Rich Barton isn’t just a name; it’s a brand synonymous with disruptive innovation in the tech world. He’s the mind behind household names like Expedia, Zillow, and Glassdoor – companies that have fundamentally changed how we travel, buy homes, and navigate the job market. But beyond the headlines and billion-dollar valuations, lies a consistent philosophy: empowering consumers with information previously held close by industry insiders. This is the story of how Rich Barton built empires, brick by disruptive brick.
From Microsoft to Mogul: The Genesis of Barton’s Vision
Barton’s entrepreneurial journey began within the walls of Microsoft. Initially tasked with creating a CD-ROM travel guide, he envisioned something bigger: an online platform that would become Expedia. Despite initial skepticism from Steve Ballmer, Barton’s persistence paid off. Expedia went public in 1999, marking the start of his career as a disruptor. This early success wasn’t just luck; it was a testament to Barton’s ability to see potential where others saw limitations.
Zillow: Democratizing Real Estate Information
The idea for Zillow was born from Barton’s own frustrating experience house-hunting. He realized that vital information about properties was either unavailable or difficult to access. In 2004, he and Lloyd Frink invested $5 million each to found Zillow, launching it in 2006 with the goal of bringing transparency to the real estate market.
Zillow’s most recognizable feature, the “Zestimate,” has become a standard benchmark (though not always accurate) for home values. This single feature exemplifies Barton’s core principle: giving consumers access to data that was once exclusive to real estate professionals.
Barton’s leadership at Zillow hasn’t been static. He stepped down as CEO in 2010, only to return in 2019 to spearhead Zillow Offers, a program designed to streamline the home-buying process.
Glassdoor: Shining a Light on Workplace Culture
Barton’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop with travel and real estate. He co-founded Glassdoor, another platform built on the principles of transparency and information sharing. The inspiration for Glassdoor stemmed from a workplace satisfaction survey conducted at Expedia.
Glassdoor provides employees with a platform to anonymously share insights about their workplaces, including salary information, company reviews, and interview experiences. This data empowers job seekers to make informed decisions and holds companies accountable for their workplace practices. In 2018, Glassdoor was acquired by Recruit Holdings for a staggering $1.2 billion, further cementing Barton’s legacy as a tech visionary.
Risk, Innovation, and the Barton Philosophy
Rich Barton’s success isn’t solely attributed to brilliant ideas; it’s deeply rooted in his approach to risk-taking and fostering a culture of innovation. He champions the idea of “intrapreneurship,” encouraging employees to think like entrepreneurs within established organizations. Barton advocates for setting ambitious goals (“Big Hairy Audacious Goals” or BHAGs) and embracing the potential for failure.
He believes in staffing risky ventures with the best talent, understanding that the right people are crucial for navigating the challenges of innovation. This philosophy underscores every venture he’s touched.
Beyond the Boardroom: Barton’s Life in Seattle
While his professional life is defined by disruption and innovation, Barton’s personal life remains grounded in Seattle, where he lives with his wife and three children. He consciously chooses Seattle over Silicon Valley, a testament to his values and priorities. He’s been involved in other successful startups, including Realself and Avvo, and was a partner at Benchmark.
The Future of Disruption: What’s Next for Rich Barton?
Rich Barton’s journey is far from over. His consistent track record of identifying opportunities, embracing risk, and empowering consumers suggests that he will continue to shape the future of various industries. His ability to blend visionary thinking with practical execution makes him a force to be reckoned with in the tech world. We can expect Rich Barton to continue identifying and solving problems for consumers in innovative and impactful ways. He may not be done building empires yet.