Today, Jake Foerster, co-founder of Sidekick Mobile Technologies, joins us to discuss Sober Sidekick, a free app that anonymously connects people in sobriety. This startup has grown from 10,000 downloads to 80,000 downloads in the last year alone.  Jake answers questions about how a free app generates revenue, the app’s primary method of growth, and his background that inspired the app.  Tune in to learn how this free resource is changing lives.

 IN THIS EPISODE:

• [05:46] What is Sober Sidekick?
• [08:42] How Sober Sidekick generates revenue while still helping their app users.
• [11:02] How Sober Sidekick utilizes integrative ads.
• [12:56] Jake explains the layout of Sober Sidekick’s platform.
• [14:13] This was Sober Sidekick’s primary method of growth.
• [15:27] Jake shares his background and what inspired Sober Sidekick.
• [19:00] Can Sober Sidekick’s growth in the past year be attributed to the pandemic shutting down in person meetings?
• [20:50] How are people finding out about Sober Sidekick?
• [24:29] Here are some ways that Sober Sidekick is expanding.
• [32:16] Jake shares his biggest learning curves while working on the Sober Sidekick start up?
• [34:42] What’s next for Jake and his team?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Sober Sidekick values being a platform where everyone can have free access to connection and fellowship in sobriety.
• Substance abuse and alcoholism thrive in isolation.  Sober Sidekick combats isolation by promoting connections and engagement between people.
• 21 million Americans suffer from substance abuse.  Data shows that only one in seven people will ever receive help for their addiction.  That leaves a target audience of 18 million people.
• Sober Sidekick aims to destigmatize substance abuse and alcoholism and create more avenues for people to connect with resources and support systems.

Links Mentioned:

www.askbrien.com

www.sobersidekick.com

support@sobersidekick.com

jake@sobersidekick.com

Jake Foerster’s Linkedin

BIO: Jake Foerster

Jake Foerster, Co-founder of Sidekick Mobile Technologies, has held several positions in the substance abuse field.  Starting as a recovery technician and working his way into many other roles, Jake has dedicated his life to giving back and helping others in recovery.  This passion inspired Sober Sidekick, a free app that anonymously connects people in sobriety.  Jake and his team at Sidekick Mobile Technologies are dedicated to providing support, resources, and fellowship to people at every stage of recovery.