Latest news with #Kenna
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Future of Gaming: GameSquare CEO Justin Kenna, Live at Nasdaq
IPO Edge hosted a fireside chat on May 20 at Nasdaq MarketSite with Justin Kenna, Chief Executive Officer of GameSquare Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: GAME). The in-person interview was joined by Editor-at-Large Jarrett Banks and they discussed the main drivers of improvement in profitability for Q1 2025, the divestiture of FaZe Media while still owning 100% of FaZe Clan Esports and its growth opportunities, the progress on the company's end-to-end platform, and more. Watch the interview below This embedded content is not available in your region. About Justin Kenna – GameSquare CEO Justin Kenna is the CEO of GameSquare Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: GAME) (TSXV: GAME) an international esports and gaming company revolutionizing the way brands and game publishers connect with hard-to-reach Millennial and Gen Z audiences. He drives strategic direction, integrating global brands within gaming communities through GameSquare's media agencies, data and analytics solutions, SaaS platforms, esports organizations, and content studio. A seasoned executive with extensive experience in gaming, digital media, and finance, Kenna was recognized in the Leaders Under 40 Sports Business Awards Class of 2023 and on the 2023 Dallas 500 list of the most powerful and influential CEOs in North Texas. As former CFO of FaZe Clan, he helped grow one of the world's most globally recognized gaming brands, which he then acquired in 2023 at GameSquare. He has also held finance roles at Madison+Vine, Goldman Sachs, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte and belongs to the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Under his leadership, GameSquare has partnered with over 150 global brands, including Lenovo, Mastercard and Kraft-Heinz, and established collaborations with major sports leagues like the NFL. His efforts have fostered inclusivity in gaming through campaigns with blue chip brands. Kenna's strategic leadership has attracted prominent investors and board members, including Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the Goff Family. Kenna lives in Dallas with his wife and daughter. About GameSquare GameSquare's (NASDAQ: GAME) mission is to revolutionize the way brands and game publishers connect with hard-to-reach Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Millennial audiences. Our next generation media, entertainment, and technology capabilities drive compelling outcomes for creators and maximize our brand partners' return on investment. Through our purpose-built platform, we provide award winning marketing and creative services, offer leading data and analytics solutions, and amplify awareness through FaZe Clan, one of the most prominent and influential gaming organizations in the world. With one of the largest gaming media networks in North America, as verified by Comscore, we are reshaping the landscape of digital media and immersive entertainment. GameSquare's largest investors are Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the Goff family. Contact: Editor@ Twitter: @IPOEdge Instagram: @IPOEdge
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why is MomTok fame Kenna Gibbons in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2?
As more members join MomTok , more questions about the ladies' backgrounds emerge. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2 introduced newbie, Miranda McWhorter , leaving viewers wondering where the rest of the content-generating group is today. Makenna "Kenna" Gibbons is one of the most often asked-about former MomTokers. After having a very close relationship with Taylor Frankie Paul , the two had a falling out over the " soft-swinging scandal ." Following Taylor's statement that "everybody was hooking up with everybody," Kenna recounted her own experience. Here's what we know about Kenna Gibbons and where she stands on MomTok today. Kenna Gibbons, a former MomToker, was formerly married to Brayden Rowley . Brayden was one of the soft-swinging couples who "went too far" with Taylor, resulting in an affair that terminated their marriage. Before the controversy, the MomToker participated in numerous videos alongside Taylor and Miranda McWhorter. When Taylor originally revealed the soft-swinging controversy online, Kenna and Brayden elected to remain silent. Miranda and her then-husband Chase McWhorter also did until recently, when Miranda joined the cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to share her story. Kenna returned to social media in late November 2024 to share updates on her life after her divorce. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Not long after, she spoke out about what caused her marriage to fail. Kenna discussed two occurrences of soft-swinging in a series of recordings about the scandal that have since been destroyed. The first occurred during a cabin trip the three couples shared, during which Kenna stated, "We did switch partners and had soft-swinging happen." Kenna claimed she was uneasy about the chemistry between her then-husband Brayden and Taylor, and despite reassurances, detected it again when the second event occurred weeks later. "I remember looking at him and saying, 'If this is what you want, we can divorce now because I won't participate any longer,'" she said to the event. Kenna intended to work through her marriage, believing that the affair was exclusively physical. However, she said that the two continued to meet behind their respective husbands' backs. "A physical affair... it's easier to work through than the emotional," she said. She continued: "To want to leave and disrupt your son's life like that, I'm done." "I share these things in the hopes that others can learn from my mistakes," she stated in the captions to her films. "While I am not proud of my decisions back then, I have learnt and grown so much from these experiences, it's hard to wish anything different." That same day, Taylor answered some of the allegations, claiming that Kenna "never asked to stop" the soft-swinging and that "she was one of the instigators and [sent] HER husband to get me." Taylor provided documentation to back up her version of the tale, including a video of her kissing Kenna, a photo of Taylor and her ex-husband, and copies of Kenna's texts. Despite Miranda's appearance in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 2 , Kenna does not appear in the current season. However, the "to be continued" cliffhanger at the end of the season has left fans with more questions than answers, and it is possible that Kenna will emerge again in the future. Notably, her post on the incident does not show in the upcoming events. Taylor and Miranda have been open about attempting to repair their prior friendship despite their falling out.
Cosmopolitan
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
Why Kenna Gibbons Isn't on 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives'
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast was joined by Miranda McWhorter for season two, aka one of the people involved in the "Soft Swinging Scandal" that helped skyrocket MomTok to fame. However, there's still one person from the this scandal who's yet to sign up for the show: Makenna "Kenna" Gibbons, who claimed her husband and Taylor Frankie Paul "told each other they loved one another" and had "plans to leave their spouses." isn't she on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives? Unclear, but digging into situation, it seems like Kenna and Taylor have very different stories about what went down in their swinging scandal. Back in November, Kenna dropped her side of the drama on TikTok (everything's been deleted), saying in part "Why would I come on here to try and hide from anything? I never denied my actions in ANY of it, in fact I said I DID participate. I will continue to take responsibility for MY actions and decisions, how they were wrong, and how they opened up a mess I wasn't prepared for. However, I refuse to be the scapegoat for their affair. At the end of the day, wrong is wrong, no matter how easy the opportunity is." Meanwhile, Taylor responded with "She never asked to stop, she was one of the instigators, and sent HER husband to get me, but tell your side sis" and "Well she deserves an acting award. The amount of times SHE wanted to play." In other words: these two have a lot of drama. To the point where it's unclear if Kenna could be seamlessly soft-launched back into MomTok like Miranda just was. Then again, it's possible that Kenna could be a late addition to the series for Season 3, so stay tuned!
Daily Record
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
14 unique Scottish baby names that you don't see much these days
From Brochan to Ardis, all of these are underrated. It is hardly a secret that there is a seemingly limitless supply of beautiful Scottish baby names. If you are looking for a traditional name for your young one, you are spoiled for choice. Everybody has their own preferences when it comes to names. Many prefer to stick with the classics such as Rory and Olivia. However, there is nothing wrong with wanting your baby to have a name that is a bit more distinctive. Thankfully, there are plenty of lesser-known monikers out there that are both unique and traditional. The Daily Record has rounded up 14 amazing Scots baby names that you don't see so often anymore. Whether you are looking for a strong-sounding name like Brochan, or a more delicate pick such as Gardenia, this list is sure to provide some inspiration. Read on for 14 unique Scottish baby names that you don't see much these days, as well as their origins and meanings. 1. Leathan Leathan is a strong-sounding name that has both Gaelic and Anglo-Saxon origins. It can either mean 'broad' or 'wide', or 'of the river'. If you are looking for a name for your baby boy that invokes strength, this could be the one. Especially if you like the idea of having his name having a connection to water. 2. Fia It is believed that the girls' name Fia has Scottish, Irish, and Latin origins. It has a number of potential meanings, from 'deer' to 'wilderness'. Another possible meaning that makes Fia that extra bit unique is 'dark of peace'. If you want your baby girl to be able to find inner peace in even the darkest moments, the name Fia will set her up greatly. 3. Brochan While many of the names on this list have beautiful meanings connected to the natural world, this one's origins are a bit more modest. The boys' name Brochan comes from the Gaelic word, which simply means 'porridge'. It is believed that Brochan first became a popular pick as a baby name following the popularity of the Scottish Gaelic song 'Brochan Lom'. As you might have guessed, the nonsense song is all about porridge. 4. Lilias Both Scottish and Latin in origin, Lilias is a diminutive form of the girls' name Lily. It is an ideal choice for anybody looking for a flower-inspired name, but with an added Scottish flair. The name Lilias means 'oath of God' and 'God is satisfaction'. It has connotations of purity, innocence, and renewal. 5. Kenna Kenna is a tough-sounding girls' name that has Gaelic origins. It is the feminine form of the more-popular boys' name Kenneth. Kenna means 'fire-born' or 'handsome'. This makes it the ideal choice if you are looking for a punchy or fiery-name to give your little girl. 6. Camdan Sounding somewhat similar to the popular boys' name Cameron, Camdan is a gender-neutral name that is a variation of the name Camden. It means 'from the winding valley', and there are plenty of those in Scotland. The name Camdan is generally associated with the traits of strength, power, and resilience. This makes it a perfect choice for any Scottish boy or girl. 7. Lundie The lovely boys' name Lundy has both Scottish and Scandinavian roots. You may also occasionally see it spelled Lundy. Lundie is often believed to mean 'little marsh' or 'grove'. However, it may also be derived from the small settlement of the same name in Angus. 8. Williamina As you might have guessed, this is a rare form of the boys' name William. English and Scottish in origin, it means 'resolute protector' or 'strong-willed warrior'. Williamina is another great choice for a strong-willed baby girl. If you had your heart set on the name William, it is also a good compromise. 9. Struan It is hard to think of a more traditional Scottish-sounding name than Struan. It is the anglicised form of the Gaelic word 'sruthan'. Struan translates to 'small stream' or 'the flow where a spring appears'. It is also thought to come from the village of the same name on the Isle of Skye, which is a great inspiration in its own right. 10. Rosse Rosse is a lovely gender-neutral name that brings to mind a moor or heath. Originally a surname, it is believed to date back to Medieval times. The name comes from the Gaelic word 'ros'. This in turn means 'promontory' or 'headland'. 11. Ardis Irish and Scottish in origin, Ardis is a wonderful unconventional name for a Scottish baby girl. It is another form of the name Ardyce. Pronounced 'AR-diss', Ardis means 'fervent' or 'blooming meadow'. It has connotations of dignity, grace, and beauty. 12. Bonnibel Bonnibel is a unique form of the name Bonnie, which is one of the most popular girls' names in Scotland. Just like with that name, it brings to mind a beloved baby girl who lights up the room. As with Bonnie, Bonnibel means 'cheerful', 'beautiful', and 'good'. It is hard to imagine a more perfect meaning for a newborn than that. 13. Eion Not to be confused with Eoin or Ewan, Eion is a Scottish form of the popular name John. It is also considered by some to be a variant of the name Ian. Originally deriving from the Greek boys' name Eon, Eion means 'God is gracious'. Even if you don't consider yourself religious, it is a wonderful and unique name for a baby boy. 14. Gardenia This one immediately brings to mind a green garden with colourful plants. Unsurprisingly, the Scottish girls' name means 'flower'. More uncommon than classic garden-inspired names such as Rose and Lily, Gardenia is perfect for those looking for a one-of-a-kind moniker that still has a lovely and sunny meaning. It has connotations of beauty and fragrance.
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
GameSquare Holdings Reports 2025 First Quarter Results
First quarter 2025 gross margin, excluding FaZe Media of 22.8% Significant year-over-year improvement in first quarter 2025 adjusted EBITDA Completed remaining divestiture of FaZe Media on April 1, 2025, which is expected to expand gross margin and eliminate approximately $2.5 million in quarterly cash burn going forward Improved first quarter profitability in line with expectations and supports GameSquare's strategic focus on achieving positive cash flow and adjusted EBITDA in 2025 FRISCO, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / May 15, 2025 / GameSquare Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:GAME), ("GameSquare", or the "Company"), today announced financial results for the three-months ended March 31, 2025. Justin Kenna, CEO of GameSquare, stated, "Our first quarter financial results were in line with expectations and reflect both the final quarter of FaZe Media's impact on profitability and typical seasonal trends within our agency and programmatic advertising businesses. With the April 1, 2025 divestiture of our remaining 25.5% stake in FaZe Media, we eliminated $10 million in convertible debt from our balance sheet and anticipate an improvement in gross margin and reduction of over $2 million in quarterly operating expenses beginning in the second quarter of 2025. We continue to own 100% of FaZe Clan Esports, which contributed to revenue and was accretive to gross margin in the first quarter of 2025. As one of the top global esports teams, we are excited to capitalize on FaZe Clan Esports success and leverage the brand to drive profitable revenue opportunities." "Our SaaS business segment is well positioned for strong growth in 2025, driven by an expanded managed services offering and the integrated capabilities of the broader GameSquare platform. We are also seeing strong momentum in our creative agency business, particularly from successful world-building campaigns and in-person activations," Mr. Kenna continued. "As we continue to optimize our operating structure, achieving profitability remains a core objective of our 2025 strategy. In the first quarter, we significantly improved proforma, adjusted EBITDA from the same period a year ago reflecting a significant reduction in operating expenses. We expect to benefit from higher gross margin and additional cost-saving measures throughout the year. Based on the progress made in the first quarter, we believe we are on track to organically grow sales, and improve profitability in 2025 and beyond," concluded Mr. Kenna. Three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to March 31, 2024 Revenue of $21.1 million, compared to $17.7 millionGross profit of $3.3 million, compared to $3.4 millionNet loss attributable to GameSquare of $5.2 million, compared to a net loss of $5.3 millionAdjusted EBITDA loss of $3.4 million, compared to a loss of $4.1 millionAdjusted EBITDA loss was 16.1% of revenue, versus 23.3% of revenue last year Reported results for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to proforma* results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 Revenue of $21.1 million, compared to $23.5 millionGross profit of $3.3 million, compared to $3.7 millionOperating expenses of $8.6 million, or 40.7% of revenue, compared to $11.6 million or 49.3% of revenue last yearAdjusted EBITDA loss of $3.4 million, compared to a loss of $7.9 million last yearAdjusted EBITDA loss was 16.1% of revenue, versus 33.7% of revenue last year * Proforma financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2024, removes Complexity from GameSquare's financial statements and includes a full quarter contribution of FaZe Clan 2025 Annual Guidance Annual proforma revenue in 2025 between $100 million to $105 millionAnnual gross margin of approximately 20% to 25% benefiting from a more profitable mix of revenue and the April 1, 2025, FaZe Media divestitureGameSquare expects annual cash operating expenses in 2025 to improve by approximately $15 million from cash operating expenses in 2024 of $35 million, as a result the FaZe Media divestiture and a continual focus on reducing operating expenses and driving efficienciesEBITDA and cash flow to improve throughout 2025 with positive EBITDA and cash flow in the second half of 2025 Conference Call Details Justin Kenna, CEO, Lou Schwartz, President, and Mike Munoz CFO are scheduled to host a conference call with the investment community. Analysts and interested investors can join the call via the details below: Date: May 15, 2025Time: 5:00 pm ETWebcast: Corporate ContactLou Schwartz, PresidentPhone: (216) 464-6400Email: ir@ Investor RelationsAndrew BergerPhone: (216) 464-6400Email: ir@ Media RelationsChelsey Northern / The UntoldPhone: (254) 855-4028Email: pr@ About GameSquare Holdings, Inc. GameSquare's (NASDAQ:GAME) mission is to revolutionize the way brands and game publishers connect with hard-to-reach Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and Millennial audiences. Our next generation media, entertainment, and technology capabilities drive compelling outcomes for creators and maximize our brand partners' return on investment. Through our purpose-built platform, we provide award winning marketing and creative services, offer leading data and analytics solutions, and amplify awareness through FaZe Clan Esports, one of the most prominent and influential gaming organizations in the world. With one of the largest gaming media networks in North America, as verified by Comscore, we are reshaping the landscape of digital media and immersive entertainment. GameSquare's largest investors are Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the Goff family. To learn more, visit Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the Company's and FaZe Media's future performance, revenue, growth and profitability; and the Company's and FaZe Media's ability to execute their business plans. These forward-looking statements are provided only to provide information currently available to us and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, assurance or definitive statement of fact or probability. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions which include, but are not limited to: the Company's and FaZe Media's ability to grow their business and being able to execute on their business plans, the Company being able to complete and successfully integrate acquisitions, the Company being able to recognize and capitalize on opportunities and the Company continuing to attract qualified personnel to supports its development requirements. These assumptions, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the Company's ability to achieve its objectives, the Company successfully executing its growth strategy, the ability of the Company to obtain future financings or complete offerings on acceptable terms, failure to leverage the Company's portfolio across entertainment and media platforms, dependence on the Company's key personnel and general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. These risk factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company which are discussed in the Company's most recent MD&A. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. GameSquare assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. GameSquare Holdings, Balance Sheets(Unaudited) GameSquare Holdings, Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss(Unaudited) Management's use of Non-GAAP Measures This release contains certain financial performance measures, including "EBITDA" and "Adjusted EBITDA," that are not recognized under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP. As a result, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. For a reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable financial information presented in the Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP, see the section entitled "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures" below. We believe EBITDA is a useful measure to assess the performance of the Company as it provides more meaningful operating results by excluding the effects of expenses that are not reflective of our underlying business performance and other one-time or non-recurring expenses. We define "EBITDA" as net income (loss) before (i) depreciation and amortization; (ii) income taxes; and (iii) interest expense. Adjusted EBITDA We believe Adjusted EBITDA is a useful measure to assess the performance of the Company as it provides more meaningful operating results by excluding the effects of expenses that are not reflective of our underlying business performance and other one-time or non-recurring expenses. We define "Adjusted EBITDA" as EBITDA adjusted to exclude extraordinary items, non-recurring items and other non-cash items, including, but not limited to (i) share based compensation expense, (ii) transaction costs related to merger and acquisition activities, (iii) arbitration settlement reserves and other non-recurring legal settlement expenses, (iv) restructuring costs, primarily comprised of employee severance resulting from integration of acquired businesses, (v) impairment of goodwill and intangible assets, (vi) gains and losses on extinguishment of debt, (vii) change in fair value of assets and liabilities adjusted to fair value on a quarterly basis, (viii) gains and losses from discontinued operations, and (ix) net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest. Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable measure determined under US GAAP is set out below. (Unaudited) SOURCE: GameSquare Holdings, Inc.
