HVDMA September Luncheon

Elana Sofko joined Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment in 2016 and brings over two decades of media and entertainment experience, always on the leading edge of innovation. Prior to Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Ms. Sofko focused on a range of digital business growth initiatives for WWE, including International expansion and localization of WWE’s digital properties as well as supporting the launch and international expansion of WWE Network, a subscription based video over-the-top (OTT) service. Ms. Sofko worked on the launch of satellite radio as part of the start-up team at the company now called SiriusXM, and has overseen strategic growth initiatives at ESPN, Nokia, News Corp and A&E Television Networks. Ms. Sofko earned a B.A. in English Literature from the State University of New York at Albany, and an M.B.A. from University of Connecticut, which included a semester in China at Peking University. Ms. Sofko’s qualifications include worldwide experience in distribution, monetization, digital tech and products, business and corporate development.

Jeffrey Mowrey is a Founder and Managing Partner of Easy Rest Adjustable Sleep Systems, a specialty bedding company that sells adjustable beds direct to the consumer in their homes. In 2007 he and his business partner started Easy Rest when the company they were representing exited the U.S. Market. Easy Rest is headquartered in Baltimore and more than 300 people across the country work for the Easy Rest Brand. In 2017 Easy Rest had an advertising budget of $15 Million dollars. They mailed 15 million direct mail pieces and 45 million package inserts. Since its inception 11 years ago, Easy Rest has sold more than 150,000 adjustable beds with gross sales of more than $500 Million Dollars.

Laurie Schmidt has 20+ years of direct marketing experience with a concentration in the publishing, fundraising and catalog markets. In Laurie’s current role as Director, Acquisition at Guideposts, her responsibilities include overseeing the online and offline acquisition programs for Guideposts’ seven magazine titles as well as the fundraising club programs. Prior to joining Guideposts, Laurie’s publishing experience includes Consumer Reports, The Taunton Press and the Synapse Group.