Landon Hill
Local Catch – MICRO Spring 2024
Published June 12, 2024
As part of our ‘Meet Our Founders’ series today, we introduce Landon Hill, Owner and Founder of Local Catch based in Wilmington, NC. Local Catch is an innovative software application that streamlines communication between individuals and businesses within the commercial fishing industry.
Q: What problem are you trying to solve and what influenced you to start your company?
A: Communication within the commercial fishing industry has been minimal and assumptive. We are trying to highlight local supply and demand within the commercial fishing industry. This is solving the numbers problem, avoiding overseas operations, and supporting local fishermen and businesses, traceability, and sustainability.
Q: What are you most excited about right now? What keeps you up at night?
A: We have quite a few projects in our pipeline at the moment. We are very excited to get some marketing campaigns started as well as continue to plan for our up and coming new feature called “The LogBook”!
Q: What does the road ahead look like for your company?
A: Continuing to grow and spreading the word. There is no other company like Local Catch. As good as that is, it also requires us to spend lots of time and energy in marketing to properly explain what we are doing. Aside from that, we are hopefully going to be releasing a new feature called “The LogBook” later this year or early 2025. This is a program where some of the data we are generating in the app will be available for. research purposes by marine biologist, government organizations, or other researchers.
Q: How will your NC IDEA grant funds advance your company?
A: Marketings planning, and software development.
Q: When did you know you wanted to take an entrepreneurial path?
A: I have always envisioned myself owning a business. I just didn’t know what. From a kid I watched my father run many companies and it was almost a norm for me to assume that one day I will be doing the same. I am beyond blessed to have the resources and drive to be sitting where I am today. Owning a business was always a dream of mine and I am fortunate to get to like it everyday.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
A: Learning new things. As broad as that answer is, I still learn new things almost daily. It’s exciting but also terrifying. I have always found enjoyment in solving a problem or obstacle. Lastly, I really enjoy watching the business grow and hear first hand how we are truly helping and changing people’s lives.
Q: What is one thing you wish you understood about entrepreneurship before you ever got started?
A: Marketing is way more important than I initially thought. Also a lot more expensive …
Q: Who do you look to for advice and mentorship?
A: UNCW CIE has tons of really awesome people including Heather. I also work with a team of mentors who have made themselves available for any questions or advice.
Q: What other passions do you have besides your business?
A: Surfing has always been a big passion of mine. Additionally, I enjoy free diving, spearfishing, and recreations rod and reel fishing.
While visiting Wilmington, Landon recommends:
- Visit the beach and fish. I would suggest grabbing a bite to eat from BentoBox or Bennys Big Time Pizza
Support Local Catch and Landon by:
- Follow us on Instagram at Local.Catch and sign up for our services, we are completely free!
