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Interview with Image Space Media CEO Jesse Chenard

Last week we interviewed Image Space Media co-founders Kevin Tung and Raymond Chan and posting Friday Photos that featured the ISM team hard at work preparing for SXSW Interactive. Have you enjoyed getting to know us better? Want to learn more about the ISM team? You're in luck! This week we have a very special interview with ISM CEO Jesse Chenard.

First off, tell us about yourself. What's your sign?

Cancer. My birthday is July 19. I don't really follow astrology enough to know whether or not I'm a typical Cancer. Maybe I am. I'm introverted. You know, affected by the moon.

Awesome. Can you tell us a little about your professional history?

I've spent the last 11 years working on internet stuff. Always start-ups. Every company I've ever worked at has been sold, except for my last one Tremor. Up until recently I've been more focused on streaming video and audio. Now it's advertising.

How did you meet Ray and Kevin?

At TechCrunch in San Fransisco. They were in the demo pit. Kevin grabbed me and said, "Hey, want to see something cool?" And I thought that his idea was pretty interesting - to use the image space to advertise.

At one point I asked him something like, "How will you guys integrate with 3rd-party ad systems like DoubleClick," and he looked at me and said, "What's DoubleClick?" So at that point I suggested that we grab coffee when we were both back in New York, because we were both from here. And then we got together.

Editor's Note: Kevin is now fully aware of what DoubleClick is.

You started off as their advisor and then joined formally as CEO. What made you decide to man the helm at Image Space Media?

So they were just figuring out what to focus on and where to take the technology and how to get things going. So I gave them advice about how to go about building an ad network. During the later stages, I helped them with the financial plan. It's been pretty good! We get along really well.

What are your expectations for the company?

We'll there's the standard - We want to make sure that investors get money back and make a handsome profit. And that everyone who's putting their hard work in sees something for that.

If you look at it in broader strokes, we're helping with this shift in media dollars from the traditional broadcast models or outdoor print to interactive and online. So I think the attention that's given the image space is going to be a huge component of that - providing that scale. We're going to be a big help in that process.

Also, of course, I'd like for everyone to have fun. If you're not working with good people, it's not worth it.

How does ISM compare with other companies you've worked for?

Sometimes it's less about the company itself. Usually it's about the timing. So, when you've just taken a first round of investment, there's this exuberance, everything you're doing is really interesting, and people love coming into work. There's no politics. It's fun to be at work and everyday accomplish something new.

Now that you've climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and accomplished this awesome feat, what other childhood goals do you hope to fulfill?

Most of the childhood goals are done. So now it's time to make a new list! I think I want to keep climbing stuff. Maybe the Seven Summits. Everest is kind of the big sketchy one, but everything is kind of of achievable... So maybe I'll get to the Six Summits and the Everest base camp. Besides that, I'm interested in maintaining good physical fitness. Going on a good adventure every year.

What was the highlight of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

Getting to the top.

Editor's Note: Perhaps that was an obvious question.

Unfortunately it was cloudy at the top so we couldn't really see much. I could see the sign, though. That's what really counts. The whole day I was laser-focused. Like, "I'm going... to see... the sign."

What type of camera did you take with you on Mount Kilimanjaro?

I had the Canon PowerShot D10. It's waterproof, weatherproof, everything-proof . Which was a good idea, it turned out, because I dropped it right on the lens at one point. I also brought three replacement batteries, which also ended up being a good idea.

Rumor has it that once the weather warms up to 45 degrees... you'll be wearing shorts everyday to work. Can you confirm or deny this?

No, not 45 degrees. That's too hot. As soon as it's sunny all the time, you'll see me in shorts.

Editor's Note: Jesse is Canadian, which explains everything.

We asked Kevin and Ray this question so we have to ask you, too. Favorite New York restaurant?

Wogie's cheesesteaks. Definitely.

What about your favorite images or photographers?

I usually don't have favorite photographers, but every trip I go on I'll usually take a few photos that become my favorites. So I guess I'm my favorite photographer? Or my wife, taking pictures of our kids.

Editor's Note: Awwwww.

Thank you, Jesse, for chatting with us! Keep checking back here for more insider scoops about Image Space Media... especially as we prepare for SXSW Interactive!