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Juror Spotlight

Zachary Pinder
Founder & CEO, Lineout

Zak Pinder is a digital marketing authority and agency founder with an industry-leading approach to engineering growth through thoughtful, integrated strategies. Choosing client partners with ambitious goals, he draws on his instincts as an entrepreneur and digital-media futurist to guide, manage, and consult with modern brands.

Zak’s unique fluency in both the science and art of media and communications first emerged as a student training as an audio engineer, graduating from Full Sail University. Driven by a curiosity about the growing media technology space, he channeled his talent into sales and advertising where consumer-facing roles led to ad sales leadership roles on large media accounts. Zak brought together his technical, creative and client-services acumen when he established his first agency, Action Point Advertising, in 2015. In 2019 he rebranded as Lineout, a full-service digital firm.

His approach centers on patient listening and thorough analysis. Services and solutions flow from a big idea, with a clear throughline between constituent parts. Zak identifies emerging media and advanced targeting opportunities to reach and engage customers, and optimize for effectiveness and efficiency. He and his teams typically service marketers across performance-driving tactics covering the full digital marketing spectrum.

We sat down the Zachary to get his take on emerging tech and what he’s looking for in entries this season.

Where do you see your field of work in 5 years?
I definitely see a shift in the way we consume media. We’re becoming more aware of the addictive nature of apps and devices, and my hope is that we shift towards a more conscientious approach to media consumption. It’s going to be about making those connections count, using tech to get us closer, not keep us at arm’s length. I hope ethics and transparency will be at the forefront, ensuring we’re all playing by the rules that keep us focused on enhancing human experiences rather than overshadowing them. So, yeah, a future where tech serves us, making our interactions richer and more meaningful. That’s where I see us heading (I hope).

What changes would you like to see in your industry?
In our industry, I’d like to see a shift towards more responsible innovation, where transparency and ethics aren’t just buzzwords but foundational elements of every project. Since starting my agency in 2015, these principles have guided our work. As we delve deeper into AI and other emerging technologies, I believe it’s crucial that we not lose sight of their impact on human connection. The goal should be technology that enhances our interactions, not technology that becomes a substitute for them. I envision a future where our industry prioritizes positive, impactful advancements that are rooted in the greater good, ensuring that as we advance, we do so with a conscious commitment to enriching, not diminishing, the human experience.

What areas of emerging tech & media are you interested in exploring?
Immersive experiences, especially through augmented and virtual reality in media, have truly caught my attention for their profound ability to revolutionize storytelling and enhance customer engagement. These technologies offer an unprecedented level of interaction, making stories and products feel alive and personal in a way traditional media simply can’t match. By creating more engaging and memorable experiences, they have the potential to deepen emotional connections and create a stronger sense of presence and immersion.

This transformative power is something I believe can redefine the landscape of digital marketing and customer interaction, making it an area I’m particularly excited to explore and embrace in our strategies.

How do you organize your mobile apps?
Alphabetically, because chaos should be reserved for my sock drawer.

What music can you listen to on repeat but never get tired of?
Anything by Mozart, because who gets tired of genius? Plus, it makes my neighbors think I’m classy.

How would you describe your personal style?
Business casual with a twist of ‘I might be in a band,’ perfectly balancing professionalism with a hint of rebellion.

What are you looking for in entries at The w3 Awards?
Innovation that dazzles, design that speaks volumes without shouting, and solutions so clever they make you wonder why no one thought of them sooner.

When you enter your projects into the w3 Awards, they’re reviewed by experts like Zachary. The Final Entry Deadline is quickly approaching. Enter your projects before Friday, June 21st.