The OC Register’s Susan Gill Vardon recently published an article about our CSUF Startup Incubator resident John Barton. The article delves into the twists and turns (those are called “pivots” in our parlance) that John has been navigating while he has been working on launching his business. It’s a great article that covers how the Incubator has helped John make his dramatic pivot and the progress he has made since making that pivot. Worth the read (subscription may be required).

And what is his business? John’s startup is focused on creating a white label app that resorts, hotels, and other destination locations can use to help improve communication with their guests. As Jim Forde from Diamond Crown Resorts says in the article:

“The app is a great way to show visitors what the area around Dana Point has to offer, Forde said. The timeshare resorts don’t have restaurants on the property because the rooms typically have full kitchens, he said.

“‘You have someone arriving in California for the first time,’ Forde said. ‘In Dana Point I would tell them about the trolley service, the different things to do. John could reach out to these vendors and try to get discounts for them.

“‘For us it is a conversation piece. It adds value for our clients.’”

I got a chance to ask John earlier today to expound on his experience working with the Incubator and how it has helped him pivot his startup. Here’s what John had to say: “The Incubator really helped me make this pivot. I believe as an entrepreneur its important to take an honest look on what you’re doing and see down the road if it’s really going to be a sustainable model. The Incubator helped me realize that while I had a good concept, it would be much more beneficial to be behind the scenes and license the technology!”

For more information on how to apply to be the next Resident of the CSUF Startup Incubator please visit the main CSUF Startup page. With all of our residents, the goal is to help them go from concept to launch. And a pivot, which is basically a clear change in the driving strategy for a startup, is frequently what we help our residents do.