In our second round of “Get to Know Us” interviews with the MGECOM staff, this week we talk with MGECOM Affiliate Manager Adam Russo. Through our conversation we learned that he is a former debate team wizard, (which probably helps him as a parent), he can often be heard quoting Captain Kirk, and he has a strange obsession with Jon Stewart. Enjoy our conversation and tune in next week for round 3!
How and when did you first get started in affiliate marketing?
I started in 2003 at Overstock.com, along with Mike Kansa and Chris Mohler.
What do you most like about the industry?
I like the interaction with affiliates, the ability to help them earn a decent living selling good products online, and that the customers that get to benefit from the exposure of products that may not have been seen otherwise before.
What improvements you would like to see in the industry?
I’d like to see more networks embrace the mobile market; it’s been growing for years but it doesn’t seem that there is much coming out of the big players (LS, CJ, GAN) which should be changing ASAP.
What are some of the challenges that you encounter as an Affiliate Manager?
Sometimes it’s difficult to get affiliates excited about deals on very niche products – especially when there is never any turnover on products, new products, or many changes on site.
Do you see affiliates embracing mobile and social?
Funny – I mentioned this above. I think affiliates are ahead of the game on mobile and social, though there has been a lot of bad social trends…. It’s still being flushed out. Mobile, however, seems to be a powerhouse that isn’t really coming into it’s own lately.
How do you keep up on industry trends, latest industry news, etc?
I read up on local affiliate boards, try and keep pace on Facebook, Twitter, and Linked in, and through various colleagues and friends in the industry.
What most attracted you to join the MGECOM team?
I had a pre-existing relationship with both Mike Bump and Matt Enders from the OPM side, and Anne from the merchant side. It was a great fit with good people!
What other jobs have you had outside of affiliate marketing?
I used to do customer service/CSR trainer for a few companies. I also was the assistant general manager for a few fast food restaurants before coming out to Utah.
And on the personal, “fun” side of what makes this Trekkie tick:
What are a few of your hobbies?
I’m a gamer, a science fiction nerd, and a father. I love spending time with my daughter, taking her out places she likes to go, teaching her the ways of Star Trek and Firefly, helping her with Minecraft, and many other fun things. I also am passionate about cooking, which being both Italian and heavy, I think I have an unfair advantage over many other people.
What activities/sports did you do in high school or college?
I used to play roller hockey in a pick up league for a few years. I was a goalie, which is funny considering if you Google my name, one of the more famous Adam Russo’s out there is a hockey goalie. I also did a lot of debate class for my school’s Model UN, which was probably one of the more fun things I’ve ever done.
What is your favorite vacation location?
I don’t take a lot of vacations, but I do generally try to go to Vegas once in a while. I do, however, want to visit the old country – Italy – and hit Germany, Ireland, and England while I’m there. Or a cruise somewhere…
If you won a lottery, what would be the first thing you’d buy?
Depends on how much I won! A gold plated 25 foot statue of me might just be gaudy enough. Kidding – I’d buy a house for each of my sisters, my mom, and myself. I might just get mine first though.
Your favorite band to see live?
I haven’t seen many bands live, but the one I would love to have seen would have been Smashing Pumpkins and/or Nirvana.
What is your “must see” TV?
I have the Daily Show on TiVo. It’s my one thing I watch religiously.
What is your favorite Christmas gift you have ever received as a kid or adult?
This past year, I got a full on family crest of the Russo name from my daughter. It’s framed right above my computer. Pretty awesome!
Coke or Pepsi?
Throwback cane-sugar Pepsi. The HFCS stuff isn’t very good compared to the older stuff!
Thanks for your time, Adam! Live long and Prosper!