The mind behind Three Rivers Innovation
by Nicole Grillon
As the great Steve Jobs once said, “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”
While yes, there are a lot of other factors that can contribute to having a successful startup — having perseverance is what will transition your idea into reality. Robert Müller is a prime example of having the pure perseverance to turn a concept into an entire business. Robert Richard Müller, 25, from Budaörs, Hungary is the CEO and CO-Founder of Three Rivers Innovation. Robert graduated with a Bachelors in Manufacturing Engineering from Robert Morris University. Directly after graduation, Robert started collecting his tools and foundations to start a business. Even during school, Robert was an ambitious student. Robert has secured a spot on the university’s presidential e-newsletter as one of the Top 3 most outstanding international students in Winter, 2017. He later also received the International Student Honor given by the Center for Global Engagement at RMU. Robert wasted no time and started laying down the mold and foundation for Three Rivers Innovation (TRI). We interviewed Robert to get a look at the brilliant ideas that started TRI.
What is your company?
Robert:
Three Rivers Innovation is a company that provides business development services, such as analytics, research and consulting, via outsourced workforce solutions. We offer an industry relevant experience for our young workforce that is not available in a regular classroom setting.
Why is there a need for your company?
Robert:
Young intellect is not being recognized as much as it should be. It is often overlooked or dismissed due to lack of experience in the desired field. Companies are challenged more than ever by the demands of work and the ever-changing markets. Often, they let the little task fall through the cracks. Our company, screens, trains, and develops young and innovative workforce (innovators) to provide relief for these companies in a mutually beneficial relationship. The innovators gain experience in their desired field, while the companies avoid the hassle of trying to find competent and qualified labor that meets their expectations.
What are your future plans/goals of the direction for your company?
Robert:
Our 5–10 year plan for Three Rivers Innovation is to grow our company in the traditional sense of gaining more clients and innovators, but we want to expand interactively as well. Our goal is to establish the TRI Research Institution, which will allow our company to branch out to other territories, mainly scientific research and development. The Institution will consist of a mechanical and manufacturing lab, including CNC Machining, 3D Printing, and potentially Robotics. This will be a lab where our innovators can learn how to use advanced technology in a structured and interactive way. We also want to include a section for the Media Arts. We will have a room specifically designed for video production; including cameras, lighting, backdrops, and all the technology needed to make commercial advertisements.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone who is just starting a company?
Robert:
My piece of advice would be for the founder to know the key operations of your business in and out. You need to know where your starting point is, and the direction you want to take after you start. Always be — or at least aim to be — two steps ahead. In addition, do not forget the “grand” plan for your business, because that serves you as a key motivator, and reminds you why you started in the first place. To get there, a lot of things will change. You need to be flexible with change, yet stern enough to keep your idea true. Lay down the foundation for your business before jumping into anything. One great model that I used to outline the business, was the “Osterwalder & Pigneur” business model canvas, which helped me to understand the different aspects of our business. Even if you are an engineer for instance, and started with having only a prototype in the beginning, you should be learning about accounting, laws, and other important operational activities, as you are responsible for your business.
