Each month, we are delighted to introduce you to one of the members of the Alkaloid Networks community, a coworking space on the Eastside Atlanta Beltline. This month we visited with Benny Warlick.
What are you working on right now?
I am working on a web app called 9 Mile, named after an old trolley line in Atlanta. The 9 Mile app harvests permitting and construction data from local government websites and sends out automated notifications to subscribers.
Who is your ideal client/target audience?
Our clients are a mix of developers, community leaders (particularly in historic districts), investors, real estate agents, and individuals just curious about construction near their homes.
What is a common misconception about your industry or work?
People think of apps and coding as a kind of dark art, but it’s really easy to get started.
What is your big picture vision for your business?
We want to help make local government data easier to navigate. There is a tremendous amount of data on local government websites. Our goal is to harvest it and aggregate it in a way that is easy to use.
What is your superpower?
I am a lawyer and I don’t have a background in coding. So I look at these problems from a different perspective.
What is your favorite business or productivity tool?
Google Docs – simple and easy to keep track of large amounts of information.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
For tech startups – The Startup Owner’s Manual by Steve Blank.
Why Alkaloid?
I love the neighborhood and community feel. I love the space and the atmosphere here.
What is your favorite amenity at Alkaloid?
Not exactly an amenity, but the location right on the Beltline.
You have been working from Alkaloid during the pandemic, why are you using the space?
It’s a great space because everyone has been respectful of pandemic protocols.
What advice would you give someone considering coworking?
It really works well for trying out a business concept without overhead.
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