#StartupsEverywhere Profile: Sean Miller, Co-Founder & CEO, Griot
This profile is part of #StartupsEverywhere, an ongoing series highlighting startup leaders in ecosystems across the country. This interview has been edited for length, content, and clarity.
Improving Communication and Workflows for Field Technicians
Griot is a first-of-its-kind communication and knowledge sharing tool specifically designed to streamline field technicians’ work. Co-Founder & CEO Sean Miller met with us to explain the importance of user privacy and illustrate how Griot addresses field technicians’ most common work-related problems.
Tell us about your background; what led you to Griot?
My career now spans about two decades; in the first decade, I worked with general contractors a lot. Over the last 10 years it’s been electricians, plumbers, security, smart home technicians, etc. And across all of these different roles, I noticed a common theme: regardless of experience and training, when a technician goes into the field they still hit roadblocks where they can't figure something out or a part doesn't work. Those “uh-oh” moments are becoming more critical because over the last 10 plus years, there’s been a shortage of people going into the skilled trades. Then there was an acceleration of people retiring from those very same skilled trades when COVID started, and we’ve now had inflation push up the cost per hour. All of these things generally mean that there are less people trying to do more work. So what’s really important now is that they can get the job done when they go out.
How does the Griot platform work?
When technicians run into the problems I mentioned, I’ve observed that they realize they can leverage the knowledge of their team, but the way they do that is usually by calling one another. And that’s just inefficient. I’ll give you an example. I call you because I’m trying to fix an HVAC unit. I’m telling you what I see and you’re asking me, “What color is the light?Is it blinking or solid? Is it blinking three times?” And so we spend 15-30 minutes in this back and forth. Best case scenario, you’ve helped me, but it takes a while.
Worst case scenario, you can’t help me, and now we have to send another person out in a week or two. The idea was that there's a better way to solve this, like with video communication. There are lots of video communication tools out there: FaceTime, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, or Slack, just to name a few. But the problem is none of these are built for skilled trade. They don’t appeal to the way skilled trade workers want to work. They rely on personal accounts, and they don't retain knowledge. Even with Facetime, you have to figure out if you’re both on an iPhone. It becomes complex and the skilled trades workers are often on a time crunch to get their jobs done.
We created a simple-to-use video communication tool that helps skilled trade workers in the moment and supports video calling someone else who can see what they see and quickly augment on the screen with their finger (ie: “take this part and put it here”, or “you need this part to fix the problem”). They get what they need quickly and efficiently, and they’re done. Another benefit is that over time, you can capture those screen notes and tag them with the location and the product. That way the collective knowledge of that workforce grows, and as team members come in, leave, retire, or learn new problem solving skills, that knowledge gets captured and embedded in the platform. The team becomes more effective and new employees can be onboarded faster.
How does security play a role in your app? Can you walk us through how you regulate content and maintain privacy?
In my previous life, I was with Alarm.com. Alarm is different from other tech platforms that collect user data because for many companies the data is their primary source of monetization. But Alarm works the opposite way. Their priority is helping their customers, not selling individuals’ personal data. This strongly shaped my mindset around users’ security and privacy going into Griot. For the security of all of the data, we have encryption on the device, the communication method(whether it be direct messages or calls), and on the cloud storage.
What have been your challenges with the California Consumer Privacy Act?
In my role with Alarm.com, I ran a subsidiary that set up smart buildings, smart apartments, and smart rental homes. You can imagine all of the connected locks, thermostats, and cameras—a whole bunch of devices that bring in different opinions on what should and shouldn't be shared. When CCPA first came out, there was ambiguity in regards to when and how it would be applied. Luckily, we were already complying with GDPR, which helped our overall compliance.
Are there any local, state, or federal startup issues that you think should receive more attention from policymakers?
Over the last 30 years, everyone was pushed towards four year colleges and degrees as the linear path to earning a good income and being happy. Given the skyrocketing cost of a four year degree, and the mountain of debt it leaves many students with, we’re now questioning if that’s the right thing (especially when it comes to the return on your educational investment). Good education is something we want as a society, but a good education is not only a four year degree. I would love to see policy makers further support vocational schools and community colleges as good educational choices. That affirmation would help people discover rewarding careers like the skilled trades, where they can not only earn a good living but also impact people's lives.
Another issue that policymakers can help with is how we provide on-the-job training for skilled trades. 10 or more years ago, if you became a plumber, you got to go out into the field with a guy or gal who was a senior plumber, and they would help you figure things out. Today, given shortages and costs, you don't get that—you get some time in a trade school, and then you’re thrown into the field. That can be intimidating, dangerous, and can lead to waste. I think companies like Griot can be a resource in the conversation around encouraging people to go into skilled trades and rethinking how they do so. We can provide a virtual senior technician to help an apprentice get on the job training safely and effectively. We don't have to do it the way we did 40 years ago; we can use technology to help people be more efficient when they come out of their schools.
What are your goals for Griot moving forward?
My job over the next six months is to show two things: one, that I have a product that works, and two, that there are people who want to use that product. Right now, it’s a really good time to raise money, and in six months it may be a little more challenging. But if I can build the right product and show enough interest, I am confident we will find capital partners that see the same problem we do and are excited to help provide a modern tool to skilled trades!
All of the information in this profile was accurate at the date and time of publication.
Engine works to ensure that policymakers look for insight from the startup ecosystem when they are considering programs and legislation that affect entrepreneurs. Together, our voice is louder and more effective. Many of our lawmakers do not have first-hand experience with the country's thriving startup ecosystem, so it’s our job to amplify that perspective. To nominate a person, company, or organization to be featured in our #StartupsEverywhere series, email advocacy@engine.is.
