Meet Reiko Brown | Founder, Buddy Pass

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

Hi Reiko, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business began as a dream. A local reporter interviewed me about the success of my company in the dream. I awoke and laughed about the dream. Days later, I attempted to purchase tickets for a local symphony concert. The tickets were sold in pairs only. I didn’t want to take a girlfriend, but I also didn’t want the pressures of a romantic date. I wanted to attend with someone who would enjoy the concert and not feel dragged along. I was looking for someone to go who was genuinely interested in the event. Eventually, I gave up on the ticket purchase and thought there should be a solution for people like me seeking a person for events. That led me to create Buddy Pass, an app for people seeking others for events and activities. It’s a simple solution to a common problem. We all have things we want to do; but don’t always have someone to go with. Whether you’re trying to find someone for a concert or an art exhibit, Buddy Pass will help you find someone who wants the same thing as you. We’ve all been there: You want to go to a concert but don’t have anyone to go with. Or maybe you want to see an art exhibit or try out a new restaurant—but you don’t know anybody who wants the same thing as you. Buddy Pass is here to help solve that problem by connecting you with people looking for the same event or activity as you. This app is for people who are new in town, too busy to find a friend to attend, or just plain shy. It’s the perfect tool to help you get out and have fun with other people!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have always been involved in entrepreneurial projects since I was a child. I’m always jotting down ideas in little notebooks. Buddy Pass combines all my experience over the years in the retail and hospitality industries. From management to marketing to data analysis, this company allows me to use all the skills acquired over the years to provide the best customer experience possible for my users. While I am not the typical tech founder, I am uniquely qualified to identify my users’ journey from an empathetic viewpoint. I see myself as the user, so I want to build a service that I would use. The look and feel of the service are critical to me. I want it to be a service that people will love using. In my experience, great design makes the difference between a product that lasts and one that gets forgotten. I am looking forward to building a service that is the best in class for my users. I know it will take hard work, but we have an opportunity to do something special here. We’re on a quest to end loneliness. I know it won’t be easy, but I believe we can be the social tool of the millennium.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am lucky to be a native of Atlanta, so I know the city like the back of my hand. However, there are so many places to take out-of-town guests in the city. I am a colossal foodie, so I love what Atlanta’s food scene has become. My favorite breakfast in town is Atlanta Breakfast Club, hands down. Lunch and dinner depend on my mood, but there is not a shortage of spots. I have a favorite for each cuisine in town. My list is constantly changing. I am a fan of the road-less-traveled kind of places, so I would take my buddy to the Sundial at The Westin for cocktails to get an overhead view of the city. For a week-long trip? Lunch at La Fonda Cantina, burgers at the Vortex, pizza at Amalfi, Carroll Street Cafe, and LanZhou for ramen. Dinner? It could be anything, but the Atlanta Garden Room is a must-see. There’s so much to choose from.
I have favorite hangout spots from the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to The High, but it would depend on which bestie is visiting. We could end up at The Clermont Hotel! LOL!!!!!!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate my shoutout to my family. Without their support, I would not have had the courage to believe that this dream was possible at this stage in life. My parents have served as a constant North Star throughout my life. Yet, my most important inspiration is my children. They are incredibly talented and creative in their own right. I am in awe of their daily determination to forge their paths into young adulthood. I only seek to make them all proud in every way I can.

Website: buddypassgo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybuddypass/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mybuddypass

Other: Sign up for our EARLY ACCESS list at buddypasgo.com