottery tickets, and I would know exactly how much they had lost previously. Despite suggesting they save their money, the allure of “it could be your lucky day” was often too strong for them to resist. Similarly, when I observed customers struggling with their relationship with alcohol, I offered alternatives like free snacks or non-alcoholic drinks. Yet, these offers were seldom taken. These instances made me realize that our business was not just serving customers; it was, in a way, enabling their addictions.

Two specific events made me question my place in the industry. I realized that my role in these transactions was not aligning with the person I aspired to be, someone who contributes positively to others’ lives. This realization, combined with the introspective period brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompted a significant pivot in my career. While alcohol sales were surging during the first few months of the pandemic in Maryland, I chose to divest from the liquor business. This decision was driven by a deep-seated belief that people should come first and that my true calling was in creating solutions, not problems.

I committed to a path where making a positive impact was paramount. This led me to establish Authentic Dynamics, a web and mobile development company focused on creating value and offering solutions. Unlearning the “money always comes first” mentality was challenging but necessary. It has allowed me to pursue a career that is not only intellectually fulfilling but also aligns with my values and desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.andrewguasch.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vidaesbonica/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.guasch.3
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-guasch-444603287/
• Other: www.teachingjobsinpa.com www.creativeminddevelopment.com [some recent projects]