We’ve all found ourselves in situations similar to these: you have a few ingredients but no idea what to make for dinner, or you’re tired of making the same things for dinner every night. All of us could use a little inspiration to shake things up in the kitchen. That’s where Marvin Tiebout’s Snap2Cook app comes in. His mission is simple but effective: simplifying cooking for individuals worldwide.
Roots In Restaurants and Sales
Marvin got his start in sales, working for Phones4u in the UK. Despite the limitations of a smaller town, his knack for sales propelled him to the top 25 salespeople within the company nationwide. “I was outselling people in the larger city shops,” he remembers. It was here that he honed his ability to build trust and rapport with his customers.
In the search for better opportunities, Marvin relocated his growing family to Australia in 2012. “We arrived in Perth with two toddlers, some backpacks, and no home,” Marvin recalls, “but we had a determination to make it work.”
Marvin quickly secured a position at ADT Security where he continued to thrive. However, as the company’s values began to deviate from his commitment to customer service, Marvin chose to take a different path. He pivoted toward entrepreneurship, establishing a window-cleaning business. It wasn’t long before the idea for his AI-powered recipe app Snap2Cook was born.
The Beginning of Snap2Cook
Marvin developed Snap2Cook to create a user-friendly app that provides recipes and information with just a snapshot of any fresh food item. From chicken to veggies, the app offers a diverse range of culinary possibilities, making inventive cooking accessible to everyone.
Fueled by a vision to empower users to make informed choices about their meals, Marvin captured hundreds of images for each food item to ensure accuracy within the app. His dedication to detail has set Snap2Cook apart, garnering attention from chefs and users alike.
But Marvin’s vision extends beyond just the app itself. He envisions Snap2Cook as a social hub for culinary enthusiasts, a place where chefs can connect, share recipes, and build a network. It’s like social media for the culinary-minded, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the industry.
Photo Courtesy: Marvin Tiebout
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Marvin has learned many lessons through his years of entrepreneurial experience, but when asked for his advice, he would share these four key principles:
- Self-Reflection: Take a moment to assess yourself honestly. Are you being the best version of yourself? If not, why is that? It’s important to embrace self-improvement and introspection. Personal growth is a lifelong pursuit, and the path to success is paved with a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow.
- Build Relationships: Treat others with the same kindness and respect that you desire for yourself. This will promote genuine connections. You never know what doors may open due to your kindness. Recognize that every interaction is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression.
- Embrace Opportunity: Life is full of uncertainties, but it’s also full of possibilities. Adopt a mindset of openness to new experiences and opportunities. Don’t let the fear of failure hold you back from being willing to say “yes.”
- Keep Things in Perspective: Recognize that every ending is an opportunity for a new beginning. “You can always start fresh,” Marvin encourages. Setbacks are not synonymous with failure but rather opportunities to learn and grow. Embrace each setback as a stepping stone toward success.
The Purpose Behind the Passion
Marvin credits his success with Snap2Cook to his wife and sons. Family is his motivation for leaving a legacy. “I want to leave my mark and put my boys in a position that I wasn’t in,” he says. “I’ve scrapped and fought for where I am today.” He is thankful for his wife, who pushed him to pursue his idea for Snap2Cook. “When I told her my idea, she told me to go for it.”
Looking to the Future
As Snap2Cook continues to gain momentum and transform kitchens worldwide, Marvin’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. It’s a reminder that with passion, determination, and a willingness to embrace new challenges, anything is possible.
To connect with Marvin Tiebout, follow him on LinkedIn.
Published by: Martin De Juan
