Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Middlebrook
Hi Gabriel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised with dreams, just like anyone else. But life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it. I was a Division 1 athlete, and I had always envisioned myself breaking records on the field, not building apps in the tech space. But as time went on, my path took unexpected turns, and I had to adapt in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. One of those unforeseen challenges was my battle with cancer. The news was shocking, devastating even, but it taught me something invaluable: life is fragile, and you have to give it everything you’ve got while you can.
During my treatment and recovery, I often found myself reflecting on what I wanted to achieve in life. My illness made me realize that I wanted to create something impactful, something that would leave a mark, that would make people’s lives just a little bit easier. I started thinking about the challenges people face in connecting with each other and discovering meaningful experiences, especially in new places. This thought evolved into an idea – a vision of creating a platform that could bridge that gap.
And that’s how Plinkd was born. Initially, I didn’t have a tech background. I wasn’t the stereotypical “techie” who coded in his garage. I was just a guy with a dream and a drive to make something meaningful. I invested countless hours learning, hustling, and connecting with the right people who believed in my vision. I was bootstrapping every penny, balancing jobs, and dedicating late nights and early mornings to turn my dream into reality. There was a point where I was working 150-160 hours a week between two jobs just to keep things moving – funding Plinkd while keeping food on the table. It was exhausting, but every hour, every sacrifice felt worth it because I knew what I was building.
Starting Plinkd wasn’t easy. There were days when I questioned everything – when the funding wasn’t there, when the tech wasn’t working, and when the doubts crept in. But every time I felt like giving up, I reminded myself of my family and the people I wanted to serve. I thought of the small business owners who hustle every day to make their dreams come true, just like me. I thought of the young dreamers trying to find their way, trying to connect in a world that feels more disconnected than ever.
Today, Plinkd is not just an app – it’s a movement, a vision to create real connections between people and places. It’s about connecting users not just to businesses, but to experiences, to memories, to each other. And that’s why I’m here, pushing forward every single day. My journey hasn’t been easy, but every step has made me more determined. I’ve faced my darkest days and, somehow, came out on the other side with an unwavering drive to make Plinkd a success.
So, here I am – an entrepreneur, a cancer survivor, a dreamer, and someone who just wants to make the world a little more connected. I may not have taken the conventional path, but that’s what makes Plinkd and my journey special. And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way knowing this is just the beginning to something extraordinary.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In fact, it’s been anything but smooth. But I think that’s part of the journey – facing obstacles that test your dedication, your resolve, and your vision. If this path had been easy, I probably wouldn’t appreciate every small victory as much as I do now.
One of the biggest struggles was the realization that I was diving into an industry I knew little about. Building a tech platform without a formal background in technology felt, at times, like I was climbing a mountain in the dark. There were days where I couldn’t even understand half of what was going on with the code or the tech talk, but I pushed myself to learn. I asked questions, leaned on others for guidance, and invested every spare minute trying to become someone who could lead a tech company – even if it meant countless late nights and early mornings.
Another major challenge was funding. I bootstrapped Plinkd from the start, which meant that every dollar I earned from my day jobs went straight into the development of the app. At one point, I was working 150-160 hours a week between two jobs just to keep Plinkd alive. It was physically exhausting and mentally draining, but every time I thought about giving up, I’d remember why I started. I’d remind myself of the vision I had – of the platform I wanted to build that would help people connect in ways I wished I could have when I was traveling or even just exploring my own city.
There were also moments of deep self-doubt, especially as I battled cancer. That experience left me vulnerable and feeling incredibly fragile. There were days when I was fighting for my health, wondering if I would even have the strength to see this vision through. But in a strange way, that struggle gave me even more purpose. Facing my own mortality made me realize that I had nothing to lose by giving everything I had to Plinkd. My survival was no longer just about beating cancer; it was about building something meaningful with the time I had been given.
Another hurdle was assembling the right team. Finding people who believed in Plinkd as much as I did wasn’t easy. Not everyone sees the vision as clearly, especially when you’re at the beginning stages, but slowly, I found people who understood, who shared the dream, and who were willing to ride the ups and downs with me.
Through all of this, there were countless sacrifices. I missed out on family events, lost touch with friends, and put much of my personal life on hold. But every time I saw Plinkd come one step closer to being the platform I envisioned, it felt worth it. The road has been full of bumps, detours, and moments that tested my resolve, but those struggles are what make the journey – and Plinkd itself – so meaningful.
It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge, every setback has only made me more determined. If anything, those struggles have taught me that the harder the road, the sweeter the success. And as tough as it’s been, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything, because each obstacle has brought me closer to creating something truly special with Plinkd.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Plinkd-People Linkd?
Plinkd is more than just a social media platform; it’s a transformative experience designed to connect people with each other and with the vibrant pulse of their local communities. Imagine a platform that combines the best aspects of popular social media and search engines but adds a deeply personal, real-time twist. That’s what we’re building with Plinkd – a platform where people can not only explore what’s happening around them but also interact with others in meaningful ways and discover hidden gems within their city.
At its core, Plinkd specializes in making genuine connections possible. Our “invitation” feature allows users to invite anyone to join them at local businesses, making breaking the ice as simple as a tap on the screen. We are creating an experience where users are not only informed about local hotspots, events, and dining options but can also interact directly with other people who share similar interests. It’s not just about following someone’s life from a distance – it’s about inviting them to be part of your experience, right here and now.
What sets Plinkd apart is our commitment to a total, seamless user experience. We’re building a one-stop-shop platform that doesn’t just tell you what’s popular; it curates recommendations based on your preferences and invites you to connect with people in real-time. Imagine being able to instantly discover the best local spots, make a reservation, send an invite, and see who else is interested – all in one place. We’re making it easier for users to be “in the know” and for businesses to engage directly with their audience in real-time, something that no other platform currently offers.
Our brand’s mission is encapsulated in our movement’s title, “Unlock Your Lifestyle.” This movement represents our vision of empowering users to explore, connect, and experience their city in an entirely new way. “Unlock Your Lifestyle” means giving people the tools to break free from the limitations of traditional social media, opening the door to authentic interactions and real-world experiences. With Plinkd, users aren’t just scrolling; they’re stepping into a world of possibilities, engaging with their surroundings, and truly living in the moment.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of our focus on authenticity and community. Plinkd is a platform created with the user’s experience in mind at every level, and our goal is to foster a vibrant ecosystem where everyone can unlock the potential of their city and live a life that’s more connected, fulfilling, and meaningful.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating something meaningful that impacts people’s lives in a positive way. I want to leave a legacy, not just for myself but for the people I care about, for the community, and for anyone who, like me, has dreamed big but faced countless obstacles along the way. Plinkd isn’t just an app to me—it’s a testament to resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of purpose.
Growing up, I was always inspired by the idea of connecting people, but my journey wasn’t an easy one. I grew up without the latest shoes or new clothes, things my parents simply couldn’t afford at the time. Because of that, I was often bullied and beat up. I remember the feeling of being left out, the sting of isolation, and the embarrassment of being made to feel like I didn’t belong. Those experiences shaped me, not in a way that hardened my heart, but in a way that taught me the value of kindness, inclusion, and connection. They fueled my determination to one day create something that could bring people together, regardless of backgrounds or social standing.
The concept of Plinkd was born from my own struggles and experiences, including the long hours, the sacrifices, and the hurdles I faced. But every struggle only fueled my desire to create something that could genuinely help people come together and feel a sense of community, no matter where they are. I want Plinkd to become more than just an app; I want it to be a place where people can connect authentically, unlocking experiences and connections that might have felt out of reach.
What matters most is that Plinkd becomes a catalyst for genuine human connections and unforgettable experiences. I want to provide value, not just in a transactional sense but in a way that enhances lives. When someone uses Plinkd to discover a new favorite restaurant, to make a new friend, or to simply unlock an experience they wouldn’t have found otherwise, I know we’re doing something right. That’s what drives me, and that’s why I won’t stop pushing forward, no matter the challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://plinkd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plinkd?igsh=YTVodTkyZWFqdTV1
