The idea for his real world social app came from Pokemon Go.
Brett Foreman, a 25-year-old entrepreneur and Cal Poly alum, saw how the app got people outdoors. He figured he could do the same thing but connect people to something else--local businesses.
"What we really are is a city plug-in," Foreman said. "Our mission is to be able to help the local economy by driving paying customers to the local businesses. But we do it in a way where those customers are able to get those discounts by experiencing the paradise that is SLO."
It is simple. Download the Kick It Points app, look at the map, go to the pin and "check in." Nearly 130 businesses of all types offer a variety of discounts. And there are no strings, no hidden fees, just deals for getting outside to your favorite places and new ones you can discover.
For example, if you hike Bishop Peak, you can find deals from three different businesses--House of Bagels, Doc Burnstein's, and Woodstock's Pizza. Your location will allow you to claim the deal and take it to the business.
"Kick It Points, it works for all different types of businesses, not just eateries," Foreman said. "We also have wellness spas, transportation companies and other sorts of services and its been super cool to see it applied to all those different categories of businesses."
Over at Sloco Massage & Wellness Spa, co-owner Ryan Heath offers a number of deals by going different spots around town.
"We wanted to reward people for things they are going to do or to encourage them to do more of it and if they can get a discount, and if it helps them stick around in this area a little while longer, that's even better," Heath said.
From a business perspective, Heath says its making a difference.
"From Kick It Points, we see new clientele and clientele that loves to be outside which is what we're trying to promote here in terms of wellness and to get out from behind that screen."
Next up--pairing up with the rest of the central coast, bringing out the best of what there is to offer.
"We work for the businesses that we feature on the platform," Foreman said. "We get their names out there. That's the whole thing we want to do is benefit the local economy but then also save people who are locals a lot of money while we're doing so."
Heath agrees. "That's why we pay so much to live here is to be able to enjoy those activities and to have an app that encourages people enjoy the space and enjoy all the great businesses that exist here, the sky's the limit," he said.
The app is available for free in the Google and Apple app stores.
