This week the RIoT team caught up with Randy to learn more about his startup journey and inspiration for this revolutionary company.
Kapillary, an early-stage technology company, is dedicated to revolutionizing how municipalities manage their Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Programs, which are vital for controlling pollution from foodservice operations. Through their proprietary sensors, Kapillary continuously monitors grease levels, detects obstructions in downstream plumbing, and identifies unusual activity in interceptors. This real-time monitoring provides the critical data needed to prevent sewer overflows, reduce administrative costs, and maintain cleaner, safer urban environments. As the adage goes, “If you can measure it, you can manage it,” and Kapillary empowers municipalities to do just that with unparalleled precision and efficiency.
Q1: Could you tell us a little bit about your company?
Kapillary is an early-stage wastewater monitoring technology company focused on helping municipalities manage their Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Programs more effectively. These programs are essential for cities and sewer districts to control pollution from foodservice operations.
At Kapillary, we’ve developed proprietary, highly reliable sensors that are installed in grease interceptors, the points of origin for FOG pollution in municipal sewer infrastructure. These sensors monitor grease levels, detect obstructions in downstream plumbing, and identify unusual activity in the interceptors, among other critical alarm conditions.
With the data and insights provided by the sensors, city managers can reduce sewer overflows and administrative costs, leading to cleaner, safer, and more efficient cities. In short, “if you can measure it, you can manage it,” so Kapillary’s focus is on helping city managers do that with their FOG Programs.
Q2: What inspired you to start your own company?
The inspiration for starting Kapillary came from multiple sources, but it all began with my 20 years of experience at my previous company, a grease interceptor manufacturer. During that time, I frequently heard city officials and other stakeholders express their confusion and concern about the maintenance status of grease interceptors in foodservice operations.
About seven years ago, I had a lightbulb moment when our sensor design popped in my head. Seeing the clear gap in the market and the need for more dependable information, I knew we had a unique opportunity to make a real impact. And thus, Kapillary was set in motion, aiming to bring clarity and efficiency to a critical but often overlooked aspect of city infrastructure.
Q3: What previous experiences influence your role today?
My role today is shaped by a number of experiences. I spent 20 years working at a leading grease interceptor manufacturer, with the last 10 years as president. This gave me a deep understanding of the industry and the challenges city officials face.
But my journey started long before that. From attending First Presbyterian Church in Asheboro to earning my Eagle Scout award, my upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of community and leadership. My academic journey through Wake Forest University and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business further honed my skills and perspective.
These experiences collectively influence how I approach my role today, guiding Kapillary with a blend of industry expertise, community values, and business acumen.
Q4: What are the biggest challenges you’ve encountered as a startup founder this far, and how did you overcome them?
At my previous company, where I served as president, I had the luxury of a team of individuals to bounce ideas off of, help execute company plans, and provide valuable feedback. This collaborative environment was incredibly satisfying, especially during the ups and downs of business events.
Now, as a startup founder, I find myself mostly a lone wolf at this stage in Kapillary’s life. The biggest challenge has been the transition from a team-driven environment to making decisions independently. To overcome this, I’ve had to adapt and find new ways to stay connected and gather feedback. I’ve leveraged my network of industry contacts and mentors, participated in the RIoT startup accelerator, and actively sought out advice from fellow entrepreneurs.
Q5: Do you have any mentors or role models who have inspired you while you have been building your business?
My parents have been my greatest mentors and role models. They started their business 41 years ago, and growing up in that environment, I quickly learned enduring lessons about hard work, determination, innovation, and the importance of treating people the way you want to be treated. These values have been ingrained in me from a young age and continue to guide me as I build Kapillary.
Even now, my parents remain a source of inspiration and advice. Their journey and the principles they upheld in their business have provided a blueprint for my own entrepreneurial path. Whenever I face challenges or tough decisions, I often find myself reflecting on their wisdom and example.
Q6: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and future startup founders based on your own experiences and lessons learned?
Have a disposition towards action. You may not have direct or even any experience in many areas necessary to advance your startup to its next stage. Do not let the lack of experience stop you from trying anyway. Most of the doing and success will come from the effort itself, and you’ll likely have future opportunities to apply what you’ve learned and improve.
I have almost always regretted hesitating on decisions and never regretted taking action earlier than I thought I was capable of at the time. You are more capable and adaptive than you realize. Embrace the challenges, take the risks, and learn as you go. The key is to keep moving forward.