Rick West of Field Agent

April 16, 2020 thetechtribune

An exclusive Tech Tribune Q&A with Rick West, the co-founder and CEO of Field Agent, which was honored in our:

Tell us the origin story of Field Agent – what problem were you trying to solve and why?

We launched Field Agent in April 2010 during the “pre-selfie” era that was full of flip phones and Blackberrys. We came up with the idea the year before as we were using our new iPhone 3Ss to search technology companies that were using mobile devices to capture data and insights in retail locations. To our surprise, no one was using mobile devices to pull data (e.g. use the camera and GPS to obtain and verify data) – they were all developing apps just to get users to download the app, hoping that the user would in turn click on ads (e.g. the more downloads, the more clicks on ads and the more revenue they would earn). The other unique feature of our business model: we were actually the 1st iPhone app to pay cash for using it. No badges or points – just cash, which was revolutionary in 2010.

What was the biggest hurdle you encountered in your journey?

The primary struggle for us was explaining the technology to potential clients who were generally all Blackberry users. At that time in the iPhone lifecycle, the business community was slow in adopting new technology, so we had to literally show our client how to use an iPhone, how the camera worked, and how the phone’s GPS confirmed their location.

So fast-forward 10 years to where we are now, and our conversations are no longer about the technology itself (everyone is now using a smart device), but how creative we can be with the technology.

Our secondary struggle was tied to the new industry we launched- “crowdsourced data”. We disrupted the current marketplace and its practice of using professionals to capture data in stores. We were crowdsourcing everyday shoppers to capture data and provide insights during their normal shopping trips. It was initially difficult for our clients to understand that their core shopper would be able to provide quality data and insights more quickly and affordably than conventional methods.

Fast forward again 10 years to today and the gig economy is more commonplace, and our clients are more acceptable to everyday shoppers completing tasks. Now we are using the same platform and shoppers to perform marketing tasks and ratings and reviews.

What does the future hold for Field Agent?

We are at the tip of the spear within the expansion of the gig economy. We are focused on expanding our platform across new verticals and tasks here in the US and across the globe to deliver solutions for our clients.

Our team is also focused on the health of our agent base (the shoppers that complete tasks). You will continue to see us deliver unique tasks and opportunities that will allow us to impact even more people around the world.

You will also see us continue to be involved with the local startup community and with the Endeavor Foundation as we strive to give back locally and to entrepreneurs around the world.

What are your thoughts on the local tech startup scene in Fayetteville?

I moved to Fayetteville in 2001 from Bangkok, Thailand. I had visited one of my business partners, Henry Ho, who was one of the initial people on the ground when P&G launched its Walmart customer team. It was evident to us that the ecosystem surrounding the Walmart supplier team was unlike any place in the world. This fact, along with the growing university, ensured we would be able to establish ourselves in an area of the country that would see growth for years to come. The Fayetteville area allows for an amazing quality of life while at the same time delivering access to Fortune 500 companies, all located within a 30-minute drive. You simply cannot replicate this in other parts of the world.

The people believe in the area and want to make it successful. They are also a part of the Midwest eco-system that believes in hard work – both at the office and at home. This dedication is hard to find, and I feel we are a better company because of it.

When you put these things together, it is an amazing community for tech startups. It has the talent, infrastructure, and lifestyle necessary to start and maintain a successful tech company.

What’s your best advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

We are a tech company that created a solution to a problem – we are not a tech company looking for a problem to solve. We took this approach and recruited experienced CPG and tech developers to create a best-in-class product and organization.

#1 – Begin with a solution to a problem (preferably a unique solution) and focus on delivering a great product.

The second thing is advice that I received from Dr. Steve Graves and it has stayed with me over the years, “you are only as good as you invoice and collect.” Yep – anything else is just an expensive hobby.

#2 – Do your research and find a stranger (friends and family do not count) and see if they will pay you for your product or service and if not, find out why…