Dolphin Digital OOH Media
Since its founding in 2017, Dolphin Digital OOH Media Inc. (Dolphin Digital) has emerged as a key player in the rapidly expanding Retail Media Network (RMN) sector. Under the visionary leadership of Josey George, Dolphin Digital has evolved from a tech startup into a pioneer in digital signage and ad tech, setting new industry standards. With innovations like AI-powered analytics, programmatic ad platforms, and unique display products, Dolphin Digital is reshaping how brands connect with consumers in retail environments.
Josey George’s entrepreneurial journey is a blend of technical expertise and business acumen. With an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas, an MBA in Strategy and Entrepreneurship from Southern Methodist University, and executive development studies at Wharton, George brings two decades of experience from Texas Instruments. His work, which includes multiple patents in electronic circuit design, has provided a foundation for Dolphin Digital’s innovative approach. As the Retail Media Network market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 25% reaching $100 billion by 2026, Josey’s leadership and vision have solidified Dolphin Digital’s position as a driving force in this space.
In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Josey George about Dolphin Digital’s inception, the challenges faced along the way, and his vision for the future.
Prime Insights: Can you provide a brief overview of Dolphin Digital OOH Media and its evolution?
Josey George: Dolphin Digital OOH Media Inc. started in 2017 as a digital signage company focused on developing top-tier content management software (CMS) and innovative display products for the retail media market. By 2019, we transitioned into a digital OOH media owner, integrating data analytics into our CMS to create a retail media network. Our partnerships with major clients like T-Mobile, Paramount Group, and Affordable Buying Group quickly positioned us at the forefront of the RMN revolution. Today, we manage thousands of screens nationwide, delivering impactful advertising solutions across diverse venues.
Prime Insights: How did your background influence the growth and direction of Dolphin Digital?
Josey George: My background in electrical engineering and business management played a crucial role in shaping Dolphin Digital’s growth. With two decades of experience at Texas Instruments as a product definer and business manager, I brought a strong foundation in both product innovation and business strategy. I’ve been fortunate to work with a talented team whose efforts have propelled us forward. Today, we operate as a multinational firm with offices in the U.S., Canada, India, Pakistan and Australia
Prime Insights: What are some key innovations that have propelled Dolphin Digital’s success?
Josey George: Innovation is at the heart of what we do. We began by introducing display products with built-in cameras and developed content management software that seamlessly integrates with both OOH and OTT ad exchanges. Our LTE-based smart stick, which converts any screen into a digital signage platform, can operate in 150 countries and has been deployed in over 4,000 Metro by T-Mobile stores. Our collaboration with Wi-Charge to create wireless charging displays that can be mounted anywhere, without a power cord, can revolutionize retail in-store promotions.
Prime Insights: How has Dolphin Digital positioned itself in the competitive RMN market?
Josey George: We identified the immense potential of the RMN market early on and strategically pivoted toward ad tech. By leveraging our smart stick and CMS, we’ve turned screens into programmatic advertising platforms. Today, we generate revenue from ad exchanges like Vistar Media, Place Exchange, Broadsign, Hivestack, Magnite, and Publica. This positioning has secured our leadership in a market expected to grow 25% annually, reaching a value of $100 Billion by 2026.
Prime Insights: How does Dolphin Digital enhance consumer engagement with advanced analytics?
Josey George: Our AI-powered, camera-based viewer analytics provide precise insights into consumer behavior, enabling brands to deliver tailored messaging that increases engagement and ad effectiveness. Additionally, we offer training through Dolphin Academy and DolphinGPT, empowering individuals and businesses to stay ahead in the evolving retail media and ad tech space.
Prime Insights: How do you ensure premium locations and valuable audiences?
Josey George: Our screens are placed in high-traffic, brand-safe locations in premium neighborhoods, often in essential businesses. Shoppers here are high-income decision-makers, and with an average dwell time of 4.5 minutes, brands gain enhanced visibility.
Prime Insights: How do you track campaign performance and impressions?
Josey George: All our screens are Geopath audited, ensuring accuracy and transparency in tracking. We provide real-time data on impressions and engagement leading to higher store velocity and better-targeted ads.
Prime Insights: How does Dolphin Digital ensure brand safety?
Josey George: We prioritize brand safety with thorough screen and location tagging, ensuring a 100% ad completion rate and zero ad fraud. Our clients have the assurance that their ads appear in secure, high-traffic environments.
Prime Insights: Can you tell us about the products that have helped drive Dolphin Digital’s success?
Josey George: Our products have been key to our growth. We offer the LTE Dolphin Smart Stick, which turns any screen into a digital ad platform, the Dolphin CMS for managing content, WireFree Displays for flexible placement, Cash Counter Displays for point-of-sale, Double-Sided Kiosks for interactive engagement, and high brightness Window Displays for street-side view.
Prime Insights: What partnerships have contributed to Dolphin Digital’s growth?
Josey George: Our Partners and their Partnerships have played a crucial role in our growth. Collaborations with T-Mobile, Paramount Management Group, Affordable Buying Group, and others have allowed us to expand our network to 3,500 venues nationwide. In the past year alone, we’ve promoted over 500 brands across our screens, offering significant value to our partners.
Prime Insights: What is Dolphin Digital’s motto?
Josey George: “Our philosophy is simple: Dream Big. By embracing bold ideas and pushing boundaries, we fuel innovation and success. This vision has guided us from the very beginning and continues to inspire everything we do.”
Prime Insights: What steps do advertisers follow to launch campaigns with Dolphin?
Josey George: Advertisers can place ads programmatically across multiple exchanges or use our self-service platform. The process is streamlined into four steps:
- Select screens in specific locations or ZIP codes.
- Set a budget based on screen quantity and ad frequency.
- Make a payment, either one-time or recurring.
- Upload creative assets for approval, which activates the campaign.
Prime Insights: What does the future hold for Dolphin Digital?
Josey George: We aim to expand to 10,000 screens within the next year, further solidifying our leadership in the RMN market. We are adding screens in C-stores and Pharmacies and data mining to become a leader in RMN in those two venue types.
Prime Insights: What message would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Josey George: Dream big and never give up. Success is a journey that requires persistence, but if you stay focused, your dreams will come true.
