I ran into Arpan Shah a few times when we were both at U of I in Champaign, but hadn’t seen him since. I came across PrintEco while browsing start-up companies in the Chicago area. Arpan started his business around a great tool that helps companies save paper and ink (and money). Read on to learn more about it.
What gave you the idea for PrintEco?
I saw a significant problem of wasteful printing at University of Illinois and during my internships. It was a big enough problem that I figured needed a simple solution. After gathering a lot of feedback, I came upon my current idea. It started out as a side project but kept snowballing from there.
What are some other ways people and businesses are wasting resources that can easily be prevented?
There are many companies that demand that workers be in the office all the time. I think there are times where it may be as effective to have them work remotely. Imagine how much travel savings that would add up to. That being said, I think balance is key. For our team, we work 70% in the office and 30% from wherever else. We worked from a boat a couple of times…that was awesome.
What are some pieces of advice for college students who are interested in entrepreneurship?
- Learn how to sell/hustle.
- Learn how to build the things you’re interested in pursuing. I think engineering of some sort would be useful for this. Even a few classes would help.
- Take business classes like strategy, marketing, accounting, finance, management.
What are the top 3 things that every successful entrepreneur has to be?
- Resourceful
- Relentless
- Flexible
What have been some of your failures, and what have you learned from them?
I failed early on in college with a couple of start-up ideas that were overly ambitious. There’s nothing wrong with that notion but ultimately, I believe one needs to start “small” in order to build up to a larger vision.
How do you build a successful customer base?
Start with the customers that experience the most pain from not having your solution. I learned that the hard way but at least now we have customers! From there, make sure you deliver an amazing product/service. Then, you can start branching out; otherwise you run the risk of spreading yourself too thin.
How did you decide on starting PrintEco in Chicago?
I believe Chicago is a great place for us since there are so many potential customers (Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized companies, large schools etc.). In addition, the start-up network is becoming very strong here. Although the weather sometimes makes me rethink my decision!
Pathik: Yeah, Chicago is definitely getting recognized for its start-up scene more now. Resources like 1871 have helped business come together and find place to call their own. Sites like Built in Chicago are good places to learn more about the start-up scene in this city.
What business book has inspired you the most?
From a entrepreneurial standpoint, I really liked “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David Schwartz . It’s an old one but everything he says is just as relevant today. Personally, it truly did change the way I think for the better.
What is your favorite aspect of being an entrepreneur?
Unlimited potential growth; I’m not limited by other barriers. I can go as far as my mind takes me.
What has been your most successful form of marketing?
Currently, in person networking has been really great. Also, going to relevant conferences has also proved to be very effective. PR helps tremendously too.
Where you see yourself and PrintEco in 10 years?
I see myself back in school thinking of the next big thing. As for the business, we will probably seek an exit opportunity before then so we can provide a return to our investors and ourselves.
Arpan Shah is CEO & co-founder of PrintEco. Arpan’s frustration with wasteful printing led to the creation of PrintEco, an easy-to-use software tool that saves paper automatically. He has been featured on CNET Greentech and Fast Company’s Co. Exist for his work.
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