In the modern digital age, where online reviews can make or break a business, a brilliant new solution is emerging from right here in New Jersey. Have you ever felt that awkward hesitation about leaving a less-than-stellar public review, even when you had constructive feedback that could genuinely help a local establishment improve? You’re not alone. This very dilemma sparked an “aha!” moment for Montclair residents Drew Weaver and Tom Strollo, leading to the creation of Twocents, a groundbreaking app that’s changing how businesses and customers connect.
Much like the protagonists in “The Internship” who sought to reinvent their careers in the face of digital disruption, Weaver and Strollo, with their backgrounds in tech and entrepreneurship, recognized a significant gap in the online feedback landscape. While that film subtly explored themes of adaptation, Twocents directly addresses a modern business challenge: how to provide honest, helpful feedback without resorting to public shaming or potentially damaging online posts.
Drew Weaver, now the CEO of Twocents, vividly recalls a lunch with his wife in Montclair. The food was delightful, but the atmosphere was uncomfortably loud and brightly lit. Despite their strong feelings, they never returned, nor did they share their concerns directly with the restaurant. “That’s an awkward kind of move, right? And I’m not the type to post that online and shame the business and punish them,” he explains. This relatable experience sparked the long-germinating idea that became Twocents.
During their morning jogs, Weaver shared his vision with friend Tom Strollo, who quickly became an enthusiastic partner and now serves as the company’s president. Both shared a deep care for their hometown of Montclair and a belief that local businesses deserved a better way to hear from their patrons. “We all have local businesses that we want to give feedback to, but we’re not the type to go onto Yelp and make a public comment. We would rather engage more directly with the local business,” Strollo emphasizes.
The model they developed for Twocents has proven to be a resounding success. The app provides a private, direct channel for customers to share their feedback, both positive and constructive, with businesses. This allows establishments to address concerns discreetly and improve their offerings without the fear of negative public exposure that can deter potential customers. As an added incentive, customers who participate are rewarded with points that can be redeemed for exciting perks, such as gift cards to local restaurants.
The efficacy of Twocents is clear: Weaver reports that the platform elicits up to four times the feedback volume that businesses typically receive from a combination of Google and Yelp reviews. This means businesses are gaining access to a wealth of actionable insights they might otherwise miss, enabling them to make timely adjustments and continuously enhance the customer experience.
Initially launched in Montclair, Twocents is rapidly expanding its reach. The company is on track to open its platform to the entire state of New Jersey this summer, with an ambitious goal of reaching over 1,000 active businesses by September. The versatility of the app extends beyond restaurants, having already welcomed a diverse range of non-food businesses, including retail stores, gyms, and salons.
Among its growing list of fans and partners is Montclair’s own beauty mogul, Bobbi Brown, who has enthusiastically signed up all her local businesses, including The George hotel and Jones Road Beauty. This endorsement from a prominent entrepreneur underscores the value Twocents brings to diverse business sectors.
Local businesses are already feeling the positive impact. Vesna Stamm, owner of Fish Delish, one of the first restaurants in Montclair to adopt Twocents, shares her appreciation: “People love giving reviews, and if we both agree, it can go public. We love it.” Her team has successfully implemented suggestions received through Twocents, such as making takeout boxes more readily available, showcasing how private feedback directly translates into tangible improvements that benefit both customers and operations.
In an era where authenticity and direct connection are highly valued, Twocents is bringing humanity back to the customer review experience. It empowers customers to be helpful rather than punitive, and it equips businesses with the insights they need to truly thrive, all while fostering a stronger, more collaborative local business ecosystem across New Jersey. This innovative spirit is a hallmark of the Garden State’s dynamic business environment.
To discover more about the innovative businesses and entrepreneurial spirit thriving throughout New Jersey, visit our dedicated Business section at https://explorenewjersey.org/category/business/.
