Meet Bretton Key | Tech Founder & App Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bretton Key and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bretton, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My story to get here is very humble and never did I imagine the position I would be in today. I started jotting down ideas for fun things to do on paper notes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, I ended up with a bunch of these ideas collected in a mason jar. The ideas were not restaurants per say but more adventurous things to push me out my comfort zone. Furthermore, I had a firm belief that any person willing to do items in my jar was somebody I needed to invest in and keep close. I was navigating the newly single life and the dating scene after a long-term relationship. Coincidentally, I also noticed some relationship challenges within my friend circle, which sparked this whole thing. I did not look at this first as a business until the app came out, immediately I gained a lot of users without even asking.

I didn’t realize the uphill battle of being classified as a “dating app” because there was a negative association with adding on what is wrong in the dating world. People looked at me at first like, who is this joker here trying to match me up. Once I started talking about the real premise and purpose of what I was doing in my venture, things changed. In a nutshell, My Date Jar is different from your typical matchmaking service. Instead, we’re all about paving the way to better relationships through real experiences. I’m not into the whole hookup scene or playing the elimination game when it comes to dating. My goal is simple- create a space for people to share their experiences and tips, while also helping tourism, attractions, and unique activity businesses stay connected.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
So, my business is called Date Jar, and we offer this cool service called My Date Jar. Basically, we’re all about making it super easy to plan activities and events without wasting time. But we’re not stopping there! I see My Date Jar becoming the ultimate go-to platform for fun and entertainment, no matter what stage your relationship is at. Our goal is to bring real value to our users and partner up with different industries to make both personal and professional relationships even better.
I’m on a mission to shake things up and encourage people to spend higher-quality time with their loved ones. We’re not just about giving you ideas or a game plan for fun; we want to be the first thing you think of when you want worry-free, great quality time.

Oh, and here’s the really cool part: we’ve also created a product to go along with the app. It’s a card game called Date Cards Vol.1, and it’s not your average card game. It’s all about sparking interesting conversations and creating lasting memories with your friends and loved ones.
With 42 cards featuring trivia, reflective questions, and dares, it’s designed for 2-4 players to enjoy together. It’s not about winning; it’s about deepening connections and having a blast together.
So, what sets us apart in this sea of dating apps and services? Well, we’re all about providing the tools for authentic connections in one simple platform. You can find great things to do without a million questions, use our scheduling tool to show intention and initiative, and be part of a community that’s all about creating the best times ever. It’s like having a supportive group cheering you on and giving you tips on how to make every experience unforgettable.

Me personally, I’m an Air Force Reservist, a devoted father, an author, and a seasoned IT professional with over fifteen years of experience, my journey has taken a bold turn. Despite a deep involvement in corporate America throughout my career, I decided to take a leap of faith and become a full-time entrepreneur. Now, at the helm of my independent IT consulting company, KeyTech Solutions, I’m not just navigating the world of technology – I’m shaping it.

Technology has always been my passion and a reliable constant in my career. I’ve always had a natural gift for tailoring tech solutions to specific needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, I’ve become a problem solver at heart. My ability to translate complex concepts into understandable terms sets me apart. I mean I have designed apps and solutions for multimillion dollar companies, why not do this myself?

My entrepreneurial venture led me to develop My Date Jar and it is more than just an app, it’s a way of life for me. I don’t just preach its principles; I live them. Believing in the transformative power of quality time and enriching experiences, I’ve integrated these values into my own life. In my perspective, relationships thrive on the abundance of fulfilling experiences. Proudly, I champion businesses providing unique activities and experiences that enhance our lives. I see myself as a part of shaping the world into the change I want to see – a more unified, loving, and adventurous world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
– First brunch at Fellows Cafe – Burles’s bar – plants and bar
– Face Foundrie – facials and relaxation
– Early dinner at Delbar
– Your 3rd Spot hanging out plus games
– End the night with jazz at St. James Live

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
NSUIC – Norfolk State University Innovation Center – first incubator I was in that showed me how to think big. Also, allowed me an opportunity to do my first pitch

The 757 Startup Studios – this incubator program gave me a lot of mentorship, resources, and education on what it takes to be a successful business

1863 Ventures – 3Rs program – gave me my first grant to keep my dream going

BIT – Blacks In Technology – participated in their inaugural accelerator, and was one of the winners of their pitch contest

Amazon Black Business Accelerator – helped me to take my product that pairs with app from R&D to commercial retail

Website: https://mydatejar.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mydatejar

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mydatejar

Facebook: https://facebook.com/mydatejar

Other: https://a.co/d/i9arMjn