At the core of our executive team, CPO and Co-Founder Joel Oliveira, took notice (and action) right when the switch first started. Originally from Portugal, Joel relocated to the Netherlands only 5 years ago and among other accomplishments, he has been fundamental in helping shape the mobile marketing platform Notificare into the powerhouse it is today.
I recently sat down with Joel to pick his brain on mobile marketing, where the industry is headed and how his career has been shaped by mobility:
When did your interest in the mobile marketing industry begin?
Back in 2010 when I first started developing real life applications for mobile phones, I felt the need to bring users back to my applications, to deliver more than just nice screens and to create a whole new engagement cycle that goes beyond programming applications. But as an engineer I had to create the software that accelerated this. Add location data and real-time communication and it's easy to fall in love with it.
Where do you see mobile headed in the next 5 years?
Mobile marketing is definitely stepping out of your smartphone and bridging gaps with all the other channels and devices out there. From your home appliances to your car, everything will eventually interact with your smartphone. Mobile apps and websites will play a huge role in this development and the next 5 years we will see trends evolving and connecting the dots between all these connected devices.
Favourite part about working at Notificare?
It's my baby, created it, named it and watched it grow, just like my two sons. It also gives me the opportunity to excel in what I do and it keeps me sharp. Knowing that whenever we launch products designed, executed or thought in some form by me, it reaches immediately millions of users. This really gives me a feeling of satisfaction.
What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
Moving to a different country, not knowing completely how things would play out is one of them and the final result so far, is something that I'm proud of. But I'm just starting...
When not in the office or working remotely, where can we find you?
Computer programming always been my daily job and my hobby so most likely you will find me in front of a screen. But when I can, I also love to play soccer with my kids and have great food and wines with my wife and good friends.
How has your career been shaped by mobility?
Having these little powerful machines in our pocket or wrist changed the way I thought about computer software. You're no longer bond to what a user clicks and you're set free to think how these machines work together, use sensor data to ultimately improve our lives and create true value. This is a different mindset rather than watch a compiler build your code.
Follow Joel on Twitter: @jjonthemix