Ann Arbor's CarBuddy turns car pooling into Internet start-up

Wednesday, December 9, 2009 | Source: Concentrate

This story originally ran 6/10/09

CarBuddy.com is an Internet start-up but its founders fancy it as a brick-and-mortar business, too.

"We're not just a website," says Dan Rodriguez, co-founder of CarBuddy.com. "We are a real company you can call."

The Ann Arbor-based firm specializes in adding a new twist (Internet) to an old idea (car pooling). The website works sort of like a dating site. It allows people interested in carpooling to enter in information about themselves and what they’re looking for, such as whether they have a driver or passenger preference. The website also figures out the cost structure for riders.

The founders plan to focus on Metro Detroit first because the region is so car dependent. They expect their website will become more in demand as gas prices continue to rise and people keep tiring of battling traffic jams with car horns and single-finger salutes.

"This has the potential to reach a lot of people," says Albert Rodriguez, co-founder of CarBuddy.com.

The start-up launched in April and now employs six people and three independent contractors. It has office space near Briarwood Mall. It plans to expand as it grows. One of its first priorities is to start hiring for a call center so people using the service who get stranded won't remain so for long.

Source: Albert and Dan Rodriguez, co-founders of CarBuddy.com
Writer: Jon Zemke