Stuff happens. 

Mishaps like a flooded basement or a downed tree are what inspired tech entrepreneurs Ric Fleisher of Herndon and Rick Robinson of Reston to found their new company,  Urgnt.ly.

Fleisher says he got the idea for the site, which connects home repair companies with people who need them, when his dishwasher flooded his kitchen a few years ago. He brainstormed with friend and past tech entrepreneur Surendra Goel of McLean, and the two had the kernel of an idea: No more waiting for help; They would provide it instantly.

“The ethos is ‘now and near’,” said Fleisher. “We believe that our customers, who are both consumers and service providers, can be super-served without really doing much different than they are; we’re just enabling technology to bring ultra-efficiency.”

Robinson says Urgnt.ly taps GPS technology to connect users. 

“Essentially we’re allowing consumers, through our iPhone or Android app and website, to see on a digital map what providers are available right now nearby,” Robinson said.

Providers will "check in" and broadcast their location so consumers can message or be connected by phone with a click, said Fleisher.

“We think this is going to be a great problem solver for any consumer with an urgent need – Reston and beyond,” Fleisher said, adding that the beta service is nearly ready to be released to their test market of Northern Virginia.

“We plan to make it so when your dishwasher goes, there will be someone at your door before the leak becomes a flood.”