Tech Scenes Unplugged with Shane Bigelow, CEO of CHAMP Titles

In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Shane Bigelow, CEO and Co-Founder of ChampTitles, a company revolutionizing the DMV processes in the United States through digitization. Shane brings over 20 years of experience working on all sides of the investment and entrepreneurial world, including running part of AB Bernstein’s business in the U.S., founding his own companies, and being involved in the sale of public companies.

Founded in 2018, ChampTitles is on a mission to replace outdated, paper-based DMV processes with their digital platform, allowing vehicle title, lien, and registration transactions to be completed quickly and efficiently. In this episode, we explore the pain points within current DMV systems and how ChampTitles aims to eliminate the “time tax” that consumers and businesses face by making the entire process digital. ChampTitles leverages patented technology, utilizing Hyperledger Fabric, to modernize and simplify these processes.

Jeff James Martin and Shane also dive into the importance of alignment within teams and with investors, and how that alignment drives success. The conversation covers the benefits of creating a learning environment in organizations, the balance between remote work and in-office collaboration, and the mindset of treating ‘no' as a stepping stone to ‘yes.’ They also discuss Shane’s thoughts on the pay-for-performance model in government contracting and how ChampTitles plans to expand its solutions beyond the DMV to other government entities and developing nations.

Key Takeaways:
- ChampTitles is focused on digitizing title, lien, and registration capabilities within DMVs to replace paper-based processes.
Paper-driven systems create inefficiencies and delays for consumers and businesses.
- ChampTitles aims to eliminate the "time tax" by making DMV transactions digital.
- The company embraces a pay-for-performance model in government contracts, where vendors are only paid when transactions occur.
- Alignment within teams and with investors is essential for success and growth.
- Remote work offers flexibility, but being together in an office fosters better communication, alignment, and speed.
- A growth mindset that treats ‘no’ as a stepping stone to ‘yes’ is essential for innovation and success.
- Implementing a clear operating system and cadence for communication is vital for venture-backed companies.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Overview of ChampTitles
04:42 - Eliminating the Time Tax
13:31 - The Pay for Performance Model
21:42 - Alignment in Teams and with Investors
28:19 - Finding the Right Investors and Creating a Learning Environment
30:52 - The Benefits of Being Together in an Office
35:19 - Treating 'No' as a Stumbling Block to 'Yes'
38:33 - Creating an Operating System for Venture-Backed Companies

Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie