5 Questions With John Machacek: Wanido

Written by: Brady Drake

Photo by Kayleigh Omang

John Machacek, Chief Innovation Officer for the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, has worked with countless startups throughout our community over the past seven years. He knows their ups, their downs, but most of all, he knows the questions to ask them.

Here is John Machacek’s 5 questions for Wanido, a company making waves in workplace well-being. 


1. Tell us your Wanido elevator pitch
Wanido “wanna-do”  is a workforce well-being and engagement platform. We deliver personalized insights to equip employers and employees with the tools to influence change where it’s needed most. We are the only platform that motivates employees to engage in culture, health, and personal finances. Wanido provides individualized resources to manage health, tools to keep finances on track and a user-experience similar to social media platforms to encourage company-wide engagement. Aggregate reports and dashboards allow employers to see where their organization has opportunities to improve. Wanido was founded under the philosophy that when employees are happier, healthier, and more financially secure – so is the employer. 


 2. Why does an employer need Wanido? 
Turnover is costing employers billions of dollars every year. Many organizations are attempting to solve this problem with incentives and achievement rewards, but it’s not working. Employees are more apt to stay when they feel valued at work and connected to their colleagues, and when the programs being offered match their needs. We believe the key to retention and success is to engage employees while investing in their personal well-being. Companies with strong employee engagement are 21 percent more profitable and have 2.5 times higher revenue growth. Furthermore, the rates of presenteeism and absenteeism go down dramatically when employees improve their physical and financial wellness. Wanido provides a solution that benefits all employees, at all hours of the day, across all divisions and locations. It unifies your workforce and helps everyone become happier and healthier. More engaged employees means better business results.  


3. You’ve developed a Cost of Disengagement calculator. What is that?
The disengagement calculator looks beyond annual surveys and turnover rates to expose the true financial impact due to lost productivity and absenteeism because of personal factors like health and financial distress. We wanted employers to see these hidden costs, so they can fully appreciate the potential savings using our holistic engagement and well-being solution. 


4. If you could go back in time to Troy from a few years ago, what hindsight advice would you give yourself?
It’s never too early or too late to pursue your dreams. Find a passion that you think will change the industry and don’t be afraid to follow that idea. Get the advice of other entrepreneurs and business leaders and boldly take the next step. My schedule is very busy, but forcing myself to take more time meeting and building deeper relationships with local mentors has proven to be really valuable. Our community is blessed to have many successful businesses and leaders and most are willing to share their knowledge and experiences.  


5. What can we do as a community to help Wanido succeed?
Providing a positive culture, and encouraging employees to take care of their health and finances can change the outlook for generations to come. We all have a role to play in contributing to a happier and healthier workforce and it starts at the top. Don’t underestimate your role if you are a business leader. Take care of your personal health, understand what positive culture means to your workforce, and recognize that half your employees are likely living paycheck to paycheck. Bring them the tools they need to succeed.

We work with mid-sized employers across the U.S. but we always appreciate opportunities to work with employers in our own backyard. If your business believes your employees are your greatest asset, contact us to schedule a demo and find out more about our 30-day free trial program.

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Brady is the Editorial Director at Spotlight Media in Fargo, ND.