Say hello to Don Son. This is his second year on the Ad2 board. Last year he held down the government relations chair, but looking for a challenge he recently joined up with the membership committee.

Originally from South Lake Tahoe, he moved down to San Diego a few years ago to get involved in the booming SD interactive community. His background his pure geek, but his heart is in advertising. Specializing in internet advertising technology he has worked in multiple start-up environments and with the help of some Ad2 connections he was recently able to go full time entrepreneur. His San Diego web development shop, theUpCollective, was founded in late 2009 and is growing swiftly.

When asked why he joined Ad2, this is what he had to say “I’m not a natural networker, so I joined AD2 to force myself to work on my social business skills. It’s a non-intimidating environment and I’ve found it very easy to meet people in my industry. Over the past year I have made some good business connections and as cheezy as it sounds, I’ve made some even better friends.”

1. How long have you been an Ad 2 member?

A little over a year.

2. Did you do anything fun or interesting this summer?

If so, what? I recently started my own web development company, theUpCollective, so my summer was mostly consumed with working my tail off. I did get out of the office once, just long enough to hit up a party at the Playboy Mansion. When you get an invite to the mansion, you better step away from that keyboard.

3. Why did you join Ad 2?

Why did you decide to transfer your Ad2 membership? I’m not a natural at networker, so I joined AD2 to force myself to work on my social business skills. It’s a non-intimidating environment and I’ve found it very easy to meet people in my industry. Over the past year I have made some good business connections and as cheezy as it sounds, I’ve made some even better friends.

4. Why did you get involved with the board?

A couple reasons; cool people, it sounds good on my linkedin profile, there’s free food and it get’s me out of the office/house… oh yeah, and I got conned into it.

5. What’s the best thing about Ad 2?

The best part of Ad2 is being able to work with some awesome people outside of a work environment, while not getting too geeky. Throughout the past year I’ve been able to drum up a few contracts and get involved with projects that in my day to day life I otherwise wouldn’t.

Related posts:

1. Call for 2010-2011 Ad 2 SD Board Member Candidates
2. Ad 2 SD Board Member Spotlight – February 2010
3. December Board Member Spotlight – Stephanie Lyndon
4. August Board Member Spotlight – Andrew Mera
5. July Board Member Spotlight – Mike Maginnis: MJD Interactive