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Speaker Luncheon: Business Model Disruption

free, lunch provided

This event is at maximum capacity. To be placed on a waiting list, please email Erin Kellaway at ekellaway@sandiego.edu.

Marty Parisien, CEO and founder, Singing Dog Vanilla: "Business Model Disruption: Creating a Giant Brand in a Niche Market"

As the business world focuses on the increased social interconnectivity of people -- and developing web-based businesses around this trend -- there are a real opportunities to disrupt old consumer product business models to build incredibly strong brands within small market niches. While the old model says that a large company should create a mediocre product that appeals to the broadest possible market and dedicate a certain percentage of revenues to advertising, this reality is actually changing. That model worked for communities that were defined geographically, but communities are now based on ideas and have no geographic barriers. It is now possible to focus all efforts on building an extraordinary product that appeals to a very small sub-set of consumer in a profitable manner. By searching out more sustainable business processes and creating more equitable relationships with farmers, learn how Singing Dog Vanilla is able to grow this brand around the world without spending a dime on advertising.

Speaker Biography:
For over 26 years, Marty Parisien has been a relentless entrepreneur, developing new businesses or turning around failing businesses. During the past 12e years, Marty has been primarily involved in marketing value-added agricultural products in the USA and abroad. He has experience in launching products internationally, setting up international distribution, and overcoming international regulatory hurdles. He has developed a professional command of business principals, with a focus on international marketing and branding. Marty currently co-owns Singing Dog Vanilla, which markets its branded vanilla product in the USA, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and UAE.

Marty has taught Marketing Management Consulting at the Japan American Institute of Management Science, and taught Small Business Development at the University of Hawaii. He currently mentors and guest lectures at the University of Oregon and conducts seminars for the High Tech Development Corp (HTDC) in Hawaii and the Hawaii Food Manufacturers Association. He also works with farmers and small businesses in the USA, Japan, Guam, Samoa, Northern Marianas, and Micronesia that wish to expand beyond their current level.

Marty has a BA in Japanese Language and Literature from the University of Oregon, an MBA from the University of Hawaii and a Masters Certificate in International Business from the Pacific Asian Management Institute.

*No Show Policy* Since there will be food served at this event, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance if you will be unable to attend. While we do not charge a fee to RSVP, these programs would not be sustainable and available to all wanting to attend, unless all registrants abide by the 48 hour notice policy. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.