Dallas Chief Marketing Officer Looks To Cover Nation In Fake Blood
If you've ever watched a TV drama or an action movie, you've seen stage blood when an actor gets shot, stabbed or punched in the nose. Some stage blood recipes leave stains. Some are toxic. This was a problem and a business opportunity for local entrepreneur, Dan Vuksanovich.
Tell me about your education.
"I studied music at Tulane University for my bachelor's and Johns Hopkins University for my master's. I quickly realized after getting my master's that it would be hard to have a stable life as a musician. My early career ended up being in IT instead."
Why did you pursue a second master's degree?
"I was great with technology, but there were gaps in my understanding of business as a whole and I saw that as a barrier to my professional development, so I got my M.B.A. in 2010."
"In 2013 I found myself talking with the owners of Gravity & Momentum, a start-up with a unique recipe for stage blood, the only stage blood on the planet that is both non-toxic and non-staining. Actors don't have to worry because it's safe on the skin and in the mouth. Production professionals love it because it washes out of costumes and off of sets."
"My M.B.A. gave me the tools to see Gravity & Momentum as an incredible opportunity: A unique product with a proprietary recipe and a compelling value proposition for fight choreographers, stage managers, costume managers and special effects pros. I told the owners on the spot that I was in."
"At my first trade show, existing customers were literally dragging their friends over to our table to get product samples. That created a core piece of our marketing strategy, which is to get samples into the hands of prospective customers, because the rest pretty much takes care of itself."
What would you tell people who are considering pursuing a master's degree?
"I would say know why you want the degree and be realistic about the potential benefits versus the costs. Education costs are skyrocketing, so you've really got to do your homework before writing those checks or taking on debt."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com
