AppsVillage (ASX:APV) – Max Bluvband

Max Bluvband is the CEO and Co-founder of AppsVillage (ASX:APV), a mobile App creation platform that enables small, medium and large businesses to create engaging professional Apps in a snap. Businesses can now effortlessly transform their Facebook pages into powerful & engaging Apps in seconds, with AppsVillage handling all the back end development both for Android and iPhone mobile devices.

What’s your journey in becoming a CEO and Co-founder?
My journey to becoming a CEO began many years ago now when my wife and I ran a small bookshop just outside Tel Aviv. Like many small business owners we struggled with the challenge of attracting new customers and communicating with our existing ones. I knew there had to be a simple way of creating a platform that would enable customer interaction and marketing for SMBs. I had a background in technology so I began looking at different options. Social media was, by far, becoming the communication tool of choice for people so AppsVillage was born.

Tell us a bit about your business and how you are commercializing?
AppsVillage creates mobile apps from SME Facebook and Instagram pages. The apps allow customer interaction, marketing and the creation of Facebook advertising. The company also recently pivoted into fintech, partnering with a range of US and Australian lenders to provide small business loans to its subscribers. Having your own mobile application that customers can use is one of the most important marketing tools for a small business. It usually takes months and tens of thousands of dollars to build such an application. Our service enables these small businesses to compete with their much bigger rival and have the same digital and commerce capabilities.

How are you managing with the current COVID-19 pandemic on both business and personal front?
We are actually one of the lucky companies for whom COVID-19 is providing a tailwind. The social isolation and subsequent closure of many businesses has meant digital interaction with customers is more important than ever so the app creation side of the business is growing. Many SMBs are also desperately in need of capital so the fintech pivot has been a successful one. We recently introduced fast-approval SMB loans up to $10,000 with a 24-hour turnaround because we could see how very much SMBs needed them Government funding can only go so far and the gap between the announcement of Government help and its execution is sometimes so long many SMBs cannot endure without other help. We’re hoping to bridge that gap and, at the same time, establish ourselves as an essential service for SMBs which will hopefully extend beyond this time.

What’s the most exciting thing about running your business?
The most exciting aspect for me is being a part of SMBs’ journey. Capital and connection are two of the most important things for SMB growth and we are able to help substantially with both. Having owned and grown a couple of small businesses myself now, I know how hard it is to compete with the bigger players. Being able to help them level the playing field is really satisfying.

How do you measure success?
I honestly believe that life is a gift and one that should be recognized and cherished every day. I have a wonderful family and a business that I love. This is my measure of success.

What do you think is the most important quality of being a CEO and Co-founder of a listed company?
I think the most important is patience followed closely by focus and a general sense of happiness.

What is your favourite book?
I have several but one I read repeatedly is “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhard Tolle.

What message do you want to send to our readership in Asia?
These strange COVID-19 times teach us that we are all connected. There is no problem that is one individual’s problem alone. They are all shared. We must work together and stay connected during this social isolation to get through this as one globally connected world.

How can people connect with you?
Email:
Website: https://appsvillage.com/