Patty Post, the visionary Founder and compassionate Chief Executive Officer of Checkable, leads an innovative healthcare revolution aimed at empowering moms to save time and reduce the cost of care through innovative at-home testing kits. In 2019, Patty launched Checkable, providing an innovative platform that offers accurate at-home tests, easy access to telemedicine and prescription providers through a user-friendly app, and the ability to make clinical, evidence-based decisions from the comfort of home. Based in North Dakota, Patty is a parent of three kids and is passionate about educating and equipping moms to take charge of their and their family’s health while enjoying precious moments with her own family.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company.
I built my career as a business development executive in medical devices and clinical research consulting, but it was as a mother of 3 that I discovered the need to pair rapid testing + telemedicine and bring it into the hands of the consumer through OTC clearance.
Tell us a little bit about your marketing process, what has been the most successful form of marketing for you?
We’re very early in our commercialization; awareness is our objective. Content and building trust is key; we have focused on creating content relevant to our target market and, more important, content that creates value and is written by credible sources.
We consider Amazon as a marketing tool; we’ve put a lot of effort into gaining traction through ad placement and A+ content on Amazon.
Lastly, my favorite way to market is by wearing Checkable branded merch. I had custom jean jackets made for all of the ladies, hoodies, golf shirts, and t-shirts, we’ve thought of everything, and we give it away, and we have to wear it when we travel. It’s the best way to get people talking about our brand, and we control the narrative.
What are your plans for the future, how do you plan to grow this company?
We plan to grow through digital commerce and retail. Amazon, our e-commerce site, and other e-tailers are huge in the baby space, one of the categories we’re in. Retail, on the other hand, get’s your brand in front of many more consumers with hugely profitable sales if we hit it right. One way to hit it right in the self-care space is creating trust with the pharmacist, which has been a huge area of focus for the company in 2023, We’re attending a lot of pharmacy conferences, and a really cool conference we’ve doubled down on is the FounderMade conference in NYC and LA.
What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
To succeed in the world of entrepreneurship, it’s essential to embrace a resilient and determined mindset. You must become a true badass, prepared to face numerous challenges and setbacks along the way. Throughout your journey, you will encounter moments when you feel beaten down when others doubt your worth or criticize your ideas. These moments can be disheartening, but they also serve as opportunities for growth and self-reflection. By cultivating a thick skin and staying true to your vision, you can persevere and prove the naysayers wrong. However, becoming a badass also requires relentless hard work and a commitment to continuous learning.
As an entrepreneur, you must be willing to immerse yourself in every aspect of your business, acquiring knowledge and skills in all relevant areas. This deep understanding enables you to delegate tasks effectively when the time comes to hire while also allowing you to evaluate the performance of those you bring on board. Being ruthlessly discerning and making tough decisions, such as swiftly firing underperforming employees, becomes crucial to maintaining the integrity and success of your venture. It’s a combination of unwavering dedication, resilience in the face of adversity, and the willingness to make difficult choices that define the spirit of a true badass entrepreneur.
What were the top three mistakes you made starting your business, and what did you learn from them?
I trusted people too early. I believed them when they said they knew what they were doing without truly vetting them or understanding that healthcare is different from any other industry.
I took too long to let people go, which slowed down progress, I felt bad about firing them, but then I changed my attitude. I realized by letting them go, I was giving them the opportunity to work on something that suited them better and suited me better too.
What’s a productivity tip you swear by?
Stop drinking alcohol, and you’ll find your productivity, mentality clarity, and over health skyrockets! When you make the decision to stop drinking alcohol, you open the door to a multitude of positive changes in your life. Not only will your productivity soar, but your mental clarity will sharpen, and your overall health will experience a remarkable transformation. By eliminating alcohol from your routine, you free up valuable time and energy that was once consumed by drinking. This newfound focus allows you to channel your efforts into meaningful activities, boosting your productivity levels and enabling you to accomplish more. Moreover, without clouded judgment and impaired cognitive function caused by alcohol, your mental clarity will flourish.
What helps you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
Don’t ever peak; always strive for the next thing to be better in business and in personal development. Embracing a mindset of continuous growth and refusing to settle for mediocrity is key to success, both in business and personal development. The concept of never peaking propels me to constantly strive for improvement, pushing my limits and reaching new heights. This philosophy entails recognizing that there is always something more to learn, accomplish, or achieve. I believe that means creating systems and being very disciplined around habits in your personal life.
Can you recommend one book, one podcast, and one online course for entrepreneurs?
That’s a hard question; I read a lot! When it comes to books that have significantly influenced my entrepreneurial journey, it’s challenging to narrow it down to just a few. However, there are a couple of standout titles that have had a profound impact on my mindset and knowledge base. One such book is “Beyond Entrepreneurship” by Jim Collins, a timeless resource that I make a point to read once a year. Collins’ insights into building enduring organizations and cultivating visionary leadership have shaped my approach to business strategy and long-term success.
- Another book that holds a special place on my bookshelf is “Crush It” by Gary Vaynerchuk. Vaynerchuk’s unyielding passion and his emphasis on leveraging digital platforms to build personal brands resonated deeply with me. I find myself revisiting this book regularly, drawing inspiration and motivation from Vaynerchuk’s powerful storytelling.
- Additionally, “Venture Deals” by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson has been an invaluable resource in expanding my understanding of the fundraising landscape. Its comprehensive coverage of the intricacies involved in securing funding and navigating term sheets has equipped me with vital knowledge that I still reference today. These books have become constant companions in my entrepreneurial journey, offering guidance, insights, and a source of motivation as I continue to grow and evolve in the dynamic world of business.
What’s your definition of success?
I don’t have a set definition of success, but in my mind, if I’m financially free by the time my kids have kids and I can commit to babysitting them a couple of days a week, take them to Disney and Maui once a year and live at the family cabin with my husband, that’s success to me.
If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
I would start a service model business, probably car detailing, going to clients’ homes and getting it done using the power washer and car care products I already own. I’d literally go door to door in the wealthy neighborhoods to get my first clients, $150 a wash.
What valuable advice would you give to new entrepreneurs starting out?
When embarking on a new venture or endeavor, it is crucial to develop a plan, even if it’s not perfect or fully comprehensive from the outset. Waiting for a flawless plan before taking action can lead to delays and missed opportunities. The act of creating a plan serves as a guiding framework, providing structure and direction to your entrepreneurial journey. Without a plan, it is easy to become scattered and overwhelmed, stretching yourself too thin and losing focus. However, having a plan in place significantly reduces the likelihood of succumbing to these pitfalls. While it’s true that deviations and unexpected circumstances may arise along the way, a well-crafted plan serves as a reliable North Star, keeping you on track and helping you navigate through challenges. It provides a sense of purpose and clarity, allowing you to make informed decisions and prioritize effectively. A plan not only acts as a roadmap for success but also instills a sense of confidence and determination, ensuring that you remain steadfast in your pursuit, even in the face of obstacles. Therefore, regardless of its imperfections, a well-constructed plan is an invaluable tool that empowers entrepreneurs to forge ahead with purpose and resilience.
How can readers get in touch with you?
I’d love for people to follow my personal TikTok and Instagram @pattypostceo and Checkable @CheckableHealth they can hear more of my advice on my podcast, The U.Persevere Podcast, and get health tips on the Checkable Health Podcast.
Thank you much for this opportunity!!
