VENTURE: Self-taught Tech Developer Creates Electronic Business Card

By Tiara Cole

The fear (and expense) of running out of printed business cards coupled with their inherent limitations is nearing its end. The Electronic Business Card allows Android, Google Play and soon Apple users to go beyond the scope of a 3.5 x 2 paper stock to digitally share resumes, business websites, addresses, emails, social media, create invitations and design flyers all within the convenience of a free mobile app. Self-taught founder and CEO 27-year-old Tonny Mallett-Mosby works alongside marketing director and graphic designer Dwaylon Cunningham and app developer Peter Mastin.

What inspired you to create EBC?
I moved from Milwaukee to Atlanta in 2014. I was working, but making little money, so I started fixing phones on the side to make ends meet. I knew I needed business cards, but didn’t have the money to buy them. I thought ‘I’ll just send my business cards through text to customers instead, that way they can share it with someone else.’ This sparked the idea of EBC.

What experiences prepared you to be founder and CEO of a start-up business at such a young age?
I saw first-hand the process and struggles of running a business watching my Uncle Lee develop his T-shirt printing company. I learned early on that little sacrifices will eventually go a long way.

Will there be a boom in mobile apps specifically?
The future of technology is endless, the impossible will be made possible. Apps will continue to boom because they make life simpler.

You’re a self-taught technology developer, what was the hardest thing about getting EBC off the ground?
The most difficult part was marketing and getting people to download the app. We’re constantly thinking of new strategies and concepts to target new audiences.

Running a business and working full-time can be overwhelming, how do you strike a balance?
There really is no balance, it seems like I’m always working. When I leave my corporate job, I’m working on EBC. I am very grateful for my business partners Dwaylon and Peter, EBC wouldn’t have gotten this far without them.

Is there a specific reason you chose the mobile app route instead of an online-based business? What are the advantages?
Working in telecommunications allows me to see the growth of technology. People want everything at their fingertips and so I knew an app would cater to that.

As a fairly new start-up, what long-term goals are in the works for EBC? What’s next for your career?
We want to see the app expand its features and grow its users. We’ll be happy when EBC becomes a household name.

What advice would you give to other young innovators in the tech industry?
Never give up on your dream. When it seems impossible, always believe in your idea and don’t be afraid to fail and start again. AT