What if you could rent a college-age grandchild to help you with your computer, minor chores, and a ride to the store? Maybe to keep grannie company at a senior citizen dance?
Papa Pals, a Florida-based business, is filling this niche with a gig economy offering that targets the fast-growing age group in the U.S. – seniors over 65. This population needs support services to help them with everyday chores and transportation. And beyond daily transactional needs – the elderly need companionship.
Without a family close by, a need created a business opportunity.
Andrew Parker’s grandfather needed help with groceries. Unfortunately, his business schedule made it impossible for him to help. So, he realized that there was a need without a solution.
Grandkids on-Demand
Based in Miami, Andrew and his team are part of a Y Combinator accelerator program. Seniors can call or use an app to get help. Currently available in Florida, they have plans to expand to other states as they work out their model and technology.
Parker was VP of a health system at MDLIVE before jumping into this startup. He saw this opportunity to connect college students and the elderly. With the ease of background checks today and motor vehicle records, Papa Pals also has each applicant fill out a personality test. He wants helpers who are empathic, patient, and outgoing.
One of the most requested needs is transportation – but beyond Uber and Lyft. Seniors need help shopping at a store, unloading groceries, and even taking them for checkups. This rent-a-grandkids help with techs like cell phones, TV issues, and even Facetime chats with family. Premium membership provides some added benefits to the ala carte by the hour offering.
The expansion plan is to grow to at least five more states in 2021. Programs are developing for other partnerships when other services are needed, like nursing care and beyond. The business model for Papa Pals, is intriguing.
Matchmaking – The Secret Sauce
What Parker claims make them different is their ability to create intense matches based on personalities and needs. They focus their backend system on fulfilling both emotional and commercial markets. They want a sustainable difference to keep competitors out and to make them the leader in this space.
Insights from Papa Pals
One of the intriguing parts of this business is understanding who they need to reach. Their audience is not the grandparent; it’s the child who lives at a distance that wants to help and support an elderly parent. Their marketing will target isn’t Papa. It’s his 40 or 50 something kid.
Rent a college-age grandchild makes a lot of sense.
As the population ages, the demand will only grow, and Papa Pals is staking out a claim to build the infrastructure rapidly but with a sensitivity that makes a difference.
Parker and his team can also learn from Uber and Lyft, and other gig services to make the work more valuable to college students and those looking to fill their spare time with an emotionally satisfying outcome.
Rent a college-age grandchild – what a grand idea!
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