Company description
HotPluto is an all- Video Business Directory. Businesses create their FREE or Premium Advertising Membership by completing their business profile and uploading their video ad or message; consumers shop the directory for the products and services they need by viewing Video Ads.
Unlike the "conventional" business directory that displays the company picture, text, and maybe a website link, Hot Pluto puts that company's message in motion. Furthermore, that message in motion allows the consumer to hear the owner talk about their company, see the inside of their store and even see the products or services they are selling in use. This helps consumers build trust with the advertiser and make more informed purchase decisions.
Hot Pluto has over 350 video advertisiers from all over the U.S. and is planning to have a global pressence with offices currently in the U.S. and Australia. Plans are underway for establishing a pressence in China, Japan and other countries.
The Video Ad to the right is one example of a gal who runs her own home based business in Santa Clarita, CA.
Team
Brett Hill - Principal, has worked in the fire and emergency medical services for the past 20 years as a firefighter/paramedic, engineer, captain, urban search and rescue coordinator, swift-water rescue coordinator, and paramedic coordinator.
On December 16th, in response to the events that took place on 9-11-01, Hill started the 9/11 Patch Project. This project is about creating unity among all firefighters, emergency and military personnel, raising funds for related non-profits and paying a lasting tribute to the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority, U.S. Military and others lost on 9/11. During the first 6 months of the project, Hill was able to achieve over $250,000 in gross sales. Over the past 7 years Hill was able to introduce 10 additional products and build a customer base of over 5000 in over 22 different countries. Hill has donated 10's of thousands from the project.
Greg Riley- Principal, a Professional Engineer, started the Structural Engineering Consultants, Inc., a consulting structural engineering professional services firm in 1998. Working out of a spare bedroom in his house in Valencia, CA, the firm grossed $50,000 in its first year. The firm grew in size and established itself in the residential housing and nationwide retail market sectors. Last year the firm billed $1.2 million in fees.
Education
1988: Bachelor of Science, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo Architectural Engineering
1984: Associate of Arts, El Camino College , Torrance , California .
Greg lives in Valencia with his family, is active in the community, and enjoys playing ice hockey.
Colleen Duffy Felix- Principal, has worked as a Senior Video Production Associate for the City of Burbank for the past 10 years. She has experience as a producer, editor, technical director, writer and graphic designer. Ms. Felix has received many awards over the years which include: 2005 Local Area Emmy for "Teens In Action", producer (2 previous nominations); 2004 Golden Mic for "Teens In Action", producer; 2002 Golden Mic for "Elmwoods Second Chance", editor and videographer. Felix developed the Teens in Action program which allows Burbank teens the opportunity to create their own television program that is produced for a teen audience.
Working to develop these topic based shows Felix has taught over 150 teens how to research, produce, write, format, videotape and edit television programs. These programs inform teens and get them talking about serious topics that effect their lives. The Teens in Action programs have been authorized by the Burbank Unified School District as health class curriculum and are accompanied by Teacher's Guides that are created by Ms. Felix. Felix lives in Pasadena with her husband and two college age children.
Murray Siegel- Freelance Director, Producer, Writer: Murray has worked in television, motion pictures and music since 1981. He has received numerous awards and nominations including Emmy's, a Directors Guild of America Award, American Advertisers Federation Award and several Commendations for his work with the President and the White House Communications Agency.
Murray serves on the Film and Entertainment Board for Santa Clarita and serves as a Director on several other non-profit community organizations.
Business model
Business Model
Hot Pluto offers both free and premium services to the Advertiser (business owner). Beyond the free video that can be placed in one category, the following premium services are available as the revenue generator for Hot Pluto:
Premium Services are $39.95/mo. Services include multiple video ad uploads (up to 7 unique ads), multiple category listings, creating and offering discount coupons, getting ad rated and commented on and interaction directly with consumers. $99.95/mo gets a video ad featured on the Home Page and all throughout the website.
Competitive advantage
- Exclusive video advertsing directory
- Low cost alternative to pay-per-click advertising
- Advocate for the Small Business (under 500 employees)
- Complete business profile with video representation
- Non-intrusive video advertising