The Berri Bunch
Teamwork makes the dream work. Get to know our team and why we do what we do.
Team is crucial—you’re the group that will either make it or break it. According to Forbes, 23% of startups fail because they lack the right people. So what made us think we could do it? Let’s start at the beginning.
How we met
Ormhel and I started a commercial and residential cleaning company in March of 2014 while still in university. Operating with over ten different clients at any given time, we considered it an early success. Fast forward two years to 2016 and we were drained, which ultimately led to the decision that leaving the janitorial industry would be best for us. Cleaning does that to you. Shortly thereafter, Ormhel approached me with an idea that I saw a lot of potential in. We dug in our heels and started our second company while putting to use all the things we learned from our first.
Why we started CarBerri
We started this company as most do: by noticing a pain point and arriving at an innovative solution for it. Ormhel has told this story many times, so I will tell it as accurately as possible: he went home one night and saw that his mom was noticeably agitated. She had had the worst experience trying to sell her vehicle. To top it off, the dealership had asked her to bring her husband in, as she was seen as inadequate to handle the negotiations. Ormhel was furious and knew there must be a better way.
I’ve had a similar experience while trying to buy my first car. I searched everyday looking for the best deal, but at the time I knew very little about cars and had to bring my dad along. I’m grateful my dad was able to help, but it begs the question of what people do if they don’t have someone to call on? When Ormhel approached me with his idea, I wondered why we haven’t seen any significant innovation in car buying and selling in Canada? This sparked the beginning of CarBerri.
Now that we have the history lesson out of the way, let’s dig a little deeper into who we are. At the end of the day, it’s the people that make the business, right?
Ormhel
When Abby asked me this question I was writing a blog about making ramen more interesting. I’m random, I have a hard time focusing. I like to read, but never have the time to. I like to explore, but don’t have the money to travel. I guess I’m like most entrepreneurs. I make funny jokes unfunny (is that a word? It is now) and am funny when I don’t try to be. I’m not special, amazing, or inspiring. But I can tell you that my friends are and I guess that boosts me up too! I guess that makes me boring, but that’s okay. I don’t let anyone treat me like pond water—I’m f***ing Fiji water!
Abby
I would like to think that I’m an extraverted social butterfly who kills public interactions, but if we’re being honest I’m the complete opposite. I grew up as the super shy nerdy girl whose face would turn beet red when placed in front of a crowd. I’ve grown to be a bit more outgoing, thanks in part to my advancement in high school when I got to sit at the cool kids table, but I still have my touch of awkwardness. I enjoy collecting miniature things, listening to hip hop, and eating cheese. I’m currently finishing up university and planning to graduate with a Human Resources major.
I hope you’ve enjoyed getting a glimpse into why we started CarBerri and who we are. In the wise words of one of my colleagues, “teamwork makes the dream work.” Until next time. ✌️
— The Berri Bunch
