The Ad Service History:
This concept was explored by Ronda L. Carty after searching for an item using conventional classified advertising in 1998. After several months of observing the cost to search outdated information, she put to use her knowledge in the computer field. Ms. Carty started by creating a system and service method through which anyone needing information could find it in various ways when they wanted it, as well as offer the customer the most current information.
The name Phoneline-Online was chosen to test this theory and became the company name, Phoneline-Online was organized as an S Corporation in 1999 in the state of Kentucky. Also, in 1999, the name TheAdService was developed being more descriptive to the service of providing classified advertising. The Internet domains of: Phoneline-Online.com, Phoneline-Online.net as well as TheAdService.com, TheAdService.net were obtained for Internet use.
Continuing with the emerging technology (ASR, TTS, VoXML) we enlisted our company to become a part of the Motorola, Lucent Technologies and Dialogic development forums and labs who are the driving forces to standardizing these applications, whilst assisting in delivering this idea to market.
TheAdService.com provides four commerce areas on the Internet: Personals, For-Sale, Biz Registry and Work-Force and the telephony services were: Personals and For-Sale with local dialing presence in 123 major cities.
What Happened?
After several VC meetings we were on a roll. Interested investors from Louisville, KY, West Palm Beach, FL and Tampa, FL were conducting meetings with us. I, the founder relocated the business from Louisville, KY to the Tampa Bay area. It was in the best interest for operations with capital, VC investments, state incentive programs and top quality employees. We were on our way but then the famous "Dot.Com" bust hit and venture capital companies vanished. We received the phone calls, "We are sorry but our past investments will keep us from investing in your company." The idea was then put on a shelf, until now.
Today:
The Venture Capital market is still slim but we have decided to give this business a future with or without millions to back us up.
After spending eight years in Florida, I made the move back to Louisville, KY where it all started. With other members of the business team still here we discussed putting The Ad Service back in action. Changing our model we dropped the idea of telephony being a part of it. So what you see is our online classified sections we had envisioned a long time ago.
Now we are open for business!
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