Ben Lamm, BBA 2004 knows what it feels like to get your first big break. He started Simply Interactive as a class project at the business school. The company they did the project for was so impressed they offered Lamm a six-figure contract for the work.
“That first client gave us capital to get established,” said Lamm. “Unlike most usinesses, we didn’t have to raise or borrow money to get started. We have been profitable from day one; we are cash heavy – no debt. That was our biggest jump-start.”
At Simply Interactive, Lamm is responsible for all client interactions and managing the technical team responsible for developing his company’s services, which provide interactive marketing and e-learning services to a number of retail companies. Lamm recognizes the role of interactive marketing in establishing brand loyalty with the young consumer. He works with companies to conceptualize fun and engaging interactive games, online contests, giveaways and other targeted campaigns to meet their business objectives. Simply Interactive also strives to get its share of the distance-learning market by doing online trainings for clients. Lamm relishes the independence of owning his own business at such a young age.
“I needed the freedom to make decisions now, not 10 years from now when I had gained some experience in the organization. Few organizations let 24 year olds make some of the decisions that I am forced to make on a daily basis. It has been a great learning experience for me, while being financially rewarding,” Lamm said. “At the same time, it is not stable or an eight to five. When you own your own company, it is a 24-7 commitment. If something goes wrong for your clients or a project is behind, then it falls on you.”
In the time that Lamm has owned his business, he has seen much success and enjoyed the freedom that has followed, but is not satisfied to stop striving for more.
“I love having the ability that if I wanted to take a week off and go to the Bahamas, I could and no one could tell me not to,” he said. “But with our continued growth, finding times to get away are harder and harder. I would encourage others who achieve success to reward themselves. Take that vacation, but when you get back, set new goals.”