Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryon Gross.
Hi Ryon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a small town in East Texas, where I learned what it meant to work with your hands and have a strong work ethic. After high school, I picked up various jobs – from construction to retail and then project management – developing a versatile skill set along the way. At every stop, I would emulate the best traits from every manager, gaining invaluable experience that helped lay the foundation for Local Leap.
In 2001, I was working for an engineering firm in Illinois and casually mentioned their lackluster website. I was handed some software and told: “I bet you can figure it out.” Little did I know those words would completely alter my trajectory. That simple vote of confidence awoke something inside me – igniting a passion for digital marketing.
What started as a one-man operation while balancing other jobs has blossomed into a full-time passion project alongside my wife Amy. From those lean early days when I was burning the midnight oil, Amy was right by my side, believing in my vision and pushing me to persevere. Her encouragement and ability to hold down the fort were indispensable. Together we’ve molded Local Leap Marketing into a true family affair over the last 13 years.
These days, any “free time” is spent savoring the sweet rewards of our labor – coaching our three kids’ sports teams, spending time outdoors, and crisscrossing the backroads of Texas to sample the latest acclaimed BBQ joints.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No entrepreneur has a completely smooth road, and mine’s had its share of bumps. Scaling up has been one of the biggest challenges. In the beginning, it was all about delivering great results for individual clients. But as Local Leap grew, finding that balance between high-quality service and handling a larger volume of work was a whole new ballgame. It led to some tough lessons about systems, team building, and the importance of constant improvement.
Honestly, there were times I wondered if I was in over my head. But that’s also where the commitment to my clients kicked in. I knew I wasn’t the only one relying on Local Leap’s success. The people I’m lucky enough to work with, the businesses we partner with – they all push me to tackle those challenges head-on. And seeing the payoff – the growth we unlock together – makes it all worthwhile.
We’ve been impressed with Local Leap Marketing, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Local Leap Marketing is a full-service digital marketing agency focused on helping small to medium-sized businesses achieve explosive growth. We partner with our clients to understand their unique needs and customize solutions that address their pain points.
Specializations / What We’re Known For
Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Improving your rankings on search engines like Google to drive more organic traffic to your website.
Website Design: Creating professional, user-friendly websites that not only look great but also convert visitors into customers.
Social Media Marketing: Building brand awareness, engaging with your target audience, and driving traffic through social channels.
What Sets Us Apart
Focus on Results: We don’t just deliver services – we track and analyze data to ensure each marketing dollar is working hard, leading to measurable growth.
Customer-Centric Approach: From the initial consultation to ongoing support, we take the time to understand your business and personalize our strategies accordingly
Transparency and Honesty: No empty promises here. We set realistic expectations and communicate results clearly.
I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built. Our clients feel like partners and their success becomes our success. Building that trust and seeing businesses not only survive but thrive is what makes it all worthwhile.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson has been the absolute necessity of adaptability. The marketing landscape changes constantly. What worked last year might not work today. As an agency, we’ve had to become experts at pivoting quickly, testing new strategies, and always staying ahead of the curve. It’s pushed me to ditch the idea of a ‘comfort zone’ and embrace the challenge of continuous learning.
Another crucial lesson has been the importance of building a strong internal team. It’s tempting to think you can do it all yourself, but as this company grew, I realized success hinges on having the right people by your side. Now, we prioritize investing in our team’s professional development and fostering a culture of open communication and appreciation. This translates into better client service and a more positive work environment for everyone. It’s also impacted how we approach hiring – we go beyond technical skills to find individuals who are a good cultural fit. We believe in surrounding ourselves with passionate people who share our values and a genuine desire to see our clients thrive. That shared vision is what keeps us all moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://localleap.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/localleapmarketing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/localleapmarketing/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/local-leap-marketing-llc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/localleapmktg
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@localleapmarketing
