Enterprenuer
Justin Spraggins, the CEO, and co-founder of Snack Break, Inc., is a tech startup that recently released Popcorn, a small video app for work.
Justin has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. He started his first business in Cleveland, OH, at age 15.
After a brief stop in New York City, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.
He booked his first iPhone commercial in 2008, which was the spark that drew him to technology.
He saw the potential and the disruptive nature of technology, so he quit acting to pursue creating socially relevant apps.
Justin has created many apps since 2011, including Looksee, a photo-sharing app that was #1 in the App Store with millions of downloads.
Spraggins, who founded Unmute Inc. in 2016, raised 2.2M from Greylock Partners, Greycroft Partners, and Betaworks.
Other venture capitalists included Greylock Partners and Greycroft Partners.
Courtside Ventures, Betaworks, and Courtside Ventures. Former NBA commissioner David Stern also funded BDMI.
Robert Kirkman is the creator of The Walking Dead.
Spraggins and Ben Hochberg founded Snack Break, Inc. in 2020 to create Popcorn.
Their mission was to transform work by empowering people with better communication and expression.
What is the story of Snack Break?
My co-founder and I have developed a variety of mobile apps for consumers.
We felt disconnected from our remote team this past year.
We wondered, “Why isn’t there a Snapchat for work?” A simple app that allows users to quickly and easily share short video messages… Popcorn is now available.
How do you stay productive?
My alarm goes off at 6:01 am when I get up. My two-year-old Wesley is set up with cartoons, and I begin my day.
I am a morning person, which makes it easy for me to be productive immediately.
I also love what I do so that my energy lasts throughout the day.
How do you bring ideas to life?
As a designer and developer, I get ideas from users for product improvements or features.
I then design the interface and implement it. Once the concept is realized, I bring in my co-founder and CTO to help me hook it up and get it shipped to users.
What’s your favorite trend?
It’s not a popular trend, but I think the next trend in enterprise apps will look very similar to consumer social apps.
What habits make you productive?
A standing desk makes it easy to get in front of the computer and code when I walk into my office. When I feel in the flow, momentum builds.
What’s your advice for the Noob?
Get in tech faster.
What is one thing we can all agree on?
Hard work and long working hours are what I value.
Finding what you love is the key to making work feel less like work.
What do you recommend as an entrepreneur?
To get their feedback, I speak to our customers to improve Popcorn.
What’s your rich strategy?
Get out there. Get out there and tell as many people as you can about Popcorn and the problem that we solve.
How do you overcome Failure?
My previous company, Unmute, failed. We created an app for live audio that allowed you to unmute listeners.
It was kind of like a podcast. We may have been two years too early or slightly behind in execution.
However, 2020 Clubhouse launched the same concept, and it has been an enormous success.
Can you share a business idea?
An online merchandise platform where influencers can sell AR effects and other digital effects to their followers.
What’s your recent best buy?
32oz Nalgene water bottle. Before buying the big water bottle, I didn’t drink enough water. It is essential to stay hydrated.
What are your favorite Softwares or Apps?
Notion. It makes it super simple to make a checklist.
Which book would you recommend?
The Bible is the best book to read.
What’s your favorite quote?
Lyric from Little Wayne’s song “Asleep on The Gas, No Brake Pads.”
TL;DR by Justin Spraggins
- Finding work you love is the first step.
- Keep hydrated.
- Talk to as many potential customers and users about the product you are creating to find out what is working.
