February 20, 2015
Nick Stopko/for PhillyVoice
Evan Urbania is CEO of Center City social media company ChatterBlast.
Evan Urbania is Philadelphia's social media man: a Drexel grad (and "40 under 40" honoree), Urbania helped lead the social-media-as-marketing movement in Philadelphia, co-founding the Center City-based company ChatterBlast in 2009 with pal and business partner Matthew Ray. Heading into the weekend, PhillyVoice.com caught up with the (always busy) entrepreneur as he and his team of 12 prepare campaign launches for the 2015 Philadelphia Flower Show and the South by Southwest music and film festival, being held this March in Austin, Texas.
What song(s) are you listening to on repeat right now?
I use Spotify to stalk my friends’ music, so I am usually rotating new tracks. I’m currently rediscovering "Talkie Walkie" by Air. I really love them, and the complexity of the album makes it great for dinner parties or just lounging around.
What’s the best part of being your own boss?
Every day I get to work with the most talented and fun people in the business. We are involved with some of the best organizations and projects in the city. I get to build and design a business from the ground up and change things that are no longer working. I was obsessed with LEGOS as a child, so I guess I’ve always liked building things and taking them apart. I’m also amazed at the skills I’ve learned on the job. There’s no career out there that would grant me as many opportunities and lessons as I had in the last six years.
Where in Philadelphia do you like to lounge in your free time?
Any place in town that is cozy with a fireplace. It’s cold outside!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice has come as a message and a lesson over and over again: It’s not enough just to communicate—a leader has a responsibility to help others understand.
What are your plans for the weekend?
I’m heading out of town to a friend’s farm in Maryland for a weekend of chores, horseback riding, cooking and relaxing by the fire. Since I’m always online, I like to get out of the city, get my hands dirty and try to unplug a little. But, have you checked out the new LinkedIn dating app? I can’t get enough of it ...
