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

Tyler, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Hivey came from a blend of personal experiences that shaped my understanding of the challenges faced by small businesses. Back in 2017, I was a taproom manager, juggling the chaotic process of scheduling food trucks, musicians and trivia. It was frustrating to see how outdated and inefficient the system was—managing schedules through spreadsheets, texts, and calls. I could see the pain points on both sides: taprooms struggling to fill spots and food trucks scrambling to secure consistent business. I thought, *there has to be a better way to do this.*

Later, I moved into corporate catering, where I worked to connect locally owned restaurants with corporations for lunchtime events. This experience really opened my eyes to the power of recurring events. I saw how these partnerships created reliable revenue streams for small businesses, often making the difference between just getting by and thriving. Seeing those impacts firsthand planted the seed of what Hivey could become. It wasn’t just about fixing scheduling; it was about empowering local businesses and fostering stronger communities.

By the time I entered the software industry in 2020, I had a clear sense of the problem I wanted to solve. I also realized that no one else was tackling it with the right tools. Sure, there are solutions out there, but they weren’t built with small business owners in mind. I knew there was an opportunity to combine automation and community in a way that would make life easier for them—saving time, reducing stress, and unlocking growth.

What excited me most was the chance to create something meaningful that filled this gap. Small businesses are the backbone of communities, yet they often lack access to technology tailored to their needs. Hivey is my way of solving that. It’s not just about scheduling; it’s about giving these businesses the tools they need to succeed, build relationships, and thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

Starting Hivey felt risky, but the logic was undeniable. I’d seen the problem. I knew the people it affected. And I understood the massive potential of solving it in a way that no one else was doing. That’s what convinced me it was worth taking the leap.

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?

I’m Tyler, and my journey to founding Hivey stems from a mix of hands-on experience and a passion for solving real-world problems. Early in my career, I managed a taproom, coordinating food trucks and experiencing firsthand how disorganized and time-consuming the scheduling process could be. Later, while working in corporate catering, I helped connect locally owned restaurants with corporations for lunchtime events. Witnessing how recurring partnerships became lifelines for small businesses deeply impacted me. I saw how predictable revenue streams could empower these businesses to grow, and I became passionate about finding ways to simplify operations and unlock similar opportunities for others.

In 2020, I transitioned to the software industry and worked at early-stage startups, where I learned how technology could streamline complex challenges. After being laid off multiple times, I decided it was time to take a leap and create something of my own. That’s when Hivey was born—a platform designed to bring automation, community, and technology to industries like food trucks, breweries, and event organizing.

At Hivey, we tackle a common but overlooked issue: managing recurring partnerships and scheduling. What sets us apart is that we focus on building community-driven solutions tailored specifically to small business owners. Hivey isn’t just a scheduling tool—it’s a resource designed to save time, reduce stress, and foster collaboration. We also stand apart by offering an upfront, low-cost subscription model, avoiding commission-based fees that eat into small business profits.

What I’d like people to know about Hivey is that we’re here to genuinely support small businesses and their communities. We believe in the transformative power of recurring partnerships and the role they play in driving long-term success. Hivey was built on the principle that when small businesses thrive, entire communities benefit. For me, this work is deeply personal—it’s about giving entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed, and that mission drives me every day.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Funding Hivey was a mix of personal investment and support from passionate individuals who believed in our vision. When we first started, my wife and I took a big leap of faith, investing our retirement savings to bring Hivey to life. We were confident that the problem we were solving—streamlining scheduling and fostering small business partnerships—had real value.

Recently, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to secure $460k in pre-seed funding from angel investors in the community who share our passion for empowering small businesses. These investors understand the challenges small businesses face and believe in the transformative potential of Hivey to create stronger partnerships and communities. Their support has been instrumental in helping us expand our reach and refine our platform to better serve the businesses we care so deeply about.

This funding is a testament to the belief that small business success has a ripple effect on entire communities. It’s a milestone we’re proud of and one that inspires us to continue building something truly impactful.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

We’re relying on a few key strategies to bring new clients to Hivey, and we’re actively seeking support to make them a success. Word-of-mouth referrals and community connections are a major focus for us. Small business owners in industries like food trucks and breweries are tightly knit, and we’re working to build a product that naturally inspires them to share their positive experiences with others.

We’re also prioritizing being present in the communities we aim to serve—attending local events, engaging with business owners directly, and demonstrating how Hivey can simplify their operations and help them grow. This grassroots approach aligns with our mission of empowering small businesses and building trust through authentic interactions.

Finally, we’re looking to partner with early adopters who can act as champions for Hivey. Their feedback and enthusiasm will be critical in helping us refine the platform and reach more businesses. By focusing on these strategies and collaborating closely with the community, we’re building momentum and working toward growing our client base. If you believe in our vision, we’d love your help in spreading the word!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Hivey.io
• Instagram: @helloHivey
• Linkedin: Hivey