Ben Paulsen

Founder & CEO, Walibu | Digital Marketing Innovator | AI-Driven Software Developer | Entrepreneur | Author | Speaker

OverviewBen Paulsen in a blue shirt with arms crossed stands on a sunny beach, palm trees and ocean in the background.

Ben Paulsen is a visionary entrepreneur, digital marketing strategist, and software innovator with a track record of pioneering cutting-edge solutions in the digital marketing and software development landscape. As the Founder and CEO of Walibu, a premier digital marketing agency and technology firm based in El Dorado Hills, CA, Ben has spent over 17 years at the forefront of industry evolution, redefining how businesses engage with technology, automation, and AI-driven marketing strategies.

His leadership has propelled Walibu into an industry powerhouse, crafting high-impact marketing solutions, AI-driven automation platforms, and proprietary CRM systems that streamline operations for businesses of all sizes. Under his guidance, Walibu has expanded its reach across multiple industries, including commercial and home service businesses, franchising, local businesses, and software development, offering a blend of marketing intelligence, operational efficiency, and ROI-focused solutions.

Entrepreneurial Journey & Leadership

Ben founded Walibu in 2007, at a time when digital marketing was still in its infancy. Armed with a forward-thinking vision and a passion for technology, he built Walibu into a dynamic firm that seamlessly integrates SEO, PPC, social media, content marketing, CRM development, AI automation, and SMS/email marketing into a single, comprehensive platform.

A pivotal milestone in Ben’s entrepreneurial journey was the development of Paradise Platform, Walibu’s proprietary all-in-one marketing ecosystem that includes:

  • Marketing automation
  • Robust Dashboard with Proprietary Marketing Suite
  • AI-powered lead & client management
  • Custom CRM solutions tailored to business needs
  • Automated Notifications via SMS, email, and inbound/outbound tracking
  • SEO and digital advertising with data-driven optimizations
  • Custom In-the-Door Marketing Software
  • Employee management & performance tracking
  • Billing, invoicing, & collection
  • Digital signatures & dynamic docs and forms

His ability to bridge technology and marketing strategy has helped hundreds of businesses scale their operations efficiently, while his franchise-focused marketing solutions have positioned Walibu as a leader in franchise digital growth strategies; for both franchise development & franchisees.

Technology & AI Innovation

Ben is a strong advocate for AI-driven marketing automation and custom software development to improve business efficiency. His exclusive marketing management platform is a testament to his industry expertise, leveraging automation and AI to deliver high-conversion digital marketing campaigns tailored to each business' needs.

Additionally, Ben is at the helm of developing a groundbreaking mobile app for Apple & Android, designed to automate access based on real-time location tracking. The app integrates full-time location monitoring, push notifications, ad monetization, and first-responder support, demonstrating Ben’s ability to apply AI and data intelligence beyond marketing into logistics and operational efficiency.

Industry Specialties & Business Expansion

Beyond marketing and software development, Ben has expanded his entrepreneurial reach into SAAS software applications, a new media outlet, and a revolutionizing online reputation system, with accurate and evolving ratings and reviews process. Real input and results are almost a thing of the past, which was part of Ben's drive to create something better.

His ability to identify, develop, and scale businesses across diverse industries speaks to his expertise in business strategy, automation, and revenue growth.

Personal & Professional Values

At the core of Ben’s success is a commitment to innovation, efficiency, and value-driven solutions. His leadership philosophy revolves around:

  • Leveraging automation & AI to drive business growth
  • Creating high-impact digital marketing strategies tailored to niche industries
  • Building scalable software solutions that solve real-world problems
  • Empowering businesses with smart data analytics for better decision-making
  • Cultivating strategic partnerships to expand digital capabilities

As a remote-friendly leader, Ben values global collaboration, working closely with both domestic and international Walibu team members and clients, further solidifying Walibu’s international reach and technological expertise.

Media Presence & Thought Leadership

Ben’s expertise in digital marketing, AI-driven automation, and business technology has positioned him as a sought-after thought leader. His insights are valuable for:

  • Podcasts & interviews on marketing automation and AI in business
  • Speaking engagements on franchise marketing, digital growth, and AI applications
  • Business & tech publications covering software innovation, automation, and marketing intelligence

His strategic mindset and ability to anticipate industry shifts make him a valuable voice in the future of AI-powered marketing and business automation.

Future Vision & Growth

Ben continues to drive innovation at Walibu, expanding the Paradise Platform’s capabilities, exploring new AI-driven marketing solutions, and enhancing business automation tools. His work with Software development, AI, local marketing, and franchise marketing signals continued industry disruption and leadership in the digital transformation space.

Whether it’s helping businesses grow, building software that enhances operational efficiency, or revolutionizing location-based automation, Ben remains committed to delivering intelligent, scalable solutions that redefine business success in the digital age.