Enabling eCommerce for Makers, Bakers and Shakers with Edwin Ortiz of Rejoicy

Summary

On this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Edwin Ortiz, Co-Founder and CEO of Rejoicy, a platform designed to help local shoppers support small businesses through digital storefronts. Rejoicy makes local goods available everywhere and to everyone by facilitating sellers and shoppers through an easy-to-use online marketplace. With over fourteen years of experience, Edwin is also the founder of Luncher, a company dedicated to delivering food from your favorite restaurants to your workplace. Throughout the episode, James and Edwin discuss Bentonville's entrepreneurial resources for founders and how Rejoicy helps businesses go from brick and mortar to click and order.

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes:

(0:53) Introduction to Edwin

(1:33) About Edwin

(4:00) About Luncher

(10:38) Pivots in the Startup World

(12:19) About Rejoicy

(16:39) Rejoicy’s Recent Work

(20:00) Edwin’s Experience with Techstars

(23:01) Advantages of Being Located in Bentonville

(26:53) Local Resources for Entrepreneurs

(31:44) Why Founders Should Have a Presence in Bentonville

(37:06) Bentonville Favorites

(42:07) Bentonville’s Contributions

(44:53) Closing Questions

‍Links

James Bell

Bentonville Economic Development 

Edwin Ortiz

Rejoicy

Quotes

“When you look at what we’re doing with Rejoicy, it’s ‘What would people do if we make it easy to pursue their passion?’ The reality is that’s its core. The goal is to help people do what they love.” - Edwin Ortiz, (8:53)

“We make it super easy for them to get started. They can start their store in one minute, and they can be selling in less than ten minutes. That is the core of what we want to do.” - Edwin Ortiz, (13:34)

“There’s this feeling, this energy happening in Northwest Arkansas. It almost feels like the Renaissance. You have big companies, but you also have this growing number of startups.” - Edwin Ortiz, (23:51)

“I think for people who are interested in ecommerce, retail, products, the future of work, medtech (and more). Northwest Arkansas is the right place. Northwest Arkansas is the place that will attract all those things because it has the right ingredients to help those businesses succeed.” - Edwin Ortiz, (32:01)