Tag: Paul Jacobs

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Awards

Congratulations Paul Jacobs, Rockwell Award

trophy over wooden table and dark background

We are so proud and excited to announce that our very own Paul Jacobs, President of jācapps, is being honored by Conclave the Rockwell Award at #CONCLAVE44!
So, what exactly is #CONCLAVE44?!
The Conclave is celebrating 44 years of educating radio professional this year! It’s designed to help broadcasters grow their careers and stations by providing access to high-level executives from companies across the radio industry in a relaxed and intimate environment. The whole #CONCAVE44’s agenda focuses on ratings-generating fundamentals and effective practices. Additionally, strategic ways to operate in the voice-first device, social media, and podcasting spaces.
The #CONCLAVE44 will host events that were in popular demand in previous years, which include; the signature keynote session “Ask Me ‘Almost’ Anything, and the fourth annual “Conclave Speed Mentoring Brunch”. But wait, there’s even more to see this year, #CONCLAVE44 will be a conversation among radio’s leaders on the industry’s future and how radio companies, stations and professionals can redefine competitive strategies for long-term health of their brands.
 
#CONCLAVE44 Rockwell Award and About Paul Jacobs
Join us on June 20th at the Delta Hotels Minneapolis Northeast where Paul will be accepting his Rockwell Award at #CONCLAVE44!
Paul began his broadcasting career in radio sales in DETROIT, at WNIC and WRIF. He then moved into station management in DALLAS at KZEW, and back in DETROIT at WDFX prior to joining his brothers Fred and Bill at Jacobs Media. CONCLAVE Board Chair Lori Lewis said, “THE ROCKWELL AWARD honors those who have made a lasting impact on our storied industry. Paul has, and continues, to do just that.” Paul said, “Receiving this award is truly rewarding and a high mark in my career in radio. I have been a big fan of the work the leaders of THE CONCLAVE had done for our industry for decades, and to be acknowledged by them is truly an honor.”
Our team is so very proud of Paul and we can’t wait to celebrate his achievements! Register here to join us at this year’s #CONCLAVE44!

Categories
B2B Apps Mobile Apps Push Notifications

Push Notifications 101: Webinar Recap

Recently, jācapps COO Bob Kernen presented a webinar about push notification and how  they create powerful engagement with radio listeners.  Like any aspect of a mobile app, function needs to support a larger strategy.  Push notifications are exactly that – they empower a radio station to connect directly with the audience to drive engagement as well as listening.  They are simple and effective, and every mobile app should include them in their app.
Throughout this webinar Kernen talks about the basics of push notifications, best practices, common mistakes and our effective push notifications solution.

Here are some of the key findings you’ll hear on the webinar:

 
Why push:

  • They increase engagement
  • They increase ratings
  • They increase revenue

Great uses of  push notifications:

  • Breaking news
  • Event reminders
  • Program alerts
  • Weather updates
  • Contests
  • Coupons and discounts

How push notifications work:

  • When a listener clicks on your push notification message they’ll be sent directly to your app or web page for more information, to register for a contest, or to engage with some content, like a podcast or video.
  • Push messages are also effective alerting the audience to something coming up on the air (a special guest, a contest, or even a special song) or an event or concert that is about to start.

Why push notifications work:

  • They appear on the most important device a listener can have (and sleep with) – their smartphone
  • Urgency
  • Timeliness
  • Call to action


The four crucial elements to developing a good push messaging strategy:

  1. Relevance
  2. Brevity
  3. Timeliness
  4. Call to action

Having these four key ingredients will help stations create the most effective and successful push message to radio listeners. Download our webinar to see how each of the ingredients are broken down further to be sure the perfect message is created.
One thing to remember is that you still need to do a little maintenance with your push notifications after you hit “send!” This will help you track and create the best push notifications possible. This deals with the analytics of push notifications. As Kernen states “The objective is to continually improve your messages to improve your results…and it does take time”
One last thing to touch on…our team has built a push notifications solution that truly fits the radio and media industry, here’s why:

  • Affordability
  • Simple and easy-to-use
  • Use topics to target just the right listeners
  • Schedule messages in advance
  • Analytics package.

We’d love to help you take your mobile app to the next level with our push notification solution! Contact our Director of Business Development, Sari Zalesin sari@jacapps.com 248-353-9030
Don’t forget to check out Push Notifications 101 Webinar to get the full details on our affordable, easy-to-use push notifications solution!

Categories
App Everywhere B2B Apps Mobile Apps Push Notifications

Join us at NAB!

Connect with us at the NAB Show, Where Content Comes to Life in Las Vegas, NV, April 6-11, 2019!
NAB is the ultimate event for media, entertainment, and technology professionals looking for new and innovative ways to create, manage, deliver and monetize content on any platform. The NAB Show is the best place to be to learn all the new ins and outs about media, entertainment, and technology.
Our jācapps and Jacobs Media teams attend every year, and one thing our teams have noticed is that one of the best things that NAB does is bring together the entire media world. This includes professionals from all different industries, including; advertising, app development, artificial intelligence, audio, augmented reality, broadcast, cable, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, digital video, digital signage, eLearning esports, film, game development, government and military, houses of worship, in-vehicle entertainment, IOT, IT, live events, mixed reality, mobile, online video, podcasting, post-production, radio, retail, social media, sports, streaming, system integration, television, virtual reality, 5G, and more! Six full days of the opportunity to get your hands on the latest technology, but thats not all…
We would love to meet one-on-one with you to discuss your companies mobile and digital strategy!
Contact us at sales@jacapps.com or call us at 248-353-9030 to schedule a meeting and take your business to the next level in the mobile and digital world!
We can’t wait to see you at NAB this year!!

Categories
B2B Apps Mobile Apps news and press Podcasting Push Notifications Radio

New Comedy App Announcement: The Bob & Tom Show

Laugh Your App Off With New Comedy App for “The BOB & TOM Show”, Bringing the Funny to Your Fingertips
INDIANAPOLIS, IN, February 26, 2019 — The BOB & TOM Show , a favorite of millions and one of the longest-running and highest-rated radio programs in America, announces the launch of its new comedy app, created by award-winning mobile strategy and development company jācapps. The BOB & TOM Show app offers BOB & TOM fans the ease of listening to the show on their local station, as well as one-touch access to the BOB & TOM Comedy Channel, called “BOB & TOM 24/7”.  “BOB & TOM 24/7” features The BOB & TOM Show live every weekday morning, plus classic highlights, bits, songs and segments from the show’s rich archive of digital audio content. “BOB & TOM 24/7” also lets listeners replay the latest BOB & TOM Show.
The new app is loaded with listener-driven features that bring the funny to listeners’ fingertips, enabling them to easily join and become a BOB & TOM VIP and giving them access to The BOB & TOM Show Podcast and to The BOB & TOM Show Comedy Archives, a treasure trove of laughs from the packed BOB & TOM Show vault. The BOB & TOM Show app also allows BOB & TOM fans to watch the program live each weekday morning via a multi-camera, live video simulcast that adds another dimension to The BOB & TOM Show experience.
John Kesler, Chief Operating Officer, The BOB & TOM Show, said: “jācapps created a custom app that is simple to use, elegant looking, and a way for our fans to interact with the show, while enjoying an affiliate’s stream.”
Fred Jacobs, President, jācapps and Jacobs Media Strategies, said: “It’s a rare brand like BOB & TOM that has so much deep, rich content – perfect for a premium mobile experience. Working with their outstanding digital team, we’re excited about this new app. Now their listeners can enjoy the show any time and anywhere, and never have to worry about missing anything.”
The BOB & TOM Show is exclusively distributed by Westwood One and airs live weekday mornings from 6am-10am Eastern on 103 stations across the U.S. and on the American Forces Network worldwide. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, The BOB & TOM Show features comedy, news, sports, lifestyle content, and interviews with today’s top actors, celebrities and newsmakers. The show is America’s leading media outlet for the best and developing comedians on the circuit, and also features live performances from musicians from all genres of music.
 
About The BOB & TOM Show
The BOB & TOM Show is a hilarious blend of comedy, talk, news, and sports and is one of the longest-running and highest-rated radio programs in America, airing live weekday mornings from 6am-10am ET. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, The BOB & TOM Show is a favorite of millions and features news, sports, lifestyle content, and interviews with today’s top actors, celebrities and newsmakers. The show is also America’s leading media outlet for the best and developing comedians on the circuit. More than just a comedy show, The BOB & TOM Show also features live performances from musicians from all genres of music. The BOB & TOM Show is now heard on over 100 radio stations from coast to coast and the American Forces Network worldwide, in addition to The BOB & TOM Show podcast. Parodies, songs, bits, and more are produced by a large staff of writers, musicians, performers and misfits. In addition, The BOB & TOM Show has released more than 60 comedy albums, CDs and DVDs, and expanded its brand with popular live comedy show tours. For more information about The BOB & TOM Show, visit: www.bobandtominfo.com or contact Todd Alan at talan@westwoodone.com or at 212.735.1107.
 
Download the new The Bob & Tom Show app through iTunes or Google Play!

If you are interested in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or 248-353-9030
Categories
B2B Apps Mobile Apps news and press Podcasting Push Notifications Radio

New Comedy App Announcement: The Bob & Tom Show

Laugh Your App Off With New Comedy App for “The BOB & TOM Show”, Bringing the Funny to Your Fingertips

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, February 26, 2019 — The BOB & TOM Show , a favorite of millions and one of the longest-running and highest-rated radio programs in America, announces the launch of its new comedy app, created by award-winning mobile strategy and development company jācapps. The BOB & TOM Show app offers BOB & TOM fans the ease of listening to the show on their local station, as well as one-touch access to the BOB & TOM Comedy Channel, called “BOB & TOM 24/7”.  “BOB & TOM 24/7” features The BOB & TOM Show live every weekday morning, plus classic highlights, bits, songs and segments from the show’s rich archive of digital audio content. “BOB & TOM 24/7” also lets listeners replay the latest BOB & TOM Show.

The new app is loaded with listener-driven features that bring the funny to listeners’ fingertips, enabling them to easily join and become a BOB & TOM VIP and giving them access to The BOB & TOM Show Podcast and to The BOB & TOM Show Comedy Archives, a treasure trove of laughs from the packed BOB & TOM Show vault. The BOB & TOM Show app also allows BOB & TOM fans to watch the program live each weekday morning via a multi-camera, live video simulcast that adds another dimension to The BOB & TOM Show experience.

John Kesler, Chief Operating Officer, The BOB & TOM Show, said: “jācapps created a custom app that is simple to use, elegant looking, and a way for our fans to interact with the show, while enjoying an affiliate’s stream.”

Fred Jacobs, President, jācapps and Jacobs Media Strategies, said: “It’s a rare brand like BOB & TOM that has so much deep, rich content – perfect for a premium mobile experience. Working with their outstanding digital team, we’re excited about this new app. Now their listeners can enjoy the show any time and anywhere, and never have to worry about missing anything.”

The BOB & TOM Show is exclusively distributed by Westwood One and airs live weekday mornings from 6am-10am Eastern on 103 stations across the U.S. and on the American Forces Network worldwide. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, The BOB & TOM Show features comedy, news, sports, lifestyle content, and interviews with today’s top actors, celebrities and newsmakers. The show is America’s leading media outlet for the best and developing comedians on the circuit, and also features live performances from musicians from all genres of music.

 

About The BOB & TOM Show

The BOB & TOM Show is a hilarious blend of comedy, talk, news, and sports and is one of the longest-running and highest-rated radio programs in America, airing live weekday mornings from 6am-10am ET. Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame, The BOB & TOM Show is a favorite of millions and features news, sports, lifestyle content, and interviews with today’s top actors, celebrities and newsmakers. The show is also America’s leading media outlet for the best and developing comedians on the circuit. More than just a comedy show, The BOB & TOM Show also features live performances from musicians from all genres of music. The BOB & TOM Show is now heard on over 100 radio stations from coast to coast and the American Forces Network worldwide, in addition to The BOB & TOM Show podcast. Parodies, songs, bits, and more are produced by a large staff of writers, musicians, performers and misfits. In addition, The BOB & TOM Show has released more than 60 comedy albums, CDs and DVDs, and expanded its brand with popular live comedy show tours. For more information about The BOB & TOM Show, visit: www.bobandtominfo.com or contact Todd Alan at talan@westwoodone.com or at 212.735.1107.

 

Download the new The Bob & Tom Show app through iTunes or Google Play!

If you are interested in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or 248-353-9030

Categories
App Everywhere Awards B2B Apps Connected Car Mobile Apps Mobile Web Podcasting Push Notifications Radio Wearables

Recap of Small Talk with Mark Lee Interviewing our President Paul Jacobs

Recently, our very own Paul Jacobs was on Small Talk with Mark Lee. Small Talk comes from the Lee Group, MI LLC – Integrated Marketing Solutions. Lee helps companies develop branding and re-branding strategies to produce positive relationships with consumers, which bring measurable results. Lee was interested in jācapps and had the chance to see what our mobile app development company is all about.
After hearing the background about our company, Lee had a few questions about us. Let’s take a look at some of the key takeaways from the interview:
 

What is the biggest hesitation for a business when creating an app?

Paul responded that, “a lot of businesses have lack of knowledge about what mobile apps truly are. Our approach is to explain to our clients that you aren’t buying a piece of software – you are buying a mobile solution. It is important to find out what exactly the client needs, what problem they are having and work with them to create a solution. This is where you build trust with the clients and work with them as a consultant.”


Why does a business need an app?

Jacobs expands on the idea about smartphones are within everyone’s reach. “It is right in their purse or right in their pockets – everyone is carrying one. Therefore, the opportunity to be able to communicate to your consumers or business to business is huge.
Another key reason a business needs an app has to do with push messaging. If your user opts in to push messaging it allows the company to efficiently push messages out to those users. These messages can include sales, something that is new that your users need to check out, reminders, and so much more. Push notifications enhance two-way communication and is a powerful business tool.”


What criteria do I need to use to select a mobile app development company?

Paul says, “It is important that your company work with a developer who has full end-to-end for design, testing, new development ideas, etc. Someone who really understands everything, including getting the app into the app store.
You also want to consider the type of developers within that company. You want your developers to be flexible, treat you like a partner and not a client, and you want to be provided with case studies to see what their previous results have been.”


What is the process of creating an app?

Our process consists of four steps; discover, design, develop and deploy.
Discover – this is where your app takes shape. We draw inspiration from our conversations with you to brainstorm ideas and discuss the requirements needed for development.
Design – once a concept has been approved, we combine skills and strategy to make sure your apps look great and are easy to use. Our progress will be presented to you in the form of a specification document.
Develop – after you’ve approved the specification document, our in-house development team gets to work. This phase culminates with rigorous QA testing.
Deploy – we submit your apps to their respective stores! But we don’t stop there. We keep a lookout for issues and help you navigate new devices and OS versions as they become available.


What is the timeframe for app development?

The timeframe will differ from app to app but the average is from 10-12 weeks from beginning to end. Six to eight weeks of this time is for development. Additionally, our clients are able to download this app before the app goes live so they can tweak and test it before it is published. However, even when the app is finished it can still be adjusted.


Looking to 2019 and the next 5 years – what is the next big idea?

Jacobs explained that the next big idea is voice activated apps. “Right now you have to touch your screens for everything, but soon you will be able to talk to your phone. For example without hitting the app you can just say ‘play stream’ and your music will play.
Another thing that we have here at jācapps is called App Everywhere. Apps are not just on your phones, they are on connected cars, smart TVs, smart speakers, tablets, wearables – and soon there will be more apps created for these devices. Overall, apps are moving beyond just the mobile phone.”
To hear more of the interview with Mark Lee and Paul Jacobs – Listen to the interview here.
jācapps custom apps can support these efforts and so much more. If you are interested in creating a mobile presence to support your business, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or 248-353-9030

Categories
Mobile Apps news and press Uncategorized

jācapps Hires Anne Clark as Vice President of Sales

Bingham Farms, Mich. – October 11, 2018 – To support its ongoing growth initiatives, leading application developer we have hired Anne Clark as its Vice President of Sales. Anne has more than 15 years of experience in sales management working for multiple high-tech companies around the U.S.
In this role, Anne will oversee our’ sales organization, and client-relations activities after serving in a similar position with Cengage Learning, where she managed $105 million in annual revenue and oversaw 40 high-performing sales directors and strategic account managers who engage at all decision-making levels in the for-profit higher education market. Anne has a proven track record of implementing data driven sales strategies and establishing internal sales processes, competencies and metrics that drive efficiency and performance.
“Anne was a perfect hire for us because she has experience fine tuning and scaling a sales organization to perform at a very high level,” said jācapps President Paul Jacobs. “She has the experience and steady hand to really help us get to the next level. Anne’s great at managing complex solutions and will lead our efforts to work with bigger clients in 2019 and beyond.”
Throughout her career in the technology field, Anne has served as a collaborative sales leader focused on driving growth in changing markets.  In driving technology solutions, she has helped turn around underperforming sales teams while transforming them to become highly effective and deliver results. Previous to Cengage, Anne was Vice President of Educational Sales at Wolters Kluwer Health, where she was a key decision maker in shifting the business to an all-digital solution leveraging adaptive technology and simulations which resulted in significant growth.
“I’m proud to be joining a company that has so many opportunities ahead of it as jācapps,” Anne said. “The company has a great brand in the media business and is just now scratching the surface with all types of businesses helping them create innovative mobile solutions that solve real problems. We have the opportunity to apply these mobile technologies in amazing ways and it’s my role to let the market know about it.”

About Us                                        

jācapps is a mobile application development firm in Metro-Detroit. Our company has developed over 1200 apps since its inception in 2008, by team members who are all Michigan-sourced. jācapps developers go beyond common devices by delivering your message through the most used device in the world, as well as in the Connected Car, Tablets, Smart Speakers, Smart TVs, Streaming Devices, Wearables, and whatever comes next.
If you are interested in learning more about us, the apps we’ve build, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or (248) 353-9030

Categories
Alexa Amazon Echo App Everywhere B2B Apps Connected Car Google Home Mobile Apps Smart Home Smart TVs Voice Commands

Tech 248 Recap & Key Takeaways

On Tuesday, July 31st we hosted our first in house event, partnering with Tech248! We offered networking and refreshments while our executives gave brief updates on 2018’s mobile trends.  We couldn’t be more excited to see over 80 local business people attend our first event!
In case you missed it… here’s a little recap of the presentations and their key takeaways!

Apps For Business

Our COO, Bob Kernen gave an incredible presentation about apps for business. Bob refers to apps as a dynamic business tool. “We tend to think of apps as consumers – apps are these little tools people use to get us through our day. In reality, they are the most valuable real estate a marketer can have, and most importantly… ALL companies can participate.”
An app is self-contained piece of software that is designed to serve a discreet function and work on a specific type or types of devices. It leverages the power of your smartphone or tablet, way beyond the ability of a mobile browser. Mobile apps can be designed to help facilitate instant communication with customers.
App features an include: 

  • Real-time updates on product availability
  • Ability to request a quote or place an order
  • Provide login, video, and PDF sessions for education
  • Host an ultra-categorized, user-friendly product catalogue
  • Connect users with particular departments or teams instantly
  • And more!

With that being said…“There’s an app for that!” Did you know 81% of American adults use a smartphone… and mobile usage has surpassed desktop usage!

Media Consumption Trends

Our President, Paul Jacobs, gave great insight about the Media Trends in 2018. Paul touches on the results from Techsurvey 2018.

  1. We can definitely see a generational shift when it comes to media, as shown survey results, we see millennials and boomers both have the highest population dealing with media consumption.
  2. Here is the 2018 media pyramid representing media consumption, devices used, and trends between millennials and boomers: 
  3. In 2018, Techsurvey proves that audio streaming is still on the rise, and is quite balanced between male and female consumers. If your business has audio content to put out there – keep doing it!
  4. Lastly, in-car audio provides many different sources for content. The AM/FM radio is still standard but audiobooks, podcasts, streaming providers, and XM satellite are all sources for content and advertising if your business is trying to reach consumers on the go.

Now how do we here at jācapps relate to that? jācapps App Everywhere® provides solutions that encourage communication across all devices. We incorporate your brand through mobile phones, the connected car, smart TVs, smart speakers, tablets, and wearables.

Smart Speaker Update

Our Director of Business Development, Sari Zalesin, gave a great presentation about smart speakers! If you don’t know already… Alexa dominates the smart speaker space! Looking at smart speaker owners, 75% own Amazon Alexa only, 19% own Google Home only, and 6% own both Amazon Alexa and Google Home.
When it comes to business, Amazon Alexa skills need a strategy behind them. Creating “skills” is easy, but voice is actually something much larger! Voice is actually a whole new user interface, and more and more devices will be controlled by the human voice. With that being said, consider your business and how you might interact with users through voice. What content do you want delivered, and to whom? Do you have news, announcements, or recurring content? Or are you focusing on set database questions and answers?
Amazon Alexa has skills for all different industries, some of the hot industry skills around the US include; Healthcare, Automotive, and Food & Beverage.
Here are some great examples from her presentation: 

  • Healthcare –
    • Carolinas HealthCare created an Alexa skill where consumers can simply ask “Alexa, what is the nearest Carolinas urgent care or hospital?”
  • Automotive –
    • Ford and FCA partnered with Amazon to connect their cars to Alexa voice control for commands relating to appointments, trip management, and engine starting.
  • Food & Beverage –
    • TGI Friday’s created a skill allowing fans to place orders and make reservations with Alexa voice technology.

Overall, smart speakers are here to stay! Every business needs a voice strategy!

Thank you to all of the attendees and we hope to see you at future events!
We would also love to thank Farmington Brewing Company and Plum Market for catering with the best refreshments! The beer and food were a hit…we look forward to working with both companies for future events!
If you are interest in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or (248) 353-9030

Categories
Alexa Amazon Echo App Everywhere B2B Apps Connected Car Google Home Mobile Apps Smart Home Smart TVs Voice Commands

Tech 248 Recap & Key Takeaways

On Tuesday, July 31st we hosted our first in house event, partnering with Tech248! We offered networking and refreshments while our executives gave brief updates on 2018’s mobile trends.  We couldn’t be more excited to see over 80 local business people attend our first event!

In case you missed it… here’s a little recap of the presentations and their key takeaways!

Apps For Business

Our COO, Bob Kernen gave an incredible presentation about apps for business. Bob refers to apps as a dynamic business tool. “We tend to think of apps as consumers – apps are these little tools people use to get us through our day. In reality, they are the most valuable real estate a marketer can have, and most importantly… ALL companies can participate.”

An app is self-contained piece of software that is designed to serve a discreet function and work on a specific type or types of devices. It leverages the power of your smartphone or tablet, way beyond the ability of a mobile browser. Mobile apps can be designed to help facilitate instant communication with customers.

App features an include: 

  • Real-time updates on product availability
  • Ability to request a quote or place an order
  • Provide login, video, and PDF sessions for education
  • Host an ultra-categorized, user-friendly product catalogue
  • Connect users with particular departments or teams instantly
  • And more!

With that being said…“There’s an app for that!” Did you know 81% of American adults use a smartphone… and mobile usage has surpassed desktop usage!

Media Consumption Trends

Our President, Paul Jacobs, gave great insight about the Media Trends in 2018. Paul touches on the results from Techsurvey 2018.

  1. We can definitely see a generational shift when it comes to media, as shown survey results, we see millennials and boomers both have the highest population dealing with media consumption.
  2. Here is the 2018 media pyramid representing media consumption, devices used, and trends between millennials and boomers: 
  3. In 2018, Techsurvey proves that audio streaming is still on the rise, and is quite balanced between male and female consumers. If your business has audio content to put out there – keep doing it!
  4. Lastly, in-car audio provides many different sources for content. The AM/FM radio is still standard but audiobooks, podcasts, streaming providers, and XM satellite are all sources for content and advertising if your business is trying to reach consumers on the go.

Now how do we here at jācapps relate to that? jācapps App Everywhere® provides solutions that encourage communication across all devices. We incorporate your brand through mobile phones, the connected car, smart TVs, smart speakers, tablets, and wearables.

Smart Speaker Update

Our Director of Business Development, Sari Zalesin, gave a great presentation about smart speakers! If you don’t know already… Alexa dominates the smart speaker space! Looking at smart speaker owners, 75% own Amazon Alexa only, 19% own Google Home only, and 6% own both Amazon Alexa and Google Home.

When it comes to business, Amazon Alexa skills need a strategy behind them. Creating “skills” is easy, but voice is actually something much larger! Voice is actually a whole new user interface, and more and more devices will be controlled by the human voice. With that being said, consider your business and how you might interact with users through voice. What content do you want delivered, and to whom? Do you have news, announcements, or recurring content? Or are you focusing on set database questions and answers?

Amazon Alexa has skills for all different industries, some of the hot industry skills around the US include; Healthcare, Automotive, and Food & Beverage.

Here are some great examples from her presentation: 

  • Healthcare –
    • Carolinas HealthCare created an Alexa skill where consumers can simply ask “Alexa, what is the nearest Carolinas urgent care or hospital?”
  • Automotive –
    • Ford and FCA partnered with Amazon to connect their cars to Alexa voice control for commands relating to appointments, trip management, and engine starting.
  • Food & Beverage –
    • TGI Friday’s created a skill allowing fans to place orders and make reservations with Alexa voice technology.

Overall, smart speakers are here to stay! Every business needs a voice strategy!

Thank you to all of the attendees and we hope to see you at future events!

We would also love to thank Farmington Brewing Company and Plum Market for catering with the best refreshments! The beer and food were a hit…we look forward to working with both companies for future events!

If you are interest in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or (248) 353-9030

Categories
Android Auto App Everywhere Apple CarPlay B2B Apps Connected Car Mobile Apps Mobile Web Radio Smart Home Smart TVs

Mobile Developer Aims for Growth As It Serves New Industries

Recently, Bob Kernen and Paul Jacobs spoke with Crain’s Detroit Business about investments, growth, and the mobile revolution. In great summary, we are ready to hit some goals this year! Being in the emerging mobile application sector, we topped $1 million revenue in 2017, and we expect that to double this year!!
Alright, so let’s check out what we shared with Crain’s, and how we plan to reach these goals!
We are a software company founded by former WRIF 101.1 FM Program Director Fred Jacob. He is helping companies create efficiencies through mobile applications. Jacobs started the tech firm out of a storage close in his Jacobs Media Strategies offices in Bingham Farms months after Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple Inc. launched its App Store in 2008.
We started out with four employees building apps for radio clients including WRIF, WDET 101.9 FM, Michigan Radio and WMGC 105.1 FM to stream radio content to listeners.
“Smartphones have been the transformative device of our lifetime. It creates an unbelievable way to connect businesses to their customers, such as through push notifications,” COO Bob Kernen said. “The average person has about 30 apps on their phone. Once a company can get an app on a customer’s phone, it can become the best marketing tool for them.”

Realizing that other businesses and organizations could benefit from the mobile industry that has now reached nearly every corner of society, we began diversifying our client base in 2013.
Our company picked up a private investor in 2016 to help grow its staff to nine and moved into a new headquarters across the street from the old Jacobs Media at 30300 Telegraph Road, Bingham Farms. jācapps has a six-year lease with Bloomfield Hills-based JFK Investments Co. LLC.
Our workforce grew to 22 in 2017, warranting a $70,000 investment to tear down a wall and nearly double the space to 7,500 square feet this past March.
“We saw the opportunity to become a full-fledged mobile software provider,” Paul Jacobs, Fred’s brother, said. Paul, who also worked for WRIF as a salesman, is now president of the software company. “We broadened out our skill set and found growth in construction, health care, wellness and other businesses that realized that they needed a mobile strategy.”


Since then our company has taken on clients in Partha Nandi, M.D., of the medical TV show “Ask Dr. Nandi,” and Ireland-based building material supplier CRH plc, including two of its subsidiaries in Canton Township-based Cadillac Asphalt LLC and Monroe-based Stoneco of Michigan. Cadillac Asphalt has contracts to rebuild some of the crumbling roads in metro Detroit, including the 696 freeway.
“In the case of Stoneco and Cadillac, what’s important is communication to their customers and employees” for process efficiency, Paul Jacobs said. “Our clients at Stoneco told us if we can get the message out to contractors, they could come pick up more loads and that makes all the world to their business. These are tools that are all about creating efficiencies for the people on the move.”
Because software is constantly changing, Jacobs said the firm is continually investing to keep up with the times as operating systems are constantly changing and new technologies emerge. One of those investments include building an analytics department to allow customers to better utilize their apps.
We are also working with Dearborn-based Ford Motor Co. to build programs for mobility and focusing on other products including smart TVs and smart watches, Jacobs said.
Last year, we saw 30 percent growth, topping $1 million in revenue, Jacobs said. He expects to double revenue this year as the company capitalizes on investments made over the past two years.
Lastly, we would love to thank Crain’s Detroit Business for the support! Click here to read more about how we plan to double our growth this year!
If you are interest in us, the apps we’ve built, or a product of your own, contact us at sales@jacapps.com or (248) 353-9030