Management Team
David Carlick, Chairman– Mr. Carlick has been an innovator and investor in online marketing companies since the late-1990s. Mr. Carlick was a pioneer in the Internet space by creation and design of some of the first commercial Fortune 500 websites. His early vision to aggregate advertising space led him to be an early co-founder of DoubleClick (NASDAQ: DCLK), a director of Ask Jeeves (NASDAQ: ASKJ) from 2001 through its 2005 acquisition by Interactive Corp (IACI), and Chairman of Intermix Media, parent of MySpace.com, (AMEX: IMIX) through its acquisition by News Corp in 2005.
Robert Krajeski, President – Bob brings a unique marketing skill set to GSN which combines extensive digital, consumer product and retail marketing. As Director of eBusiness for Albertsons and SUPERVALU he created and developed the digital marketing and advertising department for the country’s second largest traditional grocery retailer. As co-founder and President / CEO of iActive, Inc., he led the development and introduction of some of the grocery industry’s first internet based cooperative marketing programs connecting retailers and manufacturers. His consumer marketing experience includes directing the marketing departments of Scripto-Tokai Corp. and Borden, Inc. (Laura Scudder’s) where he launched dozens of market leading products including a new industry category, “Restaurant Style” tortilla chips and strips. His previous marketing experience also includes brand management at Alberto Culver and American Home Products. Bob received his MIA degree from Columbia University with a specialization in International Business and is a graduate of the University of Michigan.
Scott Simerlein, VP Technology & Development - Mr. Simerlein brings an exceptionally diverse technology, development, operations, infrastructure, project and process background to GSN and is a proven leader in innovation and transformational change. His prior experience includes VP of IS & Process Improvement at the North American Membership Group, a $250MM multi-channel database marketing & affinity organization. There he established the IT group and Project office from the ground up, led strategic planning and process re-engineering efforts for the entire company, was involved in several M&A transitions, and supported 300% growth in 5 years. He has recently been involved in extensive senior level consulting work for start-up and program management. Earlier in his career Scott served in leadership positions in the US Air Force including development, systems and project management related positions at a variety of locations including the Air Force Systems Command. Scott received his MBA degree from the University of Dayton and is a graduate of Duke University.
Jennifer O’Donnell, Controller - Jennifer brings over 15 years of experience in the accounting field. Her comprehensive accounting and management skills compliment Grocery Shopping Network’s current growth in the marketplace. Jennifer’s knowledge of financial structure is also a great fit for this emerging business. Her accomplishments include quantifiable results that helped various companies create efficiencies that saved them extensive time and money. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. Cloud State University and completed a Mini Master of Financial Management from the University of St. Thomas.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Carlick, Chairman – Mr. Carlick has been a venture investor in online marketing companies since the late-1990s. Mr. Carlick was an early co-founder of DoubleClick (NASDAQ: DCLK), a director of Ask Jeeves (NASDAQ: ASKJ) from 2001 through its 2005 acquisition by Interactive Corp (IACI), and Chairman of Intermix Media, parent of MySpace.com, (AMEX: IMIX) through its acquisition by News Corp in 2005.
Richard Andolshek, Vice Chairman / Co-Founder – Mr. Andolshek has over 30 years of executive and practical experience in business management, grocery, financial analysis, and financing. Mr. Andolshek is a third generation food retailer and is internationally regarded as an expert in retail operations. Mr. Andolshek is the owner of Scriptel Corporation, one of the leaders in the digital pen, glass signature systems for point of sale equipment and glass panel systems in the world. He has served on the boards of several private and public companies.
Stephen D. Grey, Director – Steve comes to VantagePoint most recently from Jefferies & Co. where he was the Managing Director and Global Head of the Fund Placement Group. Prior to Jefferies, Steve was at Henniker River Advisors as a Managing Director, Private Equity fundraising for venture capital partnerships. He was the Owner/Director at Gateway Global Partners Limited and a Managing Director and Head of Private Equity at Salomon Smith Barney where he focused on fund raising and early stage equity. Steve has been a board level participant in emerging growth technology companies with a focus on business and market development. He has a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from the University of Connecticut School of Business.
Rob Furst, Director – Mr. Furst has an extensive private investment background with equities, bonds, options, and futures. Mr. Furst has also been very active in the venture capital community, successfully investing in over 30 private companies as well as private placements in public companies. Several of these companies have either been acquired or conducted public offerings.
Gregory Lewis, Director – Mr. Lewis has 30 plus years of senior executive experience within the payment industry, primarily in public companies. In 1984, as one of the founding executives he joined startup VeriFone and served as Senior Vice President & General Manager North America. From 1984 to 1992, he led VeriFone’s growth into the world’s largest POS terminal manufacturer, grew revenues beyond $150 million and accomplished a successful IPO. In 1995 he returned as Vice President of VeriFone to help expand the company’s markets, revenue base, and position the company to be sold. In 1997, he became President & CEO of IVI Checkmate, a leading manufacturer of check reading terminals.
