West Fargo entrepreneur sets up online referral service

By Sue Cwikla
           Jason Miller grew up in West Fargo and is familiar with businesses and services available in the Fargo-Moorhead metro area. Even so, when he needed a good mechanic to work on the engine of his prized Corvette a couple of years ago, he didn’t know who to contact. He turned to the phone book, and asked his friends and relatives who they would recommend. Everyone seemed to give him different advice. 

          After talking to several people about his dilemma, Miller discovered that others felt the same frustrations. He knew that if local residents were having trouble knowing who to go to for everyday needs and auto or home repairs, it would be even more difficult for people moving into the community.

         Miller realized that even with all of the diversified advertising methods we are bombarded with today, word-of-mouth and personal referrals still account for many consumer choices.  His observations led him to start his own online referral service, Hoosays.com, where people can go to one location to find businesses recommended by satisfied customers.

            Hoosays.com offers an online listing of family-friendly businesses in the local Fargo-Moorhead area to help make consumer choices easier.  The referral service is easy to use. The Web site contains a list of categories with recommended businesses in the metro area. By simply clicking on a category, business names and addresses pop up, with a brief description of services each company has to offer, along with a map and directions on how to get there. A section of the Web site includes space for personal reviews, with recommendations from customers.

           As the Web site grows, clients will be able to find a professional photographer to take their family portraits for next year’s Christmas cards, a realtor to help them buy or sell their home, an insurance agent, or an auto mechanic, all on one site. The online site will make Hoosays.com easy to use from any computer with Internet access, any time of the day.

         Miller hopes to build a clientele broad enough so that consumers will be able to multi-task and find referrals for everything they need on his site. For instance, a couple planning their wedding could go to www.Hoosays.com and find a selection of photographers, florists, caterers, and limousine services to choose from.  Miller believes his new referral system will fill a niche, linking customers with businesses. The referral system will give consumers a starting point where to look when they need specific services.

          “We have consumer reports to make purchasing products easier; but when it comes to services, there aren’t as many guidelines to go by. Hoosays.com wants to take the pain out of the guessing game of choosing services,” Miller said.

           Miller, the son of Rev. Mike and Rachelle Miller, graduated from West Fargo High School in 2003. He attended North Dakota State College of Science for refrigeration and worked at Best Buy in Fargo for five years. Before starting his referral service, Miller worked for Johnson Controls, installing climate controls and security systems.
       He is planning to have monthly drawings. The names of consumers who have written a review will be thrown into the monthly drawings.  Miller wants to keep his rates affordable for everyone.  “My goal is basically to create a level playing field for businesses, big or small,” Miller added.

To find out more information, go to www.Hoosays.com or contact Jason Miller at 701-200-6570.
Reprinted with permission from the Feb. 13, 2008 issue of the West Fargo Pioneer