Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneurs are Made Media’s Eric Landy and David Engel, whose company offers digital data capture and workforce automation solutions to the face-to-face (F2F) sales and fundraising industries…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Made Media (MM) is a technology company offering digital data capture and workforce automation solutions to the face-to-face (F2F) sales and fundraising industries. MM’s proprietary software platform is currently being used across North America and the UK, and new inquiries for clients are being received daily from around the world.
MM has already worked with many high profile companies. In just over one year of developing the software platform, MM can already list leading NGOs such as the Red Cross, Amnesty International, UN Refugee Agency (and many others) as clients in the fundraising space. Alternatively, in the financial services sector of face-to-face sales, MM has already secured a three-year contract with the largest face-to-face card-issuing bank in Canada, MBNA (recently acquired by TD Bank).
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
We had a passion for marketing and technology. Also, we identified an opportunity to eliminate paper and manual processes in the world of direct marketing.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Best part: The challenge of acquiring new customers, keeping current customers happy and coming up with new innovative ideas to further the software.
Knowing that we are making a difference in people’s lives and making processes more efficient for our customers.
Most challenging part: Having our innovative ideas and vision become reality and getting them implemented into the software.
Where do you see your business going in five years?
Continuing to expand and capitalize on all of the opportunities we have across the world.
What does success look like to you?
Success is when all of the lofty goals we set for the company have been met. As of now, we have a long, long way to go.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Signing a national three-year contract with TD Bank.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Have an iron stomach, sacrifice at the beginning, and never give up to prosper in the end. Short-term pain for long-term gain!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Our software is used to collect donations by over 50 charities across the globe. Additionally, we have supported the following local charities: SPCA-Montreal, the Montreal McCord Museum and Fuck Cancer.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone, baby!
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
Keeping in shape, travelling and working hard to move the company forward.