Our Story

In the sweltering summer of 2019, during an unprecedented heatwave; Hot Dog Solutions was born out of decades of digital and commercial experience within the bustling retail sector. The genesis of our name is as unique as our approach to digital marketing and development solutions.

The story behind our name is as distinctive and unique as our commitment to pioneering digital marketing and development solutions.

In search of the perfect name, our founder, Mal Simons, found inspiration in an unexpected moment. Meghan, Mal’s devoted Siberian Husky and the beloved office mascot, wandered in, seeking respite from the heat. Her panting presence sparked a moment of clarity — and thus, the Hot Dog Solutions identity was born.

Since our inception, Hot Dog Solutions has continually expanded to surpass the evolving needs of our clients. We began as subcontractors for other agencies; enriching our expertise and network within the industry. Over time, our dedication to innovation and client success propelled us forward, expanding our team and establishing direct partnerships and sales channels. Our growth milestones include launching pay-on-results performance marketing programmes in 2021 and joining forces with Shopify as an official partner in 2022.

Our trajectory from a fledgling company to a beacon in the digital solutions space has been fuelled by reputation and word-of-mouth recommendations. A testament to our enduring relationships and quality service is that our earliest clients have remained with us for over five years, growing alongside us.

In an exciting development, 2024 marks a milestone year for Hot Dog Solutions as we’ve been jointly nominated for a prestigious Performance Marketing Award (PMAs). This nomination recognises our innovative approach to performance marketing, specifically our creation of a new CPA (Cost Per Acquisition) by SKU model for Paid Search. This pioneering CPA by SKU model is designed to maximise performance while minimising costs. Offering a tailored strategy that aligns perfectly with the needs and goals of our clients.

Our Philosophy

At Hot Dog Solutions, we believe in the power of partnership and the value of trust. We understand that our success is deeply intertwined with the success of our clients. This ethos is embedded in every strategy, solution, and service we provide, ensuring that we’re not just service providers, but partners in growth.

Join us on our journey, and let’s create digital stories that resonate, engage, and convert.

TEAM

Meet the Team

Malachi Simons

Founder & Managing Director

An experienced and successful digital business leader with over 20 years’ experience in the digital world.
The founder of multiple ventures, Mal has launched subscription services in both the UK and Ireland and has a US patent for building the preferencing engine on which movie services like Netflix are based. Prior to starting his own businesses, Mal worked as an online troubleshooter for VCs, helping brands to optimise and make money online.

Laurence Baylac

Creative Director

A commercial marketeer with two masters degrees in branding and communications; Laurence has more than a decade of experience working for big brands including Carrefour, Reflets de France, Les Pages Jaunes, Herta, Fondation Pierre Fabre and more. Based in London since 2015, Laurence takes the lead on some of our most important and detailed client projects – taking from design, development management and planning through to delivery and execution.

Thomas Duncan Bell

Chief Commercial Officer

Working with major brands over two decades Thomas has a vast experience spanning sectors including tech, finance, retail, wellness, lifestyle, and fitness. Also known for his contributions to the mental health industry, via businesses like BBC, Unilever, and HSBC he has multiple awards to his name. Living with bipolar, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia, Thomas states his neurodiversity’s attribute to his success and enhanced creativity, compassion, and innovation. In recent years Thomas has generated tens of millions of pounds per annum leading global commercial activity with notable brands like AMEX, British Airways, AVIOS, Hackett & Pepe Jeans Group, Charles Tyrwhitt, and the RFU/England Rugby.

Andrei Karabash

Head of SEM

With over six years of expertise in Performance Marketing, Andrei is a seasoned professional known for driving exceptional results through innovative and data-driven strategies. His comprehensive understanding of PPC advertising, keyword research, and bid management enables him to create and optimise high-impact campaigns that maximize ROI. Andrei excels in leveraging analytics and performance metrics to continuously refine and enhance campaign effectiveness. He has successfully managed budgets of hundreds of thousands of dollars for diverse industries, delivering consistent growth in traffic and conversions for brands like Veolia, Frisco, OSHEE, Instax, and Wilkinson Sword.

James Lewis

Development Director

Nearly 20 years’ experience working as a Development Director across some of the UK’s most iconic entertainment retail brands. 8 years’ experience working as a trouble-shooter for VCs based out of London, including stints working in the UK, Ireland and Canada. James is our Google AdWords and Development specialist with mad skills when it comes to building dashboards, using technology to deliver change; and designing campaigns which deliver results.

Finley Lacey

Head of Affiliate Marketing

A results driven, commercial marketing manager who has worked on campaigns for multiple iconic brands in the UK, Canada, US and beyond. Finley joined us as an Intern and has risen through the ranks to run our Performance Marketing division within 4 years; Finley has extensive experience in the online world primarily focused in the fashion, technology and entertainment sectors.

Kateryna Kucherniuk

Affiliate Coordinator

An experienced marketeer, with years of experience working in management, PR, Social Media and more. Kateryna is a key member of our affiliate marketing team, recruiting and building relationships with affiliate partners, negotiating commission rates, tracking and reporting on campaign performance.

Amar Bosankic

SEO & Performance Marketing Specialist

A passionate and experienced SEO and Social Media Marketing specialist who goes the extra mile to find the right solution for our clients. Amar joins us as a digital native, with a love of all things tech. From building his own websites, and consulting for multiple brands; Amar brings together the latest in SEO and Social Media trends while focusing on delivering a positive ROAS in all that we do.

Meghan

Mascot

Adorable Husky and Office Dog. Defender of food and hunter of mice. With 6 years’ experience of sharing her cuteness with the team and clients alike. Will work for food, will tolerate hugs in exchange for treats. Can hear a crisp bag open 300 metres away. Known to leave her bones in odd places in the office. Invented social distancing while on walks outside the office. Likes include being centre of attention, little white dogs, and French bulldogs that look like her best friend, Truffle.