Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Van Kleef.
Hi Paul, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I originally hail from the picturesque town of Niagara Falls, Canada. In pursuit of my educational aspirations, I embarked on a transformative journey to Los Angeles in 2005, where I dedicated myself to obtaining a business degree in Business Administration.
My entrepreneurial spirit ignited during my college years when I ventured into the world of online business. In 2006, I boldly entered the arena with an innovative business listing platform poised to challenge the likes of Craigslist.com.
Over the years, I’ve orchestrated numerous triumphs within the business realm. Notably, in 2012, I spearheaded the creation of “Good Vapor,” a pioneering chain of four Vapor Bars in Los Angeles. After just two years, I strategically sold this flourishing enterprise.
Among my most remarkable achievements is my foray into the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. I introduced the revolutionary Zapplight, a light bulb designed to combat mosquitos during the Zika Virus outbreak. Within a mere two years, I transformed this venture into an eight-figure gross income business, securing over seven patents for various products.
Additionally, my journey led me to launch Nannocare, a line of feminine hygiene products. The flagship product, NannoPad, boasts a patented design that alleviates menstrual pain and discomfort. We achieved distribution in over 4000 CVS pharmacies, and both of these products now enjoy a global presence.
In a more recent and exciting development, I joined forces with former NFL superstar Vernon Davis to unveil Smart Picks—a groundbreaking artificial intelligence sports prediction platform.
My journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to shaping successful ventures that leave a lasting impact.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My entrepreneurial journey has undeniably been a crucible of challenges that have rigorously tested my determination and creativity. The process of launching and expanding a business demands a substantial infusion of capital. Overcoming this financial hurdle, securing funding, adeptly managing cash flow, and navigating the turbulent waters of economic downturns, notably during the 2008 recession and the recent 2021 pandemic, has been a monumental test of my entrepreneurial mettle.
It’s worth noting that a significant portion of business endeavors face untimely demise not due to the inferiority of their products or services but rather due to a shortfall in funding and a lack of effective cash management.
In addition to the financial trials, the arena of competition has presented its own formidable challenges. In situations where we’ve been pioneering, as exemplified by the introduction of Zapplight and Nannocare, erecting a robust fortress around our enterprise and setting ourselves apart from competitors becomes imperative. This has compelled me to embark on international journeys, including explorations to small-town factories in China and participation in international trade shows. The objective was clear: to ferret out and eliminate counterfeit versions of our patented product lines, illicitly attempting to infiltrate our markets. This relentless pursuit of safeguarding our intellectual property underscores the measures we’ve undertaken to ensure our unique position in the industry.
In sum, my entrepreneurial odyssey has been a relentless battle against adversity, where I’ve not only faced the financial gales but have also stood as a guardian of our business’s integrity and originality on a global stage. Each challenge, though arduous, has fortified our resolve and cemented our position as trailblazers in our chosen domains.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My latest venture is Smart Picks, a sports prediction and analytics company. It leverages the latest machine-learning algorithms to predict the outcomes of sporting events with unmatched precision and accuracy; The subscription-based platform utilizes vast amounts of data – including historical statistics, real-time updates, weather, travel time, social media of every player, and even political unrest and world events – to generate precise predictions that give users a competitive edge. The AI is trained on over 150 factors to determine the results of each game. Smart Picks will initially start offering predictive outcomes for the upcoming NFL season and will expand the platform to make picks for games across other professional sports.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
While many would assume that wealth is the key to happiness, my own experiences have illuminated a different reality. It’s curious how some of the wealthiest individuals I’ve encountered happen to be the loneliest and unhappiest. For me, genuine happiness isn’t tethered to the accumulation of riches but rather stems from the freedom to engage in the creative process, the pursuit of novel endeavors, the thrill of surmounting challenges, and the joy of forging authentic personal connections.
I find immense gratification in the act of creation, continuously crafting and innovating, be it in business ventures or personal pursuits. The process of breathing life into new ideas and bringing them to fruition fuels my sense of contentment.
Furthermore, my heart resonates with the spirit of exploration. I derive great delight from traversing the globe, unearthing hidden gems in countries and places that might not be the conventional choices for adventure. There’s a unique thrill in venturing into the unfamiliar, discovering the uncharted, and embracing the unexpected, often in locales that defy conventional notions of safety and fun.
Moreover, my passion for life extends to the exhilaration of snowboarding down pristine slopes and exploring the depths of the ocean through scuba diving. These activities transport me to entirely new environments, allowing me to revel in the beauty and wonder of the world in ways that never fail to invigorate my spirit.
In essence, my pursuit of happiness is intricately woven with a tapestry of creativity, exploration, and adventure.
Pricing:
- Free for 48 hours, then $99 monthly
- $99 Monthly Subscription
Contact Info:
- Website: www.smartpicks.ai
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartpicks.ai/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmartPicksai/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartpicks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SmartPicks_ai
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Y5tgqmGpNvl7-xTx864kA
