I’m Co-Founder of VSCO Joel Flory and This Is How I Work
One of Lifehacker’s favorite camera apps , VSCO allows anyone to enhance their mobile photos without advanced technical knowledge. We spoke with co-founder Joel Flory about his background in photography, his management style, and his tea habit.
Location: Oakland, California. Current job: Co-founder and CEO of VSCO. Current mobile device: iPhone X. Computer: 13-inch MacBook Pro. One word that best describes how you work: intentionally.
First of all, tell us a little about your past and how you got where you are now.
I started my career as a freelance photographer, then I built my own wedding photographer business. When I met Greg, my co-founder, we both shared a passion for photography and wanted to create a business for authors.
Tell us about a recent work day.
My typical day begins with a morning fitness routine: I wake up at 5am and either go to the gym or play soccer with my coworkers. My day-to-day work at VSCO focuses on building our team as well as product meetings, networking with peers and investors, and shaping a vision for the future.
What apps, gadgets or tools can’t you live without?
I am pretty minimalistic in my technology and don’t use a lot of complicated devices. I’m a big fan of Apple products, so I look to them for phone, computer, headphones, streaming services, etc. As far as an app that I can’t live without, it has to be VSCO! Without him, my life would definitely not be like this. Finally, Audible: always learn.
What is your workspace?
I am using a Thunderbolt display, a Logitech MX mouse with Grovemade wood stands . I also have pictures of my family and my late grandfather’s 1989 World Series champion hat.
What’s your photography setting?
First of all, I’m a Nikon guy, but right now I take most of my photos with my iPhone X. I also have a Sony A7 .
What’s your best shortcut or life hack?
I love using Audible to listen to books on the go. I believe that you should never stop learning, and one of the easiest ways to do this is to read regularly.
I try to have a glass of water and a cup of turmeric tea every hour.
Who are the people who help you achieve results, and how do you rely on them?
My assistant Miles and the entire VSCO management team help me do my job. One of the most important lessons I learned when starting VSCO is that you are the company that you run. Life is too short to spend with those who do not support you or make you better. Our leadership team made me sharper and better.
How do you keep track of what you need to do?
I use Todoist , an app for creating to-do lists and managing tasks. However, I remain focused on my priorities – there is not enough time during the day to do everything we want to do, both at work and outside of it. I focus on what matters most and then use my time wisely to pursue those priorities.
How to recharge or relax?
Playing with my friends on the football field really gets me excited. I also enjoy relaxing in the sauna – it helps me meditate and clear my mind. Family brunch (and the ritual of dating your wife Thursday morning) is another way to recharge.
What’s your favorite side project?
I don’t have a side project right now. I am very focused on VSCO, my family and take care of myself.
What are you reading now or what do you recommend?
Right now, I’m re-reading Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication for the fourth time 🙂
Who else would you like to see to answer these questions?
Ryan Smith, Qualtrics
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Talk less and listen more.
What problem are you still trying to solve?
The main problem I am focused on is the core mission of VSCO: how to provide the best personalized experience for someone on their creative journey.