Recommendations

What was the nature of your relationship with the candidate/consultant at your Company?

Steve pioneered our affiliate marketing back before “affiliate marketing” really existed and I’m pretty sure that we were one of the first companies to capitalize on the use of affiliates.  Without a doubt, Steve made our company many millions of dollars and set us up to go on to dominate the affiliate marketing channel in our industry to this day.  Today, our company is a roughly $20 million enterprise, based almost entirely on internet marketing.  Since leaving us, Steve has served as a regular consultant  on internet marketing channels such as social media marketing.

How would you rate this person in his/her field (10) on a technical level on a scale of 1-10? What are his/her Strengths?   What area(s) would you see as room for improvement?

Steve has done a remarkable job staying on the cutting edge of internet marketing, so every consultation opens new doors for us.  He has a passion for the tools and techniques in the internet marketing arena and he has excellent instincts about what’s hot, what’s not and what’s next.  Not only does Steve have great thoughts on how to extend marketing reach, but he’s able to single-handedly execute on market tests and major initiatives.  He works passionately and hard — such that one gets the unmistakable impression that he loves his work.

Steve’s results for us have been so strong, that it’s hard to nail down room for improvement.  He’s a great team player and he’s loved by everyone with whom he works.  He’s a pleasure to manage — pure “can do” attitude and exhuberance.

I should probably note that we’re a company that enshrines entrepreneurial zeal.  We tend to forgive violations of protocol or institutional pecadillos.  In a more staid organization, Steve might take the occasional zinger for getting ahead of the company bureaucracy.  He definitely pushes the envelope and makes stuff happen.  While he’s a fantastic collaborator — and a big-hearted, nice guy — sometimes his focus on getting things done cuts across process-focused team members.

Personally, I have a hard time seeing that as a place where he has “room for improvement” because every company needs folks (especially tech folks) who push growth and innovation.  Clearly, I consider Steve an amazing asset and I tap him for help frequently.  My only regret is that he lives in California and not in Utah.

Please comment on his/her punctuality, work habits, professionalism, and communication skills? For example, as it relates to project deliverables.

Again, in terms of results, Steve’s history with our company is beyond reproach.  He’s one of these guys that chews through a project with intensity.  He’s excellent at delivering on time and on point.  His punctuality has never been an issue, nor have his work habits been anything other than excellent.

In today’s business world, I really don’t know what “professionalism” means.  Steve produces results.  He doesn’t come to work smelling funny.  But I don’t think I’ve ever seen him wear a suit.  He works very well with others and he’s about as nice a guy as you’ll ever meet.  He excels at his profession. Is that professionalism?

In terms of communication, Steve really shines.  He can communicate with non-eggheads in a fluid way — reducing complicated jargon and concepts to laymans’ terms.  Over the years, Steve has been my personal liason between the normal world and the tech-space.

How well do you know this candidate/consultant will fit into the situation described below?
Affiliate marketing management, affiliate recruitment, affiliate policy enforcement

That’s Steve’s strongest suit.  He works well with systems.  He works well with other human beings and he’s remarkably intelligent.  If you’re looking for an experienced, technically-proficient embassador to the world of affiliate marketing, I can’t think of anyone more qualified. I would expect him to also push his employer in the direction of social media-based affiliate development.  But, in terms of raw experience with affiliate relationships, I don’t know anyone with half of Steve’s experience and resourcefullness.  I have a whole pile of folks working for my company today as affiliate managers and they don’t have Steve’s depth.

Would you hire this candidate/consultant if you were staffing a position as I just described?

Yes.  We’ve regularly hired him.

Do you have any additional comments regarding this candidate/consultant that you would like to share with me?

As a person, Steve’s a solid guy.  He’s socially adept — which is unusual in a technology-skilled person.  He’s always chipper and everyone likes him.  He’s funny.  He’s sensitive to others.  Our affiliates considered him a friend as well as a work associate.  It speaks highly of Steve that our company continues to use him for consulting gigs many years after leaving us.  We truly like Steve and we like the innovative, up-to-date perspectives he brings us.

If Steve doesn’t work out with your company in the end, it’s probably not because of Steve.  It probably means that your company has become calcified.  This is a guy who delivers an avalanche of value and I can’t imagine him not becoming a superstar in any company that takes him on.

Mitch Fredricks
Business Development, Zoovy, Inc.

“Working with Steve gave me the opportunity to experience a true master at work. Steve’s thorough understanding and knowledge of online marketing, social networking and ecommerce strategies were quite impressive. His approach and methodology helped to streamline the entire RFP process to determine if we were a right fit for his company. Steve is a no nonsense guy, and he is very focused on the best solutions for achieving the online goals of his company. I’m looking forward to a long term working relationship with Steve, while growing Upper Deck’s online visibility and revenues.”

Toby Wachter
Online Media Content Manager, Upper Deck

“Steve is easily one of the most talented people I’ve worked with at Upper Deck, and has an incredibly valuable skillset where modern media and social networking are concerned. From day one, he’s made a tremendous impact here: his contributions with setting up and maintaining the blog I manage were critical, and the project would not have been successful without his help. Steve is always on top of the latest trends in modern marketing, has a very positive attitude, and is a huge asset to our company.”

Dave Sanders
Director, Upper Deck Authenticated, Upper Deck

“Steve is an extremely knowledgeable and passionate expert in online marketing and social media. He “lives” for online marketing and it is every evident in the energy and expertise he brings to the table. In the short time we collaborated at Upper Deck, I learned an immense amount from him regarding new e-commerce platforms, new areas of social media development, search optimization, and more. He has a great way of being able to break down technical information into actionable recommendations that product or marketing teams can act upon.”

Alex Boulter

“Steve helped me build my first website and helped develop the first marketing campaigns used to market my business. Since then he has helped develop a few other sites as well as worked as a consultant in both marketing and technical aspects. I have worked with many technical and business consultants and Steve is one of my favorites.I would strongly suggest working with Steve.

John Baumgartner
VP Business Development, Sidepath Inc.

“I had the pleasure of working with Steve at Winfire and am interested in working with him again in his new role. I found Steve to be impressive both from technical and managerial perspectives,but most importantly his enthusiastic personality is infectious and has a profound effect on all that work with him. He gets the job done. He has fun doing it. And, people gravitate toward him and to achieving his business goals.”

Heather Hanson
Principal; EmigrationCanyon.Net, Proactive Computer Consultants, &, Hsquare