Meet Matthew Hooks

Matthew Hooks is the Co-Founder of Appyness. A veteran of the Digital Marketing scene here in Austin, Matt handles the management of our day-to-day business operations at Appyness. In addition, Matt is also an expert in tracking and analysis, conversion rate optimization, and site flows, and often works directly with Appyness clients to ensure that their objectives are being met.

Where are you originally from? I am from Austin, TX. As native Austinites, both Glenn and I sometimes feel like unicorns, since so many people we meet around this city are imports.

What is your professional background? I put my advertising degree from UT Austin to work as a Search Engine Optimization Specialist and have continued to pick up skills in digital marketing. I love this line of work because of how trackable efforts are and because it is always evolving.

What are some of your passions and hobbies, outside of marketing? I’m a big fan of being outdoors...unless it’s hot. My hobbies include taking photos, biking and hiking.

Why did you join the Appyness team? Joining the Appyness team provided an opportunity to join with a really talented group of individuals to help fill a glaring need in the marketplace.

What is your favorite sports team? My favorite sports team is the San Antonio Spurs - GO SPURS GO! Three years ago, me, my wife Thy, and Glenn were actually at Game 5 in San Antonio, to witness the Spurs win it all!

Do you have any pets? A super friendly Boston Terrier / Boxer mix named Jaws.

What is your favorite movie? It’s definitely silly but my answer is still the same as it was way back in 1993. Mrs. Doubtfire. I still find it funny and clever. Robin Williams is gone far too soon.

Meet Dina Riddle

Dina Riddle is our Creative Director.  At Appyness, Dina utilizes her talents and background in design to translate our clients’ visions into unique and high-performing visual realities.  With extensive experience in a variety of industries, including higher education and tech, Dina  has the eye needed to build brands and to really take apps to the next level.

Where are you originally from? I am from Baltimore, Maryland, where we are famous for our crabcakes and football (Go Ravens!)!

What is your professional background? I was a studio art major and then received my Master’s Degree in Publication and Design. While still in Maryland, I worked in higher education as a Print Design Specialist. After relocating to Austin, I became involved in the tech scene, working for a mobile app startup, and then got extensive experience on the agency side.

What are some of your passions and hobbies, outside of marketing? I love designing wedding invitations, water color patterns, and practicing calligraphy. I also enjoy traveling with my husband Ryan (Guadeloupe was our last adventure), and hiking with my crazy dog.

Do you have any pets? I have a dog named Jet (he’s an Australian Kelpie with a spotted tongue).

What is your favorite activity to recommend to first-time visitors in Austin? I definitely recommend that first-time visitors to Austin try all the barbecue places that they can.  Franklins is one of my favorites and if you have the time, is worth the wait! Pair that up with a few of the local Austin breweries, such as Live Oak or austin Beerworks, and any visitor will have an awesome day!

What are some of your favorite places that you've traveled too? I have many favorite places that I’ve traveled to, but the two that stick out are Laos and Guadeloupe. In both of these spots,  met some of the nicest people that I’ve ever encountered in my travels.

Meet Thomas Simoneaux

Thomas Simoneaux is our Digital Marketing Manager. Prior to Appyness, Thomas worked with founder Glenn Roberts at a Swiss-based software company, focusing on user acquisition and customer retention. A jack-of-all trades, Thomas is not only an expert in mobile application marketing, but also has extensive experience in running marketing programs in a variety of industries.

Where are you originally from? I am originally from Thibodaux, LA.  After completing my undergraduate degree and launching my professional career in San Antonio, I moved to Austin about three years ago. To this day, I still define myself as a small town boy living in the big city.

What is your professional background? I started my professional career working for a web development and marketing agency in San Antonio, where I worked with clients in a variety of industries. After relocating to Austin, I had the opportunity to work for a gaming peripherals company, where I managed all of our marketing programs.  I then continued my career in tech, transitioning over to managing acquisition and retention programs for a leading VPN provider.

What are some of your passions and hobbies, outside of marketing? I love to explore and stay active in Austin, which is one of the top rated cities in the country for quality of life. On the weekends, I am often playing softball with friends or checking out new restaurants and hotspots around Austin.

Why did you join the Appyness team? Appyness is a change to do something in the agency industry that really isn’t being done. Most agencies are focusing on generating downloads and rankings in the app stores and not on ROI. As an individual who has been both on the client side, as well as on the agency side, I wanted the opportunity to change that, as well as to work with talented and passionate people.

What’s your favorite restaurant or food? Cajun food - Being from South Louisiana, cajun food brings me back to my younger days... plus, when boiled crawfish are seasoned to perfection, there isn’t many things that taste better.

Do you have any pets? I have a black cat named Penny Lane. (after The Beatles song).

What is your favorite activity that you recommend to first-time visitors in Austin? I always recommend that first-timers check out Mount Bonnell, which is in West Austin. The view is beautiful and you get that perfect mix of city and nature.