SparkBase is a leading loyalty and gift card platform that helps businesses recognize and reward their customers in realtime. We have developed and deployed proven loyalty solutions that can be integrated with businesses' existing systems. Our programs capture shopper behavior (both online and in-store) at several touch points, to reward them for monetary and non-monetary engagements.

Through our APIs, we've made it easier for businesses of varied sizes to connect a myriad of systems to bridge their online and offline commerce. Whether through a credit card purchase, social media mention, e-commerce order or cash purchase, once the customer is recognized, SparkBase's LoyaltyOS serves up customer specific data and individualized rewards. In the first quarter of 2014, we're launching version 2.0, as well as multiple global partnerships.

No matter the industry, no matter the clientele, there are two pieces of information all businesses desperately want:

These two factors can be leveraged to target marketing, to convert a sale, to engage the customer, and even to create a truly customized shopping experience. Recognizing individual customers allows a business to end the reliance on discounts and mass promotions, and in doing so, increase sales and visit frequency.

This is possible because with those two invaluable pieces of information, the business is able to focus on selling the right product or service to the individual customer at the right time, all based on past behavior, monetary value and preferences.

However, businesses have historically been unable to collect this information. The customer data that they are able to collect is stored in a variety of systems that don't interact, and it's never available in realtime — only after the transaction. Legacy POS systems, credit card terminals, website software and CRMs all store or use this information, but are unable to provide an instaneous and comprehensive view. 

SparkBase bridges the gap between consumer touch points (the business' website, POS, social media, etc.) and their customer data systems (CRM) to enable businesses to recognize and reward their customers wherever and whenever.  

(Click image to enlarge)

LoyaltyOS — the only realtime loyalty engine — easily integrates with existing systems, enhancing existing customer transaction systems and delivering unique data. Our years of experience processing real-time transactions in the electronic payments industry has us uniquely positioned to integrate LoyaltyOS into POS systems, gateways and payment processing engines where others have failed, all around the world. We provide this easy-to-use API through white label partnerships, and for most businesses it can be fully integrated within a few days. 

For deeper integrations with more complex needs, LoyaltyOS has been found to be superior to any other solution, by some of the largest e-commerce and credit card processors in the world. In fact, SparkBase's unique API is repeatedly selected over all others in international RFP processes. Why? Because LoyaltyOS manages all aspects of gift and loyalty programs, including:

customer enrollment

recognizing customers in realtime

issuing loyalty points for activity

redeeming rewards for loyalty customers

program management

reporting

SparkBase was founded in Cleveland, Ohio in 2004 and in the past ten years has reached many significant milestones. Below, a few of the most notable. 

SparkBase is integrated into over 40 POS terminals, e-commerce shopping carts, email service providers, CRMs and SMS companies

We have 100+ ISO partners using our white label gift/loyalty system

SparkBase is used in 10,000 merchant locations

We signed an exclusive deal with one of the top 5 credit card processors in the world

We have signed a 5-year contract with one of the top etailers for a new product launching in 2014 

We are processing in 9 countries

Won Tech Company of the Year 2012 from NEOSA

We have filed 5 US patents as of 2013

We processed more than 150,000,000 transactions in 2013

We have signed a partnership with a boutique hotel/casino chain for 2014 and expect to process over 80MM transactions monthly

Doug Hardman, CEO, was the creator and project manager for SparkBase, and carried it from concept to reality in less than six months. Today he guides the overall product strategy and market direction. Using his industry contacts and reputation as a visionary in the payments industry, Doug builds and maintains many of the large customer relationships that drive the majority of the LoyaltyOS product revenue.
Doug was awarded the Smart Business Magazine "Rising Star in Innovation" in 2009, and was runner-up for "Innovator of the Year" by Midwest Acquirers Association. 

Geoff Hardman, President, oversees the day-to-day operations of SparkBase, ensuring that all departments are aligned. Geoff leverages years of experience in the industry to run the company's highly effective client service, card and ISO distribution operations.
Geoff got his start in the gift and loyalty industry as the Director of Operations for NewMarket Solutions. He also helped to turn around the unprofitable NMS, which lead to its sale in early 2008 to one of the largest Stored Value Resellers in the U.S.

Tessa Burg, VP Product & Program Management, is responsible for executing on the company's vision to be a cross-application, omni-channel gift and loyalty platform. This includes using feedback, observations and data from clients, business development, client service and the executive team to design solutions that drive revenue and competitively position the company. On the external side Tessa works with clients and client partners to design highly performant, multi-application solutions that make the most of clients' current systems while minimizing impact to existing infrastructure. Tessa brings nearly a decade of technology marketing experience to our team.

Andrew Witt, VP Software & Systems, is responsible for the development of software applications aligned with business goals and the operation of systems for running those applications. He maintains a comprehensive set of software engineering and systems engineering standards, fosters adoption of and adherence to those standards, and works closely with other business-unit leaders to keep engineering efforts and priorities aligned with business priorities and direction. 
Andrew brings 20+ years of development and management experience to the software engineering organization, which is comprised of transaction, web and mobile teams. 

Chrissy Hand, Director of Marketing & Loyalty Services, is responsible for setting the marketing strategy for SparkBase that positions the company for growth and leadership in the industry, She is responsible for the execution and results of all marketing tactics aligned with the strategy and oversees SparkBase's graphic design team. In addition, Chrissy leads new business opportunities, including RFP resppnses, developing partnerships and working with clients from the time of sales discovery through contract and initial implementation. Chrissy brings years of agency and field marketing experience working with global brand to her role of working with new clients at SparkBase.

Lance White is a Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager with UBS Financial Services, Inc. in New Albany, Ohio. He has been in the financial services industry for 15 years and prior to UBS was a Senior Vice President and Wealth Advisor with Morgan Stanley. His team at UBS manages wealth for many families across the country. Lance is an active angel investor in many technology companies with a focus on internet, social media and green tech. He was involved in the first launch of Ohio TechAngels Fund, which has become the largest angel fund in the Midwest. He holds degrees in International Relations and Economics from The Ohio State University and received his Senior Consultant from The Wharton School of Business.

Todd Ablowitz is a recognized and respected industry leader with nearly 15 years of experience working for the acquiring and payments industry's top brands. As Founder and President of Double Diamond Group, LLC, Ablowitz leverages his unique skills, expertise and industry relationships to ensure clients achieve their business goals.
Ablowitz has developed strategy based on trends and market demands, created and launched new products, and built and led successful sales organizations. Investors, analysts and industry watchers frequently rely on Ablowitz for expert advice, trend insights and consulting on payments and payments innovations. He has a vast network of diverse contacts that spans the industry in every major region of the world.

Steve Haynes is a Founder, Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Glengary and is responsible for managing the investment decisions of Glengary and its day-to-day operations. Mr. Haynes has over 25 years of senior leadership experience as a principal and agent in all areas of private equity, venture capital and investment banking. 

Ben Sheridan, Chairman

Doug Hardman

Geoff Hardman

Dan Rose - Representative for NCAF, expertise in marketing, CRM and email databases.

Parker MacDonnell - Representative for OTAF, expertise in banking, debt financing. 

Vaden Landers - Expertise in payments, ISO, gift & loyalty markets.

Afshin Yazdian - Expertise in payments industry, M&A, law.