In this episode of Genuin Connections, host Matt Wurst sits down with Will Cohen, CEO and co-founder of Downtime.
Will shares his journey from helping build Triad Retail Media into a retail media powerhouse to launching a startup focused on a simple but powerful idea: if consumers are going to engage with branded content, they should get something meaningful in return.
The conversation explores what modern loyalty really looks like, why user experience is non-negotiable, and how rewarding engagement can outperform traditional ads in a world of banner blindness. Matt and Will also dig into personalization, first-party data, ethical uses of AI, and why brands need to reclaim ownership of their content and customer relationships outside of walled gardens.
This episode is a must-listen for marketers, product leaders, retailers, and founders thinking about loyalty, retail media, video engagement, and the future of consumer-first monetization.
🎧 Topics include:
• Loyalty beyond points and punch cards
• Rewarded video and interactive content
• Personalization without creeping people out
• AI as a tool, not a crutch
• Owning experiences inside brand-owned environments
Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of media, commerce, and community.
