Meet Tony Illes: The Man Behind “Tony Delivers”
In a conversation with Tony Illes, a delivery worker based in Seattle, he shares his journey of breaking away from delivery apps to establish his own business venture. In January, Illes launched “Tony Delivers,” a personalized food delivery service catering to downtown Seattle during peak lunch and dinner hours. Customers place their orders directly from restaurants for takeout and text Tony for delivery, with payment options including cash, credit cards, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
A Shift in Perspective
Reflecting on his decision to venture into entrepreneurship, Illes recalls a conversation with a friend who suggested cutting out the middleman represented by delivery apps. Frustrated by the downtime and lack of orders during his tenure with these platforms, Illes seized the opportunity to make a change swiftly. Embracing the idea, he swiftly implemented his vision, initiating the birth of “Tony Delivers.”
Fostering Human Connection
For Illes, the key challenge to overcome was bridging the gap between people in a bustling urban environment. He noticed that delivery apps often hindered genuine connections due to their transactional nature. Embracing a “person-to-person” approach, Illes emphasizes the importance of human interaction in fostering meaningful experiences. Through personalized communication and engagement, he strives to create a more empathetic and authentic delivery service.
Navigating the Business Landscape
Operating on a more personal level, Illes relies on his intuition and experience to manage orders efficiently. Instead of automated responses, he opts for voice messages to convey wait times, adding a personal touch to his service. Despite transitioning away from established delivery platforms, Illes notes that his earnings have remained consistent, signaling the viability of his independent venture.
Embracing Humanity in Gig Work
The most rewarding aspect of Illes’ new endeavor lies in the genuine appreciation he receives from customers. Unlike his experiences with delivery apps, where interactions felt impersonal, “Tony Delivers” fosters genuine connections and gratitude. Illes believes that prioritizing human connection over speed and efficiency is crucial in reshaping the gig economy landscape.
A Call for Change
Illes advocates for a paradigm shift in the gig economy, where emphasis is placed on safety, stability, and genuine human interaction. He challenges the notion of competition-driven delivery work, highlighting the need for alternative approaches that prioritize the well-being of workers and customers alike.
In conclusion, Tony Illes’ journey from delivery apps to entrepreneurship exemplifies the potential for meaningful change within the gig economy. By prioritizing human connection and authenticity, “Tony Delivers” represents a new frontier in delivery services, inspiring a broader conversation about the future of gig work and the importance of fostering genuine connections in a digital age.
