Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ignacio Viau. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ignacio , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.
To begin with I would like to tell you about what we do today. HOKALI simplifies the process of booking, organizing and managing after-school programs and camps for schools. With our marketplace, schools can easily find and book a variety of onsite programs and camps to supplement learning and enrich students’ extracurricular experiences.
We started as a Surf Lessons marketplace, then shifted to a Sports Lessons marketplace and now found our place as an Extracurricular Activities provider. The idea of HOKALI’s transition from a B2C to a B2B business model likely evolved through a series of strategic considerations and market insights. Here’s a plausible scenario for how this transition may have occurred:
Initial B2C Model: HOKALI initially started as a B2C platform, aimed at sports entusiasts, offering a marketplace for sports lessons. This model allowed sports enthusiasts to easily find and book sports lessons.
Market Research and Feedback: As the company operated in the B2C space, they likely gathered feedback from users, including parents, students, and potentially educational institutions. This feedback could have highlighted several challenges and opportunities.
Identifying a Pain Point: Through market research and feedback, HOKALI might have identified a pain point within the educational sector. Schools often face challenges in sourcing and managing extracurricular programs and camps for their students efficiently.
Shifting Focus to Schools: Recognizing this pain point, HOKALI may have decided to pivot towards a B2B model. By providing a solution that simplifies the process of booking, organizing, and managing after-school programs and camps for schools, they address a critical need within the education sector.
Benefits for Schools: The B2B marketplace now enables schools to access a wide array of programs and camps from local academies and coaches, streamlining the process. Schools can enrich their students’ extracurricular experiences without the administrative burdens associated with organizing these activities internally.
Value Proposition: HOKALI’s value proposition to schools likely includes time and cost savings, access to diverse program offerings, and the ability to enhance students’ learning experiences beyond the classroom.
Iterative Development: HOKALI would have gone through iterative development and testing to refine the B2B platform, ensuring it meets the specific needs of schools and addresses pain points effectively.
Overall, the transition from B2C to B2B for HOKALI reflects a strategic response to market feedback and an identification of a valuable opportunity to serve schools in simplifying their extracurricular program management.
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.
About Our Company: Our company was founded with a clear vision of enhancing the educational experience for students beyond traditional classroom settings. We recognized the need for comprehensive after-school programs that go beyond academics and enrich students’ lives through diverse activities.
Founding Inspiration: The founders, who were educators themselves, saw the potential to create a platform that simplifies the process of discovering, booking, and managing a wide range of after-school programs. They were driven by a shared passion for education and the belief that extracurricular activities play a vital role in a child’s holistic development.
Products and Services: We offer a user-friendly online platform, which serves as a marketplace connecting schools with local academies and coaches. Our platform streamlines the process of finding, booking, and managing various after-school programs and camps. It covers a broad spectrum of activities, from sports and arts to STEM and leadership programs.
Client Solutions: We address a key challenge faced by schools – the need to provide diverse and high-quality extracurricular activities for students without the administrative burden. Our platform simplifies program management, saving schools time and resources while offering students access to enriching experiences.
What Sets Us Apart: Our commitment to bridging the gap between schools and local academies is what truly sets us apart. We prioritize the educational and developmental needs of students while providing a hassle-free experience for schools. Our dedication to quality, diversity, and ease of use makes us a preferred choice for schools seeking to enhance their extracurricular offerings.
Proud Achievements: We are most proud of the positive impact we’ve had on students’ lives by making enriching after-school activities more accessible. We’ve partnered with numerous schools to expand their extracurricular offerings, benefiting both students and educators.
Key Message: We want potential clients, followers, and fans to know that we are committed to improving the educational journey for students by simplifying the process of offering high-quality after-school programs. Our platform is a reflection of our dedication to education, innovation, and community enrichment. We believe in bringing every kid the opportunity to explore their interests & reach their potential.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Our most effective sales strategy for expanding our client base has been the power of word-of-mouth referrals. It’s a testament to the quality, safety, and excellence we prioritize in our after-school programs. Here’s how this strategy has driven our growth:
1. High-Quality Programs: Our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality after-school programs has been the cornerstone of our success. Parents, students, and schools consistently witness the positive impact of our programs on students’ development, which naturally leads to enthusiastic recommendations.
2. Safety First: Safety is paramount in all our programs. Parents and schools trust that we prioritize the safety and well-being of every student. This reputation for maintaining the highest safety standards has spread through word of mouth, reinforcing our credibility.
3. Excellence in Education: We stand out for the educational excellence offered through our programs. When students excel and develop valuable skills, parents and schools become advocates, sharing their positive experiences with others.
4. Community Trust: Building trust within the community has been integral. As we continue to deliver on our promises and exceed expectations, our reputation for reliability and quality spreads organically.
5. Personal Recommendations: Satisfied parents and schools often personally recommend our services to friends, family, and colleagues. These personal endorsements carry significant weight and lead to an influx of new clients.
6. Strong Referral Network: We’ve nurtured a robust referral network within schools and among parents. Schools appreciate the ease of working with us, and parents recognize the value we bring to their children’s education. As a result, they refer us to others in their network.
7. Long-Term Partnerships: Our commitment to long-term partnerships with schools and academies has solidified our position as a trusted provider. Schools often refer us to neighboring institutions based on their positive experiences.
- Extensive program range: We offer a wide variety of After School Programs and Day Camps such as Dance, Enrichment, Fitness, Languages, Martial Arts, Music, Performing Arts, Sports, STEM Education, Visual Arts and Wellness.
In summary, our dedication to delivering high-quality, safe, and impactful after-school programs has organically fueled our growth through word of mouth. We take pride in the strong community of satisfied clients and partners who believe in the value we provide, making them our most effective advocates and driving force behind our expanding client base.
How’d you meet your business partner?
Both of our co-founders share a unique background, having been born and raised in Argentina, a country known for its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes. What makes their story even more interesting is that they first crossed paths while pursuing their passion for surfing in San Francisco back in 2018.
Their journey, starting from the heart of Argentina to the coastal waves of San Francisco, is a testament to their adventurous spirits and shared love for outdoor activities. This chance meeting while catching waves symbolizes the serendipity that often leads to the creation of innovative ventures.
The co-founders’ diverse backgrounds and experiences, combined with their mutual interest in surfing, have brought a unique blend of perspectives and skills to our company. It’s a testament to the power of unexpected connections and shared passions in shaping our entrepreneurial journey.
Subscription is that people can choose the most convenient time slot for their lessons without having to adapt to previously established timetables.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hokali.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hokali.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HOKALI.co/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hokali/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/hokalico
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBecSl8CwFwbTStBmxVkHnA