CovLC is a very in-depth and focused company that seeks to help students, parents and teachers alike receive the best education for themselves or their loved ones. However, behind any great company is a founder and business individual who has sought to make their dream and goal a reality.
This individual is no other than Mr. Ernesto Samuel and we believe it is only fitting that you meet the man behind such an institution. Mr. Samuel will share with us today many things about himself in a question-and-answer format. So be sure to read all that he has to say as he responds to some intriguing questions:
If you had to describe yourself in one paragraph to someone who has no idea who you are, what would you say?
I am the son of poor farmers from the Caribbean who always had a dream to be a physical scientist. Driven by ambition and discipline, my journey took me to colleges and universities in Trinidad, the USA, and Sweden. I have worked as a chemist, nuclear pharmacist, and pharmaceutical executive, serving as manager, director, COO, and now as CEO of two biotechnology companies.
As a serial entrepreneur, I enjoy creating new businesses and giving people the drive, opportunities, and resources to succeed. As a Seventh-Day Adventist Christian, my faith in God guides my principles and actions. I share John Dewy's philosophical statement that "education is life itself". Providing resources and opportunities to children, especially those who cannot afford basic tools is an obsession that propels me.
Can you quote the mission and vision of CovLC and give some background to how they came to be?
Our Mission communicates our desire to provide online tutoring for English, Math, and the Sciences for students who generally cannot afford regular tutoring. Our Vision is an obsessed desire to be a leading tutoring company delivering successful results in all core subjects.
What are the passions that drove you to start CovLC?
During the Covid 19 pandemic, I saw firsthand the struggles faced by students as my 14-year-old daughter experienced many hurdles in maintaining her GPA and her quest to get a scholarship to her schools of choice. Her friends needed help. Most parents and students could not afford online classes due to cost. As a result, I put a plan together in creating Covalent Learning Center. My goal is to reach students and parents who cannot pay the regular fees, while at the same time delivering the highest quality of tutoring.
What is your philosophy as the leader of CovLC?
EG White defines true education as the harmonious development of the physical, mental, and spiritual faculties. At CovLC, we seek to present a holistic approach to our students. We are interested in Johnny learning to do his English, math, and sciences, but also in Johnny's emotional state.
As a result, we offer in addition to the core subjects, the CovLC Life Skills and Development Program specific to mental and emotional challenges. Having trained counselors and physicians, parents and students can receive professional assessment and options. We pride ourselves in taking our students from grade school all the way to attending the best colleges, getting internships, and securing the best paying jobs. Take us everywhere!
Your ECov-Smartpad is said to be revolutionary. Can you tell us about some of its powerful
features and how it makes CovLC stand out from other similar companies?
We are excited about our proprietary whiteboard capabilities. The ECov-Smartpad. Carefully developed with the needs of students in mind, the program allows students to select their mode of teaching. A student can select between video, audio, chat, or offline sessions. Tutors have the ability to interact directly in real-time with students.
Students can request on-demand services for emergency help; if a group session is needed, the ECov-Smartpad has the ability to provide multi-screening sharing; the Wolfram Alfa program is a great tool for science students accessing facts and data. Additionally, the program has AI tools to draw and create images, equations, and any other designs needed for success.
What drove the development of the ECov-Smartpad?
Within our ownership group, there are physical scientists, physicians, pharmacists, parents, educators, and psychologists. We looked at existing whiteboards and determined that a better option was needed. We then hired a great IT team in creating a whiteboard that would provide the highest value to students and tutors.
Together, the ECov-Smartpad builds a strong covalent bond between students and tutors. The ECov-Smartpad provides exceptional scientific resources and interactions for students. Students have the option of learning through videos, audio, offline, or chat. Students often welcome personalized platforms.
Covalent Learning Center's approach in its vision is derived from the concept of Covalent
Bonding. Can you give us some insight into how you came up with this concept and why CovLC is built on it?
Working with molecules and atoms, deriving a name for the company where tutors and students need to interact and build a strong relationship, the name covalent was evident. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electrons where two atoms become stable by sharing electrons.
Students need tutors to learn more and deliver better results; tutors provide the knowledge and expertise for students to grow. CovLC's mission and vision would be realized when students and tutors are aligned for complete success.
"Diversity is our strength" This is a quote from a recent CovLC webinar. Can you elaborate on what this statement means and why it is an important aspect of the organization?
Research has shown that ownership and leadership organizations that are culturally diverse deliver the best results. As the CEO of CovLC, I ensure that diversity is a deliberate strategy. We are equally balanced between males and females, and various disciplines across many continents. Everything we do must reflect our values and commitments. We seek to treat everyone with respect, honesty, and integrity.
In this Webinar, we also learned that CovLC has an Asia operation. Please shed some light on what is happening over there and where else are you currently operating?
Thomas Friedman penned, "The world is flat". Globalization has brought countries, businesses, and cultures together. As a result, developed countries are collaborating with developing countries for outsourcing activities. Having worked in Asia, I developed tremendous relationships with many resources.
In creating the ECov-Smartpad, it was seamless for me to utilize former trusted IT resources. In Asia, all of CovLC's IT and IS work is developed and managed. We have the smartest scientists involved in the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement. Additionally, we have tapped qualified science tutors bringing their math and science skills to CovLC. Together with our global operations, our future and growth will be strong.
Tell us about the biggest challenge you have faced in starting CovLC. How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?
Covalent Learning Center was formed during the height of the Covid 19 pandemic. It was a period of uncertainty for all businesses. Supply chain infrastructure was severely affected. Creating a new business during this time was full of uncertainty, and securing the right resources and funds was difficult and challenging.
Having the experience of starting three previous businesses, I utilized proven techniques and strategies. Adding the right leadership group who were committed to the end was a pillar for success. We were committed to solving the pain experienced by parents and students who could not afford online tutoring. Satisfying and meeting the unmet need.
Who do you believe your biggest competitors are? How do you and CovLC differ from them?
There are several tutoring companies in the USA. Organizations like Khan Academy, Tutor Me, and Chegg are considered the market leaders. CovLC, unlike its competitors, implements a holistic and personalized approach to each student. We look at each student's academic and mental status. We follow the students from grade school to the workplace.
What is the greatest potential you see in CovLC? Where do you see the organization in 5 to 10 years?
Our holistic approach Value Proposition will position CovLC to the market segment that is neglected by the market leaders. CovLC will disrupt the market and gain extensive market share. We seek to be the company of choice for students who want personalized services in a safe and nurturing environment.
For the final question, what is the one thing you would like to tell everyone who is reading this interview right now regarding CovLC and what you and your team can do for them?
Students and parents should be aware that CovLC offers online tutoring for students from grades 4-12, college students, exam takers, and ESL students, and services for Life Skills and Mental Development. We are committed to working with students and parents in delivering their goals.
We hope that these questions really helped answer many of the concerns or conceptions you may have had about CovLC, what it stands for, and who runs this company. Now that you know more about its founder, we hope you are more compelled to reach out to us and let us help you make your goals a reality.
