Press Room
CotterWeb Enterprises named to Inc. Magazine's 2009 list of 5000 fastest-growing companies in the US.
Mendota Heights-based online loyalty marketing company ranks #20 for the Minnesota-Wisconsin region
CotterWeb Enterprises has been named to the prestigious 2009 Inc. 5000 list of The Fastest Growing Companies in America, announced today by Inc. magazine. The leading online loyalty marketing company, founded by Daren Cotter, rewards members for online activity and provides performance-based value for advertisers.
CotterWeb reported 300% growth over three years, expanding from $4.4 million in revenues in 2005 to $17.3 million in 2008. CotterWeb's Inc. 5000 company profile can be found at: http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2009/company-profile.html?id=200910380
In addition to ranking 1,038 overall, Inc. also named CotterWeb:
- » Number 20 on the Top 50 Inc. 5000 Companies in Minnesota-Wisconsin Region
- » Number 93 on the Top 100 Marketing and Advertising Companies
“We are honored to again be recognized and included in Inc. 5000’s list of fastest growing companies,” said Cotter. “Our growth has enabled us to extend our service to more advertisers, provide additional satisfaction to our growing membership and also provide new and exciting job opportunities to our employees.”
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal recognizes Daren Cotter with
2009 Young Entreprenuers award.
Daren Cotter receives Young Entrepreneurs Award from Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal is pleased to recognize Daren Cotter with the 2009 Young Entrepreneurs award. This award spotlights the up-and-coming business owners who are already making marks in their industries and communities. To be eligible the entrepreneur had to be younger than 35, an owner or founder of a business with more than $1 million in annual revenue and be involved in the daily operations and management of the company. The judging criteria was based on the success of the entrepreneur’s company, the prospects for continued revenue and job growth, background of the individual and the risks he or she has taken, and on the innovation shown by the nominee and his or her business.
Daren Cotter Named Finalist for Ernst & Young
Entrepreneur of the Year
Ernst & Young LLP is pleased to announce today the finalists for the Ernst & Young entrepreneur of the year award in the Upper Midwest
Ernst & Young today announced the finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award in the Upper Midwest. This group of exceptional entrepreneurs was selected by an independent judging panel made up of regional business, academic and community leaders. Winners will be announced at a gala event on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“For the past 23 years, Ernst & Young has honored outstanding entrepreneurs through our Entrepreneur Of The Year program,” said Kevin Klimara, Ernst & Young Partner, Strategic Growth Markets. “These entrepreneurs make a tremendous difference within our communities and for our larger economy. We thank them for the positive impact they’ve had in the Upper Midwest.”
Minnesota State Mankato Recognizes Daren Cotter as a Distinguished Young Alum
Daren Cotter received the 2009 The Distinguished Young Alumni Award
Daren Cotter, CEO and Founder of CotterWeb, has received the 2009 Distinguished Young Alumni Award from Minnesota State Mankato Alumni Association. He was honored at an April 24 dinner and ceremony, along with 12 other alumni.
The Distinguished Young Alumni Award goes to graduates 35 years old or younger who have reached professional achievements early in their careers, and have positively impacted their communities.
While attending Minnesota State Mankato, Daren launched CotterWeb, an Internet marketing company that provides online rewards for consumers and an advertising medium for businesses. Daren kept the business going as a side pursuit during his time at Minnesota State Mankato, and when he graduated in 2004 with a degree in computer information science, he decided to take a risk and put all his efforts into the business. Since then, CotterWeb has seen rapid growth and continued success, reaching over $17 million in revenues in 2008.
Daren Cotter Named to the DMNews 30 Under 30 List
Daren is recognized as one of the best and brightest in the interactive marketing industry
DMNews gathered the best and brightest in the industry to present its first–ever “30 under 30” list in December of 2008. The finalists were judged on “their proven ability to lead teams, initiate change and growth, drive measurable results for companies or clients and deliver fresh insight into the marketing challenges in the direct, database and interactive marketing industry.”
Daren came in at number seven on the list of 30 leading professionals, and CotterWeb Enterprises, Inc. was highlighted for its unique value proposition, fast growth and commitment to community involvement.
CotterWeb Highlighted as an Icon of Small Business Success
CotterWeb Enterprises, Inc. has been selected as one of nine Small Business Success Stories by Twin Cities Business for 2008.
The award recognizes unique stories of growth and success in the small business community. Daren Cotter’s story of founding CotterWeb in his dorm room is compelling, and growing the business to $12.4 million in revenues in 2007 is just one measure of the company’s continuing success.
In addition to the December profile, Daren will be honored at a banquet and awards ceremony on January 15, 2009.
CotterWeb is Named Business Builder of the Year
CotterWeb Enterprises, Inc. wins top award for growth
CotterWeb Enterprises, Inc. has been named Business Builder of the Year for 2008 by Upsize Minnesota magazine. The award recognizes not only revenue numbers, but also the practices and planning that the company has undertaken to make growth sustainable. CotterWeb has grown from $4.5 million in revenues in 2005, to $12.4 million in 2007, and the growth is expected to reach $17 million in 2008.
Daren Cotter was presented with the honors on October 29, 2008, at the annual Business Builder of the Year awards and seminar. In addition to the overall award, CotterWeb was recognized for its best practices in people and workplace.
Business Journal Recognizes CotterWeb Enterprises on 2008 Fast 50 List
CotterWeb is the 10th fastest-growing private company in Minnesota
With growth in revenues of over 170 percent from 2005 to 2007, CotterWeb Enterprises has been recognized by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal as the 10th fastest growing private company in Minnesota.
“The physical expansion of CotterWeb Enterprises Inc., from a hobby business launched in a college dorm room eight years ago to a company that now leases more than 10,000 square feet of office space, is the first indication the Mendota Heights-based online loyalty marketing firm is experiencing rapid growth.”
The profile tells of CotterWeb’s unique start through Daren Cotter’s passions for technology and entrepreneurship, and details the factors contributing to the significant growth of the company – including its unique value proposition to advertisers and members.
CotterWeb Enterprises Featured on KARE 11 First Edition
Daren Cotter and Judy Lysne of LifeWorks discuss their partnership
The mission of CotterWeb Enterprises is to add value to the lives of their members, and this same mission applies when thinking about the surrounding community. CotterWeb began a relationship with Lifeworks in 2005, recognizing the partnership as an opportunity to help the disabled community in a mutually beneficial way, and add value to their lives.
On October 7, Daren Cotter and Judy Lysne were on KARE 11 to talk about their partnership to serve people living with disabilities. Lifeworks collaborates with companies such as CotterWeb to indentify the ways they can work together for mutually beneficial relationship.
CotterWeb Enterprises Named to Inc. Magazine’s Annual List of 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the U.S.
Mendota Heights-based online loyalty marketing company ranks in top 10 for the Minnesota-Wisconsin region
CotterWeb Enterprises has been named to the prestigious 2008 Inc. 5000 list of The Fastest Growing Companies in America, announced today by Inc. magazine. The leading online loyalty marketing company, founded by Daren Cotter, rewards members for online activity and provides performance-based value for advertisers.
CotterWeb reported over 500 percent growth over three years, expanding from $2 million in revenues in 2004 to $12.4 million in 2007. CotterWeb’s Inc. 5000 company profile can be found at: http://www.inc.com/inc5000/2008/company-profile.html?id=200806180
In addition to ranking 618 overall, Inc. also named CotterWeb:
- » Number 9 on the Top 50 Inc. 5000 Companies in Minnesota - Wisconsin Region
- » Number 43 on the Top 100 Marketing and Advertising Companies
“It is an honor to be ranked on multiple lists in the Inc. 5000,” said Cotter. “This explosive growth has enabled us to provide a great service to an increasing number of consumers and advertisers. Just as important, it’s been a lot of fun along the way!”
CotterWeb Enterprises CEO, COO & VP Named Finalist for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Ernst & Young LLP is pleased to announce today the finalists for the Ernst & Young entrepreneur of the year award in the Upper Midwest.
This group of exceptional entrepreneurs was selected by an independent judging panel made up of regional business, academic and community leaders. The winners will be revealed at a gala event on June 5, 2008 at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis.
“These finalists are the best of the best, embodying the unique spirit of entrepreneurism,” said Bill Miller, Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Markets Partner for the Upper Midwest. “They positively impact our region in a major way, through jobs, community growth and development and innovation. Ernst & Young is proud to salute them.”
Paying Consumers to Look at Ads Clicks for Online Marketing Firm
A young entrepreneur brings in millions and describes fun as a “core value” at Mendota Heights-based CotterWeb Enterprises.
Daren Cotter gives new meaning to the concept of “precocious.”
I mean, he was in second grade, for crying out loud, when he launched his entrepreneurial career by buying candy, and later a variety of fad items, in bulk at Sam’s Club and reselling them to classmates on the school bus and playground.
WorldWinner Extends Relationship with CotterWeb
Two-year deal with CotterWeb’s InboxDollars and SendEarnings loyalty marketing sites focuses on increasing player acquisition.
WorldWinner, a leading provider of online casual game competitions, today extended its multi-year contract with CotterWeb, a leading provider of online loyalty marketing services. Through this exclusive deal, WorldWinner provides its online cash competitions through CotterWeb’s loyalty marketing sites, InboxDollars and SendEarnings. Under the terms of the agreement, InboxDollars and SendEarnings will reward members for entering WorldWinner’s online game tournaments for cash and prizes. Since gamers must register for a WorldWinner account before they can play, the partnership will have a substantial role in driving player acquisition rates.
Daren Cotter Featured in Twin Cities Business' People to Watch 2008
People to watch 2008: Twenty local executives to keep a close eye on during the coming year.
A fast-growing young company that’s gaining national attention, Mendota Heights–based CotterWeb provides clients with lists of people who actually want to receive their marketing e-mails.
Cotter says his firm has 3.9 million “members” who’ve sign up for the e-mails. His clients–including Net-Quote (an insurance-quote “engine”) and WorldWinner (online games)—are looking for consumers to do product and service testing and marketing research surveys. Those consumer-members get paid or receive other rewards for participating. Cotter touts a pay-for-performance model: His clients pay only for the responses they get.
Online marketing services is a sector dominated by the likes of Google, Yahoo, and ValueClick. But CotterWeb went from 6 to 22 employees in the past 22 months, and Cotter expects to double the size of his work force in the next year. Revenues in 2004 were $2 million; for 2007, they were projected at $11 million.
CotterWeb Featured as Emerging Company in Minnesota Business
Reading Revenue: CotterWeb pays people to read email offers and targeted on-line sales pitches, and makes money when client companies pay for prospects
Would you like to use the Internet to target customers and actually get them to respond? If so, Daren Cotter has a proposition for you, one that has proven to deliver active customers to the sites of his advertisers.
It’s a fairly simple approach, really. He pays people to read email solicitations and participate in Internet projects. And he pays them again if they actually click through and participate on a site. He makes his money when a company pays him for the prospects that he brings to the site.
CotterWeb Featured in Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
‘Sticky’ Web business thriving
When Daren Cotter was 15 years old, he was given a choice between two birthday gifts: a car or a computer.
His ultimate choice — the computer — is in part what Cotter said inspired him to launch CotterWeb Enterprises, a firm that develops online loyalty marketing programs by paying consumers to shop online, test products, play games and perform other tasks.
Cotter began programming software in college while studying at Minnesota State University in Mankato. At the same time, he developed an interest in Internet advertising. The idea underpinnings for the company ultimately came to him in his dorm room.
“I have two core passions: entrepreneurship and technology,” he said. “I started pulling those passions together.”
For older news please visit our Press Room Archive.
