A Buffalo-Based Tech Startup called KORC (like a cork bulletin board, but “kooler”) recently launched, bringing with it a service-based application that allows “workers” to be matched with “posters”. Let’s face it. We can all think of some service, right this very minute, that we could use. Yesterday a friend of mine was looking for a plumber. The other day I was in need of someone to do some caulking work. My neighbor needs someone to take care of her garden right this minute. A friend of mine was recently in need of a dog walker. See what I mean?
Now, think about the perfect smartphone and web application that would allow you to simply post what you are looking for, along with how much you are willing to pay. KORC makes it super easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, and the workers that are matched with your needs are rated and insured. There’s even a bartering option! Plus, the posters remain anonymous until they select the qualified professional, at which time the two are paired. After the job is done, the poster rates the worker, much the same way other goods and services are rated online.
On the flip side, KORC allows skilled tradespeople to readily find work in a simple and clear way. Gone are the days of the phonebook. This is the day of online referrals. KORC gives dedicated, reliable workers a place to pick up jobs, where they can negotiate their own prices, instead of being beholden to a boss that will need to jack up the price of a job. This application allows the worker/s to deal one-on-one with potential clients. And if the worker doesn’t live up to the expectation of the client? Well, that doesn’t bode well for the worker, who will only get the jobs if his or her rating is high. See what I mean?
KORC is the brainchild of Adam Flatau, a freelance web developer. After spending three solid months working on the app, Flatau teamed up with co-founder Nick Buscaglia, a senior analyst in corporate banking, to roll out the business plan. The two were introduced through Z80 Labs in Buffalo.
“We are encouraging more people to launch startups right here in Buffalo instead of Silicon Valley,” says Flatau. “I have noticed over the past 5 years, that rent [in Buffalo] has sky rocketed, and traffic has increased. Buffalo is growing and I think it’s time we put a stake in the tech industry, especially when we have a Yahoo data center here now.”
“We are extremely passionate about WNY and believe in creating sustainable value that will help take the region to the “next level” that we seem so destined for,” Buscaglia adds. ” We just launched our iOS app this past month, and the Android version is expected later this month. [We are ready to] take on the growing on-demand service economy.”
Even though I have not had a chance to use the app myself, I plan on doing so the next time that I need some work done on my house. Until then, I am interested to see this company grow, as it appears to already have some strong legs upon which to stand.
Click here for a free download in the App Store, or visit the KORC website when you get a chance. Hopefully you will find that you will be saving money and time, while getting the professional services that you expect time and time again.