Kim Folsom (She/Her)

Founder, Chairperson and CEO at Founders First Capital Partners
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Contact Information
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(386) 825-5501
Location
San Diego, US

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Gary Lillian

Kim is a tireless resource and adviser to my business on any type of web-centric challenge. She leads a team that continues to push the envelope on how to provide and communicate value in the new digital landscape.

Jason Puso

As the CEO for an Internet Retail 500 Company and someone who personally engages with the ever changing world of SEM and SEO on an almost daily basis, I am recommending both Kim and her company Reel Qualified. Reel Qualified allows businesses that use paid search to improve customer engagement and better their quality metrics, ultimately leading to more qualified leads and an improved ROI on current spend. Kim has extensive knowledge on how to profitably increase the acquisition side of business for her customers and she brings it all together in her role at RQ.

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Experience

    • United States
    • Financial Services
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Founder, Chairperson and CEO
      • Sep 2015 - Present

      Founders First Capital Partners, LLC., (FFCP) is headquartered in San Diego, CA and is making history with the launch of the first revenue-based financier and online accelerator focused on growing thriving million dollar small businesses. Founders empowers underserved groups of business owners by providing them with access to non-dilutive growth capital, expertise and resources to enable them to build sustainable, profitable, and accretive legacy businesses. Small business owners seeking… Show more Founders First Capital Partners, LLC., (FFCP) is headquartered in San Diego, CA and is making history with the launch of the first revenue-based financier and online accelerator focused on growing thriving million dollar small businesses. Founders empowers underserved groups of business owners by providing them with access to non-dilutive growth capital, expertise and resources to enable them to build sustainable, profitable, and accretive legacy businesses. Small business owners seeking to partner with Founders for assistance with growth and funding their business can begin by participating one of our quarterly Business Growth Bootcamps. Want to know more? Contact me. Show less Founders First Capital Partners, LLC., (FFCP) is headquartered in San Diego, CA and is making history with the launch of the first revenue-based financier and online accelerator focused on growing thriving million dollar small businesses. Founders empowers underserved groups of business owners by providing them with access to non-dilutive growth capital, expertise and resources to enable them to build sustainable, profitable, and accretive legacy businesses. Small business owners seeking… Show more Founders First Capital Partners, LLC., (FFCP) is headquartered in San Diego, CA and is making history with the launch of the first revenue-based financier and online accelerator focused on growing thriving million dollar small businesses. Founders empowers underserved groups of business owners by providing them with access to non-dilutive growth capital, expertise and resources to enable them to build sustainable, profitable, and accretive legacy businesses. Small business owners seeking to partner with Founders for assistance with growth and funding their business can begin by participating one of our quarterly Business Growth Bootcamps. Want to know more? Contact me. Show less

    • United States
    • Professional Training and Coaching
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Founder and Board of Trustees President
      • Sep 2016 - Present

      Founders First CDC, fka: LIFT Development Enterprise (LIFT), a not-for-profit, community development organization and small business accelerator with a mission to help underserved and under represented small business owners overcome the challenges related to lack of access to capital and growth resources to assist them in increasing business capacity resulting in higher revenue growth and providing more jobs in their communities. Founders First CDC, fka: LIFT Development Enterprise (LIFT), a not-for-profit, community development organization and small business accelerator with a mission to help underserved and under represented small business owners overcome the challenges related to lack of access to capital and growth resources to assist them in increasing business capacity resulting in higher revenue growth and providing more jobs in their communities.

    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Adjunct Professor
      • Mar 2016 - Jun 2022

      Teach graduate MBA level courses in the areas of strategic business management, global marketing strategy, operational management, financial management, corporate technology innovation, entrepreneurship and venture financing of start-up and early stage companies. Partner with National University School of Business MBA program to implementation a program where regional start-up entrepreneurs share their stories in the form of presentations and case studies with MBA Studies as part of their… Show more Teach graduate MBA level courses in the areas of strategic business management, global marketing strategy, operational management, financial management, corporate technology innovation, entrepreneurship and venture financing of start-up and early stage companies. Partner with National University School of Business MBA program to implementation a program where regional start-up entrepreneurs share their stories in the form of presentations and case studies with MBA Studies as part of their Capstone Course. In this course graduating students engage with the entrepreneurs to perform in depth competitive and customer satisfaction analysis, with the assistance of market research from the National University Institute on Economic Policy, to present recommendations for improvements. Show less Teach graduate MBA level courses in the areas of strategic business management, global marketing strategy, operational management, financial management, corporate technology innovation, entrepreneurship and venture financing of start-up and early stage companies. Partner with National University School of Business MBA program to implementation a program where regional start-up entrepreneurs share their stories in the form of presentations and case studies with MBA Studies as part of their… Show more Teach graduate MBA level courses in the areas of strategic business management, global marketing strategy, operational management, financial management, corporate technology innovation, entrepreneurship and venture financing of start-up and early stage companies. Partner with National University School of Business MBA program to implementation a program where regional start-up entrepreneurs share their stories in the form of presentations and case studies with MBA Studies as part of their Capstone Course. In this course graduating students engage with the entrepreneurs to perform in depth competitive and customer satisfaction analysis, with the assistance of market research from the National University Institute on Economic Policy, to present recommendations for improvements. Show less

  • REEL Qualified
    • Greater San Diego Area
    • Co-Founder, CEO and Chief Revenue Officer
      • Jan 2013 - Aug 2015

      Direct all facets of this start-up company that developed and launched an automated lead gen application integrated into Salesforce CRM platform to use to video/media content and analytics to increase quality of sales leads. Oversee corporate development, business development, staffing, marketing, operations, and client support. * Secured key clients including Salesforce.com, San Diego State University, TriNet, EveryoneCounts.com, Proxim Wireless, ITinvolve, Cabinetronix, and Educated… Show more Direct all facets of this start-up company that developed and launched an automated lead gen application integrated into Salesforce CRM platform to use to video/media content and analytics to increase quality of sales leads. Oversee corporate development, business development, staffing, marketing, operations, and client support. * Secured key clients including Salesforce.com, San Diego State University, TriNet, EveryoneCounts.com, Proxim Wireless, ITinvolve, Cabinetronix, and Educated Investor. * Achieved 100% client conversion rates, by developing/aligning content marketing with client’s sales cycle. * Fueled 25%+ improvement in lead conversion rates. *Assisted a company founder with launching an initial division FundAthena. The purpose of the division was to leverage SEC RegA+ Marketplace for Funding Growth in Businesses Led by Women or Gender Diverse Management Teams. Launched brand, secured first investors and customers, and built highly effective team. Show less Direct all facets of this start-up company that developed and launched an automated lead gen application integrated into Salesforce CRM platform to use to video/media content and analytics to increase quality of sales leads. Oversee corporate development, business development, staffing, marketing, operations, and client support. * Secured key clients including Salesforce.com, San Diego State University, TriNet, EveryoneCounts.com, Proxim Wireless, ITinvolve, Cabinetronix, and Educated… Show more Direct all facets of this start-up company that developed and launched an automated lead gen application integrated into Salesforce CRM platform to use to video/media content and analytics to increase quality of sales leads. Oversee corporate development, business development, staffing, marketing, operations, and client support. * Secured key clients including Salesforce.com, San Diego State University, TriNet, EveryoneCounts.com, Proxim Wireless, ITinvolve, Cabinetronix, and Educated Investor. * Achieved 100% client conversion rates, by developing/aligning content marketing with client’s sales cycle. * Fueled 25%+ improvement in lead conversion rates. *Assisted a company founder with launching an initial division FundAthena. The purpose of the division was to leverage SEC RegA+ Marketplace for Funding Growth in Businesses Led by Women or Gender Diverse Management Teams. Launched brand, secured first investors and customers, and built highly effective team. Show less

    • United States
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Adjunct Professor
      • Jan 2006 - Apr 2015

      Facilitate and teach graduate and undergraduate level courses in the areas of strategic business management, global marketing strategy, operational management, financial management, corporate technology innovation and personal finance strategies. Facilitate and teach graduate and undergraduate level courses in the areas of strategic business management, global marketing strategy, operational management, financial management, corporate technology innovation and personal finance strategies.

    • United States
    • Software Development
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Founder, CEO and Chief Revenue Officer
      • Jan 2008 - Feb 2014

      Established and launched provider of online and mobile-based, integrated ecommerce sales and customer support platform and services for consumer products manufacturers/retailers. Built and led team of 55 FTEs. * Developed a multi-language, multi-channel platform distributing 5000+ short, engaging 1 to 3 minute videos to provide 360 degree product experience that accelerated new and follow-on sales. * Sold products to over 5 million consumers on four continents, in US, Mexico, Brazil, and… Show more Established and launched provider of online and mobile-based, integrated ecommerce sales and customer support platform and services for consumer products manufacturers/retailers. Built and led team of 55 FTEs. * Developed a multi-language, multi-channel platform distributing 5000+ short, engaging 1 to 3 minute videos to provide 360 degree product experience that accelerated new and follow-on sales. * Sold products to over 5 million consumers on four continents, in US, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada as well as 30 other countries, and to 26 different languages. * Raised $9M in equity and debt financing by presenting business plan that included development of unique mobile and online video-centric product experience platform. * Generated 200% annual growth rate for three consecutive years. * Forged partnerships with Top 100 retailers, including Best Buy, Costco, Wal-Mart, Staples, Amazon, and ToyRUs; * Closed contracts with leading manufacturers in consumer electronics, juvenile, and lawn & garden categories, including Fortune 1000 companies such as Sony, Panasonic, Step2, Qualcomm, and John Deere. * Partnered with Panasonic Japan to develop new product version for integration into Panasonic’s internet-connected IP TV. * Filed three patents and two trademarks by creating and implementing IP strategy that fostered innovation and protected company’s technology and intellectual property. * Sourced, structured, and negotiated sale of company to bay area business. Remained after transaction to assist in transition to new ownership. * ShowUhow is now operates as a brand of Sellpoints.com . Show less Established and launched provider of online and mobile-based, integrated ecommerce sales and customer support platform and services for consumer products manufacturers/retailers. Built and led team of 55 FTEs. * Developed a multi-language, multi-channel platform distributing 5000+ short, engaging 1 to 3 minute videos to provide 360 degree product experience that accelerated new and follow-on sales. * Sold products to over 5 million consumers on four continents, in US, Mexico, Brazil, and… Show more Established and launched provider of online and mobile-based, integrated ecommerce sales and customer support platform and services for consumer products manufacturers/retailers. Built and led team of 55 FTEs. * Developed a multi-language, multi-channel platform distributing 5000+ short, engaging 1 to 3 minute videos to provide 360 degree product experience that accelerated new and follow-on sales. * Sold products to over 5 million consumers on four continents, in US, Mexico, Brazil, and Canada as well as 30 other countries, and to 26 different languages. * Raised $9M in equity and debt financing by presenting business plan that included development of unique mobile and online video-centric product experience platform. * Generated 200% annual growth rate for three consecutive years. * Forged partnerships with Top 100 retailers, including Best Buy, Costco, Wal-Mart, Staples, Amazon, and ToyRUs; * Closed contracts with leading manufacturers in consumer electronics, juvenile, and lawn & garden categories, including Fortune 1000 companies such as Sony, Panasonic, Step2, Qualcomm, and John Deere. * Partnered with Panasonic Japan to develop new product version for integration into Panasonic’s internet-connected IP TV. * Filed three patents and two trademarks by creating and implementing IP strategy that fostered innovation and protected company’s technology and intellectual property. * Sourced, structured, and negotiated sale of company to bay area business. Remained after transaction to assist in transition to new ownership. * ShowUhow is now operates as a brand of Sellpoints.com . Show less

  • Drivecam, Inc.
    • Greater San Diego Area
    • General Manager and VP of Services and Utilities Sector
      • Nov 2006 - Jan 2008

      Drove post-acquisition account installations by managing business unit’s sales, implementation, and account management operations for mid-market clients with fleets of more than 10K vehicles. Developed and managed new/existing client accounts with PEPCO, PECO Utilities, Mactec, AGL Resources, ConEd, Exelon, Time Warner, Service Master, and Truly Nolen. Built and led service delivery team of six cross-functional professionals. Tripled business by acquiring four new utility clients and doubled… Show more Drove post-acquisition account installations by managing business unit’s sales, implementation, and account management operations for mid-market clients with fleets of more than 10K vehicles. Developed and managed new/existing client accounts with PEPCO, PECO Utilities, Mactec, AGL Resources, ConEd, Exelon, Time Warner, Service Master, and Truly Nolen. Built and led service delivery team of six cross-functional professionals. Tripled business by acquiring four new utility clients and doubled existing business with Time Warner and Service Master from coverage of 1K to 2K vehicles. Played key role in differentiating company from key competitors and driving referral/repeat business by supporting go-to-market launch of cellular wireless network product. Identified target customers, participated in implementation, and obtained several case studies that further drove customer acquisition. Show less Drove post-acquisition account installations by managing business unit’s sales, implementation, and account management operations for mid-market clients with fleets of more than 10K vehicles. Developed and managed new/existing client accounts with PEPCO, PECO Utilities, Mactec, AGL Resources, ConEd, Exelon, Time Warner, Service Master, and Truly Nolen. Built and led service delivery team of six cross-functional professionals. Tripled business by acquiring four new utility clients and doubled… Show more Drove post-acquisition account installations by managing business unit’s sales, implementation, and account management operations for mid-market clients with fleets of more than 10K vehicles. Developed and managed new/existing client accounts with PEPCO, PECO Utilities, Mactec, AGL Resources, ConEd, Exelon, Time Warner, Service Master, and Truly Nolen. Built and led service delivery team of six cross-functional professionals. Tripled business by acquiring four new utility clients and doubled existing business with Time Warner and Service Master from coverage of 1K to 2K vehicles. Played key role in differentiating company from key competitors and driving referral/repeat business by supporting go-to-market launch of cellular wireless network product. Identified target customers, participated in implementation, and obtained several case studies that further drove customer acquisition. Show less

    • Principal
      • Jan 2002 - Oct 2007

      Provide consulting services and advisory support to tech companies with business development, product marketing and client development strategy to accelerate growth and obtain venture financing. Perform executive management engagements for and PenChecks, VP Business Development (2002 - 2005) and Discovery Bank VP Business Development (2005-2006). Provide consulting services and advisory support to tech companies with business development, product marketing and client development strategy to accelerate growth and obtain venture financing. Perform executive management engagements for and PenChecks, VP Business Development (2002 - 2005) and Discovery Bank VP Business Development (2005-2006).

    • CEO, Founder
      • 1996 - 2001

      Founded leading provider of the first video-on-demand certified continuing education and e-learning platform used by the top 100 national, medical professional societies and trade associations. We helped top organizations educate their physicians about best practices with performing a variety of intricate elective medical procedures i.e; Lasik eye and gastronomic bypass surgeries. Founded leading provider of the first video-on-demand certified continuing education and e-learning platform used by the top 100 national, medical professional societies and trade associations. We helped top organizations educate their physicians about best practices with performing a variety of intricate elective medical procedures i.e; Lasik eye and gastronomic bypass surgeries.

    • Director, Business Services & New Venture Program Management
      • Jan 1994 - Dec 1996

    • Senior Law Firm Administrator, Finance and Technology Management
      • Jul 1990 - May 1993

Education

  • Pepperdine University
    MBA
  • San Diego State University
    BSIS, Major IDS Minor coursework Economics

Community

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