About uRefer
uRefer is designed to help business and individuals create rewarding connections. With uRefer, word-of-mouth travels faster and spreads wider, creating valuable introductions and successful connections that benefit all the parties involved.
The uRefer service streamlines the process -- making it easy for Marketers to promote and manage referral offers, Connectors to share the story, and Prospects to respond.
uRefer was founded in August of 2007 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company’s management team has extensive experience in sales, internet marketing, ecommerce and web development. In addition, the team has a track record of creating socially conscious, successful entrepreneurial ventures.
Meet the Team
Dick Beedon — Chairman
Dick is a seasoned business leader and serial entrepreneur, who successfully built two internet-based companies: University Netcasting, at one time the fourth largest sports site on the web, which he merged with Student Advantage and took public in 1999, and Entyre, a business process management applications provider serving the mortgage industry that he grew substantially and sold to Wolters Kleuer in 2005. Through his previous experience at IBM and Prime Computer, Dick has demonstrated expertise in developing both solution-oriented sales processes and successful lead generation programs.
Paul Vlasic — President & CEO
Paul is a veteren entrepreneur who has started several companies in the technology space. Most recently, Paul was the Chairman of O/E Systems, a $190M IT Consulting Solutions firm. Paul also actively invests in new startups as a Manager at Vlasic Investments (VILLCo). Paul eaned an MBA with Distinction from the University of Michigan.
Mike Burba — COO
Mike is an experienced leader with a well-rounded background in enterprise software. Mike started his career as a software developer, and quickly moved into a leadership role. After learning how to build software, Mike decided transition into marketing and selling it. He took positions in product management and marketing with Sun Microsystems and Compuware. Mike evenutally took over as the director of marketing for Compuware's enterprise software development and testing product line. Then, Mike got bit by the startup bug, and joined uRefer to help build an first-class product with a world-class team. Mike graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point and served as an Infantry Officer in the US Army.
Steven Rozanski — Account Executive
Steve is on the sales and business development team for uRefer. Steve came to uRefer from PayScale, a SaaS start-up, and focused on new client acquisition. He helped to grow PayScale in the worlds largest online salary survey. Steve is a native of Michigan, graduating from Western Michigan University in 2005 from their business school with a bachelors in Advertising and Promotion.
Kevin Ward — Account Manager
Kevin is an Account Manager with a strong background in marketing and fundraising. Previously, Kevin worked in upper-dollar fundraising and event planning for a statewide political campaign, as well as in development and fundraising for the Eastern Michigan University Foundation. Kevin earned a B.B.A. in International Business from Eastern Michigan University.
Christopher Plumb — Senior Graphic Designer & Account Manager
Chris is a University of Michigan graduate with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design. Having studied at U of M's School of Art & Design as well as the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chris specializes in print design, web design, and identity systems. Prior to uRefer, Chris worked as an Art Director and Senior Designer for Spirit Shop Inc., an Ann Arbor-based company that specialized in custom apparel for high school students.
Thomas Hand — Software Developer
Tom has over a decade of software development experience. Thomas received a B.S. in Computer Science from Michigan State University. While he was there he worked as the head of internet development for the Michigan State University Government Documents Library. In addition to extensive startup experience, Mr. Hand also spent several years as a Senior Developer at Thomson Financial.
Michael Pedersen — Software Developer
Mike graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BBA in Computer Information Systems. He has over seven years of web development experience and is a database and infrastructure specialist. Before joining uRefer, Mike worked as a freelance developer on a variety of web projects ranging from basic marketing websites to enterprise class applications.
Press Releases
- 01/20/09 – "Shape Wellness Weight Loss Centers Introduces New Patient Referral Program" (View Full Release)
- 11/16/08 – "Detroit Free Press – Laser Referral Bonus Set" (View Full Release)
- 11/01/08 – "American Laser Centers Debuts New Client Referral System" (View Full Release)
- 10/23/08 – "Great Leaks IT Report - October 23rd 2008" (View Full Release)
- 10/20/08 – "Crain's Detroit – uRefer seeks growth in Web-based customer referrals" (View Full Release)
- 10/06/08 – "Oak Interactive partners with uRefer to offer Referral Marketing Services" (View Full Release)
- 09/10/08 – "uRefer adds prominent local 'connector' to business development team" (View Full Release)
- 08/17/08 – "Higher Ground Launches Reseller Referral Program via uRefer" (View Full Release)
Investor Relations
Please direct investor-related questions to:
Mike Burba
Contact Information
924 N. Main St.
Suite 3
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Phone: (734) 585-5684
Fax: (734) 864-7329
Email: 