What’s your backstory — how did you end up starting (or joining) an agency?

I started Brick Marketing in 2005, I was a Marketing Manager at a travel company in Boston and I offered consulting and services related to digital marketing (SEO, PPC, etc) and I realized I should start an agency!

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What was your first entrepreneurial moment as a kid or teen?

When I was 10 years old I collected, bought and sold baseball cards, enough to buy a new guitar when I was a kid, this was it!  I learned to hustle and work for success.

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What’s a belief you’ve changed your mind about in the last 3 years?

When AI first started, I was very skeptical (it was a fad), I quickly learned that AI will change every part of our lives as the internet has done.  Only difference is AI is moving about 10 times faster than the early days of the web.

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When do you feel most energized at work?

Any time, we can help a digital marketing client especially as a Fractional CMO, I enjoy helping companies solve their marketing, business and sales problems.

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What’s a day in your life really look like (no filters)?

LOL!  You really want to know, I start my day at 6AM every day, checking email, social media, PPC for our company and for some Fractional CMO clients.  I then take of my son, go to the gym and crank work for another 10 hours or so each day!  So lots of long hours, but I love what I do!

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What’s a personal ritual or habit you credit for your success?

I would say 1 thing...consistency and hard work.   That is it for me!

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What’s one mistake you made early on that taught you something lasting?

I learned when I was in college that NO ONE know everything and no matter what age or stage of a career  you always continue to learn and evolve.

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What’s something people get wrong about you?

Not too much...I tend to be very open about everything!

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What do you do to recharge outside of work?

I enjoy many hobbies, starting with being a Dad to my 2 boys, loyal husband and I love watching the Red Sox, boxing and live music.

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What’s your definition of “success” right now?

My definition is continuing to learn, grow and help our digital marketing and Fractional CMO clients.

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What makes your agency different from others in your space?

Brick Marketing has been in business for 20 years.  What makes us different is we are marketing strategists with years of success and experience.  Also that we offer Fractional CMO solutions, in addition to full-service digital marketing services.

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What type of clients or projects are a 'no' for you?

I would say clients that are too early.  New companies need help, but often don't need a marketing agency or Fractional CMO.

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What’s a principle or value your agency lives by?

Transparency, hard work and excellent client service.

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How do you hire? What do you look for in people?

I look for people that are experienced, but have NO ego and have the ability to learn and pivot to help our clients.

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How do you foster creative thinking on your team?

I always recommend that people experiment with side projects, if it is social media, a blog, etc, anything to help the creative process grow.

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What trend in marketing/advertising do you think is overhyped?

I think influencer marketing is overhyped...just because someone has a few viral videos in social media, does not quality them as a trusted brand.

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What’s a trend you’re betting on long-term?

Consistency for implementation of all aspects of marketing always wins!

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What’s one small decision that led to a big result for your agency?

I would say sticking to the industries that we know best and not taking on clients that we cant really help.

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What advice would you give to someone starting an agency today?

Pick a niche to make yourself stand out from the vast crowd of agencies out there.

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What’s something you’d do differently if you were starting from scratch?

Not too much, since we continue to learn and evolve.

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How do you approach pricing — any rules you live by?

Yes, do not overcharge!  We treat every campaign as if it is our own company and budget we are spending.

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How do you prioritize growth vs. sustainability?

Sustainability and helping our clients is always our #1 priority.

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Who’s one founder or operator you really admire — and why?

I would say (I know this is very controversial these days) but for me it is Elon Musk.  He is brilliant, flawed and will continue to evolve and help people through his companies.

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What software or tool do you swear by?

I can't live without SEM Rush, it is our favorite tool for sure!

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What’s one resource (book, podcast, etc.) that changed how you work?

I am a reader and fan of a few industries sites:  Search Engine Journal, Webmaster World those are a few that come to mind.

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Remote, hybrid, or in-office — what’s your ideal setup and why?

We have been a remote only company since 2016.  The reason is why should clients pay for the additional overhead in our pricing. Also, I find our team member stay with us much longer and they do a much better job (better work/life balance is important).

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What is your most controversial or unpopular belief?

Really don't have much!

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What’s one thing you wish clients understood better about agency work?

I would say how much they mean to us (Brick Marketing) and my personally.  Without them I would not have been able to do this for over 25 years!

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What’s your favorite thing about being in this industry?

I would say how fast it moves and testing new approaches, strategies and technologies.