347. Innovating the Wait: Zack Klima’s Journey from Detroit to Tech Visionary

In this episode of the "Raw and Real Entrepreneurship" podcast, Susan Sly interviews Zackary Klima, the founder of WaitTime. Klima discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from the streets of Detroit to WaitTimes' Intel partnerships. 

 

Zack shares insights from his early days, where he mastered communication and overcame fears in Detroit's business landscape. The conversation explores Detroit's challenges and Zack's passion for its revitalization, which shaped WaitTimes' mission to enhance customer experiences through technology. 

 

 Key moments underscore Zack’s perseverance, such as pitching to Dan Gilbert and joining a business accelerator with Intel. The episode showcases WaitTimes' collaboration with Intel, highlighting strategic partnerships and the role of technology in business expansion. 

 

Join Susan and Zack for valuable lessons on tech frameworks, partnership optimization, and personal well-being, essential for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the road to success.

About Zack Klima:

Zachary Klima is the founder, CEO, and creator of WaitTime, a company that provides artificial intelligence solutions for crowd management and customer experience optimization. He has over nine years of experience in leading the global implementation strategy of WaitTime, overseeing partnerships with major sports, entertainment, and hospitality organizations.

 

Klima conceived WaitTime in 2013 and was selected out of more than 500 applicants for participation in the rigorous Bizdom startup accelerator founded by Quicken Loan's renowned executive Dan Gilbert. Prior to WaitTime, he was in the field of architecture, design, and sales engineering, where he developed skills in marketing communications, new business development, and graphic design. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy and has published a book and a patent on his innovative ideas. He is passionate about the gentrification of Detroit and the potential of AI to transform the world.

 

Connect with Zack:

Website https://www.thewaittimes.com/

LinkedIn @zackklima

LinkedIn @company/waittime

 

About Susan Sly:

 

Susan Sly is a Tech Co-founder and Co-CEO, a tech investor, best-selling author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and host of the highly acclaimed podcast – Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. Susan has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox, Lifetime Television, The CBN, The Morning Show in Australia and been quoted in MarketWatch, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, and more. She holds Certificates in Management and Leadership, Technology and Operations, and Strategy and Innovation from MIT. Susan is the author of 7 books. Her book project with NY Times Best Selling Author, Jack Canfield, made six Amazon Best Selling lists.

 

Connect With Susan:

Twitter @Susanslylive

LinkedIn @susansly

Website https://susansly.com/