Our Story
We Hear You was founded in 2019, sparked by a dream from our CEO and founder, Pierre Paul, to create a revolutionary sign language translator. After this vision, Pierre reached out to his best friend, Bethanie Couri, who now serves as our Chief Operating Officer. Together, they set out to turn this dream into reality, laying the foundation for We Hear You.
From the very beginning, the journey wasn’t easy. Pierre and Bethanie literally knocked on doors, seeking professionals who could guide them in bringing their invention to life. One of the pivotal moments came when Dr. Adam Byerley, a key expert, agreed to join the team. With his help and a dedicated group of scientists from Bradley University, the team worked tirelessly to develop a sign language translator unlike anything ever seen before.
At first, the community was hesitant to embrace the new technology. But as they collaborated and built strong connections with the people we were aiming to serve, we began bridging the divide and earning the trust of those who would benefit from this innovation.
While working on the sign language translator, Pierre had another breakthrough idea: a device that could open doors automatically. Unsure of its potential at first, Pierre discussed the concept on a podcast with Carden Wyckoff, who has muscular dystrophy. During their conversation, Carden shared a powerful story about the challenges she faces when trying to maneuver through doors, especially when relying on physical strength that isn’t always there. This conversation inspired Pierre to pursue the idea with urgency.
From there, the Push™ device was born. Originally known as the Hands-Free Door Opener, this technology allows individuals with limited physical functioning to open doors remotely. It quickly evolved, and soon we recognized another pressing need: a solution for immunocompromised individuals who face unsanitary situations when pressing buttons on public doors. The Push™ fob and the Push™ app, which allow doors to be opened automatically, became the next steps in our journey.
With these innovations, we moved forward, winning an Arch Grant and preparing to launch our latest product in 2024—a portable, low-power system that opens doors automatically.
But our story isn’t just about technology. It’s about Pierre’s journey. Born in Brazil and raised in Guyana, Pierre came to the United States as a young child. His family faced extreme poverty and xenophobia, but they instilled in him the values of education, perseverance, and faith. Growing up, Pierre developed a passion for public speaking and advocating for those who are often overlooked by mainstream innovation. His lived experiences became the foundation of We Hear You, pushing him to create products that empower people with disabilities and elevate their independence.
As We Hear You looks to the future, we’re determined to become a household name for accessibility solutions, continuing to innovate for those who are often the afterthought of technological advancement.