Volker Jaeckel

Key Account Consultant for Germany | B2B | D2C

Unstoppable Automotive Group

Marketing & Sales Leadership:
• Integration of transformative marketing strategies across 8 SoCal dealerships, I was instrumental in positioning Unstoppable Automotive as the fastest-growing Mercedes-Benz dealer in the Western region in 2020.

Digital Performance & ROI:
• We saw an unprecedented surge in key metrics: internet lead submissions increased by 39.2%, inbound calls rose by 89.8%, direct sales grew by 7.5%, paid search traffic expanded by 41%, display ads generated an 85% increase, and our email campaigns achieved an astonishing 2,155% growth.
• This digital prowess translated to tangible returns: a 300% ROI. We added a remarkable $2.16M, culminating in a robust $18M revenue for FY 2020.

Revenue Augmentation & Strategic Alliances:
• My strategic vision amplified service revenue from $302K to a commendable $1.2M. Similarly, parts revenue leaped from $181K to $496K.

Service Marketing & Competitive Edge:
• I architected a disruptive service marketing blueprint, targeting competitors within a 40-mile radius. This strategy was a resounding success, doubling our service hours from 3,172 to a staggering 6,200.

Digital Dominance:
• Under my guidance, the Group’s Audi, Volvo, Polestar, and Mercedes-Benz dealerships clinched the #1 spot on major search engines. 
• Our digital campaigns enhanced web traffic across the board: organic search by 81% and referrals by 30%. Social media engagement soared by 119%.

Innovative Tech Solutions:
• I championed the integration of cutting-edge AI tools, offering customers an immersive virtual car tour experience with our Sales Associates.

Industry Recognition & Accolades:
Audi USA lauded our content strategy. Furthermore, our digital initiatives caught the eye of Volvo N.A., cementing our reputation for digital excellence and becoming part of their Digital Advisory Board.

Head of Digital Strategy & Marketing – Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Jaguar, Land Rover

Impact Riverside County

Appointed as Innovation Consultant at MIC (Murrieta Innovation Center) in collaboration with the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce. Leading "Pitch Ascent," a structured pitch optimization and leadership program designed specifically to help local startups refine investor presentations, master storytelling, and scale effectively.

Key areas of focus include:
✅ Startup Pitch Development
✅ Investor Communication Strategies (DISC-based)
✅ Leadership & Scaling Tactics
✅ Innovation & Startup Coaching
✅ Local Startup Ecosystem Growth

Innovation Consultant

FocalPoint

Currently open to GLOBAL executive roles in automotive retail strategy, digital leadership, and group marketing transformation.

Business Coach for automotive, pharma, chemical, real state, B2B service industry & business owners

McKenna Motors

Digital Transformation:
• Spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of McKenna Motors' digital marketing, business development, advertising, and internet sales strategy across nine prominent Los Angeles dealerships. In a remarkable span of just 70 days, I revitalized the Internet Sales Department and Business Development Center, positioning them as pivotal contributors to the dealership's total unit sales.
• My leadership acumen was further demonstrated as I adeptly managed a formidable team of 23 direct reports, with the fiduciary responsibility of a $12 million annual budget.

Analytical Insights & Financial Prudence:
• With a keen analytical approach, I unearthed suboptimal performance and fiscal inefficiencies. This insight led to the decisive elimination and subsequent replacement of the dealership group’s ad agency.
• I architected a digital roadmap, capturing an impressive $250K+ in marketing expenditures. This strategic move not only conserved resources but also bolstered conversions. My foray into paid advertisements yielded a stellar 172% ROI. Through meticulous optimization, I propelled our market penetration by 46%.

Branding Consistency & Market Expansion:
• I remained unwavering in my commitment to curating a consistent brand voice and tone. Through meticulously crafted messaging, we amplified our presence across all digital channels. While adhering to OEM compliance for new vehicles, I strategically targeted buyers outside the AOI for certified pre-owned cars. This initiative surged our traffic and expanded our outside-AOI inquiries by an impressive 23%.

Industry Recognition & Excellence:
• My endeavors did not go unnoticed. I was honored with group accolades for exceptional performance, notably the “Best-Selling Porsche Taycan EV-Dealership, SoCal Region,” based on our targeted email campaigns. 
• The “OEM Sales Regional Office” recognized our Internet Department's prowess, applauding our impressive close rate of 16.7% to 18% across diverse franchises.

Fractional CMO 

Kent Automotive

Strategic Advisory at Kent Automotive:
• In my pivotal role as an advisor at Kent Automotive, I was entrusted with the responsibility of meticulously defining and operationalizing the company's go-to-market blueprint and sales strategy. My strategic vision was laser-focused on driving new business avenues in the competitive German market. I successfully orchestrated the closure of annual service contracts with some of Germany's most prestigious automotive dealership conglomerates, cementing Kent Automotive's reputation as a trusted partner.

Sales Training & Team Empowerment:
• Recognizing the importance of a skilled and informed sales force, I undertook the initiative to provide hands-on training to a new brigade of 16 Regional Sales Managers. My training regimen was comprehensive, encompassing the nuances of consultative sales techniques. I was deeply involved in imparting knowledge and real-time sales scenarios, assisting these managers in navigating complex negotiations and closing pivotal contract opportunities. Under my mentorship, the team honed their sales acumen and imbibed the ethos of customer-centric selling.

Major Contract Acquisition:
• One of my most notable achievements during this tenure was securing an exclusive service contract for oils and lubricants. This was not just any contract; it was with the largest Mercedes-Benz dealer group located in the Southwest of Germany. Through a combination of strategic negotiations, understanding the client's core needs, and positioning Kent Automotive's unparalleled product quality, I was able to clinch this coveted contract. This partnership bolstered our revenue streams and positioned Kent Automotive as a preferred partner for premium automotive dealerships in the region.

National Key Account Manager | Chemical Industry | Contract | B2B

Universal Auto Group, Inc.

Internet Sales Process Transformation:
• At the forefront of innovation, I architected and seamlessly integrated a novel Internet Sales Process, revolutionizing the dealership group's sales paradigm. My vision was clear: a marketing plan heavily skewed towards digital at 80%, with traditional methods accounting for the remaining 20%.
• I introduced robust processes to quantify results precisely, ensuring every strategy's efficacy was measurable. My omnichannel campaigns were not just about reach but also about efficiency driving revenue with precision.
• Recognizing the importance of customer retention, I established a dedicated team comprising 14 direct reports. Our collective efforts bore fruit, generating an impressive $1M+ in additional sales in the inaugural year.

Sales Acceleration & Cost Efficiency:
• My strategic prowess was further demonstrated as I rolled out an innovative blueprint that not only turbocharged sales but also curtailed our annual marketing expenditure by a staggering $744K.
• I harnessed specialized software to amplify our service business. By astutely leveraging a database of over 20,000 existing customers, we witnessed a surge in repeat sales, cementing our position as a trusted automotive partner.

Training, Coaching & Lead Management:
• I believe in empowering teams. I imparted best practices training to a 27-strong Internet Marketing Department. I was a mentor, offering one-on-one coaching to Internet Managers, ensuring we attracted customers and sealed the deal.
• I introduced a stringent 180-second response limit for new leads, ensuring agility in our approach. This strategy and our efforts to bolster brand visibility expanded our purchase pipeline by an impressive 85%.

Branding & Digital Marketing:
• My segmented email campaigns were aggressive yet strategic, carving a distinct brand identity. Additionally, my Google AdWords campaign was a game-changer, doubling our site traffic in a mere 11 months.

Digital Marketing Director | B2C

TUNAP GROUP

U.S. Expansion Leadership for TUNAP
• Entrusted with spearheading TUNAP's ambitious U.S. expansion, a renowned German producer of automotive lubricants, aerosols, and cleaners. Armed with a robust $10M budget, I meticulously identified strategic U.S. operational locations. I forged pivotal distribution alliances and diligently navigated the regulatory landscape, ensuring timely submissions to all pertinent state and local government bodies.

Managing Director USA | Chemical Industry | Start-Up | B2B

CDK Global

Digital Marketing Ambassador | SaaS | B2B

Sons Automotive Group

eCommerce Marketing Director 

Jackson Acura

Internet Sales Director 

AUTOMOTIVE DIGITAL MARKETING LEADER | 24 YEARS U.S. MARKET EXPERTISE

I've spent over two decades transforming how luxury automotive brands connect with customers in the world's most competitive market. My greatest achievement? Leading Mercedes-Benz of Temecula to 30% market share growth during the 2020/2021 pandemic, recognized by MBUSA as the ONLY dealership worldwide that grew while others stagnated.

PANDEMIC SUCCESS STORY
- Generated $2.16M additional revenue during COVID-19
- Achieved 300% marketing ROI through AI-driven strategies  
- Increased service revenue by 297% and parts revenue by 174%
- Grew internet leads 39%, inbound calls 89%

HOLISTIC BUSINESS APPROACH & EXECUTIVE COACHING
I don't see dealerships as separate profit centers – I see them as symphonic business systems. As a Certified DISC Business Executive & Marketing Coach, I help C-level executives understand the correlation between R&D, Marketing, Sales, Service, and Customer Experience, using data analytics to optimize total organizational health.

BUSINESS COACHING & ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
- Affiliate Business Coach: Randall W. Lewis Center for Entrepreneurship, CA 
- Executive in Residence Coach: California State University, San Marcos
- Founder & President: FocalPoint Business Coaching & Training Temecula Valley
- Featured Speaker: "Communication Breakthrough" & "DNA of an Entrepreneur" programs
- International coaching for automotive companies in Germany, Italy, and the U.S.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & SPEAKING
- Author: "The Digital Dealership" (2014) 
- Co-Author: "How to Survive and Thrive" (2024) with Reebok founder Joe Foster
- International Keynote Speaker: Autohaus eMarketing Days & DEKRA Gebrauchtwagentage (Germany), Internet Motors Milano, Digital Dealer Conferences
- Monthly workshops: Entrepreneurial Resource Center, Chamber of Commerce events

MULTI-BRAND EXPERTISE
Latest: Successfully managed 8+ luxury brands simultaneously - Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Sprinter, Audi, Volvo, Polestar, Jaguar, Land Rover with $4.8M budget responsibility.

CERTIFICATIONS
- Professional Certified Marketer® (American Marketing Association)
- Certified Digital Marketing Professional (Digital Marketing Institute, Dublin, IRL)  
- International Business Executive Coach (Brian Tracy International)
- Certified DISC Behavioral Analyst (FocalPoint International)

Currently seeking strategic leadership and digital marketing opportunities with progressive European automotive groups ready for digital transformation and executive development.

German Citizen | EU Work Authorized | Fluent German & English

Member of the Digital Sales & Marketing Advisory Board | B2B

➤ Serving an advisory role thru strategic reviews, suggestions, and program support to continuously enhance the quality of Volvo's national online exposure and programs.
➤ Consult Volvo's national manager suite through monthly meetings to enhance dealer network offerings.

Aira Tech Corp

At Aira Tech Corp, a professional visual interpreting service for the blind community,  I started with accessibility testing for the Aira Explorer app relaunch and quickly grew into leading the AI Advisory Group for Access AI, conducting market research and assisting with product development. My role evolved into product marketing, where I launched integrations like Meta Ray-Bans, built partnerships with access partners such as Walmart, and created tutorial content for new features. I collaborated cross-functionally to craft messaging, present at events, and communicate updates, including Aira AI with Google Astra. This role also expanded my experience in accessibility-focused product strategy and stakeholder engagement.

Product Marketing Manager

Blake Steinecke 

I leverage my unique background in marketing and accessibility to help companies build more accessible products and reach people with disabilities through marketing. My roles have included accessibility testing and AI advisory at Aira, content marketing at Fable, accessibility and marketing at Olark, and research studies with Adobe, Sony, and Fiverr. I also delivered accessibility training with OC Sports & Entertainment, the parent organization of the Anaheim Ducks, helping teams implement inclusive practices. I've shared content on assitive tech and accessibility on my YouTUbe channel,Adapting Sight.

Marketing and Accessibility Consultant 

I am passionate about fostering understanding and shifting perspectives through public speaking, drawing on my experiences with vision loss, marketing and accessibility, and being a disabled athlete. I have shared my story and insights at K–12 schools, California State University San Marcos’ business school, the CSUN Assistive Technology Conference, and numerous community meetups. My engagements have also included delivering accessibility trainings for large organizations, leading podcast discussions on my story and accessibility, presenting to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and appearing on NHL Tonight. Across these experiences, I focus on leadership, personal resilience, and promoting inclusion in sports, technology, and everyday life.

Public Speaker

US Blind Hockey team 

I have been able to continue to play hockey after my vision loss and now represent the US on the US Blind Hockey Team. This sport and community has taught me so many things to thrive on and more importantly off the ice. I've grown as a leader and been able to use my marketing skills for content creations, video editing, fundraising campaigns and more.

Forward

Clusiv, Inc

At Clusiv, an eLearning platform for the blind community, I led marketing and drove leads as Growth Manager, dramatically increasing qualified leads by 200% from the blind community using targeted growth marketing tactics. I ran webinars, managed social media, and represented Clusiv at conferences. Additionally, I optimized campaigns to increase community reach and improve overall user acquisition strategies.

Growth Manager

As accessibility needs increased at Clusiv, I went full time and helped a software engineering team that was new to accessibility, develop multiple accessible web and mobile applications. I also ensured the accessibility of documents and other assets from the company.

Accessibility Manager

During a time in my career when I was doing contract work, Clusiv was a company I worked with where i got to bring together my marketing, accessibility and lived experience of my vision loss to impact a mission I felt passionately about.

Marketing Consultant

Blind Institute of Technology

I worked with BIT doing web accessibility testing and trainings. This role grew my technical understanding of web accessibility, WCAG, CSS, HTML and auditing. I helped provide trainings with other team members to various large organizations, empowering their own journeys with accessibility.

Accessibility Tester and Trainer

Open Inclusion

I was the Sight Loss Community Leader for the Open Inclusion Disability Inclusive Insight and Engagement Panel in North America. In this role I helped advise the rest of the Open Inclusion team including the research and design team and other panel leaders on perspectives from my community. This supports our ongoing development of understanding of the sight loss community in North America and considerations through co-design of our research and broader disability-inclusive services.

Sight Loss Community Leader

Fable

As my passion for accessibility grew, I started working with Fable  to do usability testing to help companies create better digital experiences for people with disabilities. This grew my understanding of accessibility and most importantly my communications skills to be able to translate my experience with assistive tech and accessibility barriers into actionable insights to improve usability and accessibility.

Accessibility/Usability Tester

TASCO 

My career pivoted into marketing and I was able to work in an industry that I've always enjoyed.  I ran paid advertising on Google Search, Facebook andInstagram to drive results throughout the sales funnel. I also helped with giveaways to build email lists, ran influencer marketing, and.more. By doing performance marketing, it really made me see marketing's goal as driving business results, as I increased revenue 15% and web traffic 20%

Digital Marketing Strategist 

GoSite

As an SDR, I grew my sales and communication skills by building a pipeline to create leads for account executives. Outside of my responsibilities, I helped give advice on improving accessibility at the company and providing insights on inclusive hiring processes..

Sales Development Representative

SmartCover

This was my first experience in a start up where I was able to work on various marketing tactics to increase brand awareness of SmartCover's innovative technology to predict and prevent sewer spills. An interview I created of one of the cofounders was featured in.an industry leading media platform. I increased their social media following 25% and grew my skills in Salesforce.

Marketing and Sales Intern

My vision loss in high school changed how I experienced technology and inspired me to dedicate my career to making it more accessible, innovative, and impactful. I’m passionate about product marketing and assistive tech, using both my professional background and lived experience to help organizations build better products and connect with more people.

I began in sales at GoSite before quickly pivoting into marketing with TASCO MTB, leading performance marketing campaigns, influencer partnerships, and event marketing. Working in the mountain bike industry allowed me to combine professional growth with a personal passion.

I then moved into accessibility work and started my YouTube channel, Adapting Sight, to share insights about assistive tech. I partnered with organizations like Blind Institute of Technology, Open Inclusion, and Fable on accessibility testing, applying my lived experience, communication skills, and technical knowledge to help product teams improve usability and inclusion.

At Clusiv, I served as Accessibility Manager, guiding a product team new to accessibility and launching three web and mobile applications. Later as Growth Manager, I increased MQLs by 200% and drove growth through email marketing, webinars, Google Ads, social media, targeted sponsorships, PR, and events, gaining deep insights into reaching the blind community.

This expertise led to product marketing consulting with Olark, Fable, and Aira. At Fable, I developed content campaigns showcasing tester stories; at Olark, I improved product usability and created tutorials; and at Aira, I started with accessibility testing before expanding into product marketing, leading the Aira AI Advisory Group, supporting product launches like Access AI, and contributing to partnerships and integrations including Meta Ray-Bans and Walmart.

I've connected my passions and professional expeirence through product testing and accessibilty trainings with Sony, Adobe and OC Sports and Entertainment, the parent organizaiton of the Anehim Ducks. My public speaking experience ranges from speaking at K-12 schools, higher education, CSUN Conference, San Diego County Board of Supervisors, and numerous podcast and media appearances.

My career combines sales, marketing, and accessibility to help companies build better products, grow impact, and reach more people. I aim to continue driving product marketing initiatives in innovative and assistive tech while building my personal brand to help more organizations connect inclusion with business results.

Blake Steinecke

I spoke at a Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship course last week.
Thank you to Professor Bennett Cherry for seeing my value in these topics.
I've stumbled into these areas, but I realized I have valuable insights to share.

1. Creativity
I never used to think of myself as a creative or "artsy" person.
But creativity is so much more than that.
It's how I've adapted and continued to solve problems since my vision loss.
It's discovering a passion for making videos and posting content online.
It's building my personal brand.
It's how I've seen impactful technology be built in my career.

Creativity is both a mindset and a tactic for innovation and entrepreneurship.

2. Innovation
It's been the best time in history to go through vision loss.
I've seen technology evolve so quickly, and I've embraced it.
My firsthand experience with tech draws me to innovation.
Startups and innovative accessibility projects have deepened my experience.

To explore innovation, pursue "intrepreneurship", work at startups, deeply understand your customer, and find product–market fit.
Discover how accessibility can be a huge driver of innovation.

3. Entrepreneurship
I didn’t know what I’d have to say in this area.
I don’t even know how to spell the word.
My entrepreneurial path has been unconventional—pursuing freelance and contract work, and stepping into public speaking.

Broaden your view of entrepreneurship.
Learn valuable skills, build your personal brand, connect with people, develop opportunities, and sell your services.
Start small, put yourself out there and don't be afraid to fail.


But here was the best part:
After I spoke, a student shared with the class that it encouraged them to see their disability as something to build from, not something to be ashamed of.

I've totally been in their shoes and am so glad they took that away.
That perspective takes some creativity and innovation to live out.

Helping innovative, mission-driven tech companies create human-centered products that connect with users through collaborative marketing | Product Marketer | Public Speaker | Inclusive AI| Blind Athlete

A classroom full of college students sits at long desks with laptops open while watching a virtual guest speaker projected on two large screens at the front of the room. The screens show Blake Steinecke smiling and speaking during a remote presentation for Professor Cherry’s class. The instructor’s desk, whiteboard notes, and windows with trees outside are visible in the background.

I used to hate running unless it was part of a sport.
But it’s become a hobby since my vision loss.
Here are a couple of things that make it more accessible for me:

1. Sunglasses
For running, I like big lenses to block light and wind.
The frame should wrap to your face to block light from the sides.
Having no frame on the bottom blocks less peripheral vision.

Polarized lenses help reduce glare.
I like dark lenses with just a black or grey tint.
Color-contrast tech in the lenses is a plus!

In this video, I'm wearing glasses from Shady Rays Polarized Sunglasses.
Check out SportRx glasses, especially if you also use a prescription.

2. Running hat
A long, curved brim blocks out the most light.
Then pull that brim down to the top of your glasses.

If you have a big head like me, check out Oddjob Hats.
It's a great example of accessibility. Hats aren’t designed for big heads, but there are people with big heads who want good hats. 

3. Good shoes
I don’t have great foot placement when running outdoors.
The squish of trainers helps absorb my missteps.
Figure out the best shoe for your foot.
In this video, I am wearing the Nike Pegasus

Bonus tips for visually impaired runners:
Walk the route before you run it.
Err on the side of higher steps to avoid trips.
Watch your step, but don’t forget to look up.

Don't follow my advice that running on the side of the road in quiet neighborhood streets is easier than avoiding things on the sidewalk.

For a treadmill, figure out the simplest functions you need to start running.
Most of the time, there hsould be enough tactile features.

Thanks to the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max’s new selfie camera.
Before this new center framing feature, I couldn’t film like this with my vision.

What do you think of video content like this?
There’s a lot of content out there on the technical side of accessibility.
But I want to share the human side of technology from my lived experience.

I want to make accessibility more approachable and understandable.
In this case, highlight the “low-tech,” non-digital consumer products that make my life more accessible.

Follow for more content like this.

Comment your favorite running gear, 


whether it makes things more accessible or just more bearable for anyone.

#Accessibility #AssistiveTechnology

Before my vision loss, I wasn’t into cameras.
Afterward, I got hooked. Thanks to the GoPro.
So, what makes the GoPro so easy for me to use as someone who is blind?

1. Wide angle lense
It's so easy to frame an image.
Just point it towards something and take the shot.

2. Easy focus 
The wide angle an high aperture keep things in focus.
I couldn't use a camera if it wasn't for good auto focus. 

3. Simple controls
There's just a couple tactile buttons.
I can click the shutter, the camera turns on and starts recording. 
Voice controls are super helpful too.

4. GoPro app 
The back screen isn't accessible for me.
But, I can connect to my phone and use magnification to control settings.
(VoiceOver doesn't work well with it, but just labeling buttons would fix it.)

I use the Hero 7 Black and it still works great.
Newer GoPros have even more "accessibility" features like horizon lock, better framing features, crazy stabilization and more.

GoPros are coincidentally accessible.
They're designed to be super easy to use in all sorts of ways in places.

A lot of times when you mount a GoPro, you record and aren't even looking.
Designing for these use cases make unintended accessibility benefits for me.

The more I think about it, GoPros are accessible in broad terms.
Not in terms of accessibility for people with disabilities.

But by designing in broad terms for accessibility and simple design, it can benefit people with disabilities. 

What other products do you think accidentally get accessibility right?


#GoPro #Accessibility #Cameras

The front of a GoPro Hero 7 Black sitting on a white desk with a wite background 

"It was a normal night during my junior year of high school.
There was a mysterious robotic voice coming from upstairs.
My dad looked at my mom and said, "What is that?!"

It was JAWS.

Not the JAWS you are thinking of.

At times, it is scarier.

What was it?

It was me and my new laptop.

The voice was coming from my new screen reader called JAWS.

My vision loss had recently started, and I had to relearn how to use technology.

The screen reader was one of the most important things to learn.

So what actually is JAWS?

It is software for Windows computers that allows you to navigate using shortcut 
keys. It reads out loud what is on your screen.

Have you ever pressed Tab to move through elements on a page?

Instead of using a mouse, you tab around and use keyboard commands.

JAWS reads the focused element, what you type, and much more.

Going from visually using a computer to using it by sound was frustrating.

It took a lot of memorization, patience, and time.

And that robotic voice definitely took some getting used to.

It was one thing to learn how to use JAWS.

But it was even harder to realize how much of the internet was not accessible.

Many of the programs I needed for school did not work well with JAWS.

I had to find workarounds.

(Thankfully, many of those programs have improved accessibility since then.)

Just the sound of a screen reader’s voice can be intimidating.

They can be very daunting to learn.

JAWS made me want to throw my computer off a roof countless times.

But it is also one of the most important pieces of technology for blind people.

I love that JAWS stands for Job Access With Speech because learning 
technology should be about building skills for independence and employment.

Eventually, I found that VoiceOver and magnification on the Apple iMac worked 
better for me, but that is another story.

If you are blind, learn how to use a screen reader on a computer.

It is a grueling journey, but so rewarding.

And if you build technology, design for screen reader accessibility.

#AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility"

I'll admit it,  I used to be an Android user.
When my vision loss was starting, I switched to an iPhone.
It took just one conversation with an AT&T employee to switch. 

I was using a Samsung Galaxy S4 Active at the time.
I really wanted the Galaxy Note 2.

When I shared with an AT&T employee about my vision loss, he shared how Apple has better accessibility. 

I didn't want to make the switch.
It was hard to accept I was going to have to use different technology.
This was the start of a challenging, yet transformative journey with technology.

I ended up getting an iPhone 6S Plus.
And I got some of the best technology advice of my life.

The iPhone became one of my most important pieces of technology.
Many phones, iPads, and computers later, I've become all in on Apple.

Although Android has really improved its accessibility and has many comparable accessibility features, I still strongly prefer the iPhone. 

These are the top things I love about iPhone accessibility. 
1. VoiceOver: this screen reader reads out loud what I tap on
2. Magnification: I can zoom in, on a high quality screen, when typing and more.
3. Camera: I can take high quality pictures and zoom in 
4. iCloud: I can switch between tasks on apps on my phone and computer.
5. Simple UX: It's intuitive...unlike lots of other technology I've used.  

Watch this video I made a couple years ago to learn more about why I think the iPhone is the best phone for people who are blind or low vision: https://lnkd.in/gbjKdV7N

Do you prefer Apple or Android? Comment which and why. Let's be respectful though as this can be a heated topic ;) 

#Apple #AssistiveTechnology #Accessibility

Technology was so frustrating to learn after my vision loss.
So deciding to learn an advanced video-editing software was oddly intriguing.
All it took was a free Adobe college account and a 20-minute tutorial.

I got into cameras after my vision loss.
It was a powerful way to capture sight.
I started getting more into making videos.

I didn’t realize that my challenges learning technology would fuel my creativity.
I learned I could get the Adobe Creative Cloud for free through school.
Adobe Premiere Pro seemed cool to learn.
 
I knew it was hard, but I was intrigued.
I realized I’d been getting used to learning difficult technology.
So why not learn something fun and creative?

I found a YouTube video on how to make a video in Premiere Pro in 20 minutes.

I watched it slowly.
Paused constantly.
Had to zoom in and track down the mouse.

In the end, I had a super simple video.

I was hooked.

This turned into a passion and hobby making mountain biking and travel videos.

You can check out this YouTube channel with some of that work: https://lnkd.in/gSYCSkQj

During a career pivot, I made this YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/gcUUGasv

Making videos helped me build my personal brand and pivot my career.
I shared my experience with assistive  tech and content creation.

Creating videos has even become part of my career in marketing.

It seemed crazy to start making videos.
But it’s even crazier to see what it’s turned into.


Adobe Premiere Pro is difficult to learn, but I’ve found all sorts of ways to make it accessible.

Follow for more content about how I make content creation accessible.

taplio

The Battle

Volker Jaeckel

Blake Steinecke

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The Battle

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Blake Steinecke

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Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Blake Steinecke's LinkedIn Performance

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