The Simply Be Found Story

How and Why Simply Be Found Got Started

Simply Be Found was created out of a marketing and advertising discussion between Rob and Dean. Rob posed the question of how well Dean’s business was being found online and mobile devices. Dean was confident he was being found because his business was seeing steady growth. So, Dean was standing in his screen-printing showroom and a voice search was done, and his business did not even make the list on his phone screen. The proverbial gauntlet was thrown down and the question was raised: How many other small businesses are having the same issues of being not found by customers, and not knowing that there is a problem and how to fix it? After some research, the Simply Be Found platform was created to help small businesses. It is designed for simplicity and being straightforward. All business information and data are controlled and owned by the business owner or manager. Also, it is affordable for any business size, no contracts are required, we have a month-to-month payment plan where you can cancel at any time. We want to earn your business membership every month. The idea of membership was developed because we want and need feedback from you to remain dynamic in the quest for better online advertising for entrepreneurs. Just an update, because of using the tools from Simply Be Found, Dean’s business is now seen in the number one slot of the local map three-pack.

Why does Simply Be Found have Members and not Customers?

As a member, we built our platform based on what your needs are, so we get something useful and not just another tool. We do not have a company board. Instead, we have members who propose and control new features and aim the direction to where we are heading.

Our Values & Goals

Simply Be Found has a personal stake in our business member’s success first. Whether you are a small one-person startup or a larger multiple-location business, Simply Be Found is there to guide you to grow your customer base using the tools on the platform, informational videos and documents, and our team, always ready to support you. We would always want your feedback on what you think customers need to better find your business

Dean Koehler

Founding Member

About Us – Dean Koehler, Co-Founder of Simply Be Found 
Dean Koehler stands as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding Simply Be Found and with over 30 years of entrepreneurial business experience. His journey is marked by both successes and failures, each contributing to his profound understanding of the business world. What truly sets Dean apart is his light-hearted and compassionate approach towards everyone he interacts with.

His Roots: Dean’s lineage is rich with educators, embedding in him a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and analogy in teaching. This background has honed his ability to simplify complex concepts, making them relatable and easy to grasp. 

Love for Reading and Audio Books:  An avid reader and now an audio book junkie, Dean immerses himself in a variety of genres. This extensive reading not only fuels his expansive vocabulary but also enriches his perspectives, allowing him to connect with a diverse audience.

Unique Communication Style:  Dean’s conversations are often peppered with witty one-liners from classics like ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Monty Python.’ These references are not just humorous but also serve as effective tools in making his points more memorable. 

Engineering Mindset: With a background in engineering, growing up with a science teacher, and his wife still teaching science, Dean naturally gravitates towards a methodical and analytical approach. He often draws parallels between science experiments and business strategies, demonstrating his knack for innovative problem-solving. If fact he and his wife spend several hours talking about real life situations for science experiments to parallel which creates story for her students.

Passion for Storytelling: Dean’s love for books and movies is an integral part of how he communicates. He skillfully weaves narratives into his teachings, making complex ideas more accessible and engaging, which he skillfully drove his now adult children to exasperation with his comments.  

Dean’s unique blend of experiences and skills makes him an invaluable leader at Simply Be Found. His approachable demeanor and insightful perspectives have been key in guiding the company through the ever-changing landscape of online marketing and business growth.

Although he does talk much about it, his academic and professional journey is a complex blend of hands-on experience and formal education, embodying the spirit of dedication and perseverance. His path reflects his commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in the face of evolving industry landscapes. 
Dean’s career began with a machinist apprenticeship program, a rare and valuable starting point in today’s world. This experience laid the groundwork for his practical understanding of the industry.

He furthered his education with an associate degree as an electronics technician, a testament to his technical acumen. Dean didn’t stop there; he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Colorado State University, sharpening his skills in corporate leadership, process, and plant engineering roles. 
Next, earning a Master of Science Degree in Industrial Management from Northern Illinois University marked a significant milestone in his career. Notably, Dean accomplished this while juggling a full-time job and starting a family, showcasing his exceptional time management and dedication.

Lastly and what he considers the most important is the School of Hard Knocks: Dean takes immense pride in his experiences outside the classroom. The ‘school of hard knocks’ has been instrumental in teaching him invaluable life skills. These experiences have given him a unique understanding of the challenges faced by small business entrepreneurs, aligning perfectly with his role at Simply Be Found.

Dean’s journey, marked by a combination of formal education and real-world experiences, has equipped him with a diverse skill set and an empathetic understanding of the entrepreneurial journey. This makes him not just a leader but a relatable figure for those navigating the complex terrain of small business ownership and online marketing. 

Rob Downey

Founding Member

Revolutionizing Local Marketing and Voice Search Optimization

Robert Downey is a distinguished figure in the dynamic world of local marketing and digital innovation. As the co-founder of SimplyBeFound.com, he has proven to be a master in local marketing strategy and a pioneer in voice search optimization. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Robert has dedicated himself to enhancing the visibility of small businesses and fostering stronger connections between these enterprises and their local communities.

Robert’s journey in the marketing realm began in 1995, and since then, he has led over 1,000 marketing campaigns, contributing significantly to developing more than 5,000 websites. His expertise spans various industries, equipping him with a nuanced understanding of their unique challenges and opportunities. This extensive experience broadens his skill set and cements his position as a thought leader in local business marketing.

One of the keys to Robert’s success is his ability to deliver impactful results using local SEO strategies. He excels in this area. Businesses do not need to blow up their budgets and allocate as much money on advertising, instead, they need the right strategies to reach consumers actively seeking their services. His approach needs to include the importance of bridging the gap between local businesses and potential customers, which has often hindered the growth and visibility of many small businesses.

As a fourth-generation entrepreneur, the entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in Robert’s veins. This heritage has ingrained in him a profound understanding of business growth and evolution, especially crucial in the fast-paced startup environment. At SimplyBeFound.com, he applies this strategic vision to simplify the local business discovery process, leading to significant growth of the platform, an expanded user base, and increased revenue streams.

Beyond Simply Be Found, Robert’s achievements include launching over ten successful online businesses and startups, a testament to his versatility and expertise in the digital business landscape. He brings a unique blend of programming skills, marketing acumen, and business development experience, offering a fresh and invaluable perspective to today’s digitally-centered business challenges.

In essence, Robert Downey is more than just a local marketing expert. He is a catalyst for growth, a digital marketing innovator, and a mentor to businesses striving for success. His extensive experience, profound industry knowledge, and unwavering dedication to the success of small businesses make him an indispensable ally for any business aiming to enhance its local presence and achieve sustainable growth.

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