Hi there, I'm Doug, founder of HeyTaco. One question I often get is, "Why tacos?" That's a great question. HeyTaco stands out, especially compared to other recognition products on the market. Being different is a strength, and I want to share why that's the case.
I've been fortunate to have worked alongside some incredibly talented, dedicated, and inspiring individuals. These experiences shaped my perspective on how vital workplace culture is—for success and happiness. Being part of environments where team cohesion and appreciation were central made me realize how much of a difference recognition can make in a person's day-to-day experience at work.
In 2015, I was involved in developing a talent platform to track employee happiness. The project was a revelation for me, both personally and professionally. As I dove into HR software, I began to see patterns emerge—many of the existing tools, while comprehensive, didn't truly resonate with employees. These platforms often emphasized tracking and performance reviews but missed the human element: making people feel appreciated regularly.
Through that project, I discovered my passion for what I like to call "feel-good" software. Feel-good software creates tools that enhance people's well-being by fostering positive interactions and reinforcing good behavior. It's not just about what the software does but how it makes users feel. It's incredibly fulfilling to know your product genuinely improves people's lives—even in small ways. This idea of spreading positivity and gratitude stuck with me.
A few months into that journey, a clear realization hit me: the HR software landscape was saturated with solutions designed primarily for senior leadership and HR departments, not for the everyday employee. This approach made them feel distant and, frankly, a little sterile. They didn't engage people on a personal level. It became clear that most employees weren't interacting with these tools beyond a requirement or task, which was the problem.
As someone passionate about technology and building meaningful connections, I started to question: Why couldn't recognition tools be built with the individual in mind, focusing on creating everyday moments of appreciation? After all, a significant workplace issue is the feeling of being undervalued. Studies from the U.S. Department of Labor have shown that 64% of employees leave their jobs because they don't feel appreciated. Think about that—people aren't necessarily going for better salaries or benefits; they leave because they don't feel recognized.
The frustration I felt with the existing landscape ignited a spark in me. I wanted to build something fun, lighthearted, and easy to use. Something that could genuinely make people feel appreciated every single day.
That's when the idea for HeyTaco started to take shape.
With the rise of messaging platforms like Slack and the increasing use of chatbots, I saw an opportunity to build a peer-to-peer recognition tool that didn't feel like "work." It could be seamless, integrated into daily routines, and, most importantly, fun.
Fast forward to today, and I'm humbled to say that thousands of teams worldwide are using HeyTaco to spread appreciation in their workplaces. From small startups to global companies, people use HeyTaco to give each other little moments of recognition that build deeper connections and happier teams.
Ah, the taco question! My short answer is simple: tacos make people smile. They're universally loved, and they bring a sense of joy and fun to any conversation. And that's exactly what I wanted to capture with HeyTaco—a way for people to express gratitude that felt less formal and more playful.
Tacos, in their quirky, approachable way, have become a symbol of appreciation. They spark joy and give teams a way to connect that feels natural, not forced. When someone sends you a taco, you can't help but smile—a little moment brightens your day. That's the essence of HeyTaco.
And since you've made it this far, here's a little secret: HeyTaco didn't start with tacos. It started with beers. Initially, the idea was that people could send each other virtual beers as a sign of appreciation. However, after testing the concept, it became clear that tacos had a broader appeal. They were lighthearted, fun, and universally liked. And so, tacos became the ultimate symbol of appreciation.
Today, I aspire for tacos to be more than just a fun token in our app. I dream that one day, tacos will become the universal sign of appreciation worldwide. Imagine walking into a meeting and being handed a taco as a thank-you. Or getting a taco emoji from a coworker who wants to say, "You're awesome!" It's simple, fun, and, most importantly, it makes people feel good.
Thanks for reading! 🌮
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