Entrepreneur Interview: Frank DeBlasi, Hoopla Doopla, Inc.

Business Name:
Hoopla Doopla, Inc.

Website URL:
http://www.hoopladoopla.com

Year Founded:
2009

Business Partners:
Tom Cangley

Number of Employees:
4

What does your company do?
Hoopla Doopla, Inc. is a leading cash back shopping website, providing coupon codes, discounts, daily deals and cash back from over 1700 online stores. We exist to provide a better overall online shopping experience, and to put money where it belongs – In people’s pockets!

We get paid a marketing commission for each purchase made through this site by our members. More than half of that commission goes to the member, IN CASH! It’s that simple.

Was there a specific turning point when you realized your business was moving to the next level?

Our business entered that next level of growth when we released our referral program. We reward our members for bringing us new customers, making them revenue sharing partners in our business.

What processes or procedures have you implemented that have helped grow your company?
In addition to giving our members a percentage of our profits, we assembled a referral program that turned our members in to revenue sharing partners in our business. For each new customer our members refer to us, they get an equivalent of 20% of their earnings from shopping through us.

What is most rewarding about running your business?
After launching in 2009 in the midst of a down economy, the public was thrilled of the concept of my business. The fact that they had a great way to put some extra money in their pockets. I know how great it feels to save money. Helping other people save, that feeling is even greater. I can proudly say I’ve done my job.

What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
Our biggest challenge has been maintaining our steady marketing plan. It is always taking many different turns. We found our biggest marketing tool has been with us the whole time, our members.

If you were starting over today, what would you do differently?
If I were to start over today, I would have gotten my marketing plan together before launching my product. It can be a bit of a struggle assembling and executing a marketing plan once the business is moving.

What advice do you have for other business owners?
Running and growing a business requires countless hours of time, so it should be something you are passionate about. When you enjoy what you do, it’s not work. Don’t be afraid of setbacks along your journey. Some of the biggest learning experiences will come from your mistakes.

Please list any favorite books, tools or resources (software, website, etc.) you would recommend for others:
Tools and resources all depend on the business you are involved in, but the following are must haves for all entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur Magazine and Entrepreneur.com: Subscribe to it. Its loaded with everything from start-up information to growing your company.

Books: Public Relations for Dummies – There’s no better, cheaper way to get the word out on your business than through good pr. This book will tell you how to get a press release together and even tell you how to handle the media.

What is something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am just an ordinary everyday guy who took a thought in his head and ran with it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Entrepreneurship is a very rewarding experience. Whether you succeed or fail at what you are doing, you will always learn something for your current or next venture. The thrill never leaves you.