Ambush Interview #116 Rand - Page 3 - GoFuckYourself.com

JFK · 10-10-2007, 10:31 PM

100 Great Ambushes

JFK · 10-10-2007, 10:32 PM

JFK · 10-10-2007, 10:51 PM

JFK · 10-10-2007, 10:55 PM

Rand · 10-11-2007, 08:41 AM

Quote:

22. Do you tell your neighbors that you work for a credit card processing company that does mostly adult processing?

I hardly ever see my neighbors as I'm almost never at home. But all of my friends know exactly what I do. Usually when I tell someone their response is pretty much "oh", while they think about it. Then they usually have a few questions. ;-) Sometimes I can see the wheels spinning while they are going through their minds wondering if I'm able to know something about their surfing habits. It's petty funny. And then others just say "oh yeah, I've seen Epoch on my billing statement before."

Rand · 10-11-2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

23. Is it true that you used to be a paparazzi?

When I first moved to California I attended classes at the American Film Institute and worked in the movie business for a couple of years. My highest rank in the film industry was "Transportation Captain" and part of that job was to shuttle "the talent" around. It was kind of fun but not a career choice.

Shortly after I was out shooting with my camera at an event somewhere and met someone who offered to be my agent. He wanted me to take photos for celebrity events. He would get me the credentials, pay all of my expenses, and sell my photos. I made a percentage of each sale. So, I started out shooting a few shoot movie premiers. Then parties such as Vanity Fair, and eventually the Academy Awards. I will tell you that the group of men (and women) that do this for a living can be ruthless. I wasn't, I was just having fun and making a little money. So, I had an "obviously" different approach. When standing in a bank of who knows how many photographers, they would all have their camera up shooting and I would just be standing there looking at the celebrity walking by, who in turn, would look at me because they could see my face. They would often look a little puzzeled at first but I would give them a wink and a smile and they in turn would give me a straight on shot. I got some of the best pictures this way. My agent was always impressed. And in turn, some of the celebs (after a few events) got to know me. They would come out and look around going "where's Rand?" I loved it and the other photographers would just look at me like "who is this guy?"

This method worked so well for me that one night I was backstage at the Academy Awards in the place that was set up for the Oscar winners to come back with their trophy to be photographed. The guys that won the Oscar for "When We Were Kings" (Best Documentary Feature) were standing near me holding their Oscar. I was taking a good long look at it because at the time it was as close as I had ever been to one. The director caught me admiring the trophy and asked if I would like to hold it. He handed it to me and seconds later every photographer in the room was looking at me like I had committed some heinous faux pas. But in reality, they were all very envious. Again, it was like "who is this guy?". A lot of those photographers got to know me that night.

But there wasn't much money to be made when 50 or more other photographers were getting similar shots as yours, so I left that paparazzi game after only a few months. Now I get to walk the red carpet on occasion and some of those same photographers yell "Hey Rand" when I walk by. That always makes me smile.

Bugbee · 10-11-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rand

When I first moved to California I attended classes at the American Film Institute and worked in the movie business for a couple of years. My highest rank in the film industry was "Transportation Captain" and part of that job was to shuttle "the talent" around. It was kind of fun but not a career choice.

Shortly after I was out shooting with my camera at an event somewhere and met someone who offered to be my agent. He wanted me to take photos for celebrity events. He would get me the credentials, pay all of my expenses, and sell my photos. I made a percentage of each sale. So, I started out shooting a few shoot movie premiers. Then parties such as Vanity Fair, and eventually the Academy Awards. I will tell you that the group of men (and women) that do this for a living can be ruthless. I wasn't, I was just having fun and making a little money. So, I had an "obviously" different approach. When standing in a bank of who knows how many photographers, they would all have their camera up shooting and I would just be standing there looking at the celebrity walking by, who in turn, would look at me because they could see my face. They would often look a little puzzeled at first but I would give them a wink and a smile and they in turn would give me a straight on shot. I got some of the best pictures this way. My agent was always impressed. And in turn, some of the celebs (after a few events) got to know me. They would come out and look around going "where's Rand?" I loved it and the other photographers would just look at me like "who is this guy?"

This method worked so well for me that one night I was backstage at the Academy Awards in the place that was set up for the Oscar winners to come back with their trophy to be photographed. The guys that won the Oscar for "When We Were Kings" (Best Documentary Feature) were standing near me holding their Oscar. I was taking a good long look at it because at the time it was as close as I had ever been to one. The director caught me admiring the trophy and asked if I would like to hold it. He handed it to me and seconds later every photographer in the room was looking at me like I had committed some heinous faux pas. But in reality, they were all very envious. Again, it was like "who is this guy?". A lot of those photographers got to know me that night.

But there wasn't much money to be made when 50 or more other photographers were getting similar shots as yours, so I left that paparazzi game after only a few months. Now I get to walk the red carpet on occasion and some of those same photographers yell "Hey Rand" when I walk by. That always makes me smile.

great story Rand!! I would expect nothing less...

Rand · 10-11-2007, 09:35 AM

Quote:

24. Was Cross-Sell your first love?

My first love was the Internet. Then, T3 speed.

But yes, cross sells have worked very well our clients. Used properly and not abused or disguised, they are an effective cross marketing tool. They are not for everyone, but, well managed programs with long term goals can use them with excellent results.

Derek_M · 10-11-2007, 09:38 AM

Rand is a great guy, he gave me a try at customer service at Epoch for about 5 minutes before firing me. Best move he has ever made

SleazyDream · 10-11-2007, 09:50 AM

great answers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rochard · 10-11-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derek_MrSkin

Rand is a great guy, he gave me a try at customer service at Epoch for about 5 minutes before firing me. Best move he has ever made

That's funny!

gecko · 10-11-2007, 10:01 AM

some great insight

Kimmykim · 10-11-2007, 10:59 AM

Excellent interview Rand! I know the risk department was really glad when you guys figured out how to get rid of the big dial and only use the scalpel sized one!

Rand · 10-11-2007, 11:10 AM

Quote:

25. You once attended a concert called the " KROQ Inland Invasion". Explain to us your brilliant idea about using four wheel drive to beat the traffic??

Well..... this music festival was huge and there must've been close to a hundred thousand people there. I was there with a couple of the guys that worked with CyberSocket, one of them was Brian Dunlap who agreed to drive us all out to the show. We had a really good time topped off by a great performance by The Cure. But trying to leave that place was a nightmare. Brian, who had a 4-wheel drive SUV spotted a road that no one was taking and suggested that instead of just sitting in the car for an hour or more waiting for traffic to move that we should see where that road went. So we did. It turned out to be one of those access roads that was built for construction of utility towers and didn't really go anywhere. We went about 10 miles or so I think before we turned around to come back. I started thinking about how I really didn't know Brian that well and wondered where he was taking me. (haha, j/k) It doesn't make for such a great story but we did all have a good time. It was more fun than sitting in traffic.

Rand · 10-11-2007, 11:12 AM

Quote:

26. Seriously, where do you guys hide the scrub dial?

We gave it to Sleazy.

B O B · 10-11-2007, 11:22 AM

Rand is awesome! Very interesting to read all about you!

Still wonder what is going on in that head of yours to make you always have that devlish smile lol

good stuff Rand!

C H R I S · 10-11-2007, 11:47 AM

RAND is seriously one of the funnest and most knowledgabale cats in this crazy industry - Great choice and looking forward to more answers!

jmk · 10-11-2007, 11:48 AM

Loves ambush so far! You go Rand!

Rand · 10-11-2007, 11:58 AM

CONCERT UPDATE

I was just reminded that I have tickets to go see Morrisey tonight.

Guess we'll find out if he's all washed up or not.

Should be an *interesting* crowd.

Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls are bigger than others
Some girls mothers are bigger than
Other girls mothers

Rand · 10-11-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

27. What is the next big thing in processing for adult?

There is a lot of speculation about this. The most likely way that billing for adult will change is that sites will move toward the "pay per view" model. I think the industry should restrain from that model as long as possible, but that's probably where it will go eventually.

We have some big news coming out of Epoch soon, but I'm not quite ready to announce it just yet. Stay tuned.

Rand · 10-11-2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

28. You've been with Epoch for a very long time. Who is the best manager you have ever worked for since your time there?

We aren't really structured that way, but I know what you are asking.

I have to say that the person who taught me the most is Clay Andrews. I learned so much from him and admire his keen sense of logic to this day. Clay has great instincts and is easy to work with. It made for a really good learning situation. He made it fun too.

Joel has always been the technical genius and just way over my head with his ideas, but since becoming our CEO, I've learned a lot about his business philosophy and about protecting assets. Joel is a humble guy, riding a bike to work almost every day. He's not about "bling" but strictly about his business and doing things for the right reasons. That's a great type of guy to have leading your company.

And I can't leave out Esther Martinez whom I communicate most with these days. She has a very clear perception and a heavy Spanish accent. She's the best person I know to brainstorm with. She knows how to ask the right questions and thinks many steps ahead of the immediate situation. She's one smart lady I have a lot of respect for.

Rand · 10-11-2007, 12:46 PM

Quote:

29. If processing for adult sites was declared illegal in the morning, what would you be doing for a living?

What if there were no hypothetical questions?

Well, other than trying to find a place where it would NOT be illegal and setting up shop there.... I guess I'd be doing something creative. I am surrounded by so much talent. Artists, photographers, singers, directors, DJ's, etc... that I would probably try to find a way to move into something creative where I could put these talented people together.

Either that or just sell everything, buy a 40' sailboat, and travel for a while.

Rand · 10-11-2007, 12:49 PM

Quote:

30. What kind of porn turns you on Rand? Can epoch legally process it?

Believe it or not, I don't really look at porn. I see more at a show than I do anywhere else.

But I can assure you that if I did it would definitely be something Epoch would process for.

Rand · 10-11-2007, 02:37 PM

Before I finish up the last two questions, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank Sleazy for this dubious honor and Rochard for putting the questions together. The Ambush Interview series is a GFY tradition and I'm honored to be honored.

Also, thanks for all the kind words from everyone else who posted in this thread. I've been doing this for over nine years and have had so much fun along the way. I have really enjoyed getting to know so many of you and look forward to many more years of continued success.

Thank you.

Rand · 10-11-2007, 03:17 PM

Quote:

31. What can the adult industry look forward to from Epoch in the near future? Any big plans or surprises for us?

Epoch is never finished fine tuning. We are continuously looking for ways to do what we do more efficiently or by offering new tools and features. We do indeed have a new product coming out before the end of the year. We're not yet ready to announce it though. Do stay tuned.

As far as big... yes. A surprise? Probably not.

JenniDahling · 10-11-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rand

I would just be standing there looking at the celebrity walking by, who in turn, would look at me because they could see my face. They would often look a little puzzeled at first but I would give them a wink and a smile and they in turn would give me a straight on shot.

The epitome of style and class! Rand, you were one of the first people I met in the industry and I remember you stood out because you were so genuinely gracious. Great interview! Congrats!

NoraM · 10-11-2007, 04:52 PM

Great interview Rand. i feel lucky working with you. Did I tell you i love you today ? ;)

Mr. Romance · 10-11-2007, 04:55 PM

Congrats and well deserved Ambush interview! You are a great person Rand and work with my favorite company,EPOCH!

Your Friend,

Mr. Romance

jmk · 10-11-2007, 05:01 PM

Awesome ambush! Good job Rand (as always!)

JFK · 10-11-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rand

Epoch is never finished fine tuning. We are continuously looking for ways to do what we do more efficiently or by offering new tools and features. We do indeed have a new product coming out before the end of the year. We're not yet ready to announce it though. Do stay tuned.

As far as big... yes. A surprise? Probably not.

any Hints Rand ?

Rand · 10-12-2007, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFK

any Hints Rand ?

Affiliates...... get ready to be happy.

MikeHawk · 10-12-2007, 11:19 AM

RAND ROCKS!

I will be seeing this fine gentleman in a few days in one of the most amazing places on earth.... Island Gathering!

Great Ambush!

CuriousToyBoy · 10-12-2007, 12:25 PM

I read every word.

Rand is a true gentleman and talks and walks a straight game.

I ALWAYS appreciate that.

;-)

AGS-17 · 10-24-2007, 03:01 AM

Ambush Interview #116 Rand you got one of the good guys.

10-10-2007, 10:31 PM	#101
JFK FUBAR the ORIGINATOR Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: FUBARLAND Posts: 67,374	100 Great Ambushes __________________ FUBAR Webmasters - The FUBAR Times - FUBAR Webmasters Mobile - FUBARTV.XXX For promo opps contact jfk at fubarwebmasters dot com

10-10-2007, 10:32 PM	#102
JFK FUBAR the ORIGINATOR Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: FUBARLAND Posts: 67,374	__________________ FUBAR Webmasters - The FUBAR Times - FUBAR Webmasters Mobile - FUBARTV.XXX For promo opps contact jfk at fubarwebmasters dot com

10-10-2007, 10:51 PM	#103
JFK FUBAR the ORIGINATOR Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: FUBARLAND Posts: 67,374	__________________ FUBAR Webmasters - The FUBAR Times - FUBAR Webmasters Mobile - FUBARTV.XXX For promo opps contact jfk at fubarwebmasters dot com

10-10-2007, 10:55 PM	#104
JFK FUBAR the ORIGINATOR Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: FUBARLAND Posts: 67,374	__________________ FUBAR Webmasters - The FUBAR Times - FUBAR Webmasters Mobile - FUBARTV.XXX For promo opps contact jfk at fubarwebmasters dot com

10-11-2007, 09:38 AM	#109
Derek_M Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,105	Rand is a great guy, he gave me a try at customer service at Epoch for about 5 minutes before firing me. Best move he has ever made __________________ Derek Meklir Chief Operating Officer HUSTLER / LFP Inc. / Flynt Management Group LLC ICQ: 284137502

10-11-2007, 09:50 AM	#110
SleazyDream I'm here for SPORT Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Phone # (401) 285-0696 Posts: 41,470	great answers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ This dog, is dog, a dog, good dog, way dog, to dog, keep dog, an dog, idiot dog, busy dog, for dog, 20 dog, seconds dog! Now read without the word dog.

10-11-2007, 10:01 AM	#112
gecko ****** Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 21,846	some great insight __________________ [email protected]

10-11-2007, 10:59 AM	#113
Kimmykim bitchslapping zebras!!!!! Industry Role: Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: In a shack by the beach Posts: 16,015	Excellent interview Rand! I know the risk department was really glad when you guys figured out how to get rid of the big dial and only use the scalpel sized one!

10-11-2007, 11:22 AM	#116
B O B Confirmed User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Santa Ana, Costa Rica Posts: 2,664	Rand is awesome! Very interesting to read all about you! Still wonder what is going on in that head of yours to make you always have that devlish smile lol good stuff Rand! __________________ SoloConverts.com is now LIVE! 8 kick ass exclusive sites, weekly payouts, secure 3rd party billing, 60/40 revshare - PPS by request, tons of promo tools and much more! Sign up today at SoloConverts.com Contact me today for anything you need! [email protected] ICQ: 184807 Skype: bobbyrica

10-11-2007, 11:47 AM	#117
C H R I S Too lazy to set a custom title Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Marina Del Rey Posts: 10,842	RAND is seriously one of the funnest and most knowledgabale cats in this crazy industry - Great choice and looking forward to more answers! __________________ C H R I S Retired Porn Veteran BH4L

10-11-2007, 11:48 AM	#118
jmk Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,391	Loves ambush so far! You go Rand!

10-11-2007, 11:58 AM	#119
Rand Industry Vet Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Santa Monica, CA Posts: 2,663	CONCERT UPDATE I was just reminded that I have tickets to go see Morrisey tonight. Guess we'll find out if he's all washed up or not. Should be an interesting crowd. Some girls are bigger than others Some girls are bigger than others Some girls mothers are bigger than Other girls mothers __________________ -- Rand Payment Industry - Communications - Quality Assurance

10-11-2007, 02:37 PM	#124
Rand Industry Vet Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Santa Monica, CA Posts: 2,663	Before I finish up the last two questions, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank Sleazy for this dubious honor and Rochard for putting the questions together. The Ambush Interview series is a GFY tradition and I'm honored to be honored. Also, thanks for all the kind words from everyone else who posted in this thread. I've been doing this for over nine years and have had so much fun along the way. I have really enjoyed getting to know so many of you and look forward to many more years of continued success. Thank you. __________________ -- Rand Payment Industry - Communications - Quality Assurance

10-11-2007, 04:52 PM	#127
NoraM Confirmed User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Los Angeles, Ca. Posts: 228	Great interview Rand. i feel lucky working with you. Did I tell you i love you today ? ;) __________________ Nora M. Sales Manager [email protected] ICQ - 348805214 www.merchantconnections.net

10-11-2007, 04:55 PM	#128
Mr. Romance The Face of Romance and the Symbol of Freedom Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: The America's Posts: 7,821	Congrats and well deserved Ambush interview! You are a great person Rand and work with my favorite company,EPOCH! Your Friend, Mr. Romance __________________ Free Leads Program now paying up to $6 Gerard-Director of Global Sales Sign up Here: CamStarCash Check out: FreeCamStars ICQ: 330 662 299 gerard at freecamstars . com Last edited by Mr. Romance; 10-11-2007 at 04:57 PM..

10-11-2007, 05:01 PM	#129
jmk Confirmed User Industry Role: Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 5,391	Awesome ambush! Good job Rand (as always!)

10-12-2007, 11:19 AM	#132
MikeHawk Confirmed User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In bed with Harley Girl....Not sleepin Posts: 6,683	RAND ROCKS! I will be seeing this fine gentleman in a few days in one of the most amazing places on earth.... Island Gathering! Great Ambush! __________________ THE AMBUSH INTERVIEW

10-12-2007, 12:25 PM	#133
CuriousToyBoy Crazy Aussie Bastard Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wherever I lay my hat, that's my home. Posts: 16,787	I read every word. Rand is a true gentleman and talks and walks a straight game. I ALWAYS appreciate that. ;-) __________________ Celebs Adult Who's Who ==> Ambush Interview ==> ICQ 293 070 684 ==> intmarpacrim AT gmail DOT com

10-24-2007, 03:01 AM	#134
AGS-17 Confirmed User Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,402	Ambush Interview #116 Rand you got one of the good guys.