MEET…Todd Dufour OF ddot
Test User • 12.20.2009 • ONE ON ONE
Creative minds always inspire me. From the way they think to the way they execute their emotions - Todd Dufour is someone who has always been on my radar. After getting involved with MySpace when social networking was in its infancy, he went on to become the Executive Director, Influencer and Strategic Marketing at MySpace.com. Recently launching his own endeavor ddot (pronouced ‘dot’), Dufour created a Creative Script Marketing Firm - focusing on the development and execution of tailored programs for his various clients.
I’ll let him tell you a little bit about why he started ddot and what it means to him - so check it out below…
In April of 2009, you started your own Creative Script Marketing Firm called ddot. What is the mission of your company? What do you seek to achieve?
ddot is a Creative, Script Marketing Shop specializing in the creation, development and execution of custom tailored programs that meet our clients’ objectives. The mission of the polka ddot’s (“term” used to define ddot’s staff) is to enhance our clients’ image and accomplish their goals through our various areas of expertise.
What sets ddot apart and why is your vision unique?
ddot has the experience, network and talent of a large agency but the intercommunication and personalization of a small agency. I have worked on both sides (agency and in-house) which arms me and my staff with a deep understanding of an agency’s role, responsibility and accountability while being completely knowledgeable of our clients’ core product(s), objectives and goals.
Todd Dufour (ddot’s reflection = todd)/Location: Todd Dufour Home
Before launching your own endeavor, you were the Executive Director, Influencer and Strategic Manager at MySpace.com. How did this experience come about?
While at Bragman Nyman Cafarelli (BNC), a friend from MTV called and said “MySpace is looking for an events Manager…would you be interested in talking with them?”
My immediate reaction was “What’s MySpace…sure, I’ll meet with them.”
During my first interview, Jamie Kantrowitz (former SVP of Marketing, MySpace) said “I cannot guarantee you a job in 6 months, but I can assure you this is gonna be a rough ride.” (note: At the time, MySpace had 4 million users).
An amazing, completely exhausting, unforgettable and challenging ride it was. Four years later, MySpace and I accomplished the following
· 200+ million global members
· Offices in over 30 countries
· Unparalleled Professional development
· Personal growth
JK’s (non) guarantee is now moot and I am forever grateful.
Todd Dufour (Checking Every Perspective / Angle)/Location: Los Angeles
(Todd: KR3W Button Down, KR3W Jeans, Chan Luu Cuff, Headband: Todd’s old t-shirt neck line, Vintage Combat Boots with white duct tape on toe)
What are you currently working on now?
Aside from my roster of clients, being a proud parent of two (Merlin and Maybelle), this January I start graduate school at Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management. This MBA program is designed for working Executives and accepts only 30 students / year. Needless to say, I’m busy as fuck.
DDOT’s tagline is “THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN YOU AND THE WEB”. What exactly is this unique division that you see taking place?
ddot is a full capacity Marketing shop with a heavy concentration within the digital space. Given my background in digital publishing, social networking and syndication, ddot serves as an intermediary to the WORLD wide web.
Todd Dufour’s Client (Supra Sneaker)
What were some of your responsibilities at MySpace during your 4 year stint? You really got involved in the social networking domain at its inception.
That’s correct. I feel that MySpace put the internet on the map. Before starting at MySpace, my mom said “isn’t that a porn site?” By the time I left MySpace, my mother said “you can’t leave.” It’s truly unbelievable the transformation the internet had within the past several years.
To date, what are some of your career highlights?
1. Receiving a recommendation and endorsement from Ann Shoket (Editor in Chief, Seventeen Magazine):
a. “Todd was one of the most creative, inventive and dynamic people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. When you are choosing strategic partners you want to work with the guys who ask “What if?” and are willing to work together to find an answer that helps both of you–Todd is one of those guys. In the years that Todd and I worked together to develop programs between MySpace and Seventeen, I could rely on him for honest feedback, innovative ideas, and great attention to detail. I hope we can work together again soon.” November 29, 2009
2. Increasing FOX’s Teen Choice Awards viewership by 75% from previous years through a Jonas Brothers promotion.
3. NYLON + MySpace Music issues
4. Creation of MySpace Celebrity, which serves as an unbiased platform for artists, actors, comedians and athletes to communicate with the masses. www.celebrity.myspace.com
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Living on US Enterprise in another dimension. Do you have a ticket?
What direction do you see the digital realm heading in?
The shrinking of societies, the blending of economies and culture largely rests on the keys of a computer. Whatever your interest may be, a virtual exploration is possible. If that’s the reality, the door is wide open.
&&&
Hawtness
WE LOVE THE MALCOLM!
Thank you for writing this. I have known Todd both personally and professionally for many years now (I met him when he was the brainchild behind the MySpace & Gen Art Beastie Boys event at Sundance). He is such an incredible visionary and I am inspired by him daily.