ASK ME ABOUT

MYRON RIVERS LAURA RANDALLTEPE

FOUNDER AND CEO

LERCH

ASK ME ABOUT My startup experience launching an event concierge software app.

ASK ME ABOUT

My new role in the Cincinnati region’s innovation ecosystem.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF THE LERCH STARTUP JOUR-

NEY? Awareness. 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 attendees. 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 quickly began the work of researching the landscape to see if there was a product already out there. We didn’t fi nd 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 fi rst 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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

FLYWHEEL SOCIAL ENTERPRISE HUB

WHAT HAS BEEN THE CONSUMER RESPONSE TO THE NEW SUBSCRIBE LEASING MODEL?

The response has been terrifi c. 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 diff erent 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

YOU WERE NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IN JUNE TO SUCCEED FOUNDER BILL TUCKER. HOW DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE PRIME YOU FOR THIS POSITION?

I’ve been a nonprofi t leader for 10 years, but in 2017 I co-founded a startup. We were using sensor technology to help seniors stay safe at home. We went through an accelerator, so I’ve done the work and I’ve pitched to funders. I know it’s crazy hard, but I also know there’s nothing more exhilarating than building out an idea that can make a diff erence.

FLYWHEEL FOCUSES ON HELPING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE STARTUPS. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO INVEST IN THEM IN ADDITION TO REGULAR STARTUPS?

Social enterprises grow the local economy just like other startups and they make our community a more sustainable and just place to live. We call it the double bottom line. Our Sustainable Cincy business founders are creating products and services that support a healthy planet, and our Elevate Equity founders are solving for systemic race and gender bias.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU HOPE TO ADVANCE THE FLYWHEEL MISSION UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP? As

our accelerator programs grow, we’re able to attract the most talented startup founders. The next step is to enhance the way we connect them to the talent and capital around this region that they’ll need to launch, grow, and scale their businesses. – E.M.W.

taught us a lot, but it doesn’t move us forward. We let our purpose drive us: To provide the most rewarding mobility experiences that enrich lives and organizations. What our clients and the data tell us is advancing our purpose stays; everything else goes.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER PRODUCT OR SERVICE INNOVATIONS IN THE

WORKS? I can tell you that we’re working on other innovative services like Subscribe as well as enhancing the data-based tools we use to manage car and truck fl eets for client companies.

– E.M.W.

JEFF HART

PRESIDENT

MIKE ALBERT LEASING

ASK ME ABOUT

Our new car lease service called Subscribe.