Ranek Technologies founder and CEO Joe Halcisak had the idea and vision for an innovative app. But, he needed to find the guidance to create a business plan and a place to launch his computer software development startup. It all came together when he discovered the CAN BE Innovation Center.
Halcisak formally founded Ranek Technologies in May of 2020 and officially moved into the CAN BE Innovation Center this year. But his association with CAN BE and CAN DO Director of Economic Development Jocelyn Sterenchock began in 2018. Halcisak was a member of a team that won the tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition that year and went on to be named the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurs of the Year, an award that is sponsored by CAN BE.
Last year, Sterenchock served as a mentor when Ranek Technologies advanced to the finals in the collegiate division of the 19th annual tecBRIDGE Business Plan Competition for its app, Kaydri. The app, which is aiming to become the leading platform for photo and video sharing during live events, consolidates all media from the same live event or gathering into one place for guests to view and download.
Halcisak said leasing space in the CAN BE Innovation Center is the next step in the growth of his company.
“I have been developing software personally since around 2018, but I wanted to take my development to the next level and pursue development for others in the community,” he said. “Ranek is focusing on web development and mobile app development. We have worked with both large and small companies to develop practically anything they want, from websites, to databases, to full scale mobile applications.”
When he was looking to establish office space for the company, Halcisak said CAN BE offered him the ideal location to host meetings with clients but also interact with other entrepreneurs and startup companies.
“I was looking for a place to work and grow my business. CAN BE seemed like a great idea, since I could be surrounded by other new businesses like mine and other entrepreneurs like me,” he said. “I am using the innovation center as an office to focus on my development and as a professional environment to make connections and meet with potential customers. This space will help my business to become more professional and will also allow me to grow as a business owner and make connections with others around me.”
Halcisak said the support he’s gotten working with Sterenchock and the benefits he’s found being a CAN BE tenant have made an impact on his business and he recommends the facility to other entrepreneurs.
“Jocelyn has been amazing to work with and has been extremely helpful. She has answered every question I have had throughout the entire process and I couldn’t be more thankful,” he said. “Definitely come check out the facility and meet some of the people working in it, you will not be disappointed.”
