Finalist—Interactive Media/Internet
With a successful start-up venture under his belt, Josef Gorowitz decided to take on a new challenge — harnessing the capital-raising power of the Internet.
To this end, he founded Torrance, Calif.-based Prodege LLC in 2005. CEO Gorowitz’s initial model focused on partnerships with search providers to create white label platforms that donors of charities can use to raise money. This has been successful in attracting celebrities, sports teams and brands, including the Green Bay Packers, World Wrestling Entertainment and Kanye West.
But Gorowitz realized most of the company’s partners were more interested in using Prodege’s platform as a marketing and revenue generator for themselves, as opposed to charity. He decided to capitalize on this potential, and swagbucks.com was born. Seven years after creating this online customer loyalty rewards space, the site has now become Prodege’s primary business focus.
The success of this program lies in Gorowitz’ no-gimmick attitude — rewards come with no strings attached. Customers can earn “Swag Bucks” and free stuff simply by searching and shopping online, answering surveys, playing games and more.
Looking toward the future, Gorowitz has plans to make swagbucks.com mobile. The company’s 2012 focus is engaging customers while they are on the go and allowing them to connect with brands and content anytime, anywhere.
The success of Prodege and swagbucks.com has allowed Gorowitz to continue acting on his passion to support charities. Swagbucks.com users have the ability to donate their Swag Bucks to nonprofits, resulting in more than $100,000 in user-generated donations in the past year. Gorowitz also serves as a board member of two different organizations: The JC Chabad Beach Cities and the BCM Girls School.
How to reach: Prodege LLC, www.swagbucks.com
