Red Piston is a Windsor-based app building company, which now has a new office in Detroit's Michigan Building. The staff has built apps for companies like Lowe's, Dodge, Puma, and Chrysler. Recently, Red Piston built the Dave and Chuck The Freak game and an augmented reality app for Mercedes.
StartUp The Conversation is an occasional series on Deadline Detroit that features local startups and small businesses. Deadline Detroit submits questions and businesses respond in writing.
What does your company do?
We are a digital technology company. We build mobile apps, web sites, augmented reality experiences, video games, and web apps. We've developed over 80 apps for iPhone, iPad and Android, and our apps have been featured by Apple, in books, magazines and leading blogs.
How do you pull that all off?
By having the best team.
How do measure success?
We base our success on a few things: 1) satisfied clients who trust us with their brands to make an emotional connection with their customers via technology, 2) end users who are delighted with our apps and sites and 3) building a team who is passionate about technology and creating experiences that make a difference
How will you make money?
Our model is split between client service (fee-for hire) and in-house apps that we develop and sell directly to consumers.
What change are you hoping your company brings about?
We believe that technology - especially smartphones and tablets - is so personal and has the ability to make an emotional connection with users and we strive to enrich people's lives through technology. Whether that's the thrill and wonder of experiencing and beating a level in one of our games, saving time through a utility we've built, sharing and connecting with other users or bringing a smile to their face, we want our technology to enrich lives.
Why move to Detroit?
Detroit has a lot going for it right now, and being born and raised across the river in Windsor, we want to be a part of the renaissance and growth happening in the region. This area has been knocked down and beaten up for too long, but it's a tough resilient attitude that is now bringing hope and a renewal to the region that's inspiring. We're just hoping to do our part to restore Detroit and the surrounding region to great heights.
Who are the brains behind the creation?
We were founded by Jakub Koter, Ali Al-Aasm and Andy Kale who all used to work for [advertising agency] BBDO Windsor, working on web sites for Chrysler Canada. In late 2009, BBDO shut down the Windsor office putting 90+ people out of work. We came together and started Red Piston to focus on mobile apps and three years later we're a team of 18 and growing. We now have a great mix of interface designers, illustrators, developers, account staff and 3D modellers who can take on any idea and make it an experience you'll remember. We're a young energetic group and live and breathe technology.
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