about Geoff

Who I am

Hi, my name is Geoff. If you caught that “22 Jump Street” reference, you and I are going to get along just fine.

I write about the world of Demand Generation and AI. And while I’m no stranger to leveraging AI (yes, even in crafting parts of this page), trust me, the essence of this space is all me.

A Few Things to Know Upfront

I studied Tourism and Management at W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
Feeling lost after college, I hopped over to Korea to teach English. That experience was a masterclass in adapting and thriving in unfamiliar terrain.
Back in Arizona, a relentless telemarketing role, making 120 calls daily, led me to Marketing.
My path in Demand Generation was shaped by diverse ventures, from fostering vegan communities, exploring the world of the defense industry and diving into the end-of-life sector.

Now, the Full Story About Geoffrey Byers

My roots trace back to sunny Phoenix, Arizona, where I grew up in an entrepreneurial household. Before my time, my parents pioneered manufacturing initiatives in Russia for tech behemoths like Microsoft and HP. Later, they channeled that experience into their own consulting firm, primarily collaborating with defense clients.

A couple of years later…

During my senior year of high school, I didn’t really give college a lot of thought so I decided to just apply to ASU and call it a day.

During my high school senior year, I casually applied to ASU without much thought. I landed a spot at the W.P. Carey School of Business, pursuing Tourism and Management, all within four years. My introduction to marketing was Marketing 101 with Mr. Eaton. It was rooted in classic strategies, focusing on psychology and print ads, a far cry from today’s digital channels like Facebook or SEO.

After earning my degree, I embraced adventure by relocating to Korea to teach English for a year. The moment I stepped into my sparse apartment, with its floor bed, corner fridge, and solo washing machine, I knew this journey would be unlike any other.

Stepping into school the next day, with no prior teaching experience, I could almost picture my high school English teacher’s disbelief. Armed with textbooks and little else, I embraced the challenge, diving headfirst from point A, learning and adapting all the way to Z.

Now, this is where life delivered a curve ball..

Upon returning to the US, I found myself in the tough trenches of telemarketing, dialing technicians over 120 times daily. The relentless grind made me think, “Isn’t there a more genuine way to connect?” My quest for authenticity reintroduced me to marketing.

While my college years provided a foundation in psychology, I now began to dive into the intricacies of email campaigns, Facebook ads, and the nuances of community engagement. Things were beginning to align until…

A routine trip to the bathroom introduced me to the early symptoms of IBD, or Irritable Bowel Disease (quite the title, isn’t it?). Unbeknownst to me, it marked the onset of a life-altering phase. As I juggled consultations with doctors and dietary adjustments, my priorities shifted. The drive to chase side hustles and marketing was overshadowed by the immediate need to heal. This journey was full of progress and setbacks, but with time, the rhythm aligned, allowing me to get back on my feet. My quest for understanding led me to immerse myself in everything about the condition and nutrition. This passion birthed Vegan Outlets, my very own community aiding people in transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle, which continues to thrive today.

Amidst navigating my symptoms and fostering the Vegan Outlets community, I joined my dad’s defense firm. Before you jump to conclusions about it being an easy ride, think again. Working in a family business meant going above and beyond, especially as the boss’s son. Anything less and dinner conversations would be a minefield of critiques. However, during this tenure with my father’s company, I dove deep into client relations, orchestrated email campaigns, and penned blogs on the defense sector. These hands-on experiences became pivotal stepping stones in my journey into Demand Generation.

Leaving Arizona

After years in Arizona, it was time to explore the U.S., and I chose Portland, Oregon. This was also when I was considering leaving the family business, and a recruiter called me. They said a company called Screaming Circuits was looking for a Demand Generation Manager, and they thought I’d be a good fit. I was intrigued. I’d always assumed marketing roles were specific and overseen by the Director of Marketing. So, what exactly is a Demand Generation Manager?”

Several times, I interviewed with the company, and they offered me the job. Little did I know, I was joining just a month before the pandemic would turn the world upside down. On my first day, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia, taking my back to the unfamiliarity of my first day in Korea. With the company navigating challenging waters, I had to dive in headfirst.

I began to dissect Screaming Circuits marketing landscape. From pinpointing successful channels to assessing available content, it was thrilling. Much like many of us who started their marketing careers on small teams, I found myself wearing multiple hats, predominantly because there wasn’t a vast marketing team to lean on. But this, in many ways, was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to dive into the deep end, enabling me to grasp the nuances of CRMs like HubSpot, coordinating with sales to design effective email sequences, and managing a sizable monthly ad budget.

This hands-on approach and continuous learning have since opened doors to remarkable opportunities, even beyond American shores. Reflecting upon my career trajectory, I can’t help but feel a stroke of luck was at play. While the path wasn’t always smooth and some ventures didn’t pan out as anticipated, the journey’s collective experience has been invaluable.

As I forge ahead in my Demand Generation journey, my aim is more than just personal growth. I’m committed to giving back, sharing insights, and lighting the path for both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the field. This blog stands testament to that mission. If it imparts even a nugget of knowledge or sparks a fresh perspective, then I’ve achieved my goal. Here’s to every win, big or small!