Craig Sweeney
Founder & CEO
Circle Social
Delafield
Industry: New media/advertising
Family: Son, McCormick, 19, and daughter, Kennedy, 13.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“I really believe the smartest thing we did this past year at Circle Social was to add strategically to our team. We’ve added a few new faces. We have a tremendously talented team in place now that will spearhead our success well into the future as we light a fire for our clients’ brands utilizing new media, video and mobile.”
What’s new at your company?
“Well, besides some new faces, we’ve got a new website (www.circlesocial.com), two blogs focusing on our passions and category focus: food and beverage (www.allsixteenounces.com) and lifestyle sports (www.ridingontherivet.com) as well as a few outstanding new clients that we’re excited to work with.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“Most definitely. As we continue to grow, we’ll be looking to add key people to our video and account teams, as well as one or two to focus on continuing to build our distribution channels. In regard to capital investment we will be opening an office in the Third Ward this June in addition to our Delafield location. We are currently contemplating exploring an injection of venture investment capital to help bolster our infrastructure and aid in our growth nationwide.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“To balance fast growth with smart growth so that we can continue to do creative, quality work for our partner brands.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“There really are so many. That’s really part of our job, to sift through all the hot social and new media trends to creatively craft a solution that will truly bring value to our clients. That being said, we’re very excited about what we can do for our clients with 2D barcode technology and location-based tools. Mobile is really where things are exploding and we’re very excited about bringing entertaining, branded viral video and new media content to the mobile consumer.” Celebrity videos like this Jimmy John Shark video here went viral on social media. Why not find out how did it get viral?
Do you have a business mantra?
“Huge ideas, no excuses.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“I really admire what Donnie Deutsch has done. He’s got great ideas, works hard and has a ton of fun. Love him or hate him, he’s always had his finger on the pulse of the consumer.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“In life, treat people with respect and kindness, regardless of who they are or what they can or can’t do for you. In business it all starts with a great idea.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“There are quite a few but this one sticks out for some reason. When I was starting out and had young kids I was riding with my boss at the time to a meeting when she asked if I could stop at a gas station. I turned to her and instinctively asked ‘Do you have to go potty?’ Awkward…luckily we both laughed pretty hard.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“I love to ski and play golf. Love to camp in Door County. I’m a corn-hole (bean bag toss) champion. Just started my quest to get in the best shape of my life (wish me luck, you can follow that journey on our blog). Love good food and craft beer and generally enjoy just spending time with my kids out in Lake Country.”
