Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cameron Jo’van. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cameron, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
Imagine a world where service excellence isn’t a luxury but a universal standard. That’s the vision that sparked Hoppsy. The idea didn’t come to me overnight; during a dinner with friends spread over months of pondering, I realized the inconsistencies in service experiences across various industries needed to be addressed. I envisioned a platform that could create a win-win-win situation—not just for restaurants initially but for all customer-facing service industries as we scale. The goal? To make Hoppsy the preferred resume for all customer-facing service professionals.
In the coming months, I began assembling a stellar team—Max, Amani, Tosin, and Alexander. Each brought a unique skill set to the table, and we started laying the groundwork together. Our initial brainstorming sessions included market research, customer personas, and potential business models.
Hoppsy is part of a larger ecosystem that includes Payper Plate, Get Slayed, and FeathAR. Each venture aims to democratize access to resources in its unique way. Payper Plate helps foodies discover unique eats from local kitchens, caterers, and food trucks. Get Slayed empowers individuals to discover local, independent beauty talent. FeathAR focuses on finding and growing your flock through augmented reality in real life (AR IRL).
While we haven’t secured investor funding yet, we’ve been bootstrapping and building momentum through our pre-launch sale. One of our early customers is Fat Tuesdays, which will be part of Atlanta’s new development, Centennial Yards. This early traction has been incredibly validating and fuels our drive to continue.
Today, Hoppsy is more than just a business; it’s a movement. It’s about creating ecosystems where everyone can thrive, not just survive. And we’re just getting started.
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’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology, human behavior, and business. From a young age, I was tinkering with computers, reading philosophy, and dreaming of ways to change the world. My journey into the realm of digital branding and marketing was a natural evolution of these interests. I realized that the digital landscape was the new frontier, a place where ideas could be turned into impactful realities at an unprecedented scale.
I’m a serial entrepreneur with a portfolio of ventures that aim to democratize access to various facets of life. Hoppsy is a three-sided marketplace with the vision to make service excellence universal via experience personalization, service reviews, and AI Service Analytics. Payper Plate is about helping foodies discover and order unique eats from local kitchens, caterers, and food trucks. Get Slayed is designed to help individuals discover local, independent beauty talent. FeathAR focuses on finding and growing your flock via augmented reality in real life (AR IRL).
As a digital branding and marketing consultant, I offer various services beyond traditional marketing. I specialize in Strategic Marketing, which includes digital campaign execution and management. My approach is deeply rooted in data analytics, behavioral psychology, and cutting-edge technology. I don’t just solve problems; I anticipate them. I don’t just build brands; I build ecosystems. What sets me apart is my ability to see the bigger picture and connect the dots in a way others don’t. I’m not just in the business of making money; I’m in the business of making an impact.
What am I most proud of? It’s the fact that each of my ventures is a step towards a world where power is in the hands of the people. It’s the testimonials from clients who have seen their businesses transform, and it’s the messages from users who feel empowered by the platforms we’ve built.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know, it’s this: When you engage with me or any of my ventures, you’re not just buying a service or a product; you’re investing in a vision of a better, more equitable world. And we’re just getting started.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Books have always been a cornerstone of my intellectual development, serving as both mentors and companions on my entrepreneurial journey. While many works have influenced me, Peter Thiel’s ‘Zero to One’ holds a special place in my thinking. The book’s core premise—that true innovation is about going from zero to one, from nothing to something unique—resonates deeply with me. It challenges the conventional wisdom of iterative innovation and pushes for radical, groundbreaking ideas. This philosophy is embedded in my ventures, where the aim is to improve existing systems and create new paradigms that empower people.
Other impactful books include ‘The 48 Laws of Power,’ which offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of power and influence; ‘Superintelligence,’ which explores the ethical and existential questions posed by AI; and ‘Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself,’ which delves into the psychology of self-transformation. ‘Fizz’ has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of word-of-mouth marketing, emphasizing the power of organic customer engagement and authentic brand storytelling. ‘Leaders Eat Last’ has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of leadership and team dynamics. At the same time, ‘Outliers’ and ‘Intellectuals and Society’ have provided a nuanced understanding of success and the role of intellectuals in shaping public opinion.
‘The Mom Test’ has been particularly useful in refining my approach to customer discovery, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions to get unbiased and actionable insights from potential users.
These works have contributed to my holistic approach to entrepreneurship and management. This approach is deeply rooted in ethical considerations, a commitment to innovation, and a focus on empowering individuals.
In the realm of videos and essays, I often find myself revisiting TED Talks and long-form articles that explore the future of technology, ethical entrepreneurship, and transformative leadership. These resources are a constant source of inspiration and challenge me to think bigger, to aim for that ‘zero to one’ leap in every endeavor.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
In the world of startups, the only constant is change. This couldn’t be more true for Hoppsy. When we first launched, the platform was designed as a staffing solution, providing on-demand service professionals who employers had reviewed. The idea was to create a pool of vetted, reliable service staff that businesses could tap into whenever needed. While the concept was well-received, we soon realized we were solving just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
As we engaged with our early users and customers, it became clear that the challenges in the service industry were far more complex and interconnected than we had initially thought. Businesses didn’t just need staffing; they needed a way to understand their customers better, personalize experiences, and continuously improve their service quality. On the other side, customers were looking for more than just service; they wanted experiences tailored to their preferences and needs.
That’s when the pivot happened. We expanded our vision to create a three-sided marketplace to make service excellence universal through experience personalization, service reviews, and AI Service Analytics. The goal shifted from merely providing staffing solutions to becoming the preferred resume for all customer-facing service professionals. This pivot wasn’t just a product change but a fundamental shift in how we viewed our role in the ecosystem. We weren’t just a platform but a catalyst for change, empowering businesses and consumers to elevate the service industry to new heights.
The pivot was challenging, requiring us to rethink our business model, re-engage with our customer base, and re-align our team’s focus. But it was also gratifying. Today, Hoppsy is more than just a business; it’s a movement. And it’s not just about Hoppsy; it’s about creating ecosystems where everyone can thrive, not just survive. That’s the story of our pivot, and like any good story, it’s still unfolding.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/camjovan
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/cameronjovan
- Twitter: https://twiiter.com/camjovan_