Member Happiness Over Profit
By Andrew Conru, Founder of Friend Finder Network
Statement to Members of Adult Friend Finder - July 9, 2024
I'm thrilled, as the founder of Friend Finder, to announce that I have finally regained control of the company. As I return, I want to share a bit about my background and vision for the future.
I was born and raised on a small farm in Indiana to blue-collar parents, with a Christian upbringing that instilled in me the value of service to others. I studied engineering in college and eventually earned a PhD from Stanford.
In 1994, I invented the first online dating site, which evolved into Friend Finder in 1996.
Over the years, we grew to over 20 communities catering to all types of relationships. In 2007, when Friend Finder was twice the size of Match.com, I sold control to some bankers and stepped away to find myself.
Since then, I've worked on various philanthropic ventures and learned to paint, always keeping an eye on Friend Finder, consulting occasionally but never having control.
I've watched as Match Group monopolized the industry, prioritizing profit over user experience. Seeing Friend Finder not providing the best service relative to its costs, I decided it was time to act. Three years ago, I bought the majority of the company's debt, and immediately cut the interest rate from 14% to 7%, saving our members millions. Next, I moved to take control of the company.
There were some challenges in regaining control, which delayed my return for almost two years. However, they've been resolved and we're moving fast to make up for the lost time.
I'm excited to be able to refocus Friend Finder on what matters most: you, our members. Our team is working on innovative features to enhance your connections, while retiring less effective ones. This renewal process is all about rebuilding your trust and making Friend Finder the best platform for adult connections.
To help with this transition, I've brought in a new CEO, Brock Purpura. I worked with him at Friend Finder in the mid-2000s, and I really admire his passion, integrity, and ability to get things done.
I'm excited to share more details soon about how we'll achieve these goals. I'm open to your thoughts and suggestions - what would you like to see improved or changed?
To our long-time members, especially those who've been with us for a long time, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you. I understand that your trust in us may have been shaken recently, and I'm fully committed to earning it back.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being part of the Friend Finder community!
Andrew (pre-2008 "luvpump")
Follow me on Twitter/X and Adult Friend Finder for future updates on Friend Finder and my other projects.
