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Michael Podolsky is a co-founder and CEO of PissedConsumer.com, a review and reputation management platform. He is a serial entrepreneur with 20 years of experience on Wall Street, a Forbes Business Council influencer, and an expert in brand reputation, customer service, IT consulting, and leadership. Two of his companies ranked on the 2023 Inc.5000 list. In 2023, Michael also received an award as one of the “TOP 100 USA entrepreneurs with Ukrainian origins”.
Michael’s mission is to improve the communication bridges between customers and businesses to achieve a successful outcome. He hosts events inside the Forbes Business community. Michael was nominated and achieved a Member Leader Award at Forbes Business Council in 2023, for his input in managing and leading the “Customer Service and Satisfaction” community. In this group, he shares his knowledge, experience, and practical tips on how to improve customer service, fix mistakes, and better understand customer needs.
Michael’s knowledge is based on practical experience in leading a review and consumer advocacy website. The story behind PissedConsumer.com goes back to 2006 when one unresolved consumer issue led to the creation of a consumer advocacy platform that would provide a place for consumers to voice their issues and attract companies’ attention. After experiencing an unpleasant situation when no one could assist him, Michael Podolsky, and his business partner started a project with only $200 of the initial investment. A website idea once born in a kitchen somewhere in New York quickly evolved into a community of consumers who share their experiences and seek solutions with brands. Today, the company has grown to almost 100 motivated employees who are passionate about the mission to help consumers and businesses build communication bridges and achieve successful outcomes.
As part of Michael's entrepreneurship journey, his company was challenged by two dozen lawsuits. Instead of communicating directly with their customers, companies hunted down the PissedConsumer platform because it allowed consumers to share their dissatisfaction publicly. As part of the fight, Michael was able to alert the government to certain aspects of duty, and sides of reviews during legal cases. As a result, FTC took note and made the regulations that went up to the Senate and it turned out to become a law. Michael’s company - PissedConsumer.com occupies a fascinating niche in business and is a leader in it. It is locked in a negative connotation due to the name of our company, however with the great trust from consumers. It got here by innovating and concentrating on R&D and teamwork. Everyone on Michael’s team participates in R&D. Culture of the company allows ideas from the entire team to be discussed at all levels of the company. As Michael says, “A leader should not just drive the team, but lead it. Inspire your team members by setting an example and create an agile workplace where they feel comfortable to make decisions on their own. Finding the right people is what leads to success.”
Michael does his best to inspire companies to hear its customers' complaints, and customer needs to build a communication bridge between customers and brands through different channels and messages.
He spoke at the closed conference for Ungagged.com and local business events held in New York. In his speeches, Michael encourages business owners to improve their online reputation, customer service, sales tactics, and brand awareness.
He regularly contributes practical tips and insights as an industry influencer on Forbes Business Council, INC, CMSWire.com, CustomerThink.com, СXToday, and other business blogs and podcasts.
Nomination Title: Michael Podolsky
