The Why

I looked at the software that was available to me, and I just didn't want to use it. I built my own because I didn't think people were doing this right. I built it for myself. I built the software I was looking for that I didn't find. I figured, man, I'll just build that because I think other people will find that useful. And then I invited people over.

— Tobi Lütke, Invest Like The Best

GemKa's homepage has "It starts with me" in large font, in the middle of the screen. That's because those four words are the origin story of GemKa. Starting with myself as the first customer has been the philosophy I've held on to while building my products. It's why the company name is a disguised version of my own name: Jeremy became Gem and Cowcher became Ka.

GemKa has two main roles: the first is holding the products (GemTimer, GemTodo and IdeaKache) together. When you sign up for any of them, you go via GemKa. I wanted one login for all my products because it's simpler and easier for both you and me. No second (or third) account and password.

GemKa's second role is a protective eggshell in the early days of a potential product. While I had the ideas for GemTimer and IdeaKache pretty quickly, GemTodo came later. GemTodo began in GemKa and once I decided it was worth pursuing, I spun it out on its own.

I've had a wonderful time building these products.

Jeremy