Introducing (not really, we have written about him before here and here) Martin Roth. He is a born and raised New Orleanian who graduated from LSU last year with a degree in Economics. He founded Giftmeo, a shared-gifting platform that allows people to pitch in on a gift for a friend, and was a member of this year’s Launch Pad Ignition class. Martin also curates a gear blog called Contemporary Masculine and writes from a personal blog here.
Two of the most interesting facts about Martin, besides that he is a great entrepreneur, is that he loves Gummy Bears (Haribo over Black Forest) and rides a pedicab in the French Quarter to help fund his startup. Follow him on Twitter @themartinroth.
What is the most exciting thing you are working on right now?
The Launch Pad Ignition group after Launch Fest
Giftmeo, without a doubt. My business partner, Michael Angle, and I have been at it for two solid years and we are now on the market. I could never have anticipated how much fun working on a live product is. I will be honest, I was a bit apprehensive about customer service, but I am starting to enjoy it. Talking to your own customers is extremely gratifying, regardless of whether the topic is positive or negative.
We just finished our journey through Launchpad Ignition and we made it out on the other side in one piece. In the process I learned to code (barely) and more importantly we figured out how we are going to build our company the right way.I’m not sure what chapter we are on in the story, but I know it is about to get really interesting.
If you wrote a regular column for Silicon Bayou News what would it be about and what would you name it?
A weekly column featuring a local high net-worth individual interested in angel investment. “Weekly Angel” or “The Angel Angle” (I’m a fan of corny titles).
If you could win any award in the world, which would you be most proud to possess?
Nathan’s Coney Island hot dog eating contest champion.
If you were stuck on an elevator for two hours, what one person (dead or alive) would you choose to be stuck with?
Andrew Carnegie.
IYO, which institution is most due for disruption?
Economic system.
If you had to pick a drink to describe yourself (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) what would it be?
Orangina.
Tell us about your biggest failure.
I wish I had studied abroad in college.
What’s your favorite thing to do on a Sunday afternoon?
Family time.
If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A Juan’s Flying Burrito on a spinach tortille with a side of sour cream (from the Magazine location)
If you could live in any other time period, which would you choose?
1890s London (Sherlock Holmes) OR 1920s Manhattan (Gatsby).
What are you most excited about happening on the Silicon Bayou that you aren’t directly involved in?
In addition to all of the amazing companies that came out of Launchpad Ignition, and in addition to all of the amazing attention that the Silicon Bayou has gotten in the past twelve months (see Louisiana Startup Bus, et al), I would like to throw in a mention for the Receivables Exchange. These guys have the definition of a disruptive technology and they are making the right moves to validate the receivables market as a viable financial product. Not only that, but they are growing hand over fist, bringing jobs to New Orleans, and making waves in the process which is exactly what this city needs.