By Chris Bavender
Carmel-based Shiftlab has hired Mitch Black, a local technology veteran, as its new CEO. Founded in 2019 by Devin Shrake and Erik Schlesselman, Shiftlab makes and markets software that utilizes artificial intelligence and algorithms to help companies staff their work shifts with the best personnel to optimize sales and profitability.
Black was one of the initial angel investors in the company.
“I saw the vision that Devin and Erik had created. I really was impressed by the fact they both fundamentally understood the problem of staffing that we are solving for customers and how the product would fit,” Black said. “They also understood the market, the customers and partners in which to build a strong go-to-market plan.”
Prior to joining Shiftlab, Black served as COO of Viral Launch. He also served five years as president of MOBI (now Tangoe), a cloud-based mobility software company in Zionsville. He spent 25 years in other executive positions with Author Solutions, BrightPoint (now Ingram Micro), PCS Wireless and Verizon Wireless.
Shrake said Black’s extensive experience in the tech space and retail industry made him the right choice.
“It’s exciting to see his passion and experience around the challenges that we’re solving for,” Shrake said. “Out of the gate, Wireless Retail is our primary target market, but we’re consistently engaged in discussions with other verticals to ensure product market fit. What we’ve confirmed is that Shiftlab’s product strategy and application transcends into many of those other verticals, specifically those that are focused on maximizing employee performance, service, operations and guest experience.
“Mitch’s experience will help us strategically engage and quickly bring value into these segments.”
Shiftlab recently partnered with iQmetrix – a point-of-sale provider in the wireless retail industry representing more than 22,000 stores – and has enjoyed success “out of the gate.”
“They recognized the need for a performance-based staffing solution and have embraced our technology by partnering in the sale process with this captive channel,” Shrake said. “Additionally, we know many of these key decision makers from our previous industry relationships.”
Black said he has several goals for Shiftlab.
“(I want) to build a great company that drives value for all constituents, including customers, partners, employees and the community,” Black said. “We are incredibly proud and excited to base our organization in Carmel.”
