"Begin locally to build globally. Starting small allows for big dreams to take root and grow organically."
At the heart of every innovation Bretton Key has created lies a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of genuine connections and enriching experiences.
As a devoted father, Air Force Reservist, entrepreneur, and tech visionary, Bretton Key’s journey is a testament to the impact of living by one’s convictions.
His passion for fostering meaningful relationships and enhancing life’s quality led him to develop My Date Jar, an app that transcends and rethinks how to create magic moments with people we cherish.
It reflects his commitment to a world where relationships flourish through shared, memorable experiences.
With over fifteen years in the IT realm, Bretton Key’s path has been marked by a relentless pursuit of tailor-made solutions that address specific needs.
This pursuit drove him to establish KeyTech Solutions, his independent IT consulting company, where he continues to shape the technology landscape.
His ability to simplify complex tech concepts and create impactful solutions for multimillion-dollar companies is a testament to his role as a problem solver and a visionary.
Bretton Key would characterize himself as a big nerd with a big heart who seeks to be the change he wants to see in the world.
In every endeavor, Bretton Key strives to be an agent of change, championing businesses and initiatives that align with his belief in a more unified, loving, and adventurous world. His journey is a reflection of his dedication to leaving a lasting imprint on the world, one connection at a time.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Bretton Key: I started jotting down ideas for fun things to do on paper notes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, I ended up with a bunch of these ideas collected in a mason jar.
It all started when I was navigating the single life and dating scene after a long-term relationship. I also noticed some relationship challenges within my friend circle, which sparked this whole thing.
The ideas in the jar were not restaurants per say but more adventurous things to push me out my comfort zone. Furthermore, I had a firm belief that any person willing to do items in my jar was somebody I needed to invest in and keep close.
I did not look at this first as a business until the app came out, immediately I gained a lot of users without even asking. As well I saw my business as a conduit and hub for fostering meaningful connections.
People looked at me at first like I was crazy or delusional about the method I took to deliver the service I offer. Once I started talking about the real premise and purpose of what I was doing in my venture, things changed. In a nutshell, My Date Jar is different from your typical matchmaking service.
Instead, we’re all about paving the way to better relationships through real experiences. I’m not positioning my offering as a dating service but more event planning and coordination.
My goal is simple- create a space for people to share their experiences and tips, while also helping tourism, attractions, and unique activity businesses stay connected.
My goal also is empower other small businesses and develop a platform for those offering unique activities or events.
If you were in an elevator with Warren Buffett, how would you describe your company, your services or products? What makes your company different from others? What is your company’s biggest strength?
Bretton Key: Date Jar makes it simple and easy to make plans for outings. The main driver of this it the My Date Jar app, it is for those that believe in hassle free planning and better quality with people we cherish.
It looks to evolve into the ultimate go-to platform for fun and entertainment across all relationship stages. The aim is to bring value to users and form partnerships with various industries, enhancing both personal and professional relationships.
My vision is to disrupt the norm, advocating for elevated experiences in your spare time and be on the side of innovation to bring us all closer together.
What advice do you wish you had received when you started your business journey and what do you intend on improving in the next quarter?
Bretton Key:
- Embrace the Learning Curve: Recognize that transitioning from corporate IT to app development is not just a change in job roles but a shift in mindset. Be prepared to learn continuously and adapt to the fast-paced nature of the tech world.
- Build a Strong Network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and professionals who have navigated similar paths. Their insights and support can provide valuable guidance and help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Focus on the Business Side: As a tech professional, you might be inclined to focus on the technical aspects of your app. However, understanding the business side, including marketing, customer acquisition, and revenue models, is equally important.
- Start Small, Think Big: While it’s essential to have a vision for scaling your app, starting with a focus on your local community can provide a solid foundation. Use this as a testing ground to refine your app and business model before expanding.
For next quarter I intend to address by doing the following
1. Navigating the Fast-Paced App Development Landscape:
- Focus on continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends in app development. Allocate time to explore new technologies and methodologies that can enhance my app’s functionality and user experience.
2. Expanding Business and Technical Skills:
- Enroll in advanced business and technical courses that are relevant. I will also seek mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and tech experts to gain insights and strategies for scaling my business.
3. Connecting with My Audience:
- Develop a comprehensive marketing and outreach plan that includes social media engagement, content marketing, and community building. Use analytics to understand my audience’s preferences and tailor offerings to resonate with them.
4. Embracing a Public Role:
- Work on my public speaking and presentation skills. Plan to participate in more industry events, webinars, and podcasts to share the vision behind my business.
Here is a two-fold question: What is the book that influenced you the most and how? Please share some life lessons you learned. Now what book have you gifted the most and why?
Bretton Key: “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle – a book that packs a punch with its profound wisdom, doesn’t it? It’s like a gentle slap in the face, reminding us to wake up and live in the present.
For me, it was a game-changer. It peeled back the layers of my mind, revealing that the pursuit of knowledge and resources is not just a quest but a necessity for growth.
And let’s talk about relationships – oh boy! Tolle made me reevaluate everything. It’s like he handed me a magnifying glass to examine the intricacies of my connections, be they romantic, platonic, or professional.
It was an eye-opener to understand that it’s not just about going with the flow, but actively seeking what truly matters and advancing the common goals.
A few life lessons from this gem? Well, first, living in the now is not just a fancy concept; it’s the secret sauce to a fulfilling life.
Second, growth is a never-ending journey – embrace it, seek it, and cherish it. And third, relationships are like puzzles; it takes effort and insight to see the big picture.
In the spirit of sharing wisdom and fostering growth, I’ve found another treasure – “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab. It’s like the perfect sequel to “The Power of Now,” guiding you on a journey to establish healthy boundaries and find peace in your life.
So, if you’re looking to continue your journey of self-discovery and personal growth, this book is my gift to you. Cheers to living in the now and setting boundaries for peace!
Business is all about overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities for growth. What do you see as THE real challenge right now?
Bretton Key: The challenge we face today is the increasing reliance on technology, which threatens to diminish the authenticity of human interactions. In this digital age, the convenience of online connections often overshadows the depth of real-life experiences.
However, I believe we are on the cusp of a significant shift. In the next 5-10 years, I envision a movement back towards genuine, meaningful connections, where the superficiality of hook-up culture gives way to a deeper appreciation for quality relationships.
I realize that take may be polarizing from guy who is a huge advocate of technical innovations.
Furthermore, I recognize that AI will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the future, but it will not be the sole driver. Instead, AI will serve as a tool to enhance and personalize the user experience, aiding in the cultivation of deeper connections.
The challenge now versus the future I see is one where technology and human interaction complement each other, creating a balanced ecosystem that fosters real connections and a sense of community.
It’s a future where AI is not a replacement for human touch but a facilitator of richer, more meaningful experiences.
As we navigate this challenge, I am hopeful that with thoughtful intention and a focus on genuine interactions, we can redefine the industry and create a more connected and fulfilling world.
In your experience, what tends to be the most underestimated part of running a company? Can you share an example?
Bretton Key: The most underestimated aspect of running a company, in my experience, is the daily commitment to persevere, especially when faced with obstacles and outcomes that don’t align with your vision.
I encountered this firsthand when a large tech firm failed to deliver on their promise to create a new and improved version of my app. The situation left me feeling embarrassed and demoralized, as I couldn’t provide the elevated experience I had promised to my community.
However, instead of giving up, I took a step back to reevaluate my approach to app development. I enrolled in programs and took classes that taught me to adopt a lean approach, which significantly shifted my perspective on how to build and improve my app.
This process also helped me refine my criteria for selecting partners, ensuring that they shared my vision and commitment.
Through perseverance and the support of my network, I was able to reimagine the app experience and expand my business model. This challenging period taught me the value of resilience and the importance of continuously adapting and learning in the face of adversity.
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Bretton Key: If I could have a business superpower, it would be the ability to effortlessly forge lucrative partnerships that align perfectly with Date Jar’s mission.
This power would not only drive a strong revenue-generating approach but also enhance our offerings, leading to widespread adoption and the byproduct of happier people in their relationships.
It would ensure the sustained growth and success of Date Jar, creating a network of collaborators that truly benefits everyone involved.
Jed Morley, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Bretton Key for taking the time to do this interview and share his knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Bretton Key or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
