Meet Tracey Wiedmeyer
Tracey grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and later pursued a career in software development. He co-founded GRIPP to help agricultural and industrial businesses manage equipment, maintenance, and other operational needs with ease. With GRIPP, Tracey aims to provide a simple solution that replaces the multiple software systems businesses currently rely on.
Why GRIPP? Solving Operational Pain Points
The idea for GRIPP emerged from Tracey’s involvement with Purdue University, where he identified gaps in agricultural equipment management. Farmers and manufacturers often juggle several software tools to manage operations, which can be overwhelming. GRIPP combines all essential features into one platform and leverages QR codes for easy access to information on the go.
• Target Users: Farmers, warehouse operators, and manufacturers
• Key Features: Streamlines regulatory tasks (like OSHA inspections), simplifies fleet management, and allows users to track equipment through QR codes
• COVID’s Impact: Accelerated QR code adoption, making it easier to integrate this technology across industries
Overcoming Challenges: Winning Hearts and Minds
Tracey shares that one of the biggest challenges was convincing owners to adopt new technology without overwhelming their teams. Many operators were hesitant to introduce new tasks, like daily equipment checks, fearing it would burden employees. GRIPP addressed this by introducing incremental changes and demonstrating the value of a culture of care in operations.
Lessons Learned from the Field
Tracey reflects on his farming background and the work ethic it instilled in him. Initially, he felt out of place in tech spaces dominated by Ivy League graduates, but his perseverance and hands-on problem-solving abilities helped him succeed. He emphasizes the importance of sticking with difficult tasks and not being afraid to pivot when needed.
Building GRIPP and Managing Growth
Running GRIPP involves balancing product development, customer relationships, and scaling operations. Tracey discusses how GRIPP has grown through referrals from satisfied customers, especially in the farming and manufacturing sectors. He highlights the importance of scaling the platform to allow customers to onboard themselves, minimizing the need for hands-on setup.
A Day in the Life of a Founder
Tracey shares that his role involves long hours filled with investor meetings, customer outreach, and administrative tasks. Despite the workload, he enjoys getting out on the road to meet clients face-to-face. His daughter has even joined the family business, helping with marketing efforts while in college.
Wins, Insights, and Future Plans
GRIPP’s biggest wins have come from referrals by existing customers. Tracey emphasizes the importance of networking and building trust in industrial and agricultural communities. Moving forward, GRIPP will continue scaling its platform to meet growing demand while maintaining its commitment to user-friendly solutions.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiedmeyer
Topics Discussed
1. Simplifying Operations: How GRIPP streamlines equipment and maintenance tracking
2. Winning Over Users: Creating a culture of care in operations
3. Leveraging QR Codes: Harnessing COVID’s impact on QR code adoption
4. Scaling Smart: Using customer referrals to grow the business
5. Lessons from the Farm: Applying a hands-on work ethic to software development
6. Family Business in the Making: Tracey’s daughter joins the company’s marketing team
7. Overcoming Tech Skepticism: Building trust with reluctant users
8. Pivoting with Purpose: Adapting operations to fit customer needs