As the Chief Marketing and Managing Partner of Incend Media, George Lamelza brings nearly three decades of experience in elevating brands through technology, marketing, and business strategy. Known for working behind the scenes, Lamelza is recognized as the expert’s expert, providing valuable insights that empower leaders and organizations across various industries. His expertise spans marketing, SEO, AEO, social media marketing, technology, and web development, blending creative, analytical, and technical approaches for sustainable success.
Previously, Lamelza gained recognition as the CEO of Team Media, where he pioneered internet services as a rental amenity for multifamily housing complexes. He transformed the company from a small business service provider called Anet into one of the fastest-growing web services companies in the United States. Under his leadership since 2000, Team Media experienced significant growth, culminating in its acquisition in 2007 and leaving a lasting legacy in technology and real estate.
Beyond his work with Team Media, Lamelza has made significant contributions through his involvement in organizations like the Orlando Sports Foundation and the ESPN Events Cure Bowl. As a founding member, he played a pivotal role in launching the third college bowl game in Orlando, Florida. He serves on the advisory board, leading marketing and brand strategy for the foundation and bowl game, which has raised over $4.1 million for cancer research.
Lamelza has been instrumental in advancing the growth of community colleges and universities, particularly in Missouri. His unique blend of digital marketing, SEO, and website development skills provides a holistic approach that significantly benefits these institutions. His strategic initiatives have led to impressive student recruitment and retention improvements, contributing to substantial growth rates. His efforts have been vital in driving campus expansions, spearheading successful capital campaigns, and optimizing state funding strategies, elevating the institutions he has worked with to national recognition. He frequently speaks at higher education conferences, and his insights have been featured in Inside Higher Ed and other industry publications.
During his leadership role at Dealer Uplink and The Automotive Partners, Lamelza worked alongside Fortune 500 executives, helping secure initial capitalization and coordinating corporate strategies. He focused on go-to-market offerings, with clients generating nearly $1 billion in revenue. His efforts led to the development of an interactive mobile technology tailored to the automotive industry.
As a founding member of Blitz Technology Group, Lamelza continues to influence various industries. The group owns or partners with several businesses engaged in advertising, marketing, automotive, venture capital, retail, technology, and consulting services.
Recognized for his business and technology leadership, The Business Journal has listed Lamelza as one of Missouri’s top business and technology leaders. He is a member of the Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts and has judged prestigious awards, including the Communicator, w3, and Davey Awards. Lamelza has received several accolades for his work, including the MCCA Technology Innovation Award for web design in higher education, the Springfield Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and the Medallion Award from NCMPR. In 2018, the Football Bowl Association (Bowl Season) honored him as Volunteer of the Year.
With his extensive expertise in marketing and technology, Lamelza provides strategic guidance to organizations seeking to position themselves with the next generation of marketing-focused technology, leading to double-digit measurable growth. He holds an MBA in Marketing from Northwest Missouri State University and a BBA in Accounting from Evangel University.
Besides his professional accomplishments, George is a devoted husband and father of three who divides his time between Springfield, Missouri, and Orlando, Florida.