My Marketing Origin Story
After winning a national graphic design competition in high school (thank you very much, Adobe 1.0), I landed a job in the marketing department of a knife store. I know, random!
But it was an incredible training ground. I handled everything from product photoshoots with lighting setups to laying out massive print catalogs and learning the ins and outs of offset printing presses.
At the same time, I was working towards a genetics degree because, ya, I was a total nerd in college!
But I ended up switching majors to focus on marketing – got an art degree with minors in graphic design, journalism, and theater. It was the perfect blend of skills for telling compelling stories through marketing.
After college, I worked in corporate marketing roles for around 10 years as the digital age began. I spearheaded my company’s first website, learning HTML and hacking away until it somehow worked.
When social media started taking off, I got to help develop Facebook and Instagram strategies for big brands before most people were even on there.
As inbound marketing emerged, I implemented blogging, SEO, and email nurturing – guiding companies through this newfangled concept of “content marketing.”
It was an incredible front-row seat to see modern marketing develop from the ground up. And I realized I had a useful hybrid of corporate experience combined with digital prowess.
Spreading My Wings
After 15 years learning the ropes of marketing in corporate jobs, I decided to venture out on my own.
I launched my boutique agency and quickly attracted clients, doubling in size year after year. Before long, I was running a half million dollar company with a small team.
It was hugely rewarding helping businesses grow through authentic storytelling and digital marketing strategies tailored to their goals. I loved getting to know their brands inside and out.
But after a few years, “empire envy” started creeping in. I felt pressure to scale into some massive million-dollar plus agency.
I invested tons of money and time trying to systemize what came naturally to me. In the process, I burned myself out and neglected important things.
Eventually I realized I didn’t need to be huge or forced into some viral coaching program box. I was happiest running a tight boutique agency, working closely with a few amazing clients.
But an important mindset shift happened – I refocused on my core purpose of guiding companies I believed in, not chasing grandeur.
Recalling My Roots
Recently, I started working with a local manufacturing company. When I walked into their homely kitchen into the hodgepodge conference room, it felt like coming home.
I was hit with the realization that throughout my career, I’ve mostly worked with manufacturing and construction firms to amplify their brand and, ultimately, sales.
It’s what I know and love. No wonder it felt so comfortable returning to that world – it combines my corporate marketing grounding with boutique personal service and digital strategies.
Over nearly 30 years, I’ve helped numerous product companies optimize their systems to find the right customers. I thrive when fully invested in just a few at a time.
I get to become their marketing engine, ensuring every piece is working together seamlessly, from website to sales process. It plays to my strengths.
Full Circle Back to Quality Over Quantity
In my quest to scale fast, I hyper-focused on paid ads and lead gen as the “secret sauce” to growth.
But in niching down, I realized that singular focus often didn’t work long-term. The whole customer journey matters.
Just slamming people into a sales funnel doesn’t nurture trust or brand loyalty. Marketing and sales can’t operate in silos.
Returning to my boutique agency roots has brought things full circle. I get to apply my holistic experience again.
For manufactures and contractors, I map your entire blueprint – tightening messages, systems, and tech. Then pour gas on what works through targeted digital marketing.
It’s about crafting complete, quality experiences. Not just chasing vanity metrics. I’m excited to relive this whole journey with a few new partners!
