How I Became A Founder: WorkClout’s Arjun Patel

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WorkClout is enabling deskless workers to perform to their highest potential while on the job. WorkClout is a mobile and web application designed to help industrial companies build and execute safety/quality inspections, incidents, corrective actions, and visual work instructions. WorkClout is a Y Combinator company and ventured backed by the top VCs and Angels in the world.

Frederick Daso: When did you first gain interest in being a founder?

Arjun Patel: My dad has never had a job in his life and always started businesses since he was a kid. Growing up in India, he had aspirations to move to the US, which he eventually did when he was 24 or 25. When he made it to America, he was able to work some odd jobs and found out ways to make money to get enough capital to his own business. He eventually started a few businesses owning car washes, liquor stores, an immigration business, a winery, and his manufacturing company.

I saw my dad build multiple companies throughout his life, and I was always was inspired by his drive and energy. Even at 60, he’s still working on more projects while running three successful businesses simultaneously. So I first gained interest in becoming a founder when I was a kid, the moment I comprehended what my dad did for a living.

Daso: What were the key experiences that helped you be in the position you are today?

Patel: I can reflect on a lot of pivotal moments, but If I had to boil it down to 3 experiences, it would be:

1. Working at my father’s manufacturing company. When I was a teenager, I asked my dad to work as an operator on the factory floor as an after school and summer job. This was when I discovered the magic in what my dad does in making a company run successfully. It also taught me the value of working hard for your goal and how it doesn’t come easy.
2. Meeting my cofounders and starting our first app in 2015. Right after college, I decided I wanted to start a company — whether it failed or succeeded, I knew it would be like a…