Interview with Johnny Ross

Gary Barg: Johnny, what is MyNotifi clip? 

Johnny Ross: MyNotifi clip is one of these devices we happened to come by because when we first started MyNotifi wristband, people told us we couldn’t do it. There were too many ancillary movements that we had to consider in the calculations. As a contingency plan, we thought, why don’t we collect data and just have a neuro network built that we can place right on the belt with a clip? 

So, we did, and fortunately, MyNotifi wristband works just great. The accuracy’s wonderful. We were able to achieve what we thought we could. That contingency plan now turned into another product in the life of the MyNotifi brand. 

We actually took some time and talked to retired senior volunteer persons who were testing our devices. We said, “what do you think about these two?” Unequivocally across the board, men prefer the belt now, or clip, over a wristband. Senior women who are more active, or seniors in general who are more active, they too prefer that because they’re out and about, and it's very discrete. You barely even see it, and they love it. 

For those who are in the household that maybe aren’t as a mobile and can’t get around as much, the wristband’s perfect because it also has all the exercise and things that they can do to stay strong and stay healthy that they’re not getting from their normal engagement in the community. 

Gary Barg: Do men wear it? Do women wear it? What do you find? 

Johnny Ross: Both men and women are liking it. You just clip it on the belt. If you have blue jeans for example and that little coin pocket, you can stick it in the coin pocket. It’s virtually the same location. You don’t even know it’s there. 

Gary Barg: What happens if a loved one is wearing MyNotifi, and they do have a fall? What activates it? 

Johnny Ross: It activates directly and notifies the family. So, the family caregivers, whoever they may be and as many as the person wearing the device wants, would simply download the app. They would be invited by their loved one to be a part of that caregiver support group. They accept that, and now they’re linked. 

So, when a fall occurs, immediately the algorithm starts to calculate. Once it understands if it’s a fall or not, it sends the signal through a hyper secured server--if an event occurs, they get this message that Mom or Dad may have fallen. For example, I could be the person that picks that up and by looking at the Google map locator. I can then click on that thread and say, “Hey, everybody. I’m five minutes away from Mom. I’m going to go check on here, and I’ll let you know.”

 I can even text right back “Mom, are you okay?” if I know she was awake. 

Gary Barg: Really?

Johnny Ross: Absolutely. And she’ll get that. Or I can click and just call to see if she’s okay, while I’m heading that direction. The fall detects just one thing, but there’s other times of needs that they may need some type of support. Maybe their heart is hurting. Who know what it could be? They could click the app and request help. That request for help goes to everybody and includes a Google map locator. 

Tap on the device vigorously, and it will trigger an alarm that they need help. If the phone is out of reach, that’s okay. They can still tap and get the support that they need. 

Gary Barg: What do they cost? 

Johnny Ross: They are both $299. 

Gary Barg: That’s an amazing value. How did you come up with that? 

Johnny Ross: We asked seniors what a good price point would be. They went all the way up to $500 would be the absolute ceiling that they would pay. We didn’t want to get there. So, right now, around that $300 mark seems to be a sweet spot. There’s no additional costs on top of that, and that helps with fixed incomes.

I personally field a lot of the calls from our toll-free number because I want to understand what’s important to them and what they’re saying. Then I hope I can translate what I hear to the team so that we can make it even better in the future. 

Gary Barg: How do we get this? 

Johnny Ross: Customers can go to www.mynotifi.com, and they can order it online. We’re also setting up a call center. If customers call and they have questions about the device, we will help them order it themselves if they don’t want to get online and do it. 

Gary Barg: What’s the most important piece of advice that you have for family caregivers? 

Johnny Ross: The first thing I say is bless them for what they’re doing because I know it’s a lot of hard work. I have a father going through end stage Alzheimer’s right now, and my sister is the primary caregiver for him. I know the stresses that puts on her. 

We work hard to help them with that stress a little bit by giving them peace of mind knowing that they’re connected to their family, I hope that enables them to do some other things and enjoy their quality of life as well. That their loved one is living at home like they want to be and the caregiver is still able to support them whenever they need it.