MBA Interview: The Russian Kettlebell Academy
August's Featured Business of the Month
For the month of August we nominated The Russian Kettlebell Academy, founded by 3 time World Champion Dmitri Sataev and his wife Elena Sataeva who is a 4 time World Champion. At the Russian Kettlebell Academy they are not your traditional gym they specialize in non-traditional physical exercises and events utilizing the kettlebell as a strength and conditioning tool. The Giri (kettlebell), when in the hands of an expert can demonstrate the unique power-potentials of man.
“We offer strength and conditioning classes as well as run a non-profit organization where we train Wounded Warriors and Veterans. What inspired me to get into this was I always love lifting and always love coaching and I am good at it.”
“I absolutely love seeing the results of my work and its fun when somebody walks in out of shape and I get them back in shape, so I love to see the results!””
For the MBA Mobile App Interview Dmitri sat down with us to talk about the importance of community and why he feels it is important to be apart of the MBA App. At the end of the video Dmitri announces the special offer they will be running exclusively in the MBA App! What an offer it is as well! You'll have to watch the interview to find out more right here...
MBA Interview: Reusable Finds
July's Featured Business of the Month
For the month of July we chose Reusable Finds, a local store where 'vintage finds are transformed into new life,' is owned and operated by Stephen Mergener. By being resourceful and creative recyclers Reusable Finds is able to offer you great reclaimed goods and at the same time keep more unwanted items out of our landfills. At Reusable Finds they committed to diverting usable materials from landfills by salvaging, and refurbishing.
“Reusable Finds is a company dedicated to salvaging materials such as furniture that has reached its usable life by some and giving it new life by repurposing them into other usable items.”
For the MBA Mobile App Interview Stephen sat down with us to talk about the importance of community and why he feels it is important to be apart of the MBA App. At the end of the video Stephen announces the special offer they will be running exclusively in the MBA App! What an offer it is as well! You'll have to watch the interview to find out more right here...
MBA Interview: Bird's Surf Shed
June's Featured Business of the Month
For the month of June we chose Bird's Surf Shed, a local surf shop, owned and operated by Eric "Bird" Huffman. Bird, as he is nicknamed, is a local San Diegan and lifelong surfer. Bird's Surf Shed is an 1,800 square foot "library of surf boards", as Bird prefers to call it, that span from floor to ceiling. "Visitors come from all over the world to visit and buy my boards", Bird says, "I was even featured on a cable network show called 'American Pickers' when I first opened". Bird is excited to be a part of the Morena District and the Mobile App Movement.
“I feel it’s very important to be an active member of the business association right here in Morena Blvd because its like family. You want to treat everybody well and be treated as well by them. It’s also a duty as business people to take care of our community and show everybody a good time.”
For the MBA Mobile App Interview Bird sat down with us to talk about the importance of community and why he feels it is important to be apart of the MBA App. At the end of the video Bird announces the special offer they will be running exclusively in the MBA App! What an offer it is as well! You'll have to watch the interview to find out more right here...
MBA Interview: Offshore Tavern Bar & Grill
April's Featured Business of the Month
For the month of April we chose a local restaurant to help celebrate the annual spirit of the Taste of Morena that occurs in April. Offshore Tavern Bar & Grill was elected as the featured business of the month, owned and operated by Leanne Attianese Offshore is the largest sports bar in Bay Park offering 32 Rotating taps, 21 HD TVs and an 1150 square foot covered patio, perfect for large events. Leanne has owned and operated Offshore Tavern for over 4 years now but what many don't know about Leanne is how she became the owner of Offshore Tavern.
““I’ve been at Offshore Tavern since the day we opened the doors. I bartended, then went into management where I worked my way up to G.M. then I bought it!””
Leanne's story serves as inspiration to anyone that is willing to work hard from the bottom up, you never know, the next local Bar (Business) Owner could be the person busing your table!
Offshore Tavern was one of the early adopters of mobile apps having been a client of UPG since June of 2013 the Offshore Mobile App was been a favorite amongst customers who love the exclusive in-App Loyalty Program, quick access to Food/Draft Menus and much more. For Leanne she says it has helped retain customers and bring in new ones.
For the MBA Mobile App Interview Leanne elected to have her General Manager Dan Shea talk about Offshore Tavern, the importance of community and why they feel it is important to be apart of the MBA App. At the end of the video Offshore announces the special offer they will be running exclusively in the MBA App! What an offer it is as well! You'll have to watch the interview to find out more right here...
32 Rotating Draft Selections. 21 HD TVS. Great Food.
1150 Covered Patio Space.
MBA Banner & Sticker Printed
Banner
With the new app and "Think Local" campaign under full swing having some form of "in-your-face" marketing collateral was an absolute must. A fold away banner would not only help promote the mobile app it would also bring awareness to the Morena Business Association itself, of which currently had no such form of collateral.
For local events we designed a 33"x81" Banner (printed locally) that can be displayed at Mixers, Events and Meetings. The banner promotes the app and includes the custom QR code we created that takes users to the iTunes App Store and Google Playstore. At the top we have an insinuating call to action, "Connect with your Morena District Community" with the "Think Local" message further down.
MBA Window Stickers
Our MBA window stickers were recently completed and ready for distribution to the local Morena District Businesses. Our first opportunity to display the Banner and present the Window sticker was at the Spring Mixer hosted by the Poseidon Project on March 18th, two days before this post.
The owner of the Poseidon Project, Nate posted the sticker right away on one of the many Beer coolers that house local San Diego beers. Thanks Nate!
MBA Interview: Metro Cyclery
March's Featured Business of the Month
On March 1st 2016 we conducted our first Interview for the Morena Business Association Mobile App Project. We interviewed Bill Tracy the owner of Metro Cyclery. To prepare Bill ahead of time we sent our questions ahead of time and coached him so he would feel more comfortable before the shoot.
LIVE STREAMING
To drive awareness while filming we Periscoped (Live Streamed) the event so viewers could see the interview process. We had 53 viewers sign in to watch organically.
VIDEO INTERVIEW
It was a team effort:
- Greg Lowe: Videography/Interview Editor
- Darlene De La Paz: Interviewer & Script Writer
- Isaiah King: Sound Recordist & Speech Coach
- Josh Millar: Director/Producer & Visual Effects/Editor
Special thanks to a long time client of UPG "The Lyrical Groove" who was willing to donate the instrumental to one of there hit songs "Summertime".
Below you will see the interview video we put together
MBA Mobile App Commercial Video
We created a mini video commercial for the MBA Mobile App. With this video we will be able to promote the app easily through all social media's and help drive awareness about the apps engaging functions.
MOBILE APP VIDEO COMMERICAL
MBA Window Sticker
OVERVIEW
To drive more awareness around the local community we created a window sticker that promotes the Morena Business Associations Mobile App.
CUSTOM BRANDED QR CODE
A custom QR Code was created to drive users to the App store as quickly as possible. We were able to create one QR code that when scanned will take users to either the iTunes or Google Playstore to download the app. If a user scans with any other device such as a Windows or Blackberry Phone the user will be redirected to the MBA website.
WINDOW STICKER
To drive awareness about the mobile app around the community we designed a window sticker that can be placed local businesses entrance doors and windows. The window sticker included the custom QR code.
Project Start & Planning
February 15th we began planning out the next 12 months and our plan of action in driving awareness to the mobile app.
"THINK LOCAL!"
The purpose of the mobile app is to bring local businesses and community together in one convenient location with local coupons, event information and business resources. To sum up the projects overall message and create a call to action we came up with the "THINK LOCAL" concept and carried this throughout our branding.
In order for this project to be a success we would need the support and engagement of two audiences:
- The local community
- The local business community
What's in it for each?
The local community would benefit from exclusive discounts from local businesses as well as updates about important community information.
The local businesses would benefit by having the ability to reach the local community in a new modern way. With helpful business resources and local development information we wanted to re-establish the MBA as a helpful and convenient resource for businesses and the local community.
Key Components & Initiatives:
- Mobile App
- Window Sticker to Promote App
- Video Interview: Feature One Local Business Per Month with Video Interview and Host Special In-App Coupon Offer
- Social Media Updates: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Periscope etc.
- Email Campaign to Promote/Highlight "Featured Business of the Month"
- MBA Street Banners: Put back up the MBA Mobile App Banners
- Create Standing Banner for Events to Promote App
- Flyers: Go door to door to pass out flyers drive awareness of app and ask them to place window sticker on there door