Remember when surveys were done on paper? Alright, maybe some still are, but Ravin Shah’s app, QuickTapSurvey, is quickly introducing the asking and answering process to the digital age. It’s no surprise his idea became the world’s highest rated survey app…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m the Co-CEO and Founder of TabbleDabble, a tech startup that created the world’s highest rated survey app, QuickTapSurvey.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started TabbleDabble with my good friend Tishan Mills in 2010. We were walking down the street when someone with a clipboard stopped us and asked us to fill out a paper form. As we looked away and walked on, we figured there had to be a better way. Apple had just released the first iPad and we immediately saw this mobile touchscreen tablet as the perfect tool to interact with people and collect data. And right there, QuickTapSurvey was born.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my day is talking to our users around the world and hearing how much they love QuickTapSurvey. It’s an awesome feeling to know that our product is helping people do their jobs better. The most challenging part of my day is shutting down and telling myself that tomorrow is another day!
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
When my work/life balance is off, I start to feel out of shape. I find it harder to exercise and my junk food cravings start to get the better of me.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself doing the same thing but on a much larger scale. I see TabbleDabble expanding to provide a suite of disruptive and innovative products like QuickTapSurvey.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome at TabbleDabble was seeing the venture through. The first two years were tough. We knew we had a great idea and built an amazing product, but didn’t have the funds to keep the doors open. To overcome this, we had to push ourselves to the limit and truly believe in our product.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
For me, it’s never been about the money, but having more of it definitely doesn’t hurt! Success to me is being able to collaborate with smart people to achieve the impossible. Hitting the really tough milestones are the ones that feel the greatest!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
There have been so many important milestones in my career and I see each one as a stepping stone. The one that stands out for TabbleDabble was our move to downtown Toronto. As a boot-strapped startup that was on the verge of shutting down, moving downtown and growing our team was a big milestone for us.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Life is long and there is a lot of time to make up for losses. The worst case for most of us isn’t really all that bad.
Where is your favourite place to wine / dine in your city and why?
Ever since our daughter was born, wining and dining has become a rare luxury; but when we’re out, we love Mercatto, Milagro, Lee’s, and when we’re celebrating a special occasion, George.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “me” time?
When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my family. My wife and I recently had our first and she is the cutest thing ever. When I truly have “me” time, I love playing squash and riding my bike.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
Nepal is by far the best country I have ever visited. The mountains and valleys are picturesque, the people are beautiful, and the food is delicious.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
“Started From the Bottom” by Drake. We were never really at the bottom, but it reminds me of our journey.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
No doubt, I would be living in some remote part of the world with my wife and daughter on an extended stay learning and/or volunteering while travelling from country to country.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I don’t support any specific charities but I am a strong believer in giving back to the community. Some charities I’ve supported include United Way, Movember, and Susan G. Komen.
What to you is notable?
To me, anything different or out of the ordinary is notable.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#NOTABLE
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.