Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Marler.
Renee, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I always knew I loved to write. In school, I was the one who prayed for essay tests. After I had my first son, I had an opportunity to write freelance for a local newspaper. I had a “job”, but this was what really excited me. Eventually, that “job” became more frequent and I was hired as a community editor for another of their publications. After a few years, I moved into advertising sales. If you know anything about the newspaper industry – or just people in general, I suppose – typically writers and salespeople are not in the same grouping. But I found a passion in media.
Throughout the years I worked in various aspects of media. Frustrated with what I saw as missed opportunities in community publications, my husband, Jimmy, encouraged me to start my own publication. I met with our city mayor, Chamber of Commerce President, school Superintendents, Economic Development Corporation, city staff, business owners, and most importantly, community members. I asked each of them one question, “If you could have the perfect community magazine what would it look like.” I took each of their answers and at the end of the day realized there was no reason we couldn’t do exactly what they all said. And the rest is history, as they say!
I do not dare say we have the “perfect” community magazine, but I think we have something pretty special.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Years and years ago, a dear friend told me once, “If you haven’t bled for it, sweat for it and cried over it, it’s not worth it.” Well, I can tell you, we have done all of the above and then some.
The road to success is not always perfectly paved, but we have been blessed beyond measure. The support we have received has far outweighed any challenges we may have faced.
As mentioned before, Jimmy, as well as our three sons, Chase, Colby, and Camden, have all worked with me to make this happen! It’s a full Marler team effort.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
4CMEDIAGROUP specializes in Media, Marketing and Photography. We currently publish two community magazines, OurCelina and OurGunter. Our magazines mail to approximately 6500+ homes and businesses every single month. We also have a growing and thriving online presence in these communities.
In addition to the publications, we are a full-service printing company. We print anything from business cards to billboards and everything in between. The bulk of our business is from local small to medium-sized companies. We also assist with graphic design and photography.
We are different from many other companies in that we take a true interest in your business. Anyone of our partners will tell you that we are present. We frequent the restaurants, we shop at the boutiques, we take our animals to the clinics…we genuinely appreciate the investment with which our advertising partners have trusted us.
What were you like growing up?
I am an only child. I tell everyone my parents got the perfect child on the first try. My parents have always been the uber supportive parents. They attended every one of my softball games, choir concerts and contests, band concerts and contests, and even watched me warm the bench when I had a wild hair to play basketball.
I have always been headstrong and stubborn, but with ADD. So when I have something in my head, I get it done….eventually.
I am very outspoken. This is both a blessing and a curse at times.
I absolutely love sports. All sports. I played softball for as long as I can remember, until my mid-30’s.
Pricing:
- OurCelina advertisements from $225/month
- OurGunter advertisements from $150/month
- Large Full Color Vinyl Banners from $60
Contact Info:
- Address: 114 N. Ohio St.
Suite 100
Celina, TX. 75009 - Website: www.4cmediagroup.com, www.ourcelina.com, www.ourgunter.com
- Phone: 214-592-7512
- Email: renee@4cmediagroup.com
- Instagram: @ourcelina and @ourgunter
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ourcelina and www.facebook.com/ourgunter
- Twitter: @ourcelina and @ourgunter
Image Credit:
Renee Marler headshot – Natalie Roberson Photography; Marler Family Photo (on the beach in Costa Rica) – Lilli Johanknecht; the rest of the photos were taken by me, Renee Marler, 4CMEDIAGROUP
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
