Our CEO Alex Melgar on Telemundo: Why We Built uSource in Houston
Alex sat down with Dr. Laura Murillo of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to talk about booking local Pros, getting paid fairly and building in Houston.
Our President and CEO, Alex Melgar, recently sat down with Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, at the Telemundo Houston studios. They talked in Spanish about why Alex started uSource, how the app works for Buyers and Pros, and what it means to build a tech company in Houston. All quotes are translated from Spanish.
You can watch the full interview on the Chamber's YouTube channel:
It started with a love of building
Laura asked Alex the obvious question. He already runs a successful service business, so why start another company?
"I love to build," Alex said. After 20 years in business, he found the executive title never drove him. He likes bringing a team together, finding a problem and building the fix.
uSource is that challenge.
The problem: hiring help takes too long
You know the routine. You need someone to fix the AC, so you search online, call a few numbers and wait for a quote. Then you take a day off, wait at home and hope they show up.
Alex wants it to work like this instead:
On uSource, you browse through Pros, hire them and pay in the app. You don't hand anyone cash. Our tagline sums it up: It's simple: Search. Book. Done.
You see the price before you book
Every Pro on uSource runs a Store, a profile with their services and their own prices. You see the price before the Pro arrives.
"There are no doubts about what it will cost you." — Alex Melgar
If something goes wrong, we help
Laura asked the question every homeowner thinks about: who are these people coming into my house?
Pros go through a verification process before they can publish their Store and get paid.
If a job goes wrong, you can report it in the app through the uSource Resolution Center and talk to our support team. If a Pro doesn't show up, we'll try to help you find another Pro.
For Pros: stop paying for leads
This part is personal for Alex. To grow his own business, he paid for leads, and the same lead went out to as many as 20 competitors.
Getting started is completely free.
Signing up takes about five minutes, Alex said, download the app, verify your identity, then add your experience and services.
Be your own boss, even on Saturdays
Alex's advice to anyone watching: "Don't be afraid."
He gave the example of a plumber who works for someone else during the week. On Saturday, that plumber can turn on their uSource profile, take bookings and earn extra income.
Pros can also promote services they offer at their own location, like a hair salon or a nail studio. You'll find many service categories on uSource, from pet care and haircuts to electrical, plumbing and massage.
Made in Houston, in English and Spanish
The app is available in English and Spanish, and we plan to add more languages.
Before the interview ended, Alex made one point clear. uSource is a Houston company, and we run it from here.
Thank you to Dr. Laura Murillo, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Telemundo Houston for having us.
Try uSource
Need something done? Sign up for uSource today.
Are you a Pro? Learn how to set up your Store at usource.com/pros
Common questions
What is uSource?
uSource is a Houston app for everyday services. You browse local Pros, compare their services and prices, and hire them right in the app.
How does uSource work?
Open the app and browse local Pros. Each Pro has a Store that lists their services and prices, so you know the cost before you book. Pick a Pro, book a time and pay in the app. Only the Pro you choose gets your request. If something goes wrong, report it in the uSource Resolution Center.
What does uSource cost?
Buyers pay a flat $2.99 Service Guarantee fee per booking. Pros pay a 10% Booking Success Fee, a 1% Incidental Coverage Fee and a 3.5% merchant pass-through on paid bookings. Pros can join for free on the Starter plan.
Is uSource available in Spanish?
Yes. The app is available in English and Spanish.
How do I become a Pro?
Download the app, choose to become a Pro and complete verification. Then set up your Store with your services and prices.
