Makers of new app embrace the new way to work!

Two friends from Forest Hills launched a new business this year that’s transforming how work gets done. Taylor Preston and Christian Huempfner’s LABR Technologies now makes it easy to match individuals looking for gig work and employers that need an extra set of hands.

Who uses LABR and why?

Workers who sign up with LABR are people looking to earn income on a flexible schedule. Anyone age 18 or older can use the service.

Workers like the flexibility the app gives them. They only sign up to work when it fits their schedule. In some cases, they use the app to sign up for work as late as the night before.

Another reason workers like LABR: They get paid quickly. Payment for work is deposited in their account within 72 hours. LABR prides itself on paying competitive wages.

Employers use LABR to meet their need for workers. For example, they may use a LABR worker for seasonal needs, to assist with a large job, or while they are in the hiring process for an open position. LABR makes it easy for them to adapt and get extra help when they need it, even on short notice.

“Getting workers is as easy as ordering a pizza,” Preston said.

What kind of work is it?

LABR specializes in general labor. Work varies by employer, but requires no special skills. Assignments include anything that can be taught in 10 minutes or less that does not put workers in a dangerous situation.

“We have one client, a distributor, who uses LABR four hours a week to take out trash and sweep loading docks,” Preston said. “Employers use us to fill variable workforce demand for everything from construction and landscaping to data entry and packing for shipping.”

How the business started

While in college, Huempfner had a landscaping business. Most of his buddies, including Preston, worked for him.

“When we graduated and got real jobs, he had a problem,” said Preston. How would Huempfner keep his business going without workers?

Then one day in 2014 while Huempfner was mowing a customer’s lawn, inspiration stuck. What he—and many other businesses—needed is a gig economy provider of general labor. An app that would easily connect workers and employers would fill this need.

Huempfner called Preston with his idea and the pair ran with it. They talked about it for years, started building the app in 2020, and in 2021, a pilot took off faster than either imagined. Workers and employers alike loved the ease of using the app. LABR formally launched in January 2022.

A banking partner that helped get LABR to launch day

Consumers Credit Union offers something big banks cannot: local people making decisions. We take the time to get to know our members and understand their needs—like finding cash flow solutions. In LABR’s case, offering a line of credit to make sure they can keep their commitment to pay workers within 72 hours.

“Consumers partnered with us from the start when others passed on our ideas,” Preston explained. “They’ve been able to assist with our working capital needs and have been a great partner.”

“Getting to know owners like Christian and Taylor is the best part of my job,” said Consumers’ Commercial Loan Officer Shannon Dwyer. “Their future is bright, and we are proud to be their banking partner.”

Plans to expand

Already, LABR is matching workers and employers for gigs in Michigan, Indiana and Oklahoma. Huempfner and Preston are preparing for a snowball effect as more people learn about the app.

“We expect to have thousands of workers by year-end. We’re a high-growth, scalable tech start-up,” said Preston. By 2024 they expect to be serving workers and employers all across the U.S.

We’re so proud of LABR’s success! If you need work or workers, check out LABR’s website and app.

Consumers provides banking services for more than 120,000 members. If you have banking questions, call us at 800-991-2221 or connect with us online. We make it easy to bank how you want, when you want.

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