“A bad workman always blames his tools.” While this old English proverb is true, it’s hard to get the job done when you don’t have the tools needed in the first place. When undertaking a construction or home improvement project, you never realize you need a bull float or a plugging chisel until actually on the job site. Atlanta-based startup, Mule2Go, wants you get the job done and let them make the run. A graduate of ATDC, Mule2Go has a beta launch planned for mid-July 2015.
Founded by Alfonzo Thurman and Andy Dervin, “Mule2Go utilizes crowdsourced drivers to deliver product from local retailers, same day, with real time delivery tracking,” explains Thurman. “Mule2Go can be used by anyone; however, our customer focus are the 3.2M Home Improvement/Building and MRO Professionals that leave the job site to spend $47B per year at big box retailers.”
Mule2Go’s concept is similar to that of Uber, but with a specialized twist. Customers download the app or visit mule2gopro.com to register and place a credit card on file, then chat with Mule2Go’s Subject Matter Expert ‘Pros.’ Pros advise the customer, build carts, and then dispatch qualified drivers to pick up the order. Drivers deliver the order, which customer can track real time.
“Leaving the job site to purchase things needed that day is a pain and causes inefficiency,” says Thurman. “Hundreds of millions of transactions were made at local retailers across the country by construction, remodel and repair professionals who would have preferred to stay on site.” The idea of Mule2Go was born after he and Andy took Uber rides in 2013. On the back of a napkin, they brainstormed how to incorporate the crowdsourcing model into the home improvement industry over dinner.
Together, the co-founders have over 35 years combined experience servicing the home improvement, wholesale and building industries. Thurman’s leadership began as captain of the Hoosier football team at Indiana University. As a Merchandising Executive with The Home Depot and a Strategic Sourcing Director/Category Manager for Safeway, he successfully led the launch of industry leading product lines such as Diablo Creek and Firefly wines, Husky and HDX plumbing tools. Dervin has led contracting companies on the West Coast since the mid 1990’s.
Alfonzo and Andy are currently bootstrapping the business with a little help from friends and family. “We’re currently raising $1M in Angel round funding and are looking for early stage investors that are experienced in one or more of the following: crowdsourcing, delivery, retail and construction,” say the co-founders. “We are also looking for drivers, customers and employees! Can sign up to be a driver, pre-launch customer or subject matter expert ‘Pro’ employee at our website.”
