VBE Spotlight on: E-Railspot

E-Railspot

E-Railspot was founded in 2020 by Timothy Brake.

E-railspot is a procurement and asset management SaaS (software as a service) provider. They connect buyers, sellers, and shippers in an effort to increase industry awareness and conduct seamless B2B transactions within the railroad sector.

Learn more about E-Railspot by visiting their website at e-railspot.com.

About the Business - Making Management More Streamlined

What services do you provide?

"Procurement and Asset Management Software"

Who are your primary customers?

"Currently working in the Railroad industry globally, but the software can be used for any industry. Current customers are Union Pacific, BART, Watco, Railworks, etc.."

When and how did you start your business?

"'In July of 2020, I began to create my vision for a single location for Buyers to buy or sell anything in the railroad sector. I hired a technical team to code the entire site, and soon found that this platform can benefit other industries as well."

Business Growth Challenges - Growing Through Challenge and Change

What were some of the challenges in starting your business?

"Definitely the coding was the biggest challenge! Trying to get the User Interface clean, simple, and thorough enough to conduct business in a more efficient manner. We had to look at the entire process of Buy, Sell, Ship from a 10,000 foot view and realize not all problems can be solved at once. There was a lot of pain in that process, and then we switched from a "targeted" approach, to "casting a net". Another challenge was working with the right developer. Finding a partner that can balance our vision and offer technical foresight, as well as, doing it on a start up budget was very difficult. We had some trial and error!"

What is the key to the success of your business?

"Fixing one issue at a time instead of taking on the entire project shotgun style. The overall vision is a monster and can be overwhelming. So, while keeping our mind on the mission, we prioritize our targets and execute."

What lessons learned can you share with people to make their business succeed?

"Read the statement above, and learn to be frugal."

What pitfalls should they avoid?

"Don't work on too many tasks at once, learn to say no, and don't spend it if you aren't making it."

What other information about you and your business would you like to share with the NaVOBA community?

"Having our VBE certification was one of our best investments. We work with Public Transportation Agencies, and they can benefit by procuring their services and materials through our platform."

Service information

Branch:

US Army, US Army National Guard

Service Years:

1992-2003

Highest Rank Attained:

E-5p

Why did you join the military?

"Family tradition, needed the discipline, and service to my country."

Military Occupation:

"92Y & 88M; Plus temporary duty as MP/Game Warden"

Significant Achievements/Experiences:

"I was good at soldiering, overachieving in all aspects of military life."

Biography/Fun Facts

If you weren't a business owner, you would be?

"I would be a Marine Biologist. Glad I chose my current path because Marine Biology pays like shit!"

In 10 years, you see yourself?

"In 10 years, I see myself retired in Costa Rica."

How do you relax?

"To relax and stay in shape, I play competitive sand volleyball all around the Houston area."