Who we are

Here's our difference in the marketplace: we start with class-leading marketing technology. Then back that expertise with actual human beings. Living, breathing people. Allow us to introduce just a few.

Troy Smith

President

Armed with a BA in Business from Kansas State University, Troy worked on a number of web start-ups, gaining a diverse background in technology, sales and marketing. He earned his digital marketing mastery in ultra-competitive online verticals, including travel, consumer goods, and third-party lead generation. Troy opened Search Optics first-ever office over a Chinese food restaurant, and teamed up with Christian Fuller and Jason Stesney who knew automotive dealerships were hungry for high quality, measurable Internet leads. The early partners began doing what they set out to do: providing brand new perspectives and capabilities for interactive marketing strategies.

For me, it's all about results. That's what's exciting about digital: everything is measurable. A cool, online marketing idea is not a conversation unless it brings results. You've got to be able to measure your impact.”

David Ponn

CEO

David emerged from Rutgers University with a taste for finding the best and building on it. His experiences as a senior level executive and business strategist include positions in general management and strategic planning for Dow 30 and Fortune 500 companies, as well as a variety of privately-held businesses. His passions grew into his areas of expertise, and include organizational development and change management. David joined the company several years ago and is enjoying the ultimate opportunity to do what he does best; find the best and make it better. He manages the development and implementation of programs designed to take full advantage of a more comprehensive internet marketing approach, and brings his broad base of experiences to bear on that mission. David and his family live in the San Diego area.

My point of view is that even a really good thing could be better. That's my thing, that's what I do.”

Christian Fuller

Executive Vice President

With a degree from Michigan State and an automotive heritage, it was natural that Christian started his extensive career in customer service behind the desk of a forwardthinking dealership in Michigan. Moving out to Southern California, he continued the path with a leadership position at Auto Trader. This diverse automotive experience in sales, customer relations, and marketing culminated in one big idea and a partnership with Troy Smith and Jason Stesney. Christian is a key voice in the strategic direction of Search Optics, and is responsible for overall customer satisfaction. While in San Diego, he also added a Masters in Business Administration to his resume. As Search Optics expanded and opened new offices in Detroit, Christian returned to motor city to head that office, and is enjoying the rapid expansion and momentum of the company within the automotive community.

Keeping people happy does not have to be rocket science. Do what you do better than the next guy, make sure it all works, and you're golden. For today.”

Jason Stesney

VP Business Development

After attending Michigan State, Jason got a big start working in the automotive Industry. From there, he was offered opportunities with Chrysler's corporate offices and eventually also had roles in sourcing and manufacturing with Honeywell Automotive. His tenure managing online and print sales for Auto Trader in Southern California put him in prime position to collaborate with Troy Smith and Christian Fuller at the company's inception. Jason's well-rounded automotive background has taken him across the country to work directly with clients at all levels, finding customized solutions for specific regions and needs. His travels are extensive, but he is always quite happy to return home to San Diego.

I like getting inside a business at every level because that's how you see the big picture. I've been the front line guy and I've sat at the executive table—both have served me equally well.”

Paul Katzka

Advisory Board

An officer at some of the largest and most prestigious advertising agencies in the world, Paul started his career at Young & Rubicam. He progressed to DDB-Needham, and recently was President of DentsuNext, a North American Division of Dentsu, Japan. Along the way, Paul authored Automotive Reference Books published by Random House and has appeared in the media helping consumers to make educated automotive decisions. Paul's role at Search Optics is to champion an integrated approach, ensuring that all opportunities and elements available to clients are considered and coordinated as part of the bigger plan. Paul holds a B.A. in Economics from Emory, and an M.B.A. from Emory/Hofstra University. He resides in Los Angeles.

No one element is the solution. Having the resources to understand, integrate and coordinate all our marketing efforts is what makes our clients come out on top.”

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