Many people have contributed to the idea of community, but one person in particular who has left a large footprint is Kevin Urie.
Since January, the Seattle social media community has been booming—Social Media Club Seattle events have been selling out with 200 people in attendance, tweetups are occurring on a weekly basis, and more and more new faces are finding the value in this whole “social media thing.” It’s an exciting time to be in this space. So, what happened in January? Social Media Club Seattle had it’s very first event. And without our next profiled member, the community here in Seattle probably wouldn’t be what it is today: active, vibrant, and growing.
You see, Kevin is the President of SMC Seattle; without him, the social media scene here in Seattle probably wouldn’t be what it is today. In fact, Kevin is so well respected in this scene that even Mashable took notice of him when they wrote their article, “Social Media Hub: Seattle.” In it, Ben Parr writes of Kevin:
If Veronica Wei Sopher is at the heart of Seattle’s social media scene, then Kevin Urie [@KevinUrie] is definitely one of its leaders. Not only did he help bring Social Media Club back to Seattle, but he is constantly drumming up grassroots support for social media in Seattle.
I for one, couldn’t agree more. Please get to know Kevin. In fact, go say “Hi” to him on Thursday at SMC Seattle’s July event!
NOTE: This is NOT the “Kevin Urie” we’re talking about: KevinUrie.com. Although maybe Kevin should grow a Magnum P.I. ’stache? 
The Basics:
1. What is your name?
Kevin Urie
2. E-mail?
kevin at changeitmarketing dot com
3. What is your occupation/company?
Digital Evangelist (weird title, but it describes what I do well) at Destination Marketing.
4. What is the best part of your job?
Talking with companies about things I am truly passionate about. There is nothing better than seeing an idea that I believe in implemented and then lead to great results.
5. Originally from? When and how did you end up in the Greater Seattle area?
Born and raised in Shoreline, Washington, then took a brief stint in Southern California for college, but had to return because I missed the amazing people in Seattle.
6. How can people find you on the web?
changeitmarketing.com (will start blogging again soon with revamped site I am working on); Twitter – @kevinurie; FB – www.facebook.com/kevinurie; and Destmark.com.
Social Media:
7. What is it about social media that attracts you?
The radical departure it takes from traditional marketing. It truly levels a playing field more than any other medium.
It allows anyone with good ideas to get their ideas heard and the best companies, large or small, to really rise to the top, not just the ones with the largest ad budgets necessarily.
I also like how fast it is changing and how much there is to learn about it. Anything that changes on a consistent basis for me is fun because it keeps me entertained and means I learn something new every day.
8. How do you utilize social media?
I use it to learn. I love to constantly be learning and challenged and that is what I get every day from my connections in the social media space.
9. What is one thing that mainstream population should know about social media?
To give it time and to not be intimidated. It might take a little while to find your voice and find a place you feel you belong, but you will, and when you do, it will change you.
10. If people follow you on Twitter, what can they expect?
Bad spelling, bad grammar, and hopefully some good info. I try to use Twitter to learn from others, share with others, and to give people a little sense of who I really am and what I think.
11. How would you describe the social media scene in Seattle?
Educational. Some of the greatest people I know I have meet in the social media scene in Seattle. We have the most compassionate and caring city in the world and everyone is here to help you any way they can.
12. Do you remember your social media “wow” moment?
The first SMC Seattle event where we had close to 200 people show up. I was thinking we would have around 60 max. All we used was social media to promote it.
13. What is one piece of advice you give to new users of social media?
Try to add value to the community in some way and never be shy to disagree with someone or something you heard.
14. Are you currently working on any projects that involve the use of social media?
I am currently working with a few clients to help them implement their social media programs. I try to get them to believe in it and then implement it. If they don’t believe in it or if the person in charge of it at the company is not passionate about social media or the company they work for, the social media program will not succeed.
15. Are there any social media events or conferences in the future you would like to let people know about? Social Media Club Seattle of course….. There you will find great people and I hope you will make some great connections that may lead to future businesses or lifelong friendships. I have seen it happen already and I know I will again.
More info at smcseattle.com.
Just For Fun:
16. What are your hobbies?
Family time with wife and two girls, time with my computer, golf, and smoking cigars. I try to make it to as many Lynnwood Cigar Club events as possible. Nothing better than a good beer and a good cigar.
17. Favorite vacation spot? Hawaii Thing to do there?
I like to bodyboard, but it has been a few years; don’t know if my body could keep up now. Don’t get there much now, mostly I spend time in Chelan and in Palm Desert these days.
18. Favorite restaurant in Seattle?
The Met.
19. Favorite things to do in Seattle in the summer?
Seattle Father’s Day Beer Festival.
20. Favorite quote?
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
21. Guilty pleasure?
Cigars.
22. Favorite actor/actress?
Jason Statham. Think I am one of the few people who actually enjoyed the movie Crank.
23. I really like it when…
I am in “go” mode and am getting a lot of things done.
24. One day I would love to…
See Seattle known as the social media headquarters.
25. If I could meet anyone, alive or dead, I would want to meet…
I’ll pick both. Dead, it would be Da Vinci; alive, it would be John Chambers, CEO of Cisco.
26. What would you like everyone to know about you?
If you need my help, please ask! I will help in anyway I can. Sometimes I just suck at finding ways to help. I’m working on it.
Kevin Urie Links
- Kevin Urie’s ChangeItMarketing! Blog
- Kevin Urie on Twitter
- Kevin Urie on LinkedIn
- Kevin Urie on Facebook
- Kevin Urie on Google Profiles
- Kevin Urie on MySpace
VIDEO: Kevin Urie, Veronica Sopher, & SMC Seattle
VIDEO: Kevin Urie – How Social Media Will Change in 2009
VIDEO: Kevin Urie Talks Social Media Club Seattle
