Today we’d like to introduce you to John Harmon
John , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started ObiiGO after experiencing the headaches all car owners have. How do I know I’m not being overcharged? How can I confirm the repair was done? I don’t have time to get at least 2-3 quotes to compare. How am I going to pay for the repairs.
With ObiiGO the car owner select the repair, type in the zip code and see multiple shops in their area. If they want something near work they can use that zip code. You’ll receive multiple qualified quotes from vetted shops and you can select and schedule via the app. The shop only knows the car make and VIN so ObiiGO has eliminated the ability to profile. The car industry is not the only sector this happens in. Once the car is repaired you’ll be able to check out via the app. We have partnered with klarna, Affirm, and Apple Pay so you have options. We are the only auto repair app that offers “repair now pay later”. That $500 repair can now have payments without a credit check.
We didn’t have a crystal ball when we launched in late 2021. We were solving a problem and as we grew we listened to our customers. Their problems became our problems. We feel that we are breaking the barrier between the car owner and shop owner. A car that is better maintained will always have less expensive repairs. Covid was an accelerator for all app use and to this day drivers are still in amazement that ObiiGO exists.
Regardless of the financial wellness of the car owner, everyone wants to save on car repairs. The average car today is 12+ years old and out of warranty.
ObiiGO will bring on “rewards” in 2025 so that with every oil change, repair, tires, ObiiGO will reward points to over 400 stores or you can build up points on future repairs. After spending $500 for a repairs I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like a target gift card as an example.
Car repairs will continue to rise and it has become one of the top three largest expenses. It’s the third largest inflation sector.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Building an app is like hugging a cactus. Be careful about getting too comfortable because once you do it will stick you. The challenges are constant and it takes a lot mentally and physically. If you’re looking to start something, ask yourself if it will be relevant in 10 years. Is it solving a problem? Does it have long term value? Is the market large enough? Is this sector growing? AI is changing the way businesses operate so that would be another thing to evaluate. The grind is daily and there are no off days. The sacrifice is huge and if you’re not able to focus for hours in one spot working on your company, I would rethink starting.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
With ObiiGO the car owner select the repair, type in the zip code and see multiple shops in their area. If they want something near work they can use that zip code. You’ll receive multiple qualified quotes from vetted shops and you can select and schedule via the app. The shop only knows the car make and VIN so ObiiGO has eliminated the ability to profile. The car industry is not the only sector this happens in. Once the car is repaired you’ll be able to check out via the app. What sets us apart is our payment options. We have partnered with klarna, Affirm, and Apple Pay so you have options. We are the only auto repair app that offers “repair now pay later”. That $500 repair can now have payments without a credit check.
We didn’t have a crystal ball when we launched in late 2021. We were solving a problem and as we grew we listened to our customers. Their problems became our problems. We feel that we are breaking the barrier between the car owner and shop owner. A car that is better maintained will always have less expensive repairs. Covid was an accelerator for all app use and to this day drivers are still in amazement that ObiiGO exists.
Regardless of the financial wellness of the car owner, everyone wants to save on car repairs. The average car today is 12+ years old and out of warranty.
ObiiGO will bring on “rewards” in 2025 so that with every oil change, repair, tires, ObiiGO will reward points to over 400 stores or you can build up points on future repairs. After spending $500 for a repairs I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t like a target gift card as an example.
Car repairs will continue to rise and it has become one of the top three largest expenses. It’s the third largest inflation sector. ObiiGO is most proud of the savings, both time and financially that we have brought to our customers and the sector. We hear stories of people struggling in this economy and our “repair now pay later” saved them from coming out of pocket $500. They were able to pay their rent, feed their family, put gas in their tank. 60% of Americans today will go into debt with a $500 repair. If you have a favorite shop and want ObiiGO, let them know! We offer as many or more benefits to the shop owner as we do the car owner.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Achieving the next goal makes me happy. You need something to look forward to that brings you a sense of accomplishment. I like to build things.
It can also be as simple as taking a walk, helping a friend, charity work, etc.
And, if sitting in the sun laughing with your friends makes you happy do it often!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.ObiiGO.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obiigo/?hl=en
Image Credits
John Harmon CEO of obiigo owns the images and gives permission.
