This just in: Our very own Belsasar Lepe has been nominated for the Forbes 2011 “30 Under 30” list. We may be somewhat biased, given that we have the pleasure of working with “Bel” on a daily basis. But we’re absolutely serious when we say that he reflects all the characteristics Forbes seeks in its call for “tomorrow’s brightest talent.” Consider the following:
He’s pioneering
As head of Ooyala’s Client Services Group, Bel leads the development of technologies that are improving—and redefining—the way we all watch TV, film and video content. Whether it’s helping ESPN to push the frontier of online video or working with Miramax to build the biggest film library on Facebook, Bel brings an uncanny knack for cracking problems and devising innovative solutions.
His name is Belsasar
Seriously? How could you not think Belsasar represents tomorrow’s smartest talent when his name conjures visions of some super-intelligent, benevolent extra-terrestrial being? He is literally building the future of video, every day. Here's the man himself:
He works really hard
Bel joined Google immediately after completing high school. At the ripe age of 18, he was simultaneously studying Computer Science at Stanford University while working full-time. Bel quickly moved out of sales to become a systems engineer, before leaving Google in 2007 to start Ooyala with his brother Bismarck and business partner Sean Knapp. In the early days, Bel would work on Ooyala projects from 2 am to 8 am before heading to Google for a full, 12-hour workday. (Yes, you read that right.)
He watches TV on the Internet
Like all of us here at Ooyala, Bel loves to watch TV on the Internet—but at times he adds his own touch. His preferred method of consuming online video is to download entire seasons of TV shows and watch them on a flat screen hooked up to his Mac Mini.
He’s inspiring
At 24, Bel is often the youngest person in meetings. His success at such a young age is especially remarkable considering that his parents arrived to the United States when they were sixteen. For years his parents worked as migrant workers, providing for both Bel and his brother Bismarck. Bel attributes his success to a tireless work ethic instilled by his family, who always stressed that the amount of work one invests correlates directly to the results achieved.
He is probably the nicest guy we’ve ever met
While “kindness” isn’t listed on Forbes’ search criteria, we can’t help but mention it here. Amid the demands of a very stressful job, Bel always manages to uphold his reputation as one of the friendliest people in the office.
So, what are you waiting for? Vote for Bel!
