How one coat sparked a global multi-million dollar tech company
In 2010, Derek Pacqué went into his neighborhood bar and lost his coat. Frustrated, he approached the owner and asked why they didn't offer their customers a coat check service during these frigid Indiana months. As he listened to the owner describe the operational and financial challenges of implementing such a service, a lightbulb went off.
Derek returned a week later, having designed a custom pop-up coat check service, that completely addressed the bar’s challenges. The owner was so impressed that he welcomed Derek to test his new concept out at their other locations.
Within months, Derek's coat check service had expanded from one bar into numerous taprooms and nightclubs. Trying to maintain this growing enterprise, Derek had another breakthrough idea: "What if you were your claim ticket?"
Derek designed a patented software for tablets and smartphones to do just that. The simple-to-use application snapped a photo of the customer and paired them with their phone number, making each person the claim ticket. The software service proved to be a massive win for both businesses and their customers.
Shark Tank!
In 2012, Derek debuted his coat check system (formally known as CoatChex) during ABC's Shark Tank. During the nationally televised show, Derek came head-to-head with Mark Cuban as the two negotiated over shares in the company. Derek and his business partner would eventually turn down Mr. Cuban's gracious offer. However, the exposure the company received from the show was immeasurable, launching the platform into markets worldwide. Each year thousands of Shark Tank fans flock to our website to say "Hello!" and share their stories about using Chexology while out on their adventures.
Today
We owe a great deal of our success to carefully listening to people like you!
We've had the pleasure of tackling colossal hospitality challenges for institutions like the Museum of Modern Art, Javits Center, Barclay's Center, Live Nation, The Bowery Presents, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Nike… and we're just getting started.
Chexology has expanded into other industries, too! Using one app, the software digitally checks luggage for bellhops, modernizes the valet experience, archives incoming packages for conventions, and simplifies rentals.
The possibilities for Chexology in future applications are endless.
While we may never solve the mystery behind Derek's lost coat, we are so grateful for his mishap. That missing coat is what brought all of us here at Chexology together. Each day, we pour our passion, life experience, and creativity into building meaningful software that enriches people's lives all over the world. But our story is not finished!
Where will you take Chexology next?
Press
Chexology values 5 principles
We must eliminate the paper claim ticket.
The customer comes first.
2
We go farther, together.
3
Never stop learning.
4
Think Big.
5
Own It.
1
Company retreat 2023
Our team flew into Nashville for three relaxing days of bonding, laughter, and games. The retreat celebrated another successful year and welcomed the newest members of our team.
#bigday #signaturequesadillas
Our contribution to future generations
We believe each of us has a responsibility to leave our planet in a better place than we found it. In our quest to eliminate the use of paper tickets, Chexology will plant a tree for every new customer as a way of saying, “Thank you!”
To make this possible, Chexology donates to One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization focused on reforestation. One Tree Planted plants millions of trees each year and tackles amazing work in over 43 countries. We find their mission inspiring.
