Isaac Dietrich knows how to multitask.
Mr. Dietrich is the chief financial officer (CFO) of Los Angeles-based Samzap Media Corporation, the developer of the app of the same name that allows users to earn cash for posting about participating advertisers on major social media platforms.
Until April of this year, Mr. Dietrich also served as full-time CFO for Greenwave Technology Solutions, a recycled metals supplier based in Chesapeake, Virginia.
“It was definitely the most difficult period of my life,” he says.
Stress did not affect his ability to produce results. Under Dietrich's management, Samzap listed on the Nasdaq in October 2024 and rang the listing bell the following month. His guidance also contributed to the rapid expansion of the business, connecting with new markets, enabling expansion of platform capabilities and setting the stage for strategic social integrations beyond Instagram to include X and TikTok.
First, the big question: How did you cope with working full-time as CFO for two companies?
He worked more than 80 hours a week to ensure accuracy at both a fast-growing technology company and a scrapyard chain with 14 facilities in Virginia, North Carolina, and Ohio that generates $35 million in annual revenue. This was definitely the most difficult period of my life.
Most people work for decades to become a CFO at Nasdaq, and I'm grateful for the amazing team that helped me get through this experience.
How do you measure the success of Thumzup's monetization and scalability?
At Thumzup, we measure success by our ability to build a robust, self-sustaining ecosystem that democratizes access to social media branding and marketing. Similar to Uber and Airbnb, our strategy is focused on increasing density within our target market and onboarding a critical number of businesses before fully capitalizing on monetization opportunities.
The rationale is simple. Once the market reaches a tipping point for publicly traded companies, user adoption will naturally follow. This density drives organic growth, and virality acts as the engine that drives monetization and scalability.
On the financial side, we track metrics such as number of active businesses, user engagement rate, and retention rate to assess market penetration and long-term revenue potential. Strategically, we measure our progress by effectively helping small businesses compete in the digital advertising space and making high-impact social media marketing available to everyone.
Can you talk about an emerging area in corporate finance that deserves attention in the advertising industry?
Corporate finance is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with automation and AI paving the way for real-time or continuous auditing, streamlined decision-making, and more strategic resource allocation. This trend is particularly impactful in areas such as advertising, where near-instantaneous feedback loops are transforming the way campaigns are analyzed and optimized. The ability to track performance metrics in real time allows businesses to dynamically adjust spending to maximize ROI while minimizing inefficiencies.
Beyond advertising, these innovations are reshaping corporate finances across industries. Predictive analytics and blockchain for secure transactions are becoming important areas to focus on. These advances highlight the transition from finance as a back-office function to a forward-thinking, strategic driver of growth and adaptability. To stay ahead in this space, you need to leverage technology, foster cross-functional collaboration, and stay focused on emerging trends.
What are the key takeaways you have learned throughout your career as a financial professional?
One of the most important lessons I've learned throughout my career is the power of humility. No matter how experienced you become, there's always something to learn from those around you, whether they're colleagues, mentors, or even junior team members. True growth comes from embracing diverse perspectives and the idea that expertise is everywhere.
By remaining curious, adaptable, and willing to learn, you will not only evolve professionally, but you will foster a collaborative and dynamic environment where everyone can grow.
How do you think the CFO role has evolved over the years? Do you have any advice for young professionals entering the field?
The role of the CFO has changed significantly over the past few years. It’s no longer just about managing numbers or acting as a “bean counter.” Today's CFO is a strategic partner who drives growth, shapes organizational strategy, and enables every department to succeed.
Whether steering fundraising, optimizing sales commission structures, or guiding high-level board strategy, the modern CFO's responsibility is to drive efficiency and innovation across the organization.
My advice to young professionals entering this field is to develop a deep understanding of business operations beyond finance. Build strong cross-functional relationships, embrace data-driven decision-making, and continue to adapt to emerging technologies and market trends. The CFO role requires not only financial acumen, but also strategic vision and leadership.
