We Have a Checkered Past
Checkered flags of sweet victory that is!
Our Story
We will never lose sight of why we started Hownd, how we got where we are today and, who we serve… you, our beloved local merchants.
We know that running a local business is and will continue to be hard. The competition for your time, attention and investment will never go away.
But there are some things about running a local business — especially family entertainment centers, health and beauty businesses, and restaurants — that can and should be easier. Building healthy long-lasting relationship with nearby consumers is one of them.
Everyone here at Hownd is fiercely loyal to our mission of helping local business owners. That’s why we created Hownd.
Our Mission
We handle the hard work, using smart marketing strategies to build your business. Partnering with you, we focus on growing your customer base, boosting sales, and turning visitors into loyal repeat customers.
Our Vision
Our vision is to redefine business growth by being the go-to partner for smart, hassle-free marketing solutions that drive success and innovation.
Our Brand Promise
To Employees
You are, and will always be, the most important part of our organization. We will always strive to do the right thing at all costs. You’ll be treated with respect, recognized for your contributions, and have a direct impact on local businesses and communities around the world. Hownd is, and always will be, devoted to your success.
To Merchants
We will strive to be the best friend your business has ever had. We’ll be in the trenches and fight by your side to see your dream of business ownership be as full and rewarding as possible. We’ll build, strengthen, and continue to improve our solutions by leveraging your partnership and feedback. We will work diligently to create good problems for your business!
To Consumers
Without our Hownd Consumer Community, there would be no Hownd. We will work diligently to be your best resource to connect with the merchants of Fun, Yum and Zen in your local area or when you are on the road. Your privacy will always be our top priority. We will be a leader in data protection and not just meet privacy standards but exceed them.
To Partners
Hownd creates good problems for local business owners. Those problems also need solutions. We will work to actively partner with the top solution providers in the industries we serve in order to provide our merchants with access to great solutions to the good problems we create.
To Industry Associations
As associations, you strengthen and support industries and the businesses therein. We’ll join you in this quest. We will not only fight for the good of our merchants, but also for that of the industries and communities we serve, along with you.
Our Leadership
Chris Lange
CEO
Dynamic and results-driven executive with a proven track record of driving business growth through strategic innovation, operational excellence, and customer-centric leadership. With extensive experience as both a corporate leader and entrepreneur, Chris brings the ideal blend of vision, execution, and expertise to propel Hownd toward its ambitious goals.
Over the course of 25 years, Chris has owned, operated, and successfully exited seven businesses, including three startups and four acquisitions. This entrepreneurial journey has provided him with a deep understanding of what it takes to grow, transform, and lead businesses at various stages of development.
Having owned multiple local businesses, Chris deeply understands the challenges, pain points, and frustrations that business owners face. This firsthand experience fuels his unwavering commitment to creating solutions that empower small businesses to thrive, overcome obstacles, and achieve long-term success.
At Hownd, Chris is committed to leveraging his expertise to enhance the company’s services, expand its market reach, and deliver exceptional value to its customers. Under his leadership, Hownd is focused on driving growth, optimizing operations, and ensuring the success of the businesses it serves.
Chris is a devoted husband and father to six children, passionately committed to his family and actively engaged in serving his local community.
Vince McLain
CRO
Experienced Senior Sales Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the technology, marketing and advertising industries. Strong sales leader skilled in sales team growth, sales management, Software as a Service (SaaS), Start-Up Management, revenue growth, and Strategic Leadership.
Over the course of 25 years, Chris has owned, operated, and successfully exited seven businesses, including three startups and four acquisitions. This entrepreneurial journey has provided him with a deep understanding of what it takes to grow, transform, and lead businesses at various stages of development.
Having owned multiple local businesses, Chris deeply understands the challenges, pain points, and frustrations that business owners face. This firsthand experience fuels his unwavering commitment to creating solutions that empower small businesses to thrive, overcome obstacles, and achieve long-term success.
At Hownd, Chris is committed to leveraging his expertise to enhance the company’s services, expand its market reach, and deliver exceptional value to its customers. Under his leadership, Hownd is focused on driving growth, optimizing operations, and ensuring the success of the businesses it serves.
Chris is a devoted husband and father to six children, passionately committed to his family and actively engaged in serving his local community.
