What's Happening?
TradesOn, a new web-based platform, has launched in Rapid City, South Dakota, aiming to connect homeowners and real estate professionals with local tradespeople. Founded by military spouse Skylar McKeith, who moved to Rapid City in 2022, the platform has already
secured its first bookings. The idea for TradesOn originated from McKeith's experiences in real estate operations, where she identified a need for a more efficient way to find reliable maintenance and repair services. The platform allows users to post job requests, receive quotes from various tradespeople, and compare pricing before booking services. TradesOn facilitates connections with plumbers, electricians, lawn care providers, cleaning services, handymen, and general home repair workers. Tradespeople are not charged to join or submit quotes; instead, the platform earns a percentage per job from realtors and homeowners. McKeith is a graduate of Wildfire Labs, a startup accelerator program at Elevate Rapid City, which also holds a stake in TradesOn and has provided grants.
Why It's Important?
This launch is significant for the Rapid City community as it addresses a common pain point for homeowners and real estate professionals: the often time-consuming and fragmented process of finding qualified tradespeople. By centralizing this process, TradesOn can streamline operations, potentially reducing wait times and improving service quality. For local tradespeople, the platform offers a new channel for lead generation and business growth without upfront costs, fostering economic activity within the community. The support from Elevate Rapid City and Wildfire Labs highlights a growing ecosystem for entrepreneurship and innovation in the region, particularly for military spouses who often face unique career challenges due to frequent relocations. This initiative could serve as a model for other communities looking to leverage technology to support local businesses and improve consumer services.
What's Next?
TradesOn is currently a website-based platform, accessible at tradeson.io, with plans to launch an iOS app in the future. This expansion to a mobile application will likely enhance user accessibility and convenience, potentially increasing its adoption rate among both service providers and consumers. The company will likely focus on expanding its network of tradespeople and user base within Rapid City, and potentially to surrounding areas. Continued collaboration with organizations like Elevate Rapid City could provide further resources and mentorship for growth. The success of TradesOn could also inspire similar platforms in other service sectors, further digitizing and streamlining local economies.
Beyond the Headlines
The emergence of platforms like TradesOn reflects a broader trend of digital transformation in local service industries, driven by consumer demand for convenience and transparency. This shift can empower consumers by providing more choices and competitive pricing, while also professionalizing the trades by encouraging accountability through reviews and ratings. For military spouses, such entrepreneurial ventures offer flexible career paths that can adapt to their unique lifestyle, contributing to their economic independence and community integration. The success of TradesOn could also highlight the importance of local startup accelerators and community development organizations in fostering innovation and supporting new businesses, ultimately strengthening the local economy and creating job opportunities.
