Business Spotlights

Tell us about yourself and your background.

My name is Travis Tisdale, and I’m an entrepreneur focused on building technology and business solutions that create real-world impact. My background spans construction, recruiting, and business development, where I’ve spent years helping companies improve operations, scale teams, and connect with the right people and opportunities more efficiently.

Most recently, I founded Source, an AI-powered platform focused on helping businesses leverage technology and data to make better decisions and operate more effectively.

I’ve always been passionate about building relationships, solving problems, and creating opportunities through innovation. Being involved with organizations like the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce has been incredibly valuable because it connects me with other driven business leaders who are committed to growing the local business community while thinking globally.

 

What inspired you to start your business?

My background in recruiting is what originally inspired me to start the business. Over the years, I saw firsthand how many companies still make major hiring and operational decisions using outdated systems, incomplete information, and inefficient processes. I also noticed how difficult it was for businesses to consistently find the right people, evaluate talent effectively, and scale with confidence.

That experience pushed me to start building technology that could help businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions while creating a more efficient and transparent process overall. I became very interested in how AI could improve the way companies identify opportunities, evaluate people, and optimize growth.

What started as solving problems I experienced in recruiting evolved into a much broader vision for using technology to help businesses operate more intelligently and competitively.

 

What problem does your business solve for customers? What products or services does your business offer? How does your business support or impact the local community? Why is being part of the local business community important to you?

My business addresses a long-standing inefficiency in how companies find, evaluate, and secure the people and resources they need to operate and grow. Too often, decisions are made based on incomplete information, disconnected processes, or time-consuming manual searches. We streamline this by creating a more connected and intelligent way for businesses to access what they need quickly and confidently.

We offer a technology platform that helps businesses identify, evaluate, and connect with qualified talent and service providers more efficiently. By using structured data and AI-assisted matching, we reduce friction in the decision-making process and help organizations make better, faster choices with greater confidence.

Locally, our business supports the community by helping employers operate more effectively, which in turn strengthens hiring outcomes, reduces turnover, and improves overall productivity. We also aim to give small and mid-sized businesses access to tools that were previously only available to large enterprises, leveling the playing field in the local economy.

Being part of the local business community is important to me because relationships and trust drive real economic growth. Sarasota has a strong network of entrepreneurs and operators, and engaging with that community allows us to build better solutions, stay grounded in real-world needs, and contribute to the long-term strength of the region’s business ecosystem.

 

How has the Sarasota Chamber-OFA and ThinkBIG supported your business journey?

The Sarasota Chamber and ThinkBIG program have provided meaningful opportunities to connect with other local business leaders, share ideas, and gain exposure within the community. Through networking events and programming, I’ve been able to build relationships that have helped me better understand the local business landscape and refine how my company can add value.

The Chamber has also created a platform where emerging businesses like mine can engage directly with established operators, which has been valuable for both feedback and collaboration. Being part of this ecosystem has helped accelerate credibility, visibility, and alignment with the needs of the Sarasota business community.

Overall, the support has been less about a single resource and more about consistent access to a strong, connected network that helps businesses grow the right way.

 

What opportunities or goals are you hoping to achieve through ThinkBIG?

Through ThinkBIG, I’m hoping to continue building meaningful relationships with local business leaders while increasing visibility for my company within the Sarasota business community. My primary goal is to connect with operators and decision-makers who are actively looking for better ways to solve hiring, sourcing, and operational challenges.

I’m also looking to refine my business through direct feedback from experienced entrepreneurs and mentors in the program. That perspective is valuable as we continue to develop and scale our platform.

Longer term, I see ThinkBIG as a way to help accelerate partnerships, early adopters, and strategic relationships that can support both local growth and broader expansion.