Scott Wise accepted the MIRA New Media Excellence award Saturday
night at the 12th annual Techpoint MIRA awards gala
hosted at the Indianapolis J.W. Marriott.
The MIRA awards look to identify the more innovative technology
companies in the Indiana market. "The startup environment and tech
sector as a whole in Indiana is stronger than ever because our tech
sector has developed a deep and interesting sense of innovation and
entrepreneurship," said Wil Davis, past chairman of TechPoint, who
delivered opening remarks at this year's Mira Awards. "We're not
just "doing pretty good for Indiana" anymore. We've kicked that
"aw-shucks" mentality to the curb and planted our leadership flag
on the global stage."
The 11 representatives of the Scotty's family took their seats
at the Techpoint MIRA awards, watching numerous extraordinary tech
companies win award after award. Then it was time to announce the
winner of the New Media Excellence and Innovation category. It was
announced they would split the category into two New Media
Excellence and New Media Innovation, doubling Scotty's chances.
Then it was announced Scotty's had been voted the company with the
best New Media Innovation. Shocked Scott Wise walked to the stage,
choking back tears.
"We looked at the communication challenges and market needs
addressed by each of the nominees. While not a tech company,
Scott Wise and the entire Brewhouse team do a great job using
technology, pushing the limits. They have an integrated
approach moving seamlessly from Facebook and Twitter to mobile and
web applications," said Lorraine Ball, MIRA Award Judge and CEO of
RoundPeg Marketing.
"I was honored to even be sitting in the same room as the
technology giants of the industry. I think Indianapolis has
become the "Google of the Midwest" - our own Silicon Valley, or
Silicon Farm Field with the likes of Exact Target, Slingshot SEO
and all the incredible startups we have in our community. For
me to be recognized by Techpoint was so humbling and, honestly,
gave me some validity to my "madness." As I told Jim Jay that
night, I'm not a programmer, hacker or developer and never will
be. But, I love being on the edge of technologies usefulness
for business - whether it is for marketing or operations - I think
what I was/am good at is maybe just seeing where and how that fits
in my business and not being afraid to implement technology as an
early adopter. That alone cut out a niche for us in
Indianapolis. We were recognized by the tech community and
now play host or "guinea pig" to events, groups and beta
testing. Thankfully, I have two people and several others on
my staff dedicated to taking my "madness" and help bring the ideas
to life. Bruce McClain and Lauren Fielder deserve recognition
too," said Scott Wise, CEO of Scotty's Brewhouse.
Where is Scotty's going next in the New Media world? "I always
tell the groups I speak to that ask this kind of question, I will
use technology to always improve the lives of my employees and my
guests. It has to make life easier, faster or reduce an
expense for the guest or the company. Right now we are
implementing the use of QR Bar Codes. I think these have some
benefit and I'm anxious to see where they go. We are
customizing our Facebook page. And, we are looking at trying
to do some proprietary geo-location "Foursquare-esque" applications
for smart phones that would be exclusive to just our
restaurants. I am like a clown at the circus, I like to
juggle a lot of technology bowling pins," said Wise.
