Andy Jenkins Leaves StomperNet…

Yesterday there was a public announcement and press release, stating that Andy Jenkins has left StomperNet and Brad Fallon is taking over as the new CEO.

As you can imagine, this has caused quite a stir across the IM space, and there has been much speculation over the reasons behind this decision.

Andy Jenkins has basically been "the face of StomperNet" and many have expressed that they feel a personal connection with him through his videos, emails and personal interaction at the StomperLive events.

Speaking of which, the StomperNet Live 8 event, aka SNL8, takes place next week in Atlanta. I'll be there, and with the timing of this news I'm curious to know... will Andy Jenkins be there for a final farewell?

Personally, I hope so. I will definitely report in from the event and let you know of any talk, news or proposed changes that I learn about.

This is a good opportunity for me to say... I like Andy Jenkins. Regardless of any issues I've had over the past year with affiliate promotions, or StomperNet's customer service or support, I have held a deep respect for Andy on a personal level. All of my interactions with him, both via email and in person, have been highly positive.

I'll also admit that I am interested in watching this transition, and curious what changes we can expect to see from StomperNet over the coming year with Brad Fallon as CEO. I hesitate to hope that this will be the cure to the issues, as that would insinuate I put all the blame on Andy Jenkins. Which simply isn't my position.

A lot of people have asked me why I am attending SNL8.
In fact, Paul Colligan posed the question live on the IMTW Podcast when we recorded Episode 20 last night.

You can listen in to that episode to get my full response, but the short answer is: StomperNet puts on the best live event I've ever been to.

There is zero pitching, top notch speakers, incredible content, and it draws one of the best crowds I've ever seen.

Paul Colligan and Ed Dale (in photo) are two of my co-hosts on the IMTW Podcast, and they are also both on StomperNet faculty. Since Paul and I will both be at the event, we've decided to record an episode of IMTW live on the scene. You never know who we might pull in a special guest. 😉

I'm also planning to attend a private gathering with Jerry West, a super affiliate and highly respected SEO, and also partner and good friend with David Bullock - who happens to live about an hour from me.

I have a lot of great connections within the StomperNet network, and look forward to the reunion with friends and peers as much as the presentations and content.

There has been a lot of negative press for StomperNet over the last year, from the Net Effect launch issues to them being the target of a nasty IM Gender Debate, they've taken a lot of heat - and they've taken it in stride.

As one of their Top 20 JV partners on that particular launch, I've taken my share of heat over it as well. I stand behind my opinion of The Net Effect - it's a fabulous product, and I'm a subscriber - but I also respect the frustration over shipping & customer service issues. As you know, I went above and beyond to assist with those issues to the best of my ability.

Personally, I'm ready to put this year - and all it's negativity - behind us, and look forward to seeing what StomperNet has on the agenda for the year ahead.

To Andy: I'll miss your smiling face and fun personality at StomperNet. I wish you all the best on your future ventures, and will definitely be following along. And hey - welcome back to the real world 😉 😀 *cheers*

Here is the official press release from StomperNet:

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The Evolution of an Internet Marketing Titan. Today, StomperNet announces that the management isn't the only thing about to change.

July 30, 2009 - Last week, Andy Jenkins and Brad Fallon negotiated the future of their online school of IM education, StomperNet. When they emerged, Brad Fallon was the new CEO and Andy Jenkins was moving to California. Each is pleased with the turn of events. And each other.

"That's about the size of it," reports Jenkins. "It's really that simple. People are speculating like crazy about what kind of behind-the-scenes dramatics went on, but it's something far more boring: I was ready to pass the StomperNet baton in order to work on other stuff. Brad was ready to take it."

"The only fireworks are those we see happening online with all the gossip and rumors." chuckles Brad Fallon "Frankly, we were surprised by how much everyone cared! Happy...but surprised."

But it's no wonder this announcement has caused so much speculation.

StomperNet, which opened its doors in October 2006, has been the talk of the IM space for years. They broke records when they first launched, selling over 2000 membership slots, at a price point of $10,000/year (Or $800/month.) Over the last three years, they've assembled a faculty of world-class subject matter experts on virtually every aspect of internet marketing. This faculty guides and educates their members (who refer to themselves a "Stompers.")

Jenkins, Fallon and this esteemed StomperNet faculty have also compiled the largest, most comprehensive IM library of over 1400 videos, audios, and other online courses. They host a vibrant community of online entrepreneurs, who regularly share tips and advice in the famous StomperNet forums. Forums that are currently going almost 200,000 posts strong.

StomperNet Live events are also legendary, attracting top speakers from all over the world to address Stompers and help them grow their businesses. The popular "site review" section of the Live Events also makes StomperNet Live events extra unique. Attendees can submit their URL and enjoy a thorough one-on-one analysis of their site, conducted by a StomperNet faculty member. Attendees have called these personal reviews "priceless" and "the smartest thing I've ever done for my business."

As if that wasn't enough, last year StomperNet launched another new product. One that was - once more - unlike anything else seen in the IM market. Called "The Net Effect", this printed monthly journal is sent to subscribers in more than 200 countries, and is more handbook than magazine. Its focus? Teaching readers tactics and strategies that will allow them to maximize their presence (and profitability) online. Each issue features instructive, execution-focused articles penned by the StomperNet faculty and other featured writers. At the end of each issue is a summarizing checklist that combines all the action items discussed throughout of the magazine. Readers report that they love to tear these checklists out and work on them each month.

"As big as StomperNet is right now...we're about to get bigger." explains Fallon, "I can't go into the details yet, but suffice it to say that this Fall will see some incredible new offerings from StomperNet. Stuff people have been begging us to do for years now. We're incredibly excited about the future of StomperNet and our mission of supporting internet entrepreneurism around the world."

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Andy Jenkins has set up a new blog, and promises to give more insight into his personal and professional reasons for leaving StomperNet. You can find him at www.AndyJenkinsBlog.com.

Best,

p.s. StomperNet has something up their sleeve for Sept 2009. All I know is what you see there... but I'll keep an eye on it and share details as I get them.