Meet Munzee Munday: State of the Munion

Although Munzee is only 3 years old, Team Munzee has grown like the game’s map: quick. Over the past few months we’ve seen a Marketplace open, a Bash blast off and a world freeze over. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg (pun intended). In the near future our players will see a new app, a subscription service and, as always, game growth. This growth is what we at Team Munzee pride ourselves on. We’re unwilling to rest when there are improvements to be made and through trial and error we’re making the most of Munzee. Through this all our faithful leader has stood tall, even when his back has crumbled. Like all great leaders, Munzee President Rob Vardeman has been the power behind the game’s recent growth and as he celebrates his first year in the books he has a few thoughts on how it has gone. October 4th, 2014 CoachV celebrated the end of his first year as Munzee president and we’re proud to congratulate him on a fine term.

IMG_2228It’s been a year since you took the reins on Munzee. How has it been?
This first year has exceeded any expectations I could have dreamed a year ago. The response of players around the world to some of the new game play and charity initiatives has been amazing!

What are some of your highlights from your first year as president?
So many highlights it is difficult to only choose a few, but I’ll give it a try. Multiple events around the world meeting new people has to be top of my list. Adding amazing new team members and truly growing the game from the inside has done wonders. Special charity Munzees and fundraising campaigns have touched me and impacted the lives of the recipients in great ways.

Anything you would have changed?
As with any new venture there are always things you look back and know you would change. I’m a risk taker and believe we have to try new things to find our sweet spot. The Munzlympics for example, big fail. However, it lead to a more successful Copa do Munzo, which will lead to an amazing next run along the same lines.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is where my passion in life has always been, the people. I love the interaction. I love talking with players who visit MHQ. I love traveling to events and meeting the people who make this game what it is. Without the people, Munzee does not exist and that is never taken for granted.

Least favorite part?
Learning all the tech terms from Scott. I’m very fortunate to have a great team in place with each person having strengths in areas where I am lacking. Scott is very good at sharing issues we have in “Rob terms” so I can understand. I have a great appreciation (and limited understanding) for what Scott and his team do everyday!

teamWhat expectations do you have for your second year?
What can you expect from year 2.0 with me at the helm? Expect the Unexpected has been the slogan of the year and I think everyone (including the team) has come to know it to be true. We have some plans for expansion via the new Eventzee app for special events and private scavenger hunts. We will continue to press forward, innovate, and evolve the game of Munzee with new and unique ideas, contests, and prizes. Players should prepare for an exciting ride as we look to Munzee 3.0 (launch: TBD).  Let’s just put it this way, year one was just the opening act, there is still plenty ahead for Munzee players to be excited about!

Any words of enlightenment, El Presidente?
Our players now should be excited to have built Munzee to this point. They are still part of our early years and growing pains, members of the first 200,000 player club.  We strive daily to prepare for the future, for the millionth player. Will that player join Munzee in the next year? Only time will tell, but when they do, we will be ready! We appreciate the passion seen from players worldwide and will work with the same passion to make Munzee the scavenger hunt of the future! Grow the map, grow the game!rob