Dr. Sherry Benton of TAO Connect
An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Dr. Sherry Benton (founder and Chief Science Officer) of TAO Connect, which was honored in our:
- 2022 Best Tech Startups in St. Petersburg
- 2019 Best Tech Startups in St. Petersburg
- 2018 Best Tech Startups in St. Petersburg
Tell us the origin story of TAO Connect – what problem were you trying to solve and why?
I was the director of the counseling center at the University of Florida. We could never keep up with demand, so we needed an alternative way to deliver services and came up with a hybrid that consisted of weekly 15-minute video conference sessions supplemented with educational materials online.
What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?
The biggest hurdles we encountered were getting initial funding and finding good staff.
What does the future hold for TAO Connect?
We are looking forward to expanding beyond the educational sector to employer groups and healthcare systems.
What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in St. Petersburg?
It’s a good place [for startups]. There’s lots of support from other startups in the community and places like the Tampa Wave.
What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Be persistent, get lots of feedback from potential customers, and don’t be overly tied to your original idea.