Andy Bozzo, co-founder of Tablet Command, shares his journey from firefighter to tech entrepreneur. Tablet Command is a software company that provides incident management, response notification, and situational awareness tools for public safety agencies across the United States and Canada.

The idea for Tablet Command was born out of tragedy. In 2007, Bozzo's fire department lost two firefighters in the line of duty. This incident highlighted the need for better incident management and personnel accountability tools. Inspired by mobile gaming technology, Bozzo and his co-founder Will Pidgeon set out to create a digital solution to replace the analog methods traditionally used in firefighting.

Developing the product wasn't without challenges. The team had to navigate the complexities of integrating with various computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems and overcoming resistance from IT departments skeptical of iOS-based solutions. However, their persistence paid off, and they eventually secured partnerships with major fire departments across the country.

Bozzo discussed the challenges of raising capital for a niche product in the public safety sector. Unlike consumer-facing tech startups, Tablet Command had a longer sales cycle and a more limited market. This made it difficult to attract traditional venture capital. Instead, they relied on friends, family, and investors who understood the value of their mission to provide initial funding.

Throughout the interview, Bozzo emphasized the importance of staying true to the mission of enhancing firefighter safety and effectiveness. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs in the public safety space to seek authentic, altruistic investors who understand the unique challenges of the industry.

Tablet Command continues to grow, with a focus on maintaining high uptime and responsive customer service. Bozzo, who still works as an active firefighter, sees this dual role as crucial in keeping the product aligned with the needs of first responders.

As the company looks to the future, they aim to expand their presence across more fire departments in the U.S. and Canada, always with the mission of creating life-saving software at the forefront., purpose, and customer-centricity, it’s a touchdown that will keep scoring for decades.

Connect with Tablet Command: https://www.tabletcommand.com/

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