Andy Bozzo, co-founder of Tablet Command, shares hisjourney from firefighter to tech entrepreneur. Tablet Command is a softwarecompany that provides incident management, response notification, andsituational awareness tools for public safety agencies across the United Statesand Canada.
The idea for Tablet Command was born out of tragedy. In2007, Bozzo's fire department lost two firefighters in the line of duty. Thisincident highlighted the need for better incident management and personnelaccountability tools. Inspired by mobile gaming technology, Bozzo and hisco-founder Will Pidgeon set out to create a digital solution to replace theanalog methods traditionally used in firefighting.
Developing the product wasn't without challenges. The teamhad to navigate the complexities of integrating with various computer-aideddispatch (CAD) systems and overcoming resistance from IT departments skepticalof iOS-based solutions. However, their persistence paid off, and theyeventually secured partnerships with major fire departments across the country.
Bozzo discussed the challenges of raising capital for aniche product in the public safety sector. Unlike consumer-facing techstartups, Tablet Command had a longer sales cycle and a more limited market.This made it difficult to attract traditional venture capital. Instead, theyrelied on friends, family, and investors who understood the value of theirmission to provide initial funding.
Throughout the interview, Bozzo emphasized the importanceof staying true to the mission of enhancing firefighter safety andeffectiveness. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs in the public safety space toseek authentic, altruistic investors who understand the unique challenges ofthe industry.
Tablet Command continues to grow, with a focus onmaintaining high uptime and responsive customer service. Bozzo, who still worksas an active firefighter, sees this dual role as crucial in keeping the productaligned with the needs of first responders.
As the company looks to the future, they aim to expandtheir presence across more fire departments in the U.S. and Canada, always withthe mission of creating life-saving software at the forefront., purpose, andcustomer-centricity, it’s a touchdown that will keep scoring for decades.
Connect with Tablet Command: https://www.tabletcommand.com/
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