We were lucky to catch up with Bretton Key recently and have shared our conversation below.
Bretton, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
You know, my path to finding purpose really started with a challenging breakup and my love for connecting people. It might sound cliché, but when my long-term relationship unexpectedly ended—right when it was supposed to reach new heights—it really turned my world upside down. It forced me to question everything and reconsider what I truly wanted to do. In the aftermath, I had to reinvent myself, as I had previously seen myself only through the lens of that relationship. Everything was flipped—what was down became up during this transformative period, further complicated by an unprecedented pandemic that shifted everyone’s world.
During this time, my friends were my lifeline. They were always discovering something fun, constantly exploring new spots around town, and seeking ways to enrich their relationships. And me? I’ve always been the go-to guy everyone asks for recommendations on where to eat, which events to check out, or those cool, lesser-known spots. But it was a challenge to keep up with all the amazing places. Keeping up with all these fantastic places became a challenge—majority were spots I had enjoyed myself, and others were recommended by credible sources.
That’s when this endeavor transformed into my purpose and my current passion. That’s how My Date Jar came to be. It’s more than just an app; it’s like having me as your wingman to find fun things to do on the fly with people you care about. It’s like a community rooting for your to have great times and show you a clear path to new magic moments.
The real deal for me is helping folks connect in genuine, enjoyable ways. Whether it’s friends hanging out, a first date, or couples keeping the spark alive, I want to help make those connections easier and more meaningful. And honestly, a big part of it is me wanting to prevent others from feeling the kind of relationship turmoil I went through. My purpose is being a connector and spreading more love in the world!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Ever wondered what an Air Force reservist, IT consultant, author, motivational speaker, and devoted dad does in his spare time? Well, he channels his extensive tech skills into building an app that might just revolutionize the way we think about dating and relationships. I’m from Norfolk, VA, alumni of Old Dominion University, where I honed my IT skills. I am no stranger to juggling multiple roles, it’s basically my forte. But to my me better, is by diving into my latest passion project—Date Jar, LLC.
As the jar filled, I had a eureka moment: why not digitize these ideas? Leveraging my extensive background in software development, I transformed these handwritten notes into a digital format. That’s how the My Date Jar app was born. But transitioning from concept to execution wasn’t smooth sailing. Initially, it was mistaken for just another dating app, the kind you swipe left or right. But My Date Jar is anything but typical.
Integrating my IT expertise to create an app that’s not just functional but transformative has been the most exhilarating part of this journey. The aim is to foster genuine connections through unique, shared experiences, tapping into a niche that intersects technology with human interaction. As we push forward, our goal is to become a key business partner in tourism, attractions, events, hospitality, and destination spaces.
I want the readers to know My Date Jar is ready for download now. It is currently showcasing the newly added 2500+ locations for things to do and hundreds of new events around the East Coast of the nation. Furthermore, to double-down my commitment to this vision, we launched the “First To 5K” campaign—where the first 5000 people to download My Date Jar app receive unrestricted free access for a year. Users only pay for the events or locations they choose to explore, paying directly to the merchants or hosts. This initiative is not just promoting the app; it’s about building a community committed to crafting unforgettable moments.
This journey not only excites me to the core but also promises to open up new avenues for our users. My Date Jar isn’t just about finding a date; it’s about creating meaningful experiences that last. And I’m thrilled to be at the helm, steering this ship into uncharted waters of innovation and connection.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Here are three essential qualities, skills, or knowledge areas, based on my personal experience, that I believe are crucial for any entrepreneur venturing into technology-driven spaces. Embrace Continuous Learning: In the tech world, you’re always on a learning curve. Recognize that you don’t need to know everything from the get-go, and not everyone expects you to. The key is to stay curious, keep learning new things, and apply your knowledge effectively. This approach not only keeps you adaptive but also well-prepared to tackle unexpected challenges.
Evaluate Technology Pragmatically: When it comes to selecting technology for your business, it’s not just about having the latest gadgets or software. Evaluate what tools are necessary by considering ease of use and how they can streamline your operations. It’s about finding solutions that enhance your workflow, not complicate it. This will save you time and resources, allowing you to focus more on growth.
Be Personable and Authentic: Never underestimate the power of being friendly and genuine. Being personable isn’t just about being nice; it’s about being real. This authenticity builds trust and makes others more willing to work with you and invest in your relationships. In business, these qualities can be the foundation of lasting partnerships and customer loyalty.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
In overcoming challenges and developing the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge necessary for my entrepreneurial journey in technology, a few pivotal sources of support have stood out.
Mentorship through Norfolk State University’s Innovation Center (NSUIC) has provided me with invaluable guidance. They were my first taste of finding experienced professionals and entrepreneurs on their own journeys. In spade they have given me tailored advice that helped me navigate the unique challenges of the tech space. This direct mentorship accelerated my learning process and equipped me with practical tools to apply to my own business endeavors.
Being part of the 757Startup Studio which is under the umbrella of 757Collab, has been crucial. This incubator environment surrounded me with like-minded entrepreneurs who are equally passionate about exploring new territories in tech. So much education, training and materials to help with my knowledge game. The collaborative atmosphere there allowed me to test ideas in a supportive setting, gaining feedback, and refining my approach continuously.
The community at Capital One’s 1863 Ventures has also been tremendously beneficial. This network not only motivates me but also keeps me inspired by showing what’s possible when diverse ideas and people come together. Learning from peers and industry leaders, especially from those that look like me – provided the broader perspective that it’s possible to be successful in the space I am in.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mydatejar.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mydatejar
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mydatejar
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/mydatejar
- Other: https://brettonjkey.com Amazon
Date Cards Vol. 1: https://www.amazon.com/Date-Relationships-Bringing-Icebreakers-Questions/dp/B0C3YGGRWG
