Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute alumni are going to have a strong presence at the Technology Association of Iowa’s LWBJ Prometheus Awards celebration April 20 in Des Moines.
ADFly, LLC, a digital marketing service provider co-founded by University of Northern Iowa senior Scott Burak (OEI 2016), is a finalist for this year’s Student Innovation of the Year award. Burak co-founded ADFly with Grant Keller, a Wartburg College alum.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as a finalist for the Student Innovation of the Year award by the Iowa Technology Association,” Burak said. “Not only does it give our small team validation for our efforts over the course of our college careers, but we’re also proud to share recognition with the University of Northern Iowa’s Student Business Incubator. The RJ McElroy Student Business Incubator within UNI’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center has given us the resources and advisers that it takes to transform a good dorm room idea into a sustainable business model. Without the generosity of these communities in our state, it would be much more challenging to launch a business as a student.”
ADFly’s selection as a finalist makes two companies with OEI ties in the Student Innovation of the Year award category. The Technology Association of Iowa’s LWBJ Prometheus Awards – in their 12th year – recognize innovative individuals and companies in Iowa’s growing tech industry.
ADFly is an example of that growth.
“It’s been an awesome experience being able to fund and grow our business, ADFly, LLC, in the Iowa entrepreneurial ecosystem,” Burak said. “With support from community members that understand technology advances through collaboration, our company has been able to build customized and scalable solutions for businesses both locally and nationally. We’ve found our niche by being able to add value to local contractors, agricultural operations, and eCommerce businesses by using the digital media channels available in today’s interconnected world. This model gives our clients the peace of mind that their online advertising efforts are in the hands of knowledgeable consultants and a service provider that keeps up with the rapid pace that digital marketing technology continues to change.
Burak said his company has “a bright future” in providing digital services for large and small businesses.
“We’re looking forward to growing our business and our team, and having the opportunity to give back to the state and communities that have donated many resources and time to our project,” he said.