I realize this is a bit unorthodox. Until now, this feature has focused on eBay Inc. employees to give you a better insight into my colleagues and co-workers. However, it’s Feel Good Friday and one of the folks I follow pretty closely online is doing something that warranted attention and he’s using eBay Giving Works to help make it happen.

In a nutshell, John Lawson (aka ColderICE), is raising money for breast cancer research by auctioning off advertising space on his chest. I’ve included key sections of the official press release below but I thought I’d take advantage of getting some time with John to have him provide me with his answers to “5 Minutes with…”

Cheers and Enjoy!
RBH

Full Name: John Lawson
Nickname: ColderICE
Official Title: President/CEO of 3rd Power Outlet
What You Really Do: Everything under the sun that needs attention
Your First Day on eBay: 1999
Education/Schooling: High School drop-out and regret it, but I made up for most of it I guess.
Interests: Business
Favorite Quote: “Big fields await the wide awake man” ~ Elijah M
Most memorable eBay experience: Getting my first “Flying Feedback Star” at 10,000 feedback on eBay
Most recent eBay purchase/sale: Gosh, we do hundreds per week, pick one
Favorite Albums: 1999 by Prince
Favorite Movies: Casino, Godfather II
What You Wanted to Be Growing Up: Independent!

Fill in the blanks:
I should have listed more stuff yesterday.
I wish that I could clone myself.
The first thing I do when I get to work is make a cup of Java

ColderICE to Help Fight Breast Cancer; Will “Auction Chest For Breasts”

Leading ecommerce video blogger uses eBay Giving Works to raise money through innovative branding effort

Snellville, Ga., April 24, 2009 – John Lawson, Founder and CEO of the online urban clothing store, 3rd Power Outlet, and author of business blog, ColderICE.com, today announced the launch of the ColderICE “Chest for Breasts” Charity auction. The online auction, running from April 27 – May 4, will give businesses an opportunity to obtain key brand real-estate at the eCommerce Merchant Summit 2009, June 3, 2009. Lawson is using his chest as a billboard for the highest bidder. The auction is running on eBay Giving Works with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Breast Cancer research.

“In my opinion, it’s a no-brainer for forward-thinking businesses interested in marketing their company to a captive audience,” said John Lawson. “We’re also lining up corporate sponsors that will pledge a minimum $100 to Breast cancer. I will be making daily videos wearing the shirts that business sponsors send to me. These videos are online and shared for weeks, months and years to come. The opportunities are endless and timeless.”

During the week of April 27 – May 4, leading industry bloggers, radio hosts and podcasters will be continually promoting the event, granting additional exposure to each participating sponsor. For more information about the auction, please visit http://ColderICE.com/charity.