Aaron Cole is an entrepreneur and app developer from Grass Lake, Michigan, who recently launched "Together," a revolutionary hyper-local gig economy app. In this episode of the MI PEOPLE Podcast, Aaron shares his inspiring journey from vacation inspiration to live app launch.
Origin Story
Aaron's entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected turn during a two-month family trip to New Zealand and Australia. While homeschooling their kids and traveling in a motor home, Aaron and his wife Shelley were struck by the pristine care New Zealand communities took of their neighborhoods - immaculate yards, spotless streets, and a genuine sense of community pride.
This observation sparked conversations about how they could bring similar community spirit back to Michigan. Initially considering a recycling pickup service, their idea evolved into something much bigger: why limit community help to just recycling when neighbors could assist with any task?
Main Insights & Lessons
Aaron's approach to app development demonstrates the power of strategic thinking and community-first mentality. Rather than launching globally, he focused on proving the concept locally in Grass Lake, building a solid worker base before opening job postings to ensure every posted task gets completed.
The "Together" app addresses a critical gap in the gig economy - providing fulfilling work opportunities beyond driving for rideshare companies. Users can niche down into tasks they actually enjoy, from yard work to companionship, creating both income opportunities and community connections.
Aaron emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks and not reaching the end of life without having taken shots at your potential. His transition from running successful Airbnb properties to app development shows how entrepreneurs can leverage existing business experience for new ventures.
Local Connection
Based in Grass Lake, Aaron is expanding the Together app throughout surrounding Michigan communities including Chelsea and Jackson. His focus on hyper-local community building reflects a broader trend of technology serving to strengthen rather than replace human connections in small Michigan towns.
The app represents a new model for the gig economy - one owned and operated by people invested in long-term community benefit rather than just profit maximization.
Episode Highlights
🌏 How a New Zealand trip sparked a community-focused business idea
📱 The 6-month journey from concept to live app in app stores
🤝 Building a hyper-local gig economy that prioritizes neighbors helping neighbors
💡 Strategic launch approach: workers first, then job postings
🏠 Leveraging Airbnb business experience for new ventures
🎯 Creating fulfilling work opportunities beyond traditional 9-to-5 jobs
This Episode is For
Entrepreneurs looking for inspiration on local business models, app developers interested in community-focused platforms, gig economy workers seeking more fulfilling opportunities, and community builders wanting to strengthen neighborhood connections.
Links
Website:mytogetherapp.com
Download: Search "Together" on Google Play Store or Apple App Store
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MI PEOPLE Podcast