I had the privilege of having lunch with Chris Pauly the other day. He is one of the founders of a great new local lead generation site called eMazeMe (http://www.emazeme.com). During our lunch we had a great discussion over how eMazeMe got started, some of the technology used, about the eMazeMe team and how they thought of their new and interesting twist to lead generation services. Admittedly, this is one of the most interesting web startups I’ve seen in the area. Not everyday you see a new quality twist on lead generation.
eMazeMe is a local lead generation site using reverse bidding. Meaning service providers bid down(price) or across (terms). They’re currently targeting the Chicago areas for now, but hope to expand very soon. “But wait, we already have many lead gen sites and services out there,” you say. And I agree, but this one is different.
Instead of the typical lead gen model which is made for one size fits all, eMazeMe went many steps further a cater to as many different service provider models as possible. But let’s start at the beginning, of how I first met Chris and eMazeMe.
Note: I’ve rearranged the lunch meeting below into coherent sections so that sense to you, the reader.
UPDATE: I completed a quick video review of the service here. It’s all about the actual system, so if you’re interested in it take a quick look to see what they have to offer on the inside. Let me show you eMazeMe instead of just telling you about it.
How we were introduced:
One of the best things a startup can do is to get out into the world and get known, Chris and this team did just that. I met the eMazeMe team first at a local Chamber (of Commerce) sponsored event called the Chocolate & Champagne Networking Event, and as you might have guessed it there was a lot of champagne (yey) and chocolate to go around. When I arrived at their table, I was met by Chris who was more than happy to discuss business with me. He had no problems helping me understand this business and why it’s different from everyone else.
But this being a networking event, so we didn’t have much time together (and I wanted more fizzy drinks) so we setup a lunch meeting soon there-after. Fast forward a few days and Chris and I are munching on some tasty meat while talking shop.
About the founders:
To be honest, we didn’t talk too much about the two founding … founders. But I did get some interesting information about Chris. He isn’t a super hero (sorry Chris!), but he is something more. He’s a regular guy like you and I: out there to make a difference in the world. He does have a law degree and passed the bar exam, but chooses not to practice. Rather interesting if you ask me. When I asked him about it, he simply said it’s not his passion so he chooses not to pursue it. BUT, then he said something very important.
“I don’t practice law, even though I can, but I do use the education, knowledge and connections I got [from it].” He said a similar thing about his MBA, he doesn’t practice MBA type stuff, but he uses that education and knowledge to better himself and his business.
The key, as we agreed, to success isn’t money or fame … it’s education. Without it, you can’t go anywhere.
The other founder, who I didn’t get to have lunch with (yet), is Brian Pigott. He and Chris worked on a start-up before, so this is their second one. Best of luck you two! From what I’m told, Brian is rather successful in his own business as a local material handling brokerage business. To be honest, I have no idea what that is but it sounds important and since it works well for him: YEY!
Two guys working hard to better themselves and the lives of others, rock on!
Both founders currently have day jobs and work on eMazeMe part-time. Once it takes off, which I’m sure it will, they plan to go full-time with it.
