Molly Motsinger-O’Neil of Superb Shifts
An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Molly Motsinger-O’Neil (co-founder and CEO) of Superb Shifts, which was honored in our:
- 2024 Best Tech Startups in Nebraska
Tell us the origin story of Superb Shifts – what problem were you trying to solve and why?
The idea for Superb Shifts emerged from my experiences as a gerontologist working closely with senior care facilities. I saw a recurring problem: facilities struggled to find staff to fill critical shifts, leading to overworked employees and, ultimately, compromised care for residents. At the same time, healthcare workers often wanted more flexibility and transparency in their schedules but were frustrated by outdated systems that didn’t meet their needs. The disconnect was clear, and I knew technology could bridge the gap. Superb Shifts was designed to address both challenges, creating a platform where facilities can reliably fill their shifts and healthcare workers can find opportunities that fit their lives
What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?
One of the most significant challenges we faced early on was securing the funding needed to develop our product and get the startup off the ground. Building a tech-driven solution in the senior care space required not only capital but also loyal adopters – customers who were willing to work with us through the iterations of our platform and provide honest feedback about the pain points we were addressing. Finding these early champions who believed in our mission was crucial but not always easy. We quickly learned that collaboration was the key to success. By working closely with facilities and healthcare workers, we were able to refine our approach, adapt to their needs, and build the trust necessary to grow
What does the future hold for Superb Shifts?
The future for Superb Shifts is centered on growth, innovation, and deeper impact. We’re working to expand our reach beyond Nebraska, bringing our solutions to communities nationwide. In addition to scaling our core platform, we’re committed to developing new tools and service lines tailored to the unique needs of our customers. Whether it’s AI-driven enhancements to streamline matching, actionable workforce insights for facilities, or innovative features to improve user experience, our focus remains on solving pain points specific to the senior care industry. Our mission will always be to create solutions that address the real challenges faced by our users, and we’re excited to continue evolving to meet those needs while empowering healthcare workers with meaningful, flexible opportunities
What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in Nebraska?
Nebraska’s tech startup scene is thriving in its own unique way, characterized by a supportive and resourceful community. While it may not have the same scale as Silicon Valley, the encouragement to succeed here is unparalleled. The community is quick to provide mentorship and guidance, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the tools they need to navigate challenges. Organizations such as Invest Nebraska, Proven Ventures, and Nebraska Angels are tremendous assets, offering the support and capital necessary for startups to get off the ground. What’s particularly exciting is how local startups are leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, often in industries that don’t traditionally see much tech investment. It’s a fantastic ecosystem for those who are willing to innovate and build, with a community that truly has your back.
What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Focus on solving a problem you’re deeply passionate about, as that passion will be your anchor through the inevitable highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Surround yourself with a team that not only believes in your vision but also brings diverse perspectives and creative thinking to the table. In the early stages of a startup, versatility is key – your team should be ready to tackle everything from pitching to investors to rolling up their sleeves for the most mundane tasks, like taking out the trash. In a startup environment, there’s no room for egos. Success comes from collaboration, humility, and an unwavering commitment to what you are building