Gordon Daily of BoxCast
Meet Gordon Daily, founder of
BoxCast, a complete video streaming solution.
What is BoxCast?
BoxCast is a complete video streaming solution that fits in the palm of your hand. Anyone with a video camera can broadcast live video through their website, email or social media. Viewers tune-in using any internet-connected computer, tablet or modern smartphone.
How did you come up with the idea?
The idea came to us in the least expected way. In 2008 my business partners were asked by a funeral director to find a way for family members to privately observe the funeral services at his chapel. The director mentioned in passing that he expected "things to just work automatically" because he is too consumed with attending to the grieving family to mess with a camera or computer.
Our motto quickly became "things just work automatically," which drives our entire user experience. A great example of how this mindset plays out is with how the BoxCast box communicates with scoreboards for athletic events. One simple wired or wireless connection from the scoreboards to the broadcast box delivers ESPN-like real-time score/clock overlays into the college or high school athletic broadcast.
Why did you start your business?
I was troubled when I realized how many people unwillingly miss out on meaningful events. I became even more troubled when I realized how terrible conventional live streaming solutions were in terms of technical complexity, cost, video quality and risk.
Being an entrepreneur at heart, frustration was quickly replaced with a burning desire to do much better. Having worked at Rockwell Automation for nearly a decade, I was keenly aware of what it takes to build a robust automated solution. To me, nothing is better than building a successful business around helping organizations be more relevant in how they engage their communities.
Can you share a funny or amazing entrepreneurial experience with our readers?
Following last year's Super Bowl, there was a measles outbreak in Indianapolis caused by the influx of traveling sports fans. In an effort to control the outbreak, the department of health mandated that the largest church in town refuse any church attenders who had not received their inoculations. Not wanting to cancel the service, they called BoxCast. Twenty minutes after receiving the box, the church was broadcasting their Thursday night rehearsal. When Sunday came to a close, 1,500 viewers had watched the service.
What resources/organizations here did you take advantage of and how did they help?
The Cleveland startup community has been simply fantastic. One of the best moves that BoxCast made was affiliating with
TECHudson and the
JumpStart Entrepreneurial Network. The benefit comes in the form of both practical help and seasoned guidance -- whether it’s immediate logistical support, guidance from the Entrepreneur-in-Residence or the fantastic JumpStart mentor program.
What advice would you give to someone starting a company here?
Don't go it alone. Get plugged in. Real entrepreneurs with great experience are willing to help. Don't worry, you are not expected to have all the answers.
What’s next for you and your company?
We are finding that once BoxCast customers get started, they hunger for more. Our job is to keep pace with our users’ growing demands for more professional video broadcasting sophistication, without compromising the simplicity that drew them in the first place.
BoxCast began streaming video in high definition this fall, opening up the door for any organization to connect with their audience in amazing picture clarity. No matter what the event is, a better broadcast makes it possible for organizations like high schools to raise significant profits through ticket sales.