Owners: Jonathan Kelly and Alan Runion
Location: 101 Campbell avenue right in the heart of downtown.
Type of Business: Delivery Company
Describe your company and who your clients are.
Fetch Roanoke is a food delivery service that brings customers a wide range of restaurants and cuisines that typically do not offer delivery services. We are targeted to everyone who either doesn't have the time to sit down and eat, is comfortable in their home and doesn't want to go out, or for someone that is under the weather and can't make it out for food.
What was the inspiration for opening your business?
Ah the inspiration! Well, last year i traveled a lot. I was in NYC for new years. I then went to LA 3 weeks later and launched LIV. I took a trip out to Austin the next month and then i flew out to San Diego in March for a surfing trip with some friends. I also went to DC with my girlfriend a few times for the redskins games and just to get away. We also frequently go to Charlotte for clubbing, panthers games, & shop... that was the inspiration one in the same. Everyplace i just mentioned put me in a situation where i wanted this service.... & each of those places had it. I like creating simple ideas and making them grow. Its kind of like your own child. Alan and I want to inspire others not just through this company. We're creating something on a bigger scale that will help other young aspiring artists and entrepreneurs live their dreams if they really want it.
What was your ultimate goal when you decided to open your business and has that goal changed?
I would say that our ultimate goal was to provide great food to the great people for as small a cost as necessary. I would also go on to say that we are very loyal to this idea and will continue to honor it well into the future, Its what Fetch Roanoke was founded on, it will not change.
How important is it to recognize loyal customers?
In our business it is crucial without our customers we wouldn't have a company. loyalty of the customers in this field is also tantamount, while our service is intended for everyone, there is a key demographic of individuals who order delivery from place on a frequent basis and their loyalty keeps us a thriving business.
How do you market your business? How are people aware of your business?
We are currently marketing in several different ways we are running ads in several local magazines, we are using Facebook as a way to connect with new business, we advertise through location specific emails , all this is done along with canvassing areas with promotional materials. also due to the relationship we have built with local restaurants they help to promote our service as well.
Do you have a specific business plan or model to operate your business?
Not essentially we have a great idea and a plan of execution but its not on paper Jonathan and I just keep it mentally and live for it everyday. When we hit obstacles we overcome them and the company and are staff are stronger because of it.
What qualities do you look for in your employees?
We look for young ambitious individuals who are excited about expanding with a new company. They need to be self driven and we encourage them to bring management their ideas about bettering the company.
Being young entrepreneurs what would you say would be a challenge or obstacle with managing a company?
Being young with new ideas in a city such as Roanoke always has it’s obstacles. It’ss an old town that’s demographics are slowly changing. It’s our goal to speed this process up.
How are you guys moving so fast?
We have a really solid team. My partner Alan, our sales team, our programmers, and the rest of our guys on the ground are constantly going above and beyond when it comes to work. Where we lack in certain areas we make up through hard work and perseverance.
What is something you that you want people to know about your company?
As a new young company in Roanoke we wanted to offer a fun place for our employees to work and to make the delivery service business hip and bring it into the new age. At fetch headquarters Downtown Roanoke we offer our staff a lavish break area fully stocked with snacks and beverages for them to enjoy at no cost to themselves. We want to see our staff grow and do well in their own private lives that why we offer them a place to do school work or work on other personal projects before or after their shifts.
Has any other young entrepreneurs asked for help/advice in the Roanoke area?
Actually there have been more than I expected. It's incredible how many unique ideas come from a small city like Roanoke. I think the biggest obstacle most young entrepreneurs face here is capital. Roanoke's a tough market. Our downtown area is vital to success of the whole city I think. If our downtown area keeps growing then more and more young adults will move here. Those young adults have different mindsets and views. That's exactly what we need. If you have a good idea and you have the right team behind you the capital will come
What are your future plans with the company?
We plan on rapid growth for the future we see ourselves in Salem Va within four months and Blacksburg within 7 months. We want to have the entire state of Virginia by the end of five years.
It's always great to see young entrepreneurs having the courage to create their own lane. We are looking foreword to seeing the growth and expansion of Fetch Roanoke as well as using their services in the future. Be sure to like their Facebook page Fetch Roanoke and stay updated on specials and new restaurants to order from!
