Today we get a chance to talk with Jeff Cress, VP of Business Development and Marketing at MGECOM. Over the course of our interview we learn that not only was Jeff a DJ spinning the tunes on the FM dial back in the day, but also could tune up the engine in a fighter jet. He is a man of many hobbies with a wide variety of interests, which you will read about below. Enjoy the interview and getting to learn a bit more about our friend and colleague Jeff Cress!
How and when did you first get started in affiliate marketing?
I was in corporate Finance at a global pharmaceuticals company at the beginning of 2009 when I decided to align my career more with my education (MBA with concentrations in Marketing and Health Services). I was initially planning on going into Pharma Sales, but found MGECOM and was immediately fascinated with Affiliate Marketing and the HUGE disparity between the ROI of a well managed affiliate program, and the way most companies do it (very poorly). I was very attracted to the massive opportunity to help merchants protect their brand while getting more bang for their buck.
What do you most like about the industry?
I am most drawn to the creative, energetic, entrepreneurial spirit that drives the industry.
What improvements you would like to see in the industry?
The affiliate industry is still relatively immature with a lot of “wild west” mentality. To truly be embraced by major businesses the professionalism level of many in the industry needs to improve.
What are some of the challenges that you encounter in your Business Development role?
There is no standardization of terms in the affiliate industry. Unfortunately, there are rip-off artists that use the same terminology to describe what they do as the legit service providers like MGECOM. That makes differentiation difficult, even when there are massive differences in the level of service provided.
Do you see affiliates embracing mobile and social?
Of course. I think that some of the most creative and forward thinking marketers in the world are in the affiliate industry. They were figuring out how to make money in the mobile and social channels before most merchants realized that their products could be promoted via those channels.
How do you keep up on industry trends, latest industry news, etc?
A combination of great discussions with prospective clients, lots of reading, and discussions with the MGECOM team, who are some of the best informed folks in online marketing.
What most attracted you to join the MGECOM team?
I was most attracted to MGECOM’s commitment to be the best by specializing in only affiliate marketing program management. Too many firms try to be a “one stop shop” and end up doing a poor job on most, if not all disciplines. I could not work for an agency that tried to be all things to all people. As a BD professional, I sleep well knowing that the clients we bring onboard at MGECOM are getting real value for their investment.
What other jobs have you had outside of affiliate marketing?
I worked my way through undergrad as a radio DJ and aircraft mechanic in the Air Force Reserve.
Then I spent over a decade with some of the biggest Pharmaceutical companies in the world in IT, Sales Operations, and Finance functions.
And on the personal, “fun” side:
What are a few of your hobbies?
Playing with my wife and kids.
Boating
Flying
Ice Hockey
TaeKwonDo
Backpacking
Hot rods
Yeah… I’ve got too many hobbies 🙂
What activities/sports did you do in high school or college?
Wresting, Track, and Marching Band in High School (odd combo, huh?)
Wrestling, Football, College Radio, and Rugby in College
Used to wake board and play soccer, but after the 3rd knee surgery had to give both up.
What is your favorite vacation location?
Anywhere my wife and kids are.
If you won a lottery, what would be the first thing you’d buy?
A new phone with an unlisted phone number. Won’t happen though, as I don’t gamble on anything unless I can control the outcome.
Your favorite band to see live?
Sleeping Booty
http://www.sleepingbootyband.com/
What is your “must see” TV?
I don’t watch much TV. I try to catch Carolina Hurricanes games on TV or in person. Otherwise, TV is very spotty and hit or miss for me.
Although, I love when I can catch the Red Bull Air Race Series. Simply incredible how they make such demanding, high performance flying look so easy.
What is your favorite Christmas gift you have ever received as a kid or adult?
Anything my kids have picked out or made themselves.
Coke or Pepsi?
If I have to choose, I’d say Coke… but I rarely drink soft drinks.
As you can see, in addition to working to bring new clients into the MGECOM family, Jeff manages to juggle many other things to keep himself busy throughout his day. Thanks for sharing, Jeff