011 | "Robot that Replaces your Pool Boy" (Ravi at Sutro)

Aug 2

Today’s guest on the “Phil with Forbes 30” podcast is Ravi Kurani – Founder of Sutro

Forbes List: USA
Year: 2017
Category: Energy

His father immigrated from India to US and was a chemist who when he couldn’t find a job in his field, he ended up working at a pool company. His father started at the bottom and through perseverance became a very successful entrepreneur.

Ravi, working for his father’s pool company, came up with the idea for Sutro. He invented a robot that tests pool and hot tub water for health safety. It’s an automated water maintenance system that saves chemicals, water, and energy.

Ravi has a BS in Mechanical Engineering, MBA in International Finance and a Certificate from Stanford University in Renewable Energy Systems.

Our discussion intertwines Ravi’s upbringing with insights into his entrepreneurship success including:

Ravi’s unique and genius idea of using the “Next Door” (the app) for getting customers, validating the prototype product and creating product demand.
Going from private pools to commercial pools.
The journey of grit and persistence.
Ravi’s personal habit of doodling and what happens in the process.
Being proactive versus reactive.
The importance of rest, relaxation and detaching from technology.

I continued my discussion and compared the Bill Gross’ Ted Talk on successful startups and how it matches that of Ravi’s journey.

Ravi also shared his thoughts on water technology and where his system can work in the future – everything from consumer consumption to agriculture.
Our conversation flowed into media information, dissemination and even behavioral economics. And I leave you with my final thoughts about building empathy, social and emotional intelligence into children of an early age, so that as adults we ensure the safety of humanity in a positive way.
And Ravi’s philosophy - he believes that being an entrepreneur is an honor he must earn daily. It gives him the ability to solve problems that not only makes money but helps society. The big goal for what’s next - he wants to start impacting the way humanity looks at water.
Documentary about 3M and Teflon called “Devil We Know” on Netflix
Movie about Teflon called “Dark Waters” on Netflix
Our conversation is stimulating and insightful. I hope you’ll enjoy it.

“Under 30 Seconds Round”

What is the book you’ve gifted more often than any other book, and why?
- Sapiens: A Brief history of Humankind, Yuval Noah Harari
What’s one of the best investments and one of the worst investments you’ve ever made and why?
- Best - A Rebel coffee machine – making my own cappuccinos has been amazing
- Worst - A blanket that allows sand to go through it. I saw it on Facebook and it’s the worst purchase ever.
What’s the most impactful thing you do in your Morning routine and most impactful thing you do in your Evening routine?
- AM - I don’t use my cell phone first thing and I meditate
- PM - I remember to charge my cell phone OUTSIDE my bedroom.
Pretend you won the Peter Thiel Fellowship and you were going to get money to start a business instead of go to college, what’s the very first thing you’d do to start a new business?
- Based on my conversation with Phil, something in disruptive media.
What’s something you never knew you needed?
- The coffee maker.

In the REVIEW SECTION, please let me know…

The city / country you’re tuning in from!
How Ravi Kurani’s story has inspired you! And, your favorite part of this episode!
Tell me the questions you’d like me to ask future Forbes 30 Under 30 Members!

GUEST INFO: Ravi Kurani – Founder of Sutro