Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Wright.
Ben, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story really starts in Arkansas. You could say that I’ve always been drawn to entrepreneurship since a young age. I grew up in Arkansas in a small town called Ozark, AR and my family lived in an area called Cass on the Mulberry River. It’s a small community where everyone knows everyone, but the outdoor attractions are plentiful. I was really lucky to grow up there now looking back. Both my parents were self-employed and owned a little bed and breakfast called Lizard Springs. When I wasn’t being a kid (hiking, kayaking, playing sports etc.) I would help my parents clean the cabins at Lizard Springs. That was really my first glimpse at what it is like to own and operate your own business.
I went on to attend the Sam. M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. There I was a part of a college run business class called SAKE (Students Acquiring Knowledge through Enterprise). Basically, the students handle all aspects of a small business from production creation, sales, accounting, operations and any profits are used for an educational trip. I led the Sales team and helped drive enough sales along with my classmates so that our class was able to go to China. This was also how I met my wife, but that’s another story. J
After college, I spent a few years as a consultant for Supermedia (now Thyrv) and managed 100+ digital marketing accounts. It was a great experience, and it made me realize many of my clients needed a more hands-on, reliable approach to drive leads for their business. Based on that, I saw a need in the marketplace for more personalized delivery of web design and SEO services and an unmet demand for better client service. So in 2012, I founded Today’s Local Media (TLM) on the idea of delivering proven results and providing the best customer service experience. I wanted TLM to be that dependable partner for small and medium-sized local businesses.
Fast forward to today, TLM has grown from serving the local Dallas area into a national provider of web design and marketing services. And in 2018 and 2019, we were named a top 50 marketing agency in the US on UpCity. We have grown our executive team to include a CMO and CFO. We continue to rely on our reputation for providing quality services and word of mouth referrals. We standby our core values to act with integrity and respond quickly while always helping our clients build long term sustainable marketing programs.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not always. The first 2-3 years were very tough while I was trying to build up our client base. I can remember calling and calling potential clients and being rejected day after day. Also, being a young man at the time I felt out place with my friends who were taking more traditional Corporate jobs, while I was striking out on my own. It could be lonely and isolating at times. But the passion to help our clients and create a flexible lifestyle for me and my family was my continued motivation.
Once I stabilized my client base years 3-5, the new challenge became how do I handle all of the sales and client work by myself. I truly enjoy what we do here at TLM, so I am lucky that I wake up every day excited to dive into our client work. But knowing when to reach out for help, find an expert, or expand the team can be life changing. Now the work I used to do as 1 person is being split by the 3 people on our executive team and a handful of other employees, and it has allowed us to continue to grow and find our niche in the crowded market.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
TLM is a digital marketing agency serving clients nationwide. Our mission is to bring new leads to businesses and accelerate their growth. We do this by increasing brand awareness, leveraging online advertising, and expanding their local presence.
TLM exists as a trusted advisor for small and medium-sized businesses that need assistance in the digital marketing world. Many businesses prefer to hire an outside agency that specializes in online marketing to help them build their website and get found by potential customers online. Our specialties are WordPress Web Design, Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and Google Ads Management. Our team is 100% remote, but our executive team lives here in the DFW area. I am an advocate for remote work as it allows us to hire the most talented employees in the country, instead of just the most talented prospects within a daily commute of our office.
In the past 7 years, we’ve helped 150+ businesses and we take pride in working with every single one of them. To set ourselves apart, we focus on creating a custom solution that is catered to each individual business, and we focus heavily on customer service and driving results.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
I think this is great question because I think all entrepreneurs know the importance of having a strong support system, especially in the early days. I am super grateful to all of our friends and family that believed in our vision. First, I owe credit to my parents who taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic and treat others with honesty and kindness. They gave me the foundation for who I am today.
In addition, I wouldn’t be where I am today without Dee Jones opening the door at Supermedia (now Thryv) and taking a chance on me. This was a turning point in my life (even though I did not realize it at the time), because this opportunity brought me to Texas and gave me the right experience at the right time.
Since founding TLM, I owe a lot of gratitude to my wife, Cassie, who has been there with me on this ride through the good times and some harder times. She not only was a constant source of support for me but also challenged me at times to get outside my comfort zone and reach higher during every season of life. She serves as our CFO now, and we tag team business and family each day.
Last, our CMO Keith Brown has been an investor since the early days and recently came on board in a full-time role. His insights have had a major impact on me professionally and also the direction and success of TLM. I think surrounding yourself with good people who push you to do your best and you enjoy working with is key.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://todayslocalmedia.com
- Phone: 972-479-5009
- Email: ben@todayslocalmedia.com
Image Credit:
Lexie Graben Photography, Sarah Hamilton Photography
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