YHS class of 99’ graduate plans to launch ‘MODRA’ retail delivery app next month

Have you ever attended an out-of-city convention or an out-of-state meeting, and found that you’ve forgotten to pack a nice pair of slacks, a collared shirt or a tie, but you’re crunched on time to purchase that missing clothing item?

Jeremy Bernier, Yelm High School class of 1999 graduate, told the Nisqually Valley News about that exact experience happening to him while at a business conference in Portland for plumbing — which he was attending on behalf of his Yelm-based business, Nerd Plumbing and Drain.

“I never thought I’d be in the tech industry or anything similar to that,” Bernier said. “About four months ago, I was down in Portland for a business convention for plumbing. I opened up my suitcase and didn’t have my collared shirt. I just had a t-shirt to go with my suit jacket and suit pants. I thought there’s got to be something like Uber Eats or Doordash for retail. I had zero time to get to a store.”

After searching the app store and web browser for a potential delivery-based solution, Bernier said he couldn’t find an app that would be able to deliver him a button-up shirt for his conference.

While facing the conundrum, Bernier had the idea to launch an app similar to Doordash or Uber Eats, but for retail items. Eventually, he created his MODRA brand and will soon be releasing the app to smart phones.

“Within four months, we made a lot of headway in the tech industry,” Bernier said. “I think we’re ranked right now on Crunchbase in the top 118. There’s millions and millions of people in the tech industry on Crunchbase.”

Bernier noted, investors are on the Crunchbase browser “looking for rising businesses.” Since joining the platform, he claimed that he’s been in constant discussion with different investors interested in MODRA.

“I have an app right now that’s almost done, and we’re going to be launching mid-September,” Bernier said. “I’ve got a few stores that are already on board. I’ve just been marketing the crap out of it and doing all of my own marketing because of my social media. That’s my strong suit.”

He added that after gaining some traction on Crunchbase, Doordash and Uber Eats have begun to get into the retail delivery space. Admittedly, Bernier knows that he’s going up against “the giants.”

“It almost crushed me. They weren’t even talking about (retail delivery) when I first created this,” Bernier said. “Two months into it, I saw that they were starting to get into this space. I thought about it for a little bit, called one of my mentors and he said, ‘It’s validation. There’s a space for it. The market is there. Go for it, man.’”

With that mindset, Bernier said he’s going to stick directly with retail and swing for the fences, even with “the giants” breathing down his neck.

According to Bernier, his MODRA app will feature an AI system that memorizes the customer’s sizes, favorite clothing brands and can offer recommendations as the customer is shopping for certain brands or clothing items.

Additionally, the AI system will be able to assist with returns and check-out.

For Bernier, this AI system built into MODRA will be a lot more meaningful than just a digital shopping assistant.

“I’m a single dad. My son’s name is Jack, and my daughter’s name is Savvy,” he said. “I was like, ‘What can I name my AI agent?’ Instantly, I knew I was going to name it Savvy AI. We will have an AI system built into my app, inspired after my daughter.”

Additionally, there will be a couple stores in Yelm that are initially featured in the MODRA app, Bernier said. Bigger cities like Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma and Olympia will also be featured in its launch.

Bernier told the Nisqually Valley News that after leaving Mesa Community College after a year, he’d go on to join the United States Navy.

After serving the country, he’d go on to become a union plumber before eventually launching his own business, Nerd Plumbing and Drain — which is based in his hometown of Yelm.