Mark W. Westlake, CEO & Founder, GearBrain, A DotCom Magazine Exclusive Interview
About:
Mark W. Westlake is a veteran digital executive with a proven ability to lead and build successful digital businesses. Over the past 25 years, he has erected a successful track record in the online world. For the past few years, he has built a new innovative data and technology company to help simplify Internet of Things (IoT) for consumers and small/medium size business. The company has a content site, GearBrain.com as well as a patent pending IoT compatibility find engine called The GearBrain. Both help users make sense of the smart devices in their home, car and office.
Whether it’s keeping track of the items users have in their home, providing guidance on how each device can work with other smart devices or offering easy to find access to user manuals, setup guides or warranty information, GearBrain is the solution to assist users run your smart home. From his days at The Sporting News working with a team to determine how to make money in the digital world to today, Westlake has always been at the forefront of the digital world. He has a keen eye on the market, it’s direction and knows how to help his businesses succeed.
Some of these businesses, such as AutoTrader, About.com and Purch (formerly TechMediaNetwork) are still thriving today. Being part of the C-suite, Westlake has played a key role in acquiring companies, raising funds, leading teams, driving strategy, and hitting revenue goals on both a domestic and international level. He has also been part of two very successful exits (About.com and HowStuffWorks) that totaled over $660 million in value. He has also been active within the industry as well as outside. He sat on the Advisory Board for Upstream Seller Forum and was a founding member of 212 (a NYC interactive ad association). Westlake has also served on the Advisory Board for the USA Triathlon Association and been President of his local Little League Baseball chapter. Lastly, Westlake also plays in a band, The Modulators that was once the hottest band in NYC back in the 1980s. Today, they play for fun! His other hobbies include golf and tennis.
