Byte

Lee Mokri

Q&A with Lee


What do you love about Byte?

I love the team we've built at Byte and the mission we're pursuing. We've hired a fantastic team of dedicated people with a core belief that fresh, healthy food should be available throughout the day. We see this as a massive opportunity where there's an overwhelming demand for fresh food, but few options other than Byte.


As a co-founder, what do you oversee and how has your role evolved from startup?

When we first got started, Megan and I were handling everything. From sourcing the food, acquiring the clients and delivering the food. We've been building the business since 2016 and now have the right people in place to take on a lot of that work. I manage the the Sales, Marketing and Client Success teams, which covers client acquisition and account management. In the past two years we've deployed in more than 500 locations, so there is a lot going on in each of those teams.

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What do you wish you could do but haven’t yet done because you’re busy managing growth?

It's always tough to step away from the day-to-day effort of running the business and think broader about the larger picture and vision for the future. We were able to spend time doing that for a week at Skypad overlooking the Pacific Ocean and with a clear head. It was an unforgettable experience that allowed us to get creative with our thinking and broke us out of our daily routine.

What project did you bring to Skypad?

I spent my time at Skypad rethinking the sales process. We had initially created the sales materials before launching the business. Two years in and with a better understanding of our clients needs, I was valuable to step away and reshape how the team is representing the Byte service.

My experience at Skypad was unforgettable. The process opened my eyes to a new way of living and thinking. The opportunity to eat healthy, exercise daily and work remotely was a new experience where I noticed a boost in productivity and the amount I was able to accomplish.

Describe your experience at Skypad? Did it exceed your expectations?

My experience at Skypad was unforgettable. The process opened my eyes to a new way of living and thinking. The opportunity to eat healthy, exercise daily and work remotely was a new experience where I noticed a boost in productivity and the amount I was able to accomplish. Skypad truly exceeded my expectations because it's more than just a working vacation, it's a chance to connect with other entrepreneurs going through similar experiences while not totally detaching for your responsibilities from work.

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What do you think will change at Byte after having spent time at Skypad?

Our sales process has certainly already changed. Since leaving Skypad we've closed our three largest accounts, which are companies we hadn't even considered targeting early on in the business.

Would you come back to Skypad?

In a heartbeat. I can imagine each time you visit Skypad it's a new experience - because so many of your interactions there are with other entrepreneurs would be different with every visit.

Anything else you’d like to add?

The food, the people, and the experiences were all unique to me and something I hadn't imaged experiencing. I loved my time at Skypad and am grateful for the opportunity.

 

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Megan Mokri

Q&A with MEgan


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When did you launch Byte?

We launched Byte in the spring of 2015, so the company is about 3.5 years old.

How did you come up with the idea?

After failed attempts at physical retail then direct-to-consumer meal delivery, we actually stumbled upon the idea behind Byte - which is to provide completely unattended retail for fresh food within any commercial location.

How big is your company - team, customers, and capital raised?

Byte has 30 employees, 100s of customers, and we've raised about $14M.

When you have 4-6 hours a day of uninterrupted time and you’re surrounded by other entrepreneurs working on similar caliber problems, it’s amazing the energy and forward momentum that transpires.
 
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What did you come to work on at Skypad?

We are entering our next phase of growth as a company, and I needed time and space to rethink the organizational structure, team, and key milestones we wanted to hit over the coming 12-18 months. Skypad gave me an inspiring location, dedicated time, and the creative environment to do so. When you have 4-6 hours a day of uninterrupted time and you're surrounded by other entrepreneurs working on similar caliber problems, it's amazing the energy and forward momentum that transpires


How do you feel after spending a week at Skypad?

I returned from Skypad feeling incredibly clear on what I needed to execute on, and what I needed to reorient the team towards. I also came back full of energy to do so. My team was surprised by how much had been accomplished in such a short time away!

Share any “ah-ha” ideas you may have had at Skypad.

I didn't have any big "ah-ha" ideas while at Skypad. The value was really from the time away from the office, and the structured environment that facilitated good sleep, clean eating, and dedicated time to focus on my project.

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If an entrepreneur friend wanted to come to Skypad, what would you say?

While it may feel like a luxury, you cannot afford to NOT take time to go deep on the high leverage projects you've had on the backburner for months. Those are the projects that will propel your team and your company forward. Physically removing yourself from the office and away from the day-to-day minutiae, and into a beautiful environment that sparks creativity is a must for the entrepreneur who is looking for the next level of growth or who is feeling stuck on a big, gnarly problem.

 

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