Meet Trevor Clark, CEO and Founder of Shyftoff, a company supported by both Embarc Collective and Florida Funders.
ShyftOff’s gig-powered contact center platform provides agents the flexibility, autonomy and training they need to deliver maximum customer support, while also enabling client contact centers to eliminate mandatory hour schedules and overtime. The company specializes in inbound contact centers, outbound contact centers, customer support and on-demand contact center support, enabling companies to combat rising costs with more efficient operations and productivity-based pricing.
Q: How did your company get its start?
A: ShyftOff was born out of my experience in the contact center industry. I noticed a significant problem: traditional workforce models weren’t adapting to modern needs. Companies needed more flexibility, agents wanted better work-life balance, and the old way of running contact centers created inefficiencies. We started ShyftOff to revolutionize the contact center industry with our on-demand GigCX model, allowing businesses to scale their support operations dynamically while giving customer service professionals the freedom to work when and where they want. It was about creating a win-win solution for both businesses and workers.
Q: Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur?
A: Entrepreneurship wasn’t so much a choice as it was an inevitable path for me. I’ve always been driven to solve problems and create value in ways that weren’t possible within existing structures. After years in the contact center industry, I saw opportunities that weren’t being addressed and had a vision for how things could be better.
Q: Why did you choose to start your business in Tampa?
A: Tampa offered the perfect blend of factors for ShyftOff to thrive. The region has a strong presence in the customer service and contact center industry. Beyond that, Tampa’s growing tech ecosystem, reasonable cost of living, and business-friendly environment made it an ideal launchpad. The city is large enough to offer resources and connections but still maintains a tight-knit community feel where relationships matter. Plus, the quality of life here is exceptional – who wouldn’t want to build a business in a place with year-round sunshine and such a vibrant, growing community?
Q: How critical was the Tampa Bay startup community (investors, mentors, entrepreneurs, etc.) in your journey to becoming an entrepreneur?
A: I can’t overstate how important Tampa’s startup community has been for us. When I look back at our growth from a one-person operation to the team we have today, so much of it happened because of the relationships and support we found here. Embarc Collective has been particularly special in our journey. I remember when we started – we didn’t even have our own office space at first – just me with a vision and a lot of questions. The conversations I had with their executive coaches helped me work through critical decisions that shaped our direction.
Q: Are there any additional, local resources in Tampa that you’d recommend to newcomers or entrepreneurs that have had a positive impact on your business journey?
A: Absolutely. Beyond the well-known resources like Embarc Collective, I’d recommend newcomers to connect with Florida Funders. They have been a great partner for companies seeking capital. On the networking side, events like Synapse Summit provide excellent opportunities to connect with the community.
Q: What would your overall advice be to someone looking to start a business in Tampa Bay?
A: First, connect with the community as soon as the idea phase. Tampa’s greatest strength is its collaborative spirit, so attend events, join entrepreneurial groups, and build relationships early. Second, be clear about your value proposition and the problem you’re solving. Third, don’t try to do everything alone – leverage the mentorship programs, accelerators, and support services available here. They can compress years of learning into months. Tampa’s startup community thrives because successful entrepreneurs reinvest their time, knowledge, and resources. The relationships you build here and the support you give others will come back to benefit your business in ways you can’t predict.
Q: It’s been great to hear more about your success as an entrepreneur in Tampa. However, we know Tampa has so much to offer throughout the city. So, we must ask – what’s your favorite hidden gem in Tampa?
A: Ulele on the Tampa Riverwalk. It perfectly represents what makes Tampa special – the unique blend of history, natural beauty, and innovation. Also, the food is AMAZING! Definitely a place to take guests or revisit to embrace Tampa vibes.
Are you interested in learning more about Embarc Collective or Florida Funders and the opportunities available for up-and-coming entrepreneurs? If so, check out our their individual resources to connect further! You can also find additional information about growing your business in Tampa on the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council’s website.