This version corrects that Noozhoo has been fully and publicly released.
David Grubbs, who graduated from Baylor in 2007, founded Noozhoo, a social marketing website.
By Molly Packer
Reporter
A new social marketing website launched by a Baylor alumnus has the capability to collect dues, connect college students, sell merchandise and give nonprofit organizations the opportunity to change the world.
David Grubbs, CEO of Noozhoo and 2007 Baylor graduate, is giving Baylor student organizations exclusive access to his website before it spreads across the country at the end of the year.
According to Noozhoo, the average sorority or fraternity loses $8,000 a semester because members do not pay their dues, and Greek organizations lack an easy way for past members to buy current merchandise.
Over the past two years, Noozhoo has tried to solve these problems by offering a trial version of the site, which has been used by 23 student organizations at Baylor. With the trial version of the site, 50 percent more members have paid their dues on time and merchandise sales have grown by 25 percent.
Grubbs said Noozhoo is already popular among college students—especially at Baylor, where the full site launched on January 18.
While it would normally cost money for student organizations to use the tools Noozhoo has to offer, Grubbs is offering one year of services free to the first 25 groups to join. Among the first to join were Kappa Omega Tau and the NoZe Brothers.
“So far there has been a lot of interest. We have about a thousand hits a day,” Grubbs said. With its rising popularity, the company has several short- and long-term goals.
“We really want to implement nonprofits internationally,” said Kelsey Grubbs, employee of Noozhoo and David’s sister. So far, Noozhoo is helping “The Home of New Beginnings,” a Christian nonprofit that helps girls transition out of the sex trade in Bangkok to connect with students in the United States.
Kelsey said David loves Baylor and wants Noozhoo to be affiliated with his alma mater first and foremost.
David remembers his days at Baylor fondly.
“Baylor really kind of provided the foundation,” he said. “With everything from Business 1401 to great texts classes.”
Grubbs is also grateful for the mentor he found at Baylor, Dr. Kendall Artz, professor and chair of management and entrepreneurship and director of entrepreneurial studies.
“I have known David for probably five years,” Artz said. “He has a tremendously high energy level and he is creative. He has great commitment and a wonderful personality that helps him to make contacts.”
After Grubbs graduated, he kept in close contact with Artz about everything, including Noozhoo.
“I mostly just act as a sounding board for David,” Artz said. “It’s mostly just an informal advisory role actually.”
Artz also mentioned Grubb’s strong loyalty to Baylor.
“Even though he’s not that much older than the students here, he’s so committed to coming back,” he said. “He’s working with us to perhaps start up a class in the fall.”
In the meantime, Grubbs offers a word of advice to Baylor students.
“Find out where your passion is,” he said.
“I always was frustrated with things and that’s where your passion lies because you can figure out ways to change it.”
Grubbs is also an advocate for the faculty at Baylor.
“You would be surprised at how much the professors can connect you with the business world,” he said.
At Noozhoo, employees have high hopes for the future.
“Our goal is to really inspire people to learn, connect and grow,” Kelsey said.
