Hey PH Folks!
Hello all! I'm Jason Rivard.
I spent an entire career in tech, I must have a natural love for it.
My first "real" job? Selling the first generation of digital cameras and camcorders (alongside film and VHS ones!) at BestBuy. I always took pride in being the "guy that could answer any question" about any of the products we sold. I moved up into the world of cell phones, spent a decade in telecom sales, then moved into the world of servers, storage and networking (pre cloud era!) Soon, with the cloud wave, I found myself immersed in global SaaS companies. Today, I find myself venturing off into my own endeavors. I currently run a small, NH based firm that focuses on developing pragmatic uses of Ai. I find myself obsessing over the notion of using Ai to free humans for higher order tasks.
Ive also fallen in love with Product Hunt, I guess you could call me a long time lurker.
With an upcoming launch, now is the best time to break the ice. I've learned the greatest form of currency is human connection, so I am thrilled to network, talk shop, or otherwise engage with anyone who raises their hand.
One launch coming soon, 2 more in the pipeline!
Happy Product Hunting!
Jason
Replies
Welcome to Product Hunt, @jason_rivard!
This has to be one of the most interesting introduction I have read here.
I will tell you why...the early digital camera and VHS came a few generations ago. Goes without saying, you must be veteran in your space.
The community can learn a thing or two from your upcoming launches. Share your experiences, and have a great time Product Hunting!
@ashok_nayak Thanks Ashok! Ill date myself, this was circa 1998. The breakthrough? Sony came out with a camera that accepted a 3.5" floppy disk, for a whopping 1.5Mb of storage. Given the resolution and sensor quality at the time, if memory serves this translated to maybe 30 pictures on average per disk
People spent big money on these things, I remember the retail on one of the mid level models was $599, so about $1,200 or so today. For 640x480 res on a floppy disk. crazy! Happy to connect with you and thank you for the comment!
Creatium
Hey Jason, I find your idea super intriguing and am looking forward to your upcoming launch! I love that you're thinking about using AI for higher-order tasks! We're launching something in the creating and learning space in the next two weeks! Happy Product Hunting to you, too. :)
@anisha_agarwalla Thanks so much! Ill def give you a follow to keep up with your next launch!
Hi Jason!
Really interesting career i must say, it always fascinates me hearing hoe people have moved between industries and roles. Having done a similar move myself, what was it that drove your move from sales to the more tech side of things?
@theo_crewe_read Thanks, Theo! It was a natural progression, the pre cloud -> cloud / SaaS work was all business partnership related, two tier and 3 tier channel management. Essentially the domain of resale, referral and market influence across various niches within the tech sector. Over a decade plus, interacting across every department and stakeholder, from C suite to back office, gave me just enough purview to venture out on my own.
I dont proclaim to know it all, just enough to be dangerous - thats when its time to hit the go button, and "find your wings after you jump off the cliff" as I like to say.
What drove you to make your moves?
@jason_rivard Really interesting, so you've had fingers in lots of pies so to speak! I bet the experience gained and lessons learnt are invaluable! I completely agree re finding wings once you jump off!
What are they key takeaways you have from your experience in terms of starting your own venture?
For me it was to do with a lack of desire to continue with sales, I love problem solving and felt I couldn't apply myself how I wanted in that industry.
@theo_crewe_read love it. We should connect via zoom at some point!
I bet we are wired in a similar way-
problem solving and building is deeply intertwined with my happiness. Sometimes this is for the better, sometimes not! :)
@jason_rivard I think that's a great idea.
For better or for worse haha that's right. I certainly wouldn't change it for the world but I recognise I'd be able to relax more if it was different!