In this episode of the Scrappy Startups podcast, host Bill Ruh interviews Tom Pratt, the founder of Joogi, an innovative app designed to help families achieve debt-free home ownership through crowdfunding. Tom shares his journey from experiencing the housing market crash to developing a unique commerce model that leverages community support and technology. The conversation explores the mechanics of Joogi, the importance of participation, and the potential impact on American families. Tom's entrepreneurial spirit and vision for a debt-free future are highlighted throughout the discussion.

takeaways

• Joogi aims to make one million families debt-free over 20 years.
• The idea for Joogi was inspired by the 2008 financial crisis.
• Community support is essential for the success of Joogi.
• The Joogi platform gamifies the process of crowdfunding homes.
• Participants earn Joogis for various activities, not just funding.
• The auction system allows for competitive bidding using Joogis.
• Tom's journey reflects resilience and a commitment to helping others.
• Joogi targets the average American, making home ownership accessible.
• The technology for Joogi was always available, but timing was crucial.
• Tom's experiences as a pilot have influenced his entrepreneurial mindset.