Austin first conceived of the value of linking old and new email addresses over a decade ago, when he was trying to locate an old friend. He was the driving force behind the original design and development of FreshAddress's patented Email Change of Address (ECOA) technology. Prior to FreshAddress, Austin also won national recognition for his innovative technical work with the UN and the Carnegie Foundation. Austin is a former member of the Direct Marketing Association's Committee for Environmental & Social Responsibility, former Chairperson of the List Growth & Engagement Committee for the Email Experience Council, a frequent content contributor to industry publications, and a highly-regarded presenter at national industry events and conferences.