Men's Soccer Alum Ben Kartzman Leads One of Country’s Fastest-Growing Companies
(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) – Ben Kartzman has certainly been busy since graduating from Carnegie Mellon in 2000. Beginning as one of the most decorated goalkeepers in men's soccer program history, Kartzman spent his next six years working for C-bridge Internet Solutions, Bridgeline Software and Accenture before developing Spongecell in January 2006. Now, just a few years in, Spongecell has been identified as one of the top 100 fastest growing companies in the country according to Inc. Magazine.
"We help brand advertisers get more out of their display ads by incorporating technology that make the advertisements more dynamic and engaging," Kartzman said. "We make it easier for consumers to interact with ads, by pulling in video, social media feeds and mapping all without the need to even click."
Today, major brands across all industry verticals such as Volvo, Wells Fargo, Whole Foods and Microsoft, rely on Spongecell for their rich media needs. But while Spongecell has grown rapidly from a group of young entrepreneurs to a New York City-based company with around 50 employees and offices around the country and Europe, the CEO acknowledges that the growth hasn't always been easy.
After a few years of building technology and selling it into the marketplace from 2006-2008, the original Spongecell model wasn't flourishing and the team was faced with some tough choices. By the fall of 2008, right in the early stages of the recession, Kartzman and his team pivoted the company and went full force into the interactive advertising technology business.
"Our original idea didn't pan out the way we envisioned – which happens often with startups – but by being so in-tune with the industry and our customers, we were able to successfully change course and turn Spongecell into the successful company it is today," Kartzman said.
Kartzman's success will come as no surprise to those who knew him at Carnegie Mellon. During his four years with the men's soccer program, Kartzman led the team to a 46-17-6 record and three postseason appearances. His .902 save percentage and 0.35 goals against average in 1999 are still Carnegie Mellon's single-season records.
"For me, it was just a great experience. Carnegie Mellon was the best place I could possibly have been," Kartzman said. "I was able to compete with great teammates, have a coach who respected the balance of academics and athletics, and most importantly get exposure to great professors, technology and an environment that allowed me to pursue my many goals. I sincerely believe there is no other place in the world I could have had such a robust experience. I was really lucky."
The ultimate competitor, Kartzman believes his fire on the soccer field and in the classroom has become part of the ingrained culture at Spongecell.
"We do a lot of intra-company team-based competitions. I see other people in the office getting excited about their scores and I love it," Kartzman said. "I'm still the same guy in terms of being competitive. Running a business brings out the same passions and we work hard to channel them with a focus on building a great company together."
After living in New York City following graduation, Kartzman and his wife Melissa moved to Westchester before the birth of their daughter Kate last year. But that hasn't slowed his ability to continue to play, and stay close, with many of his fellow Carnegie Mellon alums – a high priority for him.
"It's been great keeping in touch with everyone," Kartzman said. "Our soccer alumni are a pretty tight-knit group and it's important for me to remain actively involved."
Kartzman has made a point of giving back to the university, as he is grateful for all of the opportunities he received during his four years in Pittsburgh.
"I know the value I've gotten out of having gone to Carnegie Mellon and I want to make sure I can provide insight and support for other people," Kartzman said. "The network is fantastic and there are a lot of people doing interesting and impressive things. P.S. We're hiring!"