Dave:
Hey everyone, Dave here with another episode of the Philly Tech Connect Podcast. Today, I’m speaking with Akiva Gavrylin, AKA, who produces software that solves complex business problems at Key to Advantage. If you have a business problem that needs a software solution, he’s your guy.
Akiva, how are you doing today?
Akiva:
Good afternoon, Dave. I’m doing well, thank you.
Dave:
Thanks for agreeing to chat with the community. I always love talking with technical individuals. I’d love to learn more about you and your background because I think it’s quite interesting. You mentioned being a rabbi at one point. Could you tell us a little about your background and how you ended up at Key to Advantage?
Akiva:
Sure! I grew up in a family of programmers, so it was almost a given path. There’s an old Jewish joke: when a kid is born, they say, “Dr. Schneider was born” or “Mr. Gmid, Esquire.” In my case, it was, “He will be a programmer.”
I come from a Russian Jewish background, where math and programming were highly valued. Growing up in the former Soviet Union, you couldn’t bribe your way into success—it was all about brains.
I learned English at a specialized English school, attended a specialized math school, and eventually studied applied math and computer science at university. After a few years, I took a sabbatical and moved from Ukraine to the U.S., settling in the lower Hudson Valley area of New York. During that time, I studied in a rabbinical school, got married, and stayed connected to my family’s software business.
Eventually, about four or five years ago, I got back into the family business. Key to Advantage is part of a larger European-based company. My role now involves bringing the family business into the American market.
Dave:
That’s fascinating. So Key to Advantage is a family business your parents started back in Ukraine?
Akiva:
Yes, it started in Ukraine. My mom worked on computers that were as big as a house back in the day! Over the years, the company has had different names, but in the U.S., we go by Key to Advantage. On paper, my family acts as my subcontractors—it works better logistically this way.
Dave:
Interesting! Are there notable cultural differences in business development between the U.S. and Europe?
Akiva:
Yes, there are. In Europe, things tend to move more slowly, possibly due to the lingering influence of a post-socialist mindset. In contrast, Americans often work longer hours and expect quicker, scalable results.
Dave:
You mentioned earlier that sometimes your advice to clients is to use subscription software rather than build something custom. Are you seeing a trend toward subscription and low-code/no-code solutions?
Akiva:
Absolutely. There are three or four types of clients I work with:
- Niche Businesses:
For example, a chiropractor might benefit from subscription software tailored to their industry. - Scaling Issues:
Companies that outgrow their subscription software often need a custom solution. For instance, surveyors might pay hefty subscription fees for unnecessary features. In those cases, custom software becomes more cost-effective. - Visionary Entrepreneurs:
These are people who want to create something entirely new, like combining services, mapping, and shopping in one app. - Efficiency Seekers:
Businesses that want to save time by automating tedious tasks, like pre-scanning applications for missing fields, come to us for custom solutions.
We’re a service-based software company, helping visionaries achieve their goals.
Dave:
Got it. Earlier, you mentioned being a rabbi. Could you elaborate on that part of your story?
Akiva:
Sure! I’m still a practicing rabbi. I was an assistant rabbi at a congregation in Northeast Philadelphia for about nine years, focusing mostly on outreach and education. Interestingly, the skills I use as a rabbi—bridging gaps in understanding and solving sociological problems—translate directly to my role in business. It’s the same mission, just different tools.
Dave:
That’s such a unique combination of disciplines! How can people get in touch with you to learn more about Key to Advantage?
Akiva:
The easiest way is through my LinkedIn page: Akiva Gavrylin (spelled A-K-I-V-A G-A-V-R-Y-L-I-N). You can also email me at agavrylin@key2advantage.com.
Dave:
Thank you so much for your time today, Akiva. It’s been a pleasure learning about your journey and Key to Advantage.
Akiva:
Thank you, Dave. It was great to chat. Let’s keep growing the Philly tech community together. Cheers!