Are you familiar with Kickstart and GoFundMe? Then you’re familiar with the idea of crowdfunding: raising small amounts of money via a large number of people on the Internet. Missy and Jared are joined by Ruth Tambornino and Marshall Saunders to talk about this evolving money-raising method for start ups. Marshall, a real estate agent turned crowdfunding extraordinaire, shares the differences and history in rewards-based and equity crowdfunding, the importance of community investment, and how your business can get in on crowdfunding.
On This Episode
Missy Young
Social Media Services Manager
As the Social Media Services Manager for Hubbard Interactive, Missy Young’s position entails working with clients and team members to drive social media strategy and lead initiatives to identify new technologies and digital best practices. She develops customized micro and macro campaigns that drive online interaction, promotes and creates content that enhances the customer experience and creates lead generation for medium to large-scale companies. She regularly speaks at local and national events on a variety of subjects including: social media, PR, analytics and content strategy.
Marshall Saunders
Owner, Venture Near
In September of 2014 Marshall Saunders sold his half ownership of RE/MAX Results to his business partner to pursue his interest in community funded real estate. Marshall was a Broker/Owner in RE/MAX Results since October 2008, in which time the company doubled its number of agents and offices and grew to become the largest RE/MAX franchise in the world. Before being Broker/Owner, Marshall was a Sales Executive with RE/MAX Results for 10 years, specializing in investment property, corporate relocation, and transitioning first-time homeowners from renters to buyers.
Real estate was not Marshall’s first business avenue. At the age of 14 he started a successful vending business, growing to over 400 machines in 4 years. In college, Marshall ran a lawn-mowing business, servicing over 200 foreclosed home through a government contract with the Veteran’s Administration.
After college, Marshall started a video production company specializing in Fire/Life Safety Videos for high-rise office buildings. Over 300 videos were produced for buildings ranging from the World Trade Center in New York to the Sears Tower in Chicago.
Ruth Tambornino
Digital Brand Strategist
Ruth Tambornino is the Digital Brand Strategist at Hubbard Interactive, Hubbard’s Digital Agency. Prior to joining Hubbard Interactive, she Senior Manager of Field Strategy at Dex Media. Her role at Dex included bringing new digital products to market, training marketing consultants and working with key client accounts. In addition to Dex Media, Ruth spent a year working with a start up software company as Director of Sale Enablement. Ruth has over 10 years of experience in digital marketing. A former small business owner and Real Estate professional, Ruth understands the challenges business owners face. Her professional focus is to educate business owners on the importance of digital marketing. With solid understanding of messaging and digital platforms, Ruth has worked with 100’s of clients locally and nationally, impacting their business in a positive way. Areas of expertise include PPC, SEO, Digital Display, Websites and Mobile platforms. Over the course of her career, Ruth has received several awards for sales and training. She is certified in Google AdWords and is currently completing her business degree at Saint Mary’s University. She is also on the Board of Directors for Alliance of Women in Media.
Jared Ringold
Engineer / Front End Web Developer
As a Front End Web Developer, Jared updates and maintains the websites for Hubbard Radio’s Twin Cities market radio stations. He also works on a variety of in-house websites and projects that support an array sales initiatives. Jared is a seasoned podcaster, co-hosting and engineering the long-running pop culture and nostalgia podcast The Scope.