Brian Bass started programming on computers when he was 9 years old. By high school he was writing science software for his teachers. When he was in college at Texas Tech he was writing weight loss programs and learning about business operations. When he got into the business world he programmed and designed programs for large corporations like AT&T and Wyse Technologies. He has spent 10 years in the corporate world of computer programming and always thought, what if I was in charge and could make the decisions? In the summer of 2006 Brian was at a gas pump and thought to himself: What if we all carpooled? Would that make a difference in gas prices? How about a ride matching website where people can find a carpool? What is stopping me from developing this site? Thus, RideSearch.com was born.
If you weren’t doing what you do today, what other job would you have? Brian has over 15 years in playing left-handed guitar and would probably be in a successful band if he wasn't working so hard on getting RideSearch to be the best carpool website out there. His obsessive nature helps spur him along when most others would give up and quit. That is seen in all areas of his life.
Who is your hero? And why?
Brian's hero is Jesus Christ. Jesus represents the person Brian wants to be like. As an evangelical Christian, Brian takes servanthood as part of his Christian duty. He dedicates his time, effort and money into helping others and his talents, like web programming to create RideSearch.com for others to use. RideSearch.com is a free website that makes its money off of advertising.
What “lesson from mom” do you still live by today?
Brian is the child of a doctor and a teacher. He has learned values from all walks of life. He learned lessons of acceptance of others and being open minded about things from his parents. He learned that he could do anything he wanted as long as he put his mind to it. He also believes that there are absolutes in this world mixed with non-absolutes and it is through logical deduction that the truth can be found.
How does the environment play a role in carpooling?
Brian started RideSearch as a means for people to save money on gas and has since been converted to a proponent of environmental causes. The movie, "An inconvienent truth" opened his eyes to errors of his ways and his nations ways. Brian says our environment should be one of our top concerns. Brian also notes the need for mercy as we all turn things around and recognizes it is going to take time for people to change their mindsets. He wants RideSearch to be a change agent that spurs people to think differently about carpooling.
What’s the craziest thing you have done?
Some people say RideSearch is the craziest thing he has ever done. Brian spent 2 years of his spare time and all of his money into RideSearch.com, going into debt to get this company up and running. His belief that RideSearch is a needed service that can help the nation out has taken him through the growing pains of being a startup company. Brian will never give up until the nation knows there is a way out of our excessive lifestyles and there is hope for a better tomorrow.