Brian Distelburger’s Post

Happy graduation BD! I’m so incredibly grateful to have had the chance to work with you at Yext. You were an influencer before that became a social media thing. You created a company & community of smart hardworking and fun individuals. I have so many fond memories of "working hard & playing hard" with you. Here’s a few off the top of my head…. - You tearing apart my first Yext sales pitch. I was traumatized. Thank you.  - Your quotes, “Our job starts at no”, “Get shit done” - Your famous slide of all the software companies getting to a billion - QBRs at Apple. A millions RKOs and Y/X days - Celebrating Yext’s IPO on the floor of the NYSE - You explaining what geomarketing means. That was a fun one. - Running out of food in Puerto Rico and you ordering 40 pizzas at the pool bar - Martha Engh leaving your office while keeping her screen sharing on your office tv. She was mortified, and I loved it.  - Deborah Colella prepping me for a meeting with you, telling me to get my point across in the first 7 minutes or else! These don’t capture all the incredible achievements that you lead, but I remember those too. You should be so proud of what you built. TY for allowing me and everyone else commenting to be a part of it!

I still remember sitting down to lunch with you as you told me we were going to build this big business and sell listing to State Farm, Gap, and Subway and you didn't have a doubt in your mind. Then 2 months later, sitting in the attrium at Chelsea Markets with you and Howard Lerman and not knowing what we were doing let alone what we were selling that hour (Rags, Tags, Nags) was both the scariest and best months I've ever had in a business. The team that you two built with all of the names you've listed above (driving by your emphasis on hiring excellent people) created a true powerhouse that put software on the map in NYC. Your run has been epic and I'm excited to see what's next!! Onward.

Brian Distelburger well done my friend! You and Howard created a special company which disrupted an Industry. I personally appreciated working with you and watching you Will things to happen. It’s a special gift to go down a road untraveled and to forge a path to success. You created a GTM culture of work hard, work smart and (sometimes) play hard. (The tequila industry owes Yext some royalties). We believed in the mission and really enjoyed working together, which made it a very special place. I often asked you ,’how do you feel about what you accomplished’, and you were quick to dismiss that opportunity to reflect and focus on the next goal. “What % of companies make it to x$ARR” was my favorite slide:) I am hoping you sit back and at least do it now… Ok that’s long enough, now onward to bigger and better things���🚀

Brian-san You are so tender and kind man for everyone. I remember that you are vegetarian, but you went to Sushi restaurant with Japan team in Japan. Almost nothing you could eat, but, you were not frustrated, but laughing. You only ate eggplant, cucumber and radish sushi rolls.😄😄 I left YEXT Japan, but still now selling YEXT services in Japan. Very recently we closed in food company, and selling to the largest local bank. It will be good reference to other huge number of banking industry. And, my biggest project by using YEXT is going well. You will see it soon. Let’s keep in touch😊

Thank you for founding and running (what job didn't you have at one point or another?!) one of the most special places to work for nearly 2 decades Brian Distelburger. So excited for your next chapter. Raise your hand if working at Yext was transformative both personally and professionally!

What you have created with Howard Lerman has been used by me time and again as a phenomenal example of how a company should be founded and the importance of culture. Your legacy will outlive your stay at Yext many years on and I dare say will live forever with all the people that had the privilege of experiencing it. Being in any list with your name on it, is an honor. Being on a list created by you is among the warmest memories I can have. Over the years I had the opportunity to tell you (and Jess), how Yext changed my life or for that matter Réka's, Alex's and Inez's. From the four of us to the five of you ... Congratulations & (lots of) Sprüngli.

I hope someone remembered to export and download the "Rules for working with BD Slack Channel." 🙃

Gather around kids and I’ll tell you about 2015 in Woodland Hills, CA. It was like watching MJ at the Garden. Life was beautiful and the sun shone everyday. Brian Distelburger thanks for letting me be on the team. 😄

Amazing journey and accomplishments! Thanks for all you’ve done for so many. It was such a privilege to work with you and learn from the best! Will always remember the fun times - toy store day, totalled rental car return at airport, sports in general, all the end of yr negotiations, and so much more. Excited to hear about the next adventure. Think big, learn fast, and get sht done!

What a legend. Congratulations on incredible success and thank you for having me on the team to be part of the amazing journey