Ever had one of those conversations that jolts you awake, like a cold shower after a hard workout? That’s exactly how I felt after sitting down with Tori Master, the CEO and founder of REVital. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill entrepreneur; Tori is a relentless problem-solver, a guy who sees obstacles as opportunities to innovate. He’s on a mission to transform the way we use data from our wearables, turning everyday gadgets into lifesaving tools.
You know that smartwatch you wear but barely use beyond checking texts? Tori wants to change that. “A lot of people are wearing smart wearables; they are not using the smart wearables, and that is where we came in,” he pointed out.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to pivot in business, to adapt when things don’t go as planned, and to push through challenges that would make most people quit, stick around. This story is for the hustlers, the grinders, the ones who refuse to settle.
Turning Data into Lifesavers: Tori’s Bold Pivot
When I first met Tori, I could tell right away—this guy doesn’t do things halfway. He shared how he initially dove into developing emotion detection software, a cutting-edge idea that had potential written all over it. But here’s the kicker: he wasn’t afraid to walk away when he saw the writing on the wall. “I was designing an algorithm around that, and then I realized that that’s not gonna happen anytime soon,” he admitted with a candidness that’s rare these days.
So, what did he do? He pivoted—hard. Tori started looking at the untapped potential sitting right on our wrists. “How can we use the data people already have from their wearables?” he asked himself. That’s the kind of question that sparks innovation. And thus, REVital was born—a health software company aiming to leverage existing data from smart wearables to provide early cardiac warning systems.
But why cardiac data? I pressed him on this, and his answer was as personal as it gets. “I’m pretty much one of my own customers,” he revealed. After experiencing the discomfort of traditional cardiac monitoring devices, he knew there had to be a better way. “I wore a Holter device, and it was extremely uncomfortable.” So he set out to make monitoring not just more comfortable, but more accessible.
Key Takeaways from Our Discussion:
- Embrace the Pivot: Tori didn’t waste time on a dead-end. He shifted focus to a more viable solution that could make an immediate impact.
- Leverage Existing Resources: Instead of convincing people to buy new gadgets, he utilized the data from wearables people already own but underutilize.
- Solve Real Problems: His personal experience with uncomfortable medical devices fueled his drive to create something better for everyone.
The Grit Behind the Grind: Overcoming Entrepreneurial Challenges
Entrepreneurship is a battlefield, and Tori is in the trenches. “We made a lot of mistakes in the first couple of—I would say until now, even now, we’re making a lot of them,” he confessed. But he doesn’t flinch. Instead, he leans into the struggle.
One of the biggest hurdles he’s facing is fundraising—a beast many entrepreneurs wrestle with. “Everybody wants to give you money when u don’t need money,” Tori said, encapsulating the frustrating paradox of startup funding. Investors are hesitant to back you when you need it most but are eager when you’ve already made it. It’s the classic chicken-and-egg scenario: you need funds to grow, but you need growth to secure funds.
So how does he cope? By wearing multiple hats and pushing forward. He’s not just the CEO; he’s the lead salesman, the fundraiser, and sometimes even the guy who feeds the cats in the office. “That’s why I ain’t got energy already,” he joked, half-serious, half-smiling. But make no mistake—this is a man fueled by purpose.
What I Learned from His Experience:
- Resilience is Non-Negotiable: Tori’s journey underscores the importance of grit. “You need to burn for whatever you do,” he emphasized, and it’s clear he lives by this mantra.
- Be Prepared to Wear Many Hats: From product development to fundraising, Tori is juggling it all. It’s a reminder that in the early stages, you have to be willing to do whatever it takes.
- Authenticity Matters: He’s straightforward and doesn’t believe in making excuses. “Just tell me to my face what happened.” In a world full of smoke and mirrors, honesty is refreshing and builds trust.
Reflections from the Interview
Sitting down with Tori was more than a casual chat; it was a deep dive into the psyche of a true entrepreneur. Here’s a guy who had a tough childhood but didn’t let it harden him. “I try to always give people the benefit of the doubt.” That level of empathy is rare, especially in the cutthroat world of startups.
We also bonded over the necessity of recharging our batteries. Let’s face it—burnout is real. Tori finds solace in simple pleasures. “I usually either ride my motorcycle or spend just a day at home with my family,” he shared. And get this—we both geek out over video games. “We might even play, like, video games. We might play Heroes of Might and Magic,” he said. It’s a reminder that even the most driven among us need to unplug sometimes.
Here’s What I’m Taking Away:
- Passion Fuels Progress: Without passion, the grind will grind you down. Tori’s fire is evident in everything he does, and it’s contagious.
- Don’t Fear Failure: Mistakes aren’t the end; they’re part of the journey. Learn from them, adapt, and keep moving forward.
- Value Your Team: Working closely with his wife, who is also his co-founder, Tori shows that a strong support system is invaluable. “I am extremely lucky.”
- Recharge When Needed: Even the most dedicated need a break. Whether it’s a motorcycle ride or a video game session, find what recharges you.
- Stay True to Yourself: Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a strategy. Being genuine builds trust and sets you apart in a crowded market.
Final Thoughts
My conversation with Tori was a wake-up call—a reminder of why we hustle, why we push through the obstacles, and why we refuse to settle. It’s not about the quick wins or the overnight successes; it’s about the journey, the grit, and the unyielding passion that fuels us.
So, if you’re out there grinding, facing your own set of challenges, take a page from Tori’s playbook. Don’t be afraid to pivot. Embrace the grind. Be real, be authentic, and for the love of everything, don’t forget to take a breather now and then.
CONNECT WITH TORI MASTER:
Website: https://revital.live/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tori-master-3ab9a9225/