1,000 COSIGN’s: Meet Daafram Campbell, CEO / Co-Founder of SwitchIt App | COSIGN #84 of 1K
Name: Daafram Campbell
Company: Switchit
Title: CEO / Co-Founder
Location: Maryland, USA
Daafram Campbell is the CEO of Switchit, a mobile app that easily manages one-on-one connections, drive engagement, and helps grow your business through powerful digital business cards. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Switichit on our #COSIGNLive Podcast edition and it was a great networking tool. Check out our Q&A with Daafram to see why we #COSIGN Switchit.
Where are you from and how did you begin your career?
I was born and raised in Meridian, MS. After graduating high school, I moved to Atlanta, GA where I obtained an Associates Degree in Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta. I began my professional career shortly thereafter, as a graphic designer. Over the years, I have constantly worked at my craft to improve my capabilities and skill level as a designer. I have been fortunate to work in some of America’s most beautiful cities such as Washington DC, Virginia, and Florida.
Growing up what were you into and when did you know that you wanted to develop an app?
Growing up I played a lot of sports and I designed album covers on the side for my friends who rapped. Back then they were actually cassette covers and I designed the artwork in Microsoft Word, LOL. I went through a phase where I would only buy a rap artist album if the cover artwork was dope. I was in the sixth grade when I decided I wanted to be a graphic designer because I had a passion for design. So, I told my mother my ambition and she purchased me a Gateway computer and I’ve been designing ever since. In 2014, I had the vision for Switchit. The original vision and concept was a simply way for people to store and share their contact information, documents, and files. We’ve come a longways since that original concept.
What was the path that you took that lead you to the technology field.
I wouldn’t say I took a particular path to get into technology. I had a computer at a young age, I had pager back in the day when those were popular, I had a cell phone in college, so I’ve always had my hand on technology but I’m not an app developer; I don’t know how to code. What I am good at is being able to create whatever I see in my head. So, when I had the vision for Switchit, which is a mobile app, I was able to design the wire-frames, user interface, buttons, and other aesthetics myself. Also, I was able to create our branding which consisted of the logo, corporate color schemes, marketing collateral for print and web, and other assets which saved the company a lot of money.
Who inspires you the most in your industry?
I’ve always been inspired by people who create their own value; make their own path. I’m inspired by entrepreneurs, artists, small business owners, bosses, you name it. If I had to name a person in the industry who inspired me to push forward in tech, that person would be Gentry Underwood. I admire him because he created the once popular app, Mailbox, and sold it for 100 million dollars before it was ever released. I am a fan of his philosophy as it relates to design thinking and problem solving through design. He’s pretty dope!
What has been your biggest struggle in getting to where you are now in your profession?
Professionally, just paying dues and remaining patient. You have to crawl before you can walk. We all want that big promotion or that new position. As a professional, you have to perfect your craft, hone your skills, and stay current with the latest trends or techniques. With time comes wisdom and with wisdom comes knowledge. Once you are fully knowledgeable in what you do, you then have the confidence and capabilities to take yourself to the next level and your career will follow.
Did you have a “leap of faith” moment, and if so, how did you decide to make the leap and what were the circumstances around it?
From the very beginning, I knew creating an app and starting a software development company wouldn’t be easy. It was going to take a huge sacrifice; be it time, energy, finances, etc. However, I was determined to see my dream all the way through and make it a success. My “leap of faith” is simple; I want to be my own boss, create my own value, and give something to the world that makes people’s daily lives and tasks easier.
What makes you unique compared to the rest in your field?
What makes Switchit so unique is the way in which we designed it to work. Networking is all about building relationships and the only way to build relationships is to nurture those relationships by following up with people and building a rapport. Switchit is the first multimedia digital business card supporting dynamic video, audio, and branded graphics. From your card, you can tell the story behind your brand, product or service through the power of video or graphics. You can conveniently store all your contact information and social media accounts in one place. Following up is quick and easy. When you share your digital business card with others, the app automatically saves their name and phone number. If they are users of the app, their name, phone number, email address, and photo automatically saves inside their contact thread. So, following up with people or potential leads can all be done without ever having to leave the app. Lastly, the app is integrated with Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendars, and your system’s calendar, so you can create reminder alerts to follow up and move your relationships forward. When it comes to an all-in-one digital business card with intelligent networking features; we are the industry leader.
How does your brand improve the industry you’re currently in?
In this new age of connectivity and content driven experiences, video is king. Our video integration provides people a simple way to express what makes them, their company, product, or service unique. Making great first impressions is key to building a thriving network and increasing opportunities. By utilizing video, users can deliver compelling content that remains at the forefront of people’s minds. They won’t forget you.
How has social media improved your business or brand?
Social media has greatly improved our brand because it allows us to tell our story and interact with our followers in a more intimate way. We communicate with our followers constantly and they do the same. Social media is really awesome.
What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
I would say being chosen to present Switchit in Startup Alley at TechCrunch Disrupt 2017 in San Francisco. The invitation came out the blue and was surreal given the fact our company is not even a year old. By being apart of an event of this magnitude validates our product’s value. You can no longer speak about the top digital business card apps or networking solutions and not include Switchit in the conversation. So it’s safe to say we are very excited and looking forward to showcasing Switchit at TechCrunch Disrupt, September 18 – 20. If you are in the building, make sure you come by our booth.
How do you deal with adversity?
I try to focus on the things I can change and take one day at a time. With anything you do in life, their will be stumbling blocks and if you fall down along the way, that’s okay. It’s the people that get back up and continue on the journey that are successful. My advice would be, never let anything or anyone get in the way of your dreams. Remain focused, be determined, and when you fall know that it’s okay; just get back up!
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see myself continuing doing what I love, spending time and taking care of my family, traveling, and Switchit being the leading digital business card app used by professionals and teams.
What does success mean to you?
To me, success is being the best at what you do.You don’t have to be an entertainer, athlete, or business mogul to be successful. If you get up everyday, go to work and all your bills are paid, you’re successful. If you’re in school and passing all your courses, you’re successful. Focus on being the best at what you do and success will follow.
When it’s all said and done what do you want your legacy to be?
A man that didn’t make excuses, took care of his family, cared for others, and loved God (Yahweh).
Who do you #COSIGN?
Jesse Alex @brandfiend
Aqweela Green @brandfiend
Brandon Miller @thatguybmills
Aaron D. Perry @adpsketchesmmkay
Morgan DeBaun @morgandebaun
Bonin Bough @bonin
Christen Davis @chris10davis
222productionz @222productionz
Marcus Gilmore @marcusdgilmore
KG Graham @cosignmag
