Meet Gordon Smith, co-founder and developer at Lobbly.
Tell us a little about your business. – With everything happening in the world right now, many businesses feel the pressure of providing prompt customer service while not overtaxing their employees. Small businesses have borne the brunt of this squeeze because they are often working with a small staff, and even the most motivated employee can’t be everywhere at once. That’s where Lobbly can help by providing an AI receptionist that can answer incoming customer calls and texts, freeing you and your staff up to excel where you’re needed.
How did you get started in the business? – I’ve been a developer and computer engineer for over 20 years now and love building software and hardware products that help people. In early 2020, I saw small businesses struggling with the lockdown restrictions and built the first version of Lobbly in an attempt to take some of that burden off their shoulders. This year, my co-founder Brint and I went full-time on the business.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I started my career as an introverted professional consultant, which is an oxymoron. Being introverted is a challenge when you’re with new customers every week, working a tight schedule. I chose that job specifically to put myself in that uncomfortable position and worked through my obstacle.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Carmen and I have four kids, with the oldest attending SCC and the youngest in his terrible twos.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – If I have a day off to myself, my favorite thing to do for fun is woodworking. I spend almost all of my time in front of a keyboard, and there is something incredibly relaxing about switching gears completely.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I grew up in a military family, moving every few years, and never calling any place “home.” Everyone always thinks that must have been hard because you are always the new kid, but it was awesome because when everyone is in the same boat nobody is ever the new kid.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Definitely flying so that I would never have to step on an airplane again. I spent six years as a professional consultant, different cities every week, averaging three flights a week. I would be thrilled never to see an airplane again.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Juggling. My little ones love it, but oddly it never seems to come up in my daily work life.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Girls Code Lincoln is a fantastic local organization helping young girls in our community to take up coding and technology. I’ve volunteered on and off over the years teaching software and hardware courses and always regret not doing it more.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – The last good book I read was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I loved his book The Martian, and his newest was a pleasant surprise.
What is your favorite movie? – Die Hard, the best Christmas movie ever.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 413-1460; gordon@route8.io; lobbly.com.