From SaaS Struggles to a Mission for Unions: Honoring my Late Mom

My entry into the SaaS industry has been a challenging and eye-opening experience. As a newcomer to this field, I initially joined a comprehensive 10-week challenge designed to teach participants how to create a SaaS product using Bubble. However, as I progressed through the course, I quickly came to two important realizations: first, I lacked the technical skills necessary to build the product I envisioned, and second, I truly had no desire to learn it, as my expertise lay in public relations and not in building.

Recognizing my limitations ,but still determined to bring my SaaS idea to life, I decided to take a different approach. I turned to Fiverr, a freelance services marketplace, to hire a professional Bubble developer. After carefully reviewing potential candidates, I selected one who seemed promising. We had an initial call to discuss the project, and everything appeared to be on track. The developer seemed competent and enthusiastic, and we agreed on the scope, timeline, and cost of the project.

Unfortunately, things took an unexpected turn about three weeks into the development process. The developer suddenly became unresponsive, effectively ghosting me. Concerned about the project's status and the lack of communication, I attempted to confront him about the situation. To my surprise, he responded with anger and hostility. I was shocked, so I immediately requested a refund from Fiverr. Interestingly, once I initiated the refund process, the developer's demeanor changed dramatically. He suddenly became kind and helpful, likely in an attempt to salvage the situation. However, having lost trust in his reliability and professionalism, I proceeded with the cancellation. This setback brought me back to square one, leaving me frustrated but still determined to pursue my goal.

A few weeks after this disappointing experience, I stumbled upon an unexpected opportunity. I discovered that a SaaS product very similar to the one I had been trying to develop was up for sale. Seeing this as a potential shortcut to achieving my goals, I promptly contacted the owner. We arranged a Zoom call to discuss the details of the sale, and after a productive conversation, we finalized the terms of the purchase. Excited about this new direction, I paid the agreed-upon amount, eager to take ownership of the product and start implementing the changes we had discussed.

However, once again I encounter the same thing. Two months passed without any progress on the agreed-upon modifications to the SaaS product. Despite my repeated attempts to communicate with the seller and inquire about the status of the work, I was met with silence or vague excuses. Frustrated by the lack of progress and feeling that I had no other recourse, I reluctantly had to resort to threatening legal action to compel the seller to begin the work he promised.

I was deeply disappointed and perplexed. It's difficult for me to understand why some individuals fail to honor their commitments until faced with the prospect of legal consequences. As someone who values integrity and believes in the importance of keeping one's word, I often reflect on the biblical principle that states, "Let your yes mean yes." In my view, when you accept payment and agree to provide a service or product, you have a moral and professional obligation to follow through on that commitment. While progress has finally been made, and the project is nearing completion, the journey has been far longer and more challenging than I initially anticipated.

The inspiration behind my SaaS project, which I've named UnionChat.AI, comes from a deeply personal place. My mother, who worked for Amtrak as a coach cleaner for nearly two decades, was a dedicated and proud union member. Tragically, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which was attributed to her exposure to harmful chemicals in her workplace. Although she initially fought and overcame the disease, a second occurrence proved fatal. Our family engaged in a difficult battle to secure the compensation she desperately needed, but sadly, it arrived too late to make a difference in her fight against the illness.

Drawing from my personal experience and leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, my goal with UnionChat.AI is to create a user-friendly platform that simplifies the way union members and stewards interact with their union documents. By making this information more accessible and easier to understand, I hope to better prepare union members for arbitrations and equip them with effective strategies to advocate for their rights and win their cases.

One of the most valuable lessons my mother imparted to me was the importance of perseverance. Her mantra of "never ever give up" has become my guiding principle throughout this challenging journey. Despite the setbacks and obstacles I've faced, I remain committed to seeing this project through to completion. The story of UnionChat.AI is still unfolding, and I'm determined to turn this vision into a reality that can make a positive impact on the lives of union members.

Yes, I have indeed hit several brick walls in my entrepreneurial journey. From the challenges of learning a new technical skill set, to dealing with unreliable freelancers, to navigating the complexities of acquiring and modifying an existing SaaS product, each step has presented its own unique obstacles.

What keeps me moving forward is a combination of factors:

The memory of my mother and her unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity.

My belief in the potential of UnionChat.AI to make a real difference in the lives of union members.

The lessons learned from each setback, which have helped me become more resilient and resourceful.

My journey has been a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of staying true to one's vision, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

What have you had to overcome? Comment below.