229: Building a Tech Giant in the Virtual Reality Space | Bart Wilson of VPiX® 360

Subscribe on AppleSubscribe on AndroidLeave a ReviewGoogle PodcastsShare Listen in a New WindowDownloadSoundCloudStitcherSubscribe via RSSAndroidSpotifyPlayer Embed
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST

Background on Bart Wilson of VPix 360:

Bartley Wilson is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Virtual Pictures Corporation. He is a serial entrepreneur, sales rainmaker, and UX/UI developer of the world's first 360° SaaS platform for commercial and residential real estate. In the early 90s, Bart had a serious motorcycle accident that took him out of the Air Force but eventually led him to discover his passion for computer and graphics. He started doing virtual tour services in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and eventually founded his first company called Voyager International. Today, he runs a highly successful virtual tour platform company called Virtual Pictures Corporation or VPiX.

VPiX is an American, multinational virtual tour platform company headquartered in Monument, Colorado and they are known for creating the first 360 SaaS platform in 1999. VPiX was ranked 214th BEST Company in America by Entrepreneur Magazine. For the third straight year, VPiX is recognized as an innovator in the Virtual Reality (VR) space, providing businesses with customized, on-demand AR, MR, and VR Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

  • [1:29] Bart Wilson is the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer at Virtual Pictures Corporation or VPiX. They have three divisions which are the Virtual Pictures & Virtual Reality SaaS platform, Motorstreet360.com, and the CSI360.net.
  • [3:03] Since he had previous experience in digital high-resolution photography and real estate, Bart knew that creating virtual reality and merging it with the internet can be a huge opportunity for him.
  • [5:52] Bart simplifies his explanation of the VPiX 360 services.
  • [9:19] In 2011, VPiX 360 got a large contract with Wyndham Extra Holidays that lasted for 18 months.
  • [11:57] One of their customers is using the VPiX 360 platform for helping people relax during a dental procedure.
  • [17:58] In the 90s, Bart had a motorcycle accident that took him out of the Air Force. He shares his story of the accident and how it sparked his interest in computers and graphics.
  • [22:47] Bart talks about his experience working at Apple.
  • [25:16] After working in Apple, Bart joined Kodak. He was involved in installing technologies into the Pentagon during the Clinton administration.
  • [26:58] During his stint in the Pentagon, he met and talked to Colin Powell and other great people. Bart describes what it was like to be inside the Pentagon.
  • [29:16] In the mid-90s, Bart took a break from Kodak because he realized that the company was not fully committed to going digital.
  • [38:08] Being in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Bart had the opportunity to do a virtual tour and photograph the home of Shirley MacLaine. He also did a lot of virtual tours with other Hollywood celebrities and famous personalities.
  • [40:29] People who were supporting Bart with his high-end virtual reality tours convinced him to start his own company.
  • [42:19] When he was starting the company, Bart didn’t need a lot of capital. He already had his cameras and lenses, plus he had his skill and passion for this type of work.
  • [46:35] In 2001, Bart created software for his business. He also went to the Apple Developer University.
  • [53:15] A close friend from Boston gave Bart very meaningful advice that helped him get through a very challenging period in his life.
  • [59:42] In January 2010, Steve Jobs presented the first-generation iPad to everyone. The day after the iPad presentation, Bart announced VPiX, which was the first HTML 5 virtual tour from Apple computers.
  • [1:04:51] According to Bart, without his wife, he doesn’t think he would achieve success.

This Episode Sponsored By:

  • [12:53] Express VPN is an app that reroutes your internet connection through their secure servers so your ISP can’t see the sites you visit. Express VPN also keeps all your information secure by encrypting 100% your data with the most powerful encryption available. Protect your online activity today with the VPN rated no. 1 by Business Insider. Visit: millionaire-interviews.com/expressvpn and get an extra 3 months FREE on a 1-year package.
  • [14:32] Otis is an investment platform that makes it possible for almost anyone to invest in shares of cultural assets. Here’s how it works, you download their app and sign up for free. They have over a hundred items available for you to invest in, from rare collectibles like sports cards, comics, and video games, to NFTs contemporary art, and even rare sneakers. Shares usually start around 10 bucks, plus they add new assets every week. Right now, Otis is offering listeners of this show a free share when they fund their account, all you have to do is go to: millionaire-interviews.com/otis
  • [33:11] Nearside is helping small businesses save money. With Nearside, there’s no minimum balance requirement. Nearside business checking helps you grow your business by saving you money and providing valuable rewards and discounts. With Nearside rewards, you can earn cashback automatically on all the business purchases you already make. And they offer seamless online banking for on-the-go entrepreneurs. Go check out the Nearside app in both the Google Playstore and Apple Store. To learn more about Nearside and how they can help your business, go to: millionaire-interviews.com/nearside and sign up for a nearside business checking account.
  • [34:49] With one delicious scoop of Athletic Greens you’re absorbing 75 high quality vitamins, minerals, whole foods or superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens to help you start your day right. This special blend of ingredients supports your gut health, nervous system, immune system, your energy, recovery, focus, and aging. Right now, it’s time to reclaim your health and arm your immune system with convenient daily nutrition, especially heading into the flu and cold season. To make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1-year supply of immune-supporting vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with your first purchase, all you have to do is visit: millionaire-interviews.com/athleticgreens
  • [1:02:00] What if I told you, you could be productive in business and in the bedroom. Magic Mind, the world’s first productivity drink, is a nootropic shot of healthy natural ingredients that help you decrease stress, boost fluid flow, and keep you focused. If you’re ready to race past your competition and satisfy your partner, then try Magic Mind today, go visit: millionaire-interviews.com/magicmind and use code – millionaire20 to get 20% off your first order.

Fabulous 4 Questions:

  1. 📖📚 Favorite Books? Built to Sell by John Warrillow, Escape Velocity by Geoffrey Moore, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
  2. 🙌😎 Favorite Amazon.com purchase? Bulletproof Lemon Cookie Bars
  3. 🌱💸 Favorite Tool that's GROWN your Business? Hubspot CRM
  4. 💭💡 BIGGEST Challenge keeping your Business from GROWING? Working Capital. We're ready for our A-Round. Adding people will help us achieve $3M+ in recurring revenue in 2022

Key Point from the Interview:

  • “Following some of the advice from Guy Kawasaki and other people who I have been following as my mentors, I took all that advice and gambled everything. Because the very next day, when we announced VPiX on the tsunami wave of Apple Computer, our phones lit up like Christmas trees. Our first phone call was from Wyndham Extra Holidays and it turned into a $379,000 sale in one week.”

Resources Mentioned:

 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
Want More? Join Our Membership on Patreon!
Become a patron at Patreon!
Tweet
Pin
Share
Share