About Us

Fact Retriever is a constantly growing nexus of the most interesting, fun, and thought-provoking facts on the Web.

We are passionate about sharing the most amazing facts about the world and beyond, including facts about geography, history, literature, science, psychology, discoveries, innovations, and much more. There is something here to satisfy the curiosity of every one!


FACT RETRIEVER HISTORY

Shu Saito, a knowledge seeker, piano composer, and chess expert, created Fact Retriever (formally Random History) in 2007. The main purpose of the site was to offer Internet readers a wide range of credible and interesting history articles on random topics and to provide jobs for local writers.

While readers loved RandomHistory from its inception, the site struggled to gain significant traction for the first two years. Toward the end of 2008, one of our writers, Karin Lehnardt, suggested we start to implement new ideas on the site, write fact lists, such as easier-to-read fact lists, in addition to the original history articles.

The idea was a success, even before other popular “fact” websites started popping up all over the Web. However, after reaching over 1 million page views per month, the site struggled again, partly because Shu was devoting most of his work hours on other projects.

In 2015, Shu experienced a new, rejuvenated passion for the business, and he decided to significantly invest in the “fact business.” Rather than designing and restructuring RandomHistory, he launched an entirely new website called FactRetriever.

Fact Retriever focused exclusively on facts and welcomed additional professional writers, editors, video production experts, and graphic designers. The site also expanded its reach with professional social media channels, multimedia educational materials, and infographics.

Throughout its growth and evolution, FactRetriever has always been passionate about expertise, authoritativeness, and, trustworthiness. To this end, the site adheres to a strict hiring process, and all of our articles have always been peer-reviewed and submitted to professional editors.

In 2020, our goal is to continue to grow and expand our online presence through all of our social media channels and mediums. We hope to add quiz features to the site, introduce more interactive features, and to develop iPhone and Android apps.

And, of course, at the heart of our company is YOU: Our readers. We are passionate about making a contribution to your world by sharing the facts that spark your curiosity and your love of learning.

The universe is a breath-taking place. Let’s see what’s out there.


MEET OUT TEAM:

Shu Saito
Shu Saito
Founder

An entrepreneur at heart, Shu is the founder and chief executive officer of All Filters and Fact Retriever. He is also a 6-time recipient of the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Additionally, he is an official member of the Young Entrepreneur Council and a regular contributor to Forbes and Inc.

Shu also loves designing new software programs that are easy-to-navigate, SEP friendly, and robust in every aspect. He attributes most of his success to his creativity and out-of-the-box-thinking. With a degree in music composition, he inherently infuses his work with a unique creative vision.

In short, Saito is, by nature, a compassionate person who not only strives to help others and the community, but he also strives to provide rewarding jobs to everyone in his businesses. He adheres to three core values that inform everything he does: Honesty, ethicality, and positivity.

Karin Lehnardt
Karin Lehnardt
Senior Writer

Karin graduated with a BA and MA in English and rhetoric and later worked toward a Ph.D at Northwestern University. She has been a university instructor and writing tutor for many years and loves researching, writing, and discussing ideas. An admitted adrenaline-junkie, she married her skydiving instructor and loves to go adventuring with him and their four children.

In addition to attending many academic conferences, she has published in History is Now, Nature Conservatory, Nasdaq, and has been cited in many books and articles. Her publications also include,
“How I Learned to Fly: Reflections of a Newbie.” United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Magazine; Utah Skydivers Use the Point. Skydive Magazine; “Resources of the Writing Center.” Re-Vision. UVSC Newsletter, 20 Nov. 2000: 1-2; and “Creating Concepts in Writing.” Re-Vision. UVSC Newsletter, 3 Mar. 1999: 4-5. Her certifications include CRLA Advanced Tutor, SCUBA, EMT-B, CPR/First Aid and Skydiving B-license.

James Israelsen
James Israelsen
Associate Writer

James' academic interests include philosophy, history, and literature, though he has a very special love for science fiction and fantasy, specifically the work of the British High Fantasists and the Weird Fiction of H.P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, and William Hope Hodgson. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history at Utah Valley University, a Master’s Degree in philosophy from Loyola Marymount, and recently finished his Ph.D in philosophy at Purdue University. He enjoys reading and writing, both philosophically and creatively, skiing, hiking, spending time with his wife and family, and playing chess.

Jennifer is an experienced freelance copy editor and graphic designer with a demonstrated history of working in both industries. Her editing services range from basic proofreading to heavy edits with rewrites. She is skilled in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, customer service, logo design. She has 16 years of experience in graphic design, and holds Certification in Copy Editing from University of California, San Diego and is a member of the American Copy Editors Society (ACES).