We’re intent on introducing you to as many of our fine BOLO speakers as we can before we hit the conference. So here’s Josh Yeager of Double Dutch Co. who will be presenting on the topic of Curation in the Digital Disruption series at BOLO. And for all you non-Pennsy Dutch speakers out there, don’t worry – we’re pretty sure Josh’ll be speaking in the Queen’s English during the conference. But after a few beers, we can’t make any promises!
Take it away, Josh!
BOLO: What do you like to discuss with close friends?
Josh: Take a look at me and what do you think? I talk food a lot. Why? Because I love it! Food is life. It connects people, increases blood sugar levels and facilitates conversation. Everyone has to eat every day. Everyone has an opinion based on their own personal tastes and it’s all subjective — so we’re all foodies in some way, shape or form. I especially love food shopping as it combines shopping AND food. I plan meals, food stack and enjoy the preparation, planning, execution and post mortems of meals. Burp.
BOLO: What do you love about the marketing industry?
Josh: I love that with digital marketing in particular we’re constantly challenged to keep abreast of the latest and greatest technology shifts that drive changes in the way people connect, share and communicate. No resting on your laurels! Every day is a new adventure and digital marketing by its nature forces “continuing education.”
BOLO: What do you hate about it?
Josh: Digital is a double-edged sword! Keeping on top of ALL of the changes can be downright daunting. Some days I just need to sit down with a book and a cup of coffee and “go old school” to recoup.
BOLO: Why do you think your BOLO topic is important in today’s marketing climate?
Josh: There’s so much noise and change going on digitally that it’s like listening to plate tectonics with headphones. Shifting continental plates crashing, gnashing and grinding at full volume in your ears can be a mind-scramble! We must learn to cut through the noise, rely on our networks and those with different passions and past times to curate the best of the best for us, so we can better understand our audiences and focus our efforts accordingly.
BOLO: List 5 things about you that only your (best friend/spouse/dog) knows about you?
Josh:
1. My favorite band is Black Box Recorder.
2. I love scrabble.
3. I don’t have TV and I spend inordinate hours consuming Wikipedia in the Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch language. If you speak Pennsy Dutch and attend BOLO, I must meet you!
4. On formal occasions, I wear old timey (non-elasticated) socks with men’s sock garters.
5. I have an alter ego called The Shrinemeister who makes and sells junk art shrines that will touch you … in a biblical sense.
BOLO: If you’ve attended BOLO before, what was your favorite memory? If you haven’t attended, what are you looking forward to the most?
Josh: Last year’s Vaudeville segment had me rolling on the floor!
BOLO: What other BOLO speaker(s) are YOU excited to hear/see/drink under the table?
Josh: Jason Damas, Kimberly Davey, Susan Baier, Jay Feitlinger and naturally Bret Giles. He da man!
JOSH YEAGER is the co-founder and digital strategist at Double Dutch & Company. He has 16 years of experience in the online space and has worked the spectrum from Fortune 100 clients to mom & pop startups.