“I saw an opportunity to make a social impact and have a business that was profitable.”

On Campus Media has built the nation’s largest college television network. We relay targeted, interactive digital entertainment to more than 1,000 high-definition screens in Barnes & Noble superstores on over 400 campuses around the country, reaching a quarter of all U.S. college students.

This spring, we begin working with public school districts, pairing our educational programming with strategic sponsorships that allow institutions to receive much-needed funding while bringing K-12 students information onmaking the world a better place.

MO: What inspired you to launch your business?

Scott: I saw an opportunity to make a social impact and have a business that was profitable. I’ve been in advertising for many years and it’s had minimal social impact. So this was a chance to really make a difference. There’s a gratification that comes with that. It’s not just making a few bucks.

Especially in grades K-12, where we provide educational, interesting content helping students learn even when they aren’t in class.

MO: Do you have any recent success stories that you’d like to share with our readers?

Scott: Having the idea of going into K-12 and now we’re on the precipice of it, everything that has transpired in between. I love creating new things. I love going where no other companies have gone before. It doesn’t scare me. I love originality. I’m not interested in mimicking what other people have done. I don’t mind being ahead of everyone on certain things.

MO: What issue does your core product help solve and how so?

Scott: I am always looking for solutions to problems, because within every problem lies an opportunity. I saw how the public school system is financially struggling and I realized that not only can I help them financially, but I could build a sound business model around it.

Our network delivers selectively programmed educational, academic, positive messaging to students. Tailored and edited specifically to each grade level, the creative and engaging programs teach students even when they aren’t in the classroom.

MO: What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner and how have you met that challenge?

Scott: This is still a relatively new medium in the US. In Asia and Europe, it’s very common. You can’t go anywhere without seeing digital signage. The challenge for us has been introducing and teaching traditional media buyers the value of what we offer.

Sometimes its just as simple as taking media buyers and account reps to college campuses so they can see how students pay attention to our content. We have tremendous engagement numbers, so it’s just a matter of illustrating to advertising agencies the advantages of our network.

MO: What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you/your Company?

Scott: We developed our network at college campuses over the last year. But we are about to deploy into K-12 in school districts across the country, delivering corporate sponsored educational messaging. Taking part in the On Campus Media K-12 network is advantageous to districts and fun for students. It’s a win-win that we are really excited about.

MO: Where do you envision your company in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?

Scott: Who can think of anything 20 years down the road the way technology moves? But over the next 5, 10 years, my vision is to have the largest television network in the education space.

MO: Do you consider yourself successful and by what means do you measure success?

Scott: Absolutely. I have a great family, kids, health and a business that is growing. Everything else is secondary.

MO: What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs and business owners? What do you wish someone told you?

Scott: Stick to your dream. Follow it. There will be obstacles, there will be problems. Things will not always turn out how you want them. But keep moving forward. Don’t be so inflexible that you can’t adjust. As long as you know your end goal, how you get there doesn’t matter.

I wish they had told me it gets difficult. When you start, you can imagine the end result and the realization of your goals, but you never foresee the bumps in the road. When you start, everything you have is a dream that you are sure will come true. And it isn’t always that way. But now that I’m more seasoned in the industry, I don’t expect easy. You expect the problems. You learn to preserve. But I have learned to never give up on a project or business in which I truly believe.

MO: What’s the biggest risk that you’ve ever taken and how did it turn out?

Scott: In business, the biggest risk was starting an advertising graphics company when a lot of doubters told me the market wasn’t there. It ended up being one of the best moves of my career and set me up for what I’m doing now.

One of my passions is big wave surfing. I have surfed 20+ foot waves. When you catch the wave, you just don’t know how the ride is going to end, but you just have to take it. I feel that way about every new business I start.