ASK ME ABOUT
LAURA RANDALLTEPE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FLYWHEEL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE HUB ASK ME ABOUT My new role in the Cincinnati region’s innovation ecosystem.
MYRON RIVERS FOUNDER AND CEO LERCH
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THE LERCH STARTUP JOURNEY? Aware-
ness. Getting our names out there. The Lerch app delivers cashless, order-ahead drink service, so with live events starting back up we know event producers are looking for ways to connect with their attend-
ees. Lerch is not only a new company, but it’s also new idea and new way of connecting to audiences. There’s been some apprehension from potential customers.
HOW LONG DID YOU BRAINSTORM AND PLAN THIS BUSINESS BEFORE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING?
We came up with the idea in May 2020 and
62 REALM SUMMER 2022
ASK ME ABOUT My startup experience launching an event concierge software app.
quickly began the work of researching the landscape to see if there was a product already out there. We didn’t find anything similar to our idea, so we began the process of creating the company, and 18 months later Lerch launched the MVP (minimum viable product). That was in October 2021.
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IS THE COMPETITIVE EDGE THAT WILL HELP LERCH SUCCEED LONG TERM?
Our success rests in the ease and the speed that we can integrate into your venue or event. For the Cincinnati region, we’re one of the first of many new ideas to come to market in the entertainment space. We hope to continue
to change the landscape and operation of live events across the country. –ELIZABETH MILLER WOOD
WHAT HAS BEEN THE CONSUMER RESPONSE TO THE NEW SUBSCRIBE LEASING MODEL?
The response has been terrific. Supply chain challenges, the rising cost of purchasing a vehicle, and the debate on whether to buy a combustion- or electric-powered vehicle have all had a positive impact. Quite simply, busy people fall in love with the notion of having to just put gas or electrons in their car and not worrying about maintenance and insurance. Plus, Subscribe members can drive a different vehicle every month. It’s a car lover’s dream.
HOW DO YOU BALANCE INNOVATION WITH HONORING A 65-YEAR-LONG BUSINESS LEGACY AT MIKE ALBERT LEASING? One of our core
values is, “What got us here won’t get us there.” Yes, we have 65 years of rich history, which has
P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E SY L E R C H
