When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, its purpose was to broadcast and receive sound through the transmission of electrical signals. It became one of the most common household appliances in the world. One hundred thirty two years later the telephone has revolutionized the telecommunications industry. Once used in homes and businesses, the telephone has advanced to a device often called a cell or mobile phone. The wireless apparatus is defined as a short-range, portable electronic device used for mobile voice or data communication over a network of specialized base stations known as cell sites. People young and old utilize cell phones everywhere and in all situations. Curtis and Cassandra Brown, intrigued by the Short Message Service or text messaging capabilities of mobile phones are looking to take the technique to another level.
Defining text messaging as sending typed data from mobile phone to mobile phone, Curtis says the goal of Jireh Mobile is to provide an opportunity for customers to reach consumers instantly and directly.
“Our mission is to provide ministries and businesses the opportunity to utilize mobile technology to reach their target audience,” he said.
Pointing out that people have to be open-minded and ready to move their business to the next stage, the Browns indicate that text messaging is more sophisticated than just sending a message to someone. They list it as a good advertising tool, a means to spread the word about an event or activity.
“I would like to receive store coupons by way of texting, said Cassandra, explaining that when she shops she often forgets to bring the actual paper copy. “If it were texted to me all I’d have to do is pull the coupon number from the texted phone message.”
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MUSIC TO HER EARS—Curtis Brown helps his wife Cassandra send and receive ringtones to and from their clients.
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Curtis says his company has been offering their clients text message alert capabilities since 2006. He says business types include realtors, retail shops, auto dealers, marketing companies, ministries and organizations. Noting that the sky is the limit for how the alerts can be used, he identified school inclement weather, emergency or early dismissal notifications, event updates, interactive trivia, instant requests for radio stations, inspirational messages as familiar types.
Jireh Mobile will soon offer Bluetooth media server capabilities as creative, cost-effective methods to distribute rich media content. A Bluetooth Media server is a Bluetooth-based content access and delivery server that communicates and delivers content to Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, laptops and handheld devices. Excited to offer the latest technology, Curtis said the Jireh Mobile’s Media Server will enable advertisers and content owners to deliver low-cost proximity-based mobile advertising and content that is engaging, interactive and informative
Established as a Christian hip-hop clothing line 12 years ago, Cassandra said the business came into existence because of her dislike of the clothing young people wore. Serving as local clothing vendors until they began selling over a Web site in 2003, she said sales went well and their market expanded to entertainers. Using the artists who purchased their clothing in 2005, Jireh Fashions produced a mixed music tape and JirehMobile.com launched as the first MP3 formatted Christian hip-hop music Web site. Expanding their opportunities, they began offering ringtones and wallpapers in 2006. Securing worldwide distribution through its network of content aggregators, Jireh Mobile works with the leaders in mobile content and full track distribution. Through these distribution agreements, Jireh Mobile delivers the hottest new ringtones and wallpapers to mobile phones throughout the United States, Canada and parts of Mexico. Mobile phone carriers using their services include AT&T, Boost Mobile, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.
Functioning from a diverse background, Curtis operates the business on a full-time basis. A Homewood native, Curtis has a strong sales background and is the former owner of a cellular phone company.
With a heart for young people, Cassandra is a nurse of 12 years working on her master’s degree. The parents of 10 children, she says being able to work as a team is a blessing. “We enjoy being together, so we complement each other,” she said. Pointing out that not all couples can work together well, she advises potential married entrepreneurs to know one another’s strengths and weaknesses.
The Brown’s named their business Jireh, based on the scripture of Genesis 22:14 because they believe and live on the principle that God is their provider.
