About

We are Mike, Paul & Amber – three chitown professionals fascinated by the phenomenon of crowdsourcing and new media in relation to brands, consumer messages and marketing methodology.

Amber aka A.Rae is a Chicago Native who lives in Wicker Park and works in the world of word-of-mouth marketing. Her passions include fashion, design, music, writing, creative thinking, spontaneous adventures, trying new things, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior and discovering new and better ways of doing things. A self-proclaimed “computer nerd,” Amber has leveraged the power of computer technology since the age of four (thanks to her next door neighbor Bob, who owned a computer company). As the Apple Campus Rep for Miami University, Amber discovered a company who truly understands the value of ingenuity, creative thinking, taking risks and pushing the envelope. And she liked it. A serial entrepreneur, Amber’s always looking to solve social and business problems by rejecting the “impossible” and discovering what is possible. “Live passionately,” “embrace change,” “think for yourself,” “learn by doing” and “treat everyone with dignity and respect” are five principles that Amber lives by.

 

Mike was born and raised in Upstate New York and moved to Chicago after graduating from Miami University. An early adopter himself, Mike has always been interested in the role of technology across various industries, and the opportunity that can be leveraged from using it correctly. He increasingly sees the necessity for corporations to effectively use newer technologies and mediums to connect with the new generation of consumers who have already been doing so – as missing the boat could prove to be detrimental. The net started out by adding “width” to the human experience, but until recently lacked “depth.” Adding depth can be fostered by connecting groups, people, ideas and opportunity. Ultimately, the net could serve as a conduit for seamlessly accomplishing this – and to some extent it already has. Mike enjoys thinking, playing sports, new experiences, rocking out, philosophy, politics, and thinking the phrase “be the change you want to see in the world” is one of few truisms.

Paul lives and works full-time in Chicago but originally hails from E. Lansing, MI. As a finance and entrepreneurship major at Miami University (OH), he gained an appreciation for progressive/innovative ideas, thoughts, and ideologies. With that in mind, one of Paul’s personal missions is to spread the good word to others to educate on the opportunities and movements that exist outside of the “status quo.” In the mean time, Paul is excited to learn more about the power of crowdsourcing and how it can be leveraged to create new and exciting business opportunities. In his free time, Paul enjoys playing guitar, listening to music, golfing and traveling. As a personal philosophy, he believes strongly that if everyone believes in one path, there is most likely a better road.