Today we’d like to introduce you to James Robinson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us James. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Marine, shortly after the Gulf War, I moved back home to Flint, Michigan with my newly wedded wife. I attended college and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Communications. A year prior to my graduation in 2000, I taught myself web design. I wanted to add to my skill set what was becoming a fast growing occupation.
Shortly after earning my degree, I got hired at EDS (Electronic Data Systems) in their Web University & Training division in Troy, Michigan as a graphic designer. It was there that I was able to use my graphic design, web design, and Adobe Flash skills to work on huge projects for General Motors, Charles Schwab and DigitalThink. A few months after 911 I was subject to a large layoff.
After 911 it was hard to find work, so I started my own graphic/web design business to help support my wife and four kids. As a new business owner, I learned a lot of important things about business and hard work. I did print work and small web jobs for local businesses and churches. I experienced the death of one of my children during this trying season of life. With the moral support of my family, friends and church community I was able to stay focused, keep the business running and provide for my family.
In 2003, I re-entered the corporate world and quickly became a manager of graphic design and media services for a workforce development company in Flint, Michigan. I was responsible for creating and overseeing the creation of print and digital content for the company’s three locations.
It was a very challenging job. It was fast paced and honed my creativity and leadership skills. While working a full-time job, I continued to run my business part time from home.
Five years later, I left that agency and began working in the marketing department at a major hospital in Pontiac Michigan. This position was a unique experience because I had to work with numerous internal clients (departments and sometimes egotistical doctors). It was at this job that I increased my customer service skills. I worked in the medical sector for a few years. I continued to run my business part time providing graphic/web design services for local companies, and individuals in Michigan. I also went back to school to get my MBA.
In 2011, I started working my business full time. My clientele was larger and I made enough to support my family. In 2012, after living in Michigan for 18 years, I made a major shift in my life. Three months after completing my MBA program in Entrepreneurship, I uprooted my family and moved to McKinney, Texas. It was a spur of the moment decision. We put our house on the market and it sold in seven days. That was surprising because in 2012, the housing marketed in Michigan was horrible. There was nothing but hope and a dream waiting for us in Texas.
Although very thrilled about moving to Texas, it was challenging at first. I didn’t have a W-2 job, so finding a home for a family of seven was difficult. Things quickly worked in our favor and we found a home on the north side of McKinney, Texas. I was fortunate to connect with friend who also used to live in Flint, Michigan. He was running his own design agency. He and I partnered on some projects with a few companies and individuals in Collin county.
Business becomes slow. Although I had a few continued contracts with a few companies in Michigan, I needed more revenue coming in. So, I ended up working for General Motors in Arlington, Texas. This was surreal for me because I lived in General Motors (GM) supported area (Flint, Michigan) for 18 years and not once had I worked in a plant. My time at GM was short lived. My body hated line work. The physical work was exhausting, but I continued to run my business from home.
After leaving General Motors, I worked my business full time for six months before I became an employee at a large company in Plano, Texas. I manage the company’s numerous websites. I’ve been at this company for 3.5 years. Although super busy during the day, I find time in the evenings and weekends to run my private internet marketing business: McKinney Mobile Marketing.
Moving to Texas has been one of the greatest decisions of my life. In 2014, my family and I were able to build a house from the ground up. Although, it was my fourth owning a home, it was the first time getting a house built. Three of my four kids have graduated from McKinney North High school. Business potential is awesome in this area. I often brag to my friends back in Michigan about the wonderful experiences in life and business that I am having.
I am excited about the growth of my business as 2017 quickly comes to an end. I am applying new business practices that will facilitate major client growth in the near future. In the not so distant future, McKinney Mobile Marketing will be a larger fish in north Dallas business pond.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not always been easy. It’s often said hardships can make or break you. Like many other people, I became unemployed after September 11, 2001. It was difficult to find employment, so I made the decision to turn my part time graphic/web design business into a full-time business in order to bring income into my home. I was able to barter with a local businessman my graphic design services in exchange for office space.
I was pretty excited. I had somewhere to go every morning to help get my mind off of my troubles.
Not having a 9-5 was a blessing in disguise. I learned to hustle and make things happen.
Seven months after losing my job at a fortune 500 job, my youngest child, a toddler, died for unknown reasons. That was a difficult season in my life. I am grateful for the support of family, friends and my church community.
Ten years later, I was subject to jobs cuts in the hospital job sector. At first it was not a joyous occasion. However, I ended up making more money returning back as a full-time entrepreneur.
This time I was more equipped to handle the affairs of running a business. I had more work experience. I was more advanced in my skills as graphic/web designer. I also had a larger network.
Sometimes in life we get comfortable with the way things are. It’s not until hardship comes that we realize that we have more within us to greater things. Life has a way of testing our integrity. Do we fall apart or do we dig deep and manifest the true potential within us that lay dormant? I chose to dig deep each time.
McKinney Mobile Marketing – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
McKinney Mobile Marketing is a small marketing agency located in McKinney Texas, north of Dallas, Texas. We have over 20 years’ experience in providing graphic and web design services.
Serious business owners who desire an increase in revenue choose McKinney Mobile Marketing to help them acquire more qualified leads and generate sustainable income. We help accomplish their business goals faster than they’ve experienced with others at a cost that meets their budget. Our clients include medical professionals, authors, churches, lawyers, musicians, and other business owners.
At McKinney Mobile Marketing, we are most proud of the results we provide for our clients. We often work with clients who are new to online marketing. We take newbies by the hand and gently walk them through process of executing a marketing plan that helps them reach their business goals. We are proud of the look of joy and accomplishment in the eyes of our clients when we finish projects.
McKinney Mobile Marketing specializes in the following: Custom Web Design, Mobile Web Design, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Content Management Systems, Google Analytics Data Gathering, Graphic Design (Desktop Publishing), Custom Membership Sites, Social Media, Video Marketing
Our customer service is what sets us apart from others. There are many who have the same skill sets or services that we offer. However, not everyone knows how to treat people with respect. Not everyone is patient with those who don’t understand the Internet marketing world. Every client is a VIP. Not only do clients feel good about the service we provide. They also feel good about doing business with us and telling their friends about us.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Obtaining a goal or reaching a milestone does not always define success. True success for me involves making myself and those around me better because of the actions taken place over a period of time. If I or the person I am helping is more equipped, skilled, productive and efficient because of the actions I’ve taken, I feel successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.mckinneymobilemarketing.com
- Phone: 469-219-9377
- Email: contact@mckinneymobilemarketing.com
