David Kieran is Managing Director of the award winning marketing agency ZOMA, the company behind munchd, the new online food ordering platform that is set to shake up the food industry with the lowest commission and transaction rate model available. munchd empowers local restaurants and takeaways to maximise their profits, and ultimately offer more competitive prices to their customers.
What was your first job?
Does working with your dad on the farm all through childhood and teens count as a first job? I certainly saw it as hard work!
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
I always wanted to be an entrepreneur and saw a gap in the digital marketing sector after returning from Vancouver to Ireland in 2016.
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Building a unique company and culture in ZOMA, where people love to work and be creative.
Career wise, would you do anything differently?
Honestly, no. We’ve had such an amazing journey to date, there is very little I would look back on with heavy regret. If anything I wish we had developed ZOMA quicker, rather than wait until late 2020.
In one sentence, how would you define success?
For us, we have one vision we always refer to, that being: as our clients grow, we grow. Our clients’ success goes in tandem with our success.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Always remember people buy from people.
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
Our unique active culture at ZOMA creates an environment of competition, drive and comradery among our team. We always refer to ourselves as a team, all working together to create something special, with shared recognition.
How do you handle adversity?
This also feeds into our team culture. A team naturally creates a support network to encourage teamwork and cooperation in challenging situations.
How do you relax?
Sport and physical activity are my release. I love playing GAA and taking part in group training sessions. Nothing beats working together for a common goal!
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?
For ZOMA, we want to continue to grow and develop our agency in Ireland, NI and the UK. In just two years we have quadrupled in size so would like to continue this growth trajectory. For our munchd product, we want to disrupt and revolutionise the hospitality industry in Ireland, the UK and further afield, by reducing the extortionate fees businesses currently are subject to through other online ordering platforms.
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