Enterprenuer
Kevin Ruef Co-founder of 10-8 Systems, computer-aided dispatching software that uses cloud technology at a lower price.
After surpassing multiple companies’ sales records, his experience spans B2B, B2G, and B2C.
Kevin has been responsible for business development and strategic partnerships since the company’s inception in 2019.
What is the story of 10-8 Systems?
We found that the available options for public safety software were unreliable, expensive, and outdated.
Our co-founder, Bryan, was shocked by the inefficient, obsolete, and error-prone systems that cities relied upon during emergencies.
At the same time, he worked as an emergency dispatcher, sheriff’s volunteer, and emergency medical technician.
The videogame industry validated the concept.
It became apparent that there was a real opportunity for public safety.
How do you stay productive?
A typical day begins between 8 and 8:30 am with a phone check to ensure you have received essential texts, emails, and calls.
It’s time for a quick breakfast and an overview of the latest news worldwide.
Then it’s back on to the meetings, scheduling meetings or customer calls, until about 6 pm.
After that, it’s back to work, scheduling appointments or customer calls until 6 pm.
Public safety does not sleep, so there is no way to predict when my phone will ring.
Automating many of my daily tasks helps me to be more productive.
Calendly, for example, is used to schedule appointments.
Clockwise is also used to organize our schedules to increase efficiency.
How do you bring ideas to life?
We are constantly evolving and looking for new ways to improve our platform.
We are continually looking to improve our platform using real-world experiences and feedback from users all over the country.
We regularly update our roadmap based on the feedback we receive.
What’s your favorite trend?
Cloud solutions enable unprecedented interoperability.
Most public safety agencies and solutions are currently entirely isolated.
This means that agencies and systems have difficulty communicating with each other.
We are currently working on several strategic partnerships that will enable us to create a complete public safety communication platform.
Our software will be able to set new standards in the public safety sector and accomplish things that no other public safety software has done.
What habits make you productive?
Exercise. This improves your mental and physical health.
This also sets aside “learning” time while I’m on the exercise machine (podcasting, reading, etc.).
What’s your advice for the Noob?
Buy Bitcoin. It was still around $1. My friends bought like mad, but I didn’t get the logic behind cryptocurrency.
They’re now the ones laughing at exotic car dealerships.
What is one thing we can all agree on?
Most people who are “helpful” do not care about others.
Everybody wants to help. While this can be helpful at times, it is often not enough.
This is a double-edged knife for founders. While I think many people are generous, there are still large numbers of people who look out for their interests.
What do you recommend as an entrepreneur?
Never stop being “on,” even if you have over a decade in sales.
You never know what your next deal or opportunity might be.
This is difficult for non-salespeople.
But, it’s essential to be constantly “on” as you never know who might be watching or who could help.
What’s your rich strategy?
Find strategic partners. Unless a large conglomerate or VC capital backs your company, most companies must remain on their own.
If you are a milk startup looking for a partner, look into cookie companies that can complement your product.
How do you overcome Failure?
Although it is not impossible, it can be hard to get “early” in old-school industries.
It can also be difficult to disrupt an industry that lobbyists have dominated.
Not all customers want transparency and modern solutions.
It was wrongly assumed that all sectors wish for the best solutions.
Customers don’t want to change the status quo with new software/solutions.
Can you share a business idea?
You can learn complex skills like SEO and social media marketing.
Small and medium-sized businesses have great opportunities to partner with boutique marketing agencies.
What’s your recent best buy?
Rosetta Stone can be used in unlimited languages.
Being a lover of talking, I am always open to new ways to communicate with people.
I have enjoyed learning new languages and making new business friends.
What are your favorite Softwares or Apps?
We recently discovered scribe (scribehow.com). It is a Chrome plug-in that allows us to create FAQs and guides for our clients and internal staff.
The recorder is used to quickly develop step-by-step instructions for customers who have submitted a request.
These instructions can be saved and shared when common questions arise.
Which book would you recommend?
“Predictable Revenue” is a book by Aaron Ross and Marylou Tyler.
This book breaks down the sales “machines” and provides strategies.
This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to build a sales team.
What’s your favorite quote?
“Two great talkers are not worth one excellent listener.”
It doesn’t matter how professional your sales skills are.
It is far more critical to listen to your customer.
TL;DR by Kevin Ruef
Automate your day with these methods
Find partners, both for founders as well as strategic partners
Early systems that are scalable
The best salesperson will be the one who listens well.
