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 the maven behind Raw and Real Entrepreneurship. An award-winning AI entrepreneur and MIT Sloan alumna, Susan has carved out a niche at the forefront of the AI revolution, earning accolades as a top AI innovator in 2023 and a key figure in real-time AI advancements for 2024. With a storied career that blends rigorous academic insight with astute market strategies, Susan has emerged as a formidable founder, a discerning angel investor, sought after speaker, and a venerated voice in the business world. Her insights have graced platforms from CNN to CNBC and been quoted in leading publications like Forbes and MarketWatch. At the helm of the Raw and Real Entrepreneurship podcast, Susan delivers unvarnished wisdom and strategies, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business veterans alike to navigate the challenges of the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence. Dive deep into the essence of success with Susan Sly, and redefine your entrepreneurial journey.   Connect With Susan: Twitter @Susanslylive LinkedIn @susansly Website https://susansly.com/       Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices