Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Scott Janney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Scott, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
Thanks for having me. Of course! So, I started Magazine Jukebox, Inc. with my wife, Lauren. Lauren and I thought of the idea one night in our kitchen. In 2020, we had planned to open a coffee shop with a huge magazine wall. But then COVID hit, and magazines were discontinued in commercial spaces. We wondered why magazines weren’t readily available in a digital format without having to download an app. This led to a lot of research, dedication, and development of what eventually became Magazine Jukebox.
We knew this would be a worthwhile endeavor because we were filling a gap in this market and our product had a lot of features that set it apart from existing products. Our platform is eco-friendly, helps stop the spread of germs (which was a huge selling point during the pandemic), and doesn’t require an app or download (unlike many other services out there). Publishers join our platform, businesses provide our platform in their locations, and customers read digital magazines simply by scanning a QR code.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Yes, of course. I got into this industry thanks to my entrepreneurial spirit. I have 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the construction, pest control, insurance, and financial industries. It was natural to continue down this entrepreneurial path when I decided to start Magazine Jukebox.
It took a lot of hard work to get to where I am today with Magazine Jukebox. Magazine Jukebox is currently available in thousands of business locations around the world. It’s a service available in businesses such as hotels, hospitals, car dealerships, salons, or anywhere else with stationary customers. We work with publishers and commercial partners to bring magazines to customers.
We’ve gotten to where we are today thanks to some things that set us apart from our competitors. I think what really sets us apart from others is the ease of access. Most other products out there today require an app or download to access digital magazines. With our product, customers simply have to scan a QR code to access digital magazines. Each business has a unique QR code that is geo-fenced for their location. Customers can access the platform for 36 hours after scanning.
Another thing that sets us apart is that we offer our commercial partners the opportunity to advertise on our platform. Businesses can promote the unique products and services they provide. Our ads can even help businesses pay for the cost of our service. We’re are increasing the “data-tizing” aspect of our company – utilizing data and advertising to help businesses increase their customer base and revenue.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
In the beginning, it was hard work to make this idea become a reality. I leaned a lot on my local network, working with organizations such as 757 Startup Studios to gain my footing in the startup sphere in Norfolk, VA. I spent countless hours emailing publishers to try to build up our platform. I was able to get publishers such as Hearst and Dotdash Meredith on board so we could offer popular magazines such as People, Car & Driver, Southern Living, and Good Housekeeping.
Then, we worked on forming partnerships. We partnered with a lot of small, local businesses in the beginning. We built up our reputation when larger businesses such as Baptist Health South Florida signed on to work with us. We also gained the support of Virginia Governor, Glenn Youngkin, after choosing to invest and expand in the city of Norfolk. This increased our visibility and recognition. Since then, we’ve also won Top to Watch by the Hampton Roads Chamber and have been voted on the Tech Tribune’s List of Best Tech Startups in Norfolk.
Magazine Jukebox is currently available in 4000+ locations in the U.S., Canada, and the Philippines. We have 36 publications offered on our platform at this time. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!
How’d you meet your business partner?
My Co-Founder is my wife, Lauren. We met around 2010. We then got married in 2013 and started our first business together that same year. We haven’t looked back.
I know this is an unusual situation, but for us, it works. We love working together and we do it well. Before Magazine Jukebox, we owned a few insurance agencies together. At MJB I’m the CEO and Lauren is the CPO.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.magazinejukebox.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magazinejukebox/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Magazinejukebox/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/magazinejukebox/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Magazine_Jbox
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@magazinejukebox
- Other: https://biztainmentweekly.com