Jan. 31 Speaker Spotlight: David Teichner of Yowza!!
Now that you've RSVP'd to our January 31 event, let's learn more about the speakers who will be taking your and our questions. Wait, you haven't RSVP'd? Here's the link: mobilesmcla.eventbrite.com. Now, let's learn more.
You know him as the downed pilot from "Lost" (did I spoil it for you?) and the cop from "Heroes." We know him as the guy who helped hire one of our speakers. Actor Greg "Grunny" Grunberg's company Yowza!! uses your smartphone's GPS to do a location sweep and deliver targeted mobile coupons through its mobile app. As a consumer, you just have to download the app, switch it on and show your coupon at the register. On the back-end, merchants have the capability to add and update offers in seconds, effectively track results and dramatically increase sales by reaching new and existing customers with compelling coupons and information.
In December 2011, Yowza!! hired David Teichner (@davidteichner) as CEO, who brings with him 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur with deep knowledge and expertise in retail, entertainment marketing, content development, couponing, media and advertising sales. Prior to joining Yowza!, David co-founded and led Channel M, developing in-store television networks to drive sales in retail and lifestyle environments. During his tenure, Channel M reached annual revenues of $10M, acquired a competitor, raised over $25M in multiple rounds and executed the successful sale of the company to the PlayNetwork. An entrepreneur from the start, David founded Genco Advertising while still in college. Genco distributed student coupon books at universities, becoming the leader at each college where distributed and enjoying over a 90% renewal rate each semester. David has been a Board Member of the Digital Place-based Advertising Association and is actively involved in the Mobile Marketing Association (@mmaglobal).
Well, there you have it. Think of some questions you'd like to ask David. You can send them directly to us at socialmediaclubLA%at%gmail%dot%com, tweet them to us at @smc_LA or ask him at the event.
Here are a few questions I'm thinking of asking:
- Why do Grunny's characters always get the shaft? (Kidding.)
- While Yowza!! seems to do well in "normal people" stores like Big 5 and Dunkin Donuts, is there an interest from higher-end merchants to join in the program?
- Will there be a Yowza!! version for online stores... ever?
- Is there a plan to expand internationally to include merchants from Canada, Europe and beyond?
Join me on Tuesday January 31 at the ING DIRECT Cafe in Westwood and hear what our panelists have to say about mobile social and the mobile user.