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Alex Todorovic is co-founder and CEO of Arbor, a data science platform that helps brands measure and showcase the environmental impact of their products. Get to know him below.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? We use a ton of data and automation to analyze retail brands’ existing supply chains and figure out an accurate estimate of the CO2 emissions that are being produced when making and delivering each of their products. Brands can take this information, know where they stand, and make more conscious, targeted decisions on how to reduce their emissions over time.
One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? Sometimes, I equate being a CEO to what it feels like to be a parent: You’ve got a team that needs constant guidance and support. I’ve learned so much about how to work with and lead different personalities and work ethics. It can be overwhelming at times, but it’s worth it.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? During university, one of my current co-founders, Ben Grande, and I worked on an app that digitally mapped out the entire university in 3D and enabled students to find their classrooms indoors much easier. The project was a lot of fun and we’re still quite proud of what we put together.
Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about this year, and why? As consumers, we’re well aware that most products today aren’t necessarily sustainably made. Seeing major brands take a brave step forward and start to engage with their customers in an open and honest way about the sustainability of their products definitely puts a smile on my face!
What’s your go-to coffee order? Everyone might hate this answer…but I actually don’t drink coffee. I’m one of those people that only drinks tea and somehow manages to stay awake during the day. Nothing beats a classic green tea with a splash of milk.
Worst piece of advice you’ve received? We received a lot of feedback in our early days that we were wasting our time and that sustainability wasn’t something people cared about. But we’ve been gaining momentum for two years now and we know sustainability is top of mind for consumers.
What was your favorite retail product when you were 15, and what’s your favorite retail product now? When I was a teenager, I was a huge fan of Magic the Gathering, so I bought a lot of cards and that’s pretty much where all my money went. Nowadays, I try to limit my consumption—save the planet y’all! But I’m obsessed with snowboarding and my new Salomon board.