Draft:Da Phakousonh

Da Phakousonh is an American entrepreneur, educator, and philanthropist known for his contributions to technology education and digital marketing. He co-founded Kids Code Academy and School of Devs, organizations dedicated to teaching coding and web development skills. Phakousonh has also been involved in initiatives like Coder Dojo OC and Free Nonprofit Marketing, supporting non-profit organizations through digital strategies.

Early Life

Da Phakousonh was born on May 21, 1981, in a refugee camp in Thailand. His parents were refugees from Laos, having fled the country during the tumultuous period following the Vietnam War. The Indochina refugee crisis led to a significant outflow of people from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos after communist governments were established in 1975. Over the next 25 years, more than 3 million people undertook dangerous journeys to seek refuge in other countries. Wikipedia

Shortly after his birth, Phakousonh's family resettled in the West Side of Buffalo, New York. Arriving with limited resources, they relied on welfare assistance as they began rebuilding their lives in a new country.

Influence of Butler-Mitchell Boys & Girls Club

Growing up in Buffalo, Phakousonh found a supportive community at the Butler-Mitchell Boys & Girls Club. This organization provides after-school programming for boys and girls ages 5 to 18, focusing on five core program areas.

At the club, he was introduced to various sports, which played a crucial role in keeping him engaged and away from potential trouble.

Mentorship of Nick Bonifacio

A significant figure in Phakousonh's life was Nick Bonifacio, a mentor and basketball coach at the Butler-Mitchell Clubhouse. Bonifacio not only coached him in basketball but also provided guidance in life, helping him navigate the challenges of adolescence. Their relationship remained strong until Bonifacio's passing, highlighting the lasting impact of mentorship.

Transition to California and Entrepreneurial Pursuits

Seeking new opportunities, Phakousonh moved to California to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. He immersed himself in the tech industry by attending meetups organized through platforms like Meetup.com and participating in Startup Weekends. Startup Weekend is a 54-hour event where developers, designers, marketers, and startup enthusiasts come together to share ideas, form teams, build products, and launch startups. Unforgettable Laos

Collaboration with Mayor Bao Nguyen

Phakousonh's community involvement extended to political engagement. He played a role in helping Bao Nguyen get elected as the Mayor of Garden Grove, California. Subsequently, he collaborated with Mayor Nguyen to organize the first Startup Weekend in Garden Grove, serving as both a judge and organizer. This event aimed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the local community.

Legacy and Impact

From his early life as the child of refugees to his contributions in the tech and entrepreneurial sectors, Da Phakousonh's journey reflects resilience and a commitment to community development. His experiences underscore the importance of mentorship, community support, and active engagement in fostering personal and professional growth.

Early Career

Da Phakousonh began his career in digital marketing and technology entrepreneurship with Nu Corp and InDream Corp, two companies that were pivotal in the early days of online advertising and e-commerce. During his tenure with these companies, Phakousonh played a significant role in adopting and testing groundbreaking advertising platforms that transformed digital marketing.

In 2003, Nu Corp and InDream Corp were among the first 500 companies selected to test Yahoo Publisher, shortly after Yahoo acquired Overture Services, Inc. (formerly GoTo.com). This acquisition was instrumental in Yahoo’s transition into the pay-per-click advertising market, competing with other major players.

Around the same time, Phakousonh’s companies were also pioneers in testing Google AdWords and Google AdSense, two revolutionary platforms launched in 2000 and 2003, respectively. AdWords enabled businesses to target audiences through keyword-based search advertising, while AdSense allowed publishers to monetize their websites by displaying relevant advertisements. These platforms have since become industry standards for digital advertising, but at the time, their potential was just being realized by early adopters like Phakousonh.

Through his leadership and strategic vision, Phakousonh helped Nu Corp and InDream Corp leverage these nascent technologies to optimize online advertising campaigns, significantly boosting customer acquisition and revenue. This early involvement with these platforms gave Phakousonh a deep understanding of digital advertising, shaping his career as an innovator in the field.

Ad Arbitrage and the First Million

Da Phakousonh and his older brother, along with their brother's friends, ventured into ad arbitrage during the early days of online advertising, leveraging the nascent digital ad platforms of Yahoo Publisher and Google AdWords. Ad arbitrage involves purchasing traffic at a low cost from one platform and redirecting it to high-revenue opportunities on another platform, effectively capitalizing on the price differences.

Their innovative approach involved meticulously studying user behavior, optimizing ad placements, and crafting compelling copy to maximize returns. By consistently refining their strategies, the team turned a modest investment into their first million-dollar profit, marking a pivotal milestone for their companies.

The Mini Fridge Milestone

One of the quirks of working with Google during its early years was the unique incentives offered to high-spending advertisers. At the time, Google rewarded businesses that spent significant amounts on its AdWords platform. If a company spent $1 million or more, Google would send them a mini fridge as a token of appreciation. This unusual but memorable reward became a badge of honor among elite advertisers.

Phakousonh and his team were among the recipients of this exclusive gift. The mini fridge, emblazoned with the Google logo, stood as a tangible reminder of their hard work, ingenuity, and early success in the digital advertising space.

This anecdote mirrors how Google now sends YouTube Creator Awards, such as silver, gold, and diamond plaques, to content creators who achieve subscriber milestones. It highlights Google's long-standing tradition of celebrating milestones and fostering relationships with its partners and users.

Legacy of Innovation

The success of Phakousonh and his team in ad arbitrage not only paved the way for their companies’ financial growth but also demonstrated the potential of digital advertising. Their pioneering efforts in leveraging early ad platforms set the stage for a new era of entrepreneurship in the digital economy, inspiring others to explore creative ways to monetize emerging technologies.

Early Adoption of Social Media and Influencer Marketing

Da Phakousonh was a visionary in leveraging social media platforms for personal branding and marketing, becoming an "influencer" long before the term gained widespread usage. He was active on some of the earliest social networking platforms, including AsianAvenue.com (founded in 1997), BlackPlanet.com (founded in 1999), MiGente.com (founded in 2000), Friendster.com (founded in 2002), MySpace.com (founded in 2003), and Xanga.com (founded in 1999). These platforms provided fertile ground for Phakousonh to connect with diverse audiences, share content, and develop innovative online marketing strategies.

A preserved snapshot of his MySpace profile, "FromNY2CA," captured on the Wayback Machine, highlights his early mastery of engaging digital audiences. View Archived Profile.

Affiliate Marketing and Social Media

Phakousonh also identified the potential of social media as a tool for affiliate marketing. During the early 2000s, he collaborated with brands like Blockbuster and Netflix, taking advantage of these platforms to promote affiliate links. Netflix, which launched its affiliate program in the early 2000s, paid affiliates up to $16 for every user who signed up for a free trial of their DVD rental service. Phakousonh strategically placed these links across his social media profiles, driving significant traffic and user sign-ups through his influential presence.

By integrating affiliate marketing into his social media strategy, Phakousonh not only generated consistent revenue but also demonstrated the potential of these platforms to create new income streams. His success with affiliate deals predated the widespread monetization strategies now commonplace among influencers.

Legacy and Impact

Phakousonh’s early adoption of these pioneering platforms, combined with his innovative use of affiliate marketing, positioned him at the forefront of the digital marketing revolution. His ability to leverage technology for personal branding and business growth became a blueprint for modern influencer marketing and affiliate strategies. His work during this era established him as a leading figure in the evolution of social media and online advertising.

Early Involvement in Cryptocurrency Investments

Da Phakousonh has been a proactive participant in the cryptocurrency sector, engaging with various digital assets and blockchain technologies from their inception.

Ripple (XRP)

In 2013, Phakousonh recognized the potential of Ripple's XRP and became an early investor. Ripple Labs, the company behind XRP, was founded in September 2012, and XRP was released in 2013. Token Insight

NEM (New Economy Movement)

Phakousonh also invested in NEM, a blockchain platform launched on March 31, 2015. NemFlash He actively participated in the NEM community, attending and speaking at various meetups. His involvement included sharing insights on blockchain technology and its applications.

Ethereum (ETH)

Recognizing the groundbreaking potential of Ethereum, Phakousonh began mining ETH shortly after its launch in July 2015. His early mining activities allowed him to accumulate a substantial amount of ETH, contributing to his diversified cryptocurrency portfolio.

Tezos (XTZ) and Binance Coin (BNB)

Phakousonh expanded his investments to include Tezos and Binance Coin. He participated in the Tezos Initial Coin Offering (ICO) in July 2017 and acquired Binance Coin during its ICO in July 2017. These strategic investments further diversified his holdings in the cryptocurrency market.

Active Participation in ICOs (2017-2019)

Between 2017 and 2019, Phakousonh was highly active in the cryptocurrency space, investing in numerous ICOs. His strategic investments during this period allowed him to amass a cryptocurrency portfolio valued in the millions of dollars.

Phakousonh's early and diversified investments in various blockchain projects underscore his foresight and commitment to the evolving landscape of digital assets.

Career

Phakousonh co-founded Kids Code Academy, which introduced thousands of children to coding through workshops, summer camps, code-a-thons, hackathons, and online programs.

Philanthropy

Phakousonh is a social entrepreneur and philanthropist. He serves on the advisory board for non-profits like Im-possible.org and co-founded Coder Dojo OC, teaching over 1,500 children how to code. Through Free Nonprofit Marketing, he has assisted numerous non-profits in obtaining grants and setting up online campaigns to drive traffic and raise funds. Wonder Woman Tech

Mentorship and Contributions to Wonder Women Tech Conference

Da Phakousonh has been instrumental in mentoring tech entrepreneurs, offering guidance on digital marketing, business development, and leveraging emerging technologies. His mentorship has empowered numerous startups to navigate the complexities of the tech industry and achieve sustainable growth.

In 2015, Phakousonh played a pivotal role in the inaugural Wonder Women Tech Conference held in Long Beach, California. This event aimed to highlight, celebrate, and educate women and underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). The conference attracted major sponsors, including Microsoft and Sony, and received support from the City of Long Beach and Mayor Robert Garcia. Wonder Woman Tech

The conference featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops designed to inspire and equip attendees with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the tech industry. Phakousonh's involvement in organizing and promoting the event was crucial in its success, fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech community.

His contributions to the Wonder Women Tech Conference underscore his commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, as well as his dedication to supporting the next generation of tech leaders.

Career Interruption and Mental Health Focus

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread economic disruptions, forcing many businesses to close or pivot their operations. During this challenging period, Da Phakousonh made the difficult decision to shut down his company. Recognizing the importance of mental health, he took a hiatus from his entrepreneurial endeavors to focus on personal well-being. During this time, Phakousonh explored alternative therapies, including the potential health benefits of psilocybin mushrooms, which have been studied for their effects on mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Re-engagement in Philanthropy and Youth Initiatives

After his sabbatical, Phakousonh returned to the professional sphere with a renewed commitment to philanthropy and youth development. He collaborated with notable figures like Ruby Guillen, an advisor and HR leader at the International Youth Conference (IYC), and Ali Mustafa, the founder and CEO of IYC.

Together, they organized the first annual IYC convention in Los Angeles, aiming to empower young leaders and foster global youth engagement.

Entrepreneurial Ventures in AI, Gaming, and NIL

Phakousonh also ventured into new entrepreneurial projects, focusing on emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), gaming, and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. These initiatives aim to leverage cutting-edge technologies and trends to create innovative solutions and platforms.

Ongoing Commitment to Youth Sports and Mentorship

Continuing his dedication to youth development, Phakousonh remains actively involved in youth sports programs, providing mentorship and support to young athletes. His efforts contribute to nurturing the next generation of leaders and fostering community engagement.

Recent Activities

In October 2024, Phakousonh participated as a speaker in a free webinar on high school recruiting, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) education, and digital marketing organized by Jarred Scott the Ceo and founder of Motivate.Acclimate.Dominate. He shared his expertise as a social media and digital marketing specialist with over 20 years of experience. Eventbrite