If one word encapsulates Stacy‘s career experience, it’s growth — whether she was growing a tiny house community to be profitable, winning large state government contracts, building a following for an app, or mentoring people in their careers. For the last three years, she’s been highly focused on growth as it pertains to apps, using marketing and engagement. For her own growth, she took a break in her career for an executive MBA from Johns Hopkins University.
In your own words, what’s your role in the app business right now?
I lead marketing, retention, and organic growth for Besitos. We’re highly focused on two products: KashKick (a rewards platform) and Besitos Marketplace (our white-labeled rewards platform).
How did you end up working in apps? / get started?
After a long stretch in healthcare technology, a colleague asked me to come run marketing for a healthcare app. I had some experience with B2C marketing, but not at that scale. There’s nothing I love more than a learning opportunity, so I dove in with both feet.
What are you most excited about in apps right now?
I’m excited about using AI agents and machine learning to help us deliver the right message to the right person at the right time. I believe that this will allow app marketers to hyper-personalize engagement.
Is there anyone who has influenced your journey in the app industry?
Absolutely, I would say Peggy Ann Salz, an outstanding journalist highly focused on the app space. I’ve learned so much from following her content and listening to her in-depth interviews. Second, I really look up to Randy Malluk, one of the best managers I’ve ever worked with over my lengthy career.
What’s in your app tech stack?
AppsFlyer, AppTweak, CleverTap, Aampe.
What do you like most about working in apps?
I love how quickly we can iterate on an app to make changes, both incremental and significant. I’ve been around long enough to remember getting software delivered through the mail on floppy disks. There’s something magical about downloading the latest version of an app in minutes on a computer in the palm of my hand.
What one thing would you change about the app industry/market? Where do you think there’s an opportunity for apps / or unmet needs?
A LinkedIn-like application to help those in the app industry connect more easily.
If you weren’t working in apps what would you be doing?
Product management is my second love — such a great combination of project management and innovation.
iOS or Android?
Android.
What app(s) have been most useful to you over the last year?
Slack, RV Trip Wizard, YNAB.
What’s on your Spotify / Music party playlist?
Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift.
Any Netflix/ TV show recommendations?
Anything by Taylor Sheridan.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
My husband and I have been digital nomads for the last two years, living in an RV and exploring the US. We’d love to live overseas in the next few years.
Do you know someone driving change and growth in the app industry? Nominate an app leader here.
