We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chandler Thomas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chandler, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
The genesis of my business idea was as serendipitous as it was insightful. It all began with a casual scroll through TikTok, where a post about electric vehicle (EV) chargers caught my eye. In that moment, a realization struck me: EV chargers are the vending machines of the future. This simple yet profound thought was the spark that ignited my entrepreneurial journey.
Living in California, a state teeming with EVs, I was acutely aware of the burgeoning demand for electric vehicles. However, there was a glaring discrepancy that stood out to me: the scarcity of charging stations. This observation resonated with me not just as a business opportunity but as a personal mission. I wanted to create a venture that would not only be profitable but also deeply meaningful. My parents, who had given their all to provide for me, deserved a life of comfort and freedom from the rigors of work. Establishing a business that could generate enough passive income to retire them became my driving force.
The idea of combining mobile and stationary charging solutions was a eureka moment. I realized that by offering both, we could cater to a wider range of needs and preferences, thereby revolutionizing the EV charging landscape. The mobile charging units would serve as a lifeline for drivers who couldn’t reach stationary stations, while the stationary units would provide a reliable and accessible charging infrastructure.
This dual approach was not just about filling a market gap; it was about redefining the EV charging experience. The excitement of venturing into a relatively untapped market, coupled with the potential to make a tangible difference in people’s lives, was exhilarating. I knew this was not just a worthwhile endeavor but a necessary one.
The logic was clear: with the increasing adoption of EVs, especially in a state like California, the demand for convenient and accessible charging solutions would only escalate. By positioning ourselves at the forefront of this emerging market, we could not only capitalize on a growing trend but also lead the charge in shaping a more sustainable future.
In essence, the idea was born out of a blend of opportunity, necessity, and personal aspiration. It was about harnessing a market trend, addressing an unmet need, and fulfilling a personal dream to give back to my parents. This unique amalgamation of factors is what made the idea not just exciting but deeply fulfilling.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Introducing Chandler: A Visionary in the Clean Energy Space
Hello, readers! I’m Chandler, an entrepreneur deeply passionate about clean energy and sustainability. My journey into this industry was fueled by a longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship, evident in my involvement with recycling initiatives and green companies. Today, I stand at the helm of a unique venture in the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector, a business that aligns with my core values and aspirations.
My Path to Clean Energy
My interest in clean energy was not a sudden revelation but a gradual awakening. Over the years, I’ve been actively involved in various recycling and green initiatives, always seeking ways to contribute to a more sustainable future. This passion naturally led me to explore the burgeoning field of clean energy, where I saw an opportunity to make a tangible impact.
Our Services: Bridging the Gap in EV Charging
At the core of our business is a simple yet powerful mission: to provide comprehensive charging solutions for electric vehicles. Operating in Indianapolis, IN, we offer both mobile and stationary charging services. Our mobile units are designed to alleviate ‘range anxiety’ for EV drivers – a common concern about running out of battery before reaching a charging station. Our stationary units, on the other hand, provide convenient and reliable access to charging in key locations.
Solving Real Problems for Our Clients
Our services are more than just a convenience; they’re a solution to a real problem faced by many EV owners. By ensuring that drivers have access to charging whenever and wherever they need it, we help make EV ownership more practical and stress-free. This is particularly crucial in a time when the shift to electric vehicles is accelerating.
Pride in Our Identity
What I’m most proud of is the identity and ethos of our business. We are a family-owned, women-owned, minority, and small black business. This diverse background not only shapes our approach to business but also reflects our commitment to inclusivity and community engagement.
About Chandler: More Than Just a Business Owner
Beyond my role as a business owner, I am an athlete, actor, and visionary. These diverse interests and skills have shaped my approach to entrepreneurship, infusing creativity, resilience, and a broad perspective into everything I do. My athletic discipline instills a sense of determination and focus, my acting experience brings creativity and empathy, and my visionary outlook ensures that we’re always looking ahead, ready to adapt and innovate.
Our Brand and Vision
Our brand is more than just a service provider; it’s a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment. We’re not just in the business of charging electric vehicles; we’re in the business of driving change, promoting cleaner energy, and building a sustainable future.
What We Want You to Know
To our potential clients, followers, and fans, we want you to know that when you choose our services, you’re not just getting a charge for your vehicle; you’re becoming part of a movement. A movement towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world. We’re here to support you in your journey towards sustainable transportation, and we’re constantly working to improve and expand our services to meet your needs.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
The Funding Journey of Our EV Charging Venture
Starting a business is a venture filled with challenges and triumphs, and one of the most significant hurdles is securing the necessary capital. Our journey in funding EV Mobile Connect is a testament to determination, strategic planning, and a deep belief in our mission.
Bootstrapping: A Testament to Commitment
From the outset, we were committed to making our vision a reality, even if it meant starting with what we had. We bootstrapped the company, utilizing our own capital to lay the groundwork. This approach was not just about financial investment; it was a demonstration of our belief in the business and its potential. Bootstrapping meant careful budgeting, prioritizing essential expenditures, and often, making personal sacrifices. But it also meant having complete control over our business decisions and direction.
Navigating Loans: A Balancing Act
Recognizing the need for additional funds, we ventured into securing loans. This included both business and personal loans, a decision that underscored our commitment but also added a layer of financial complexity. Managing these loans required a delicate balance – ensuring we had enough capital to grow while not overburdening the business with debt.
The Hunt for Grants: Aligning with Our Mission
Our search for funding also led us to actively seek out grants. We understood that grants could provide the much-needed financial boost without the pressure of repayment. Our focus has been particularly on grants that align with our mission of sustainable energy and community development. The NEVI grant, for instance, represents an opportunity not just for financial support but for alignment with broader state and national goals for EV infrastructure.
Engaging with Angel Investors: Propelling Forward
As our business grows, we recognize the need for more substantial capital to scale our operations. We are currently in the process of engaging with angel investors. These investors bring not just financial resources but also valuable expertise and networks. Their investment is a vote of confidence in our business model and future prospects.
Collaboration with the State of Indiana and SBDC
Our collaboration with the state of Indiana and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has been instrumental in navigating the funding landscape. These partnerships have opened doors to potential grants and alternative funding sources, providing us with guidance and support in our financial journey.
Looking Ahead: A Future Fueled by Strategic Funding
Our funding journey is a story of resilience, strategic planning, and unwavering belief in our mission. As we continue to explore new funding avenues, our focus remains on sustainable growth and maximizing the impact of every dollar we receive. We are not just building a business; we are creating a legacy in the clean energy space, one that is financially sound and strategically positioned for long-term success.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A Story of Resilience: Overcoming Funding Roadblocks
In the journey of building EV Mobile Connect, one of the most defining themes has been resilience, particularly in the face of numerous funding challenges. This story is not just about the obstacles we encountered, but about our unwavering determination and faith that kept us moving forward.
Encountering Roadblocks
When we embarked on this venture, we were met with a series of roadblocks, especially regarding funding. Securing the capital needed for the chargers was a daunting task. We approached numerous financial institutions and investors, only to be met with a string of rejections. Each ‘no’ was a blow, not just to our plans but to our morale. It seemed like every turn we took led to another closed door.
Lack of Support
What made these challenges even more difficult was the feeling of isolation. In those early days, it felt like we had no support. The path to realizing our vision of a sustainable EV charging solution seemed increasingly lonely and fraught with uncertainties. It was a period marked by self-doubt and constant questioning of whether our idea was too ambitious or ahead of its time.
Persistence in the Face of Denial
Despite these setbacks, we refused to give up. Each rejection, instead of deterring us, only strengthened our resolve. We knew the value of what we were trying to build – not just a business, but a service that could significantly contribute to the clean energy movement. The numerous denials of funding and credit became stepping stones, teaching us resilience and the art of perseverance.
Faith as Our Guiding Light
In these challenging times, our faith played a crucial role. We put our trust in God, believing that our path, though fraught with obstacles, was leading us to a greater purpose. This faith was a source of strength and comfort, reminding us that every challenge was an opportunity to grow and learn.
The Power of Resilience
Our journey is a testament to the power of resilience. It’s a story about not giving up in the face of adversity, about pushing through when the odds seem stacked against you. It’s about the belief in a vision so strong that no amount of rejection can deter you from pursuing it.
A Beacon of Hope
Today, as we look back on those early challenges, we see them not as setbacks but as vital chapters in our story. They shaped us into more resilient, determined, and resourceful entrepreneurs. Our journey serves as a beacon of hope to others facing similar challenges, a reminder that with faith and persistence, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chandler.thomas_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chandler.The.Franchise
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cthomas2015/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/CThomas_32
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConnectWithChandler