Q1: What inspired you to start this company, and what has been your biggest challenge in leading it to where it is today?
Firm Media started at my kitchen table in 2008 with a dream, a phone line, and $2,000. The inspiration was simple: I wanted to help businesses thrive while doing something I loved. But the journey was anything but simple. The 2008 market crash hit hard, and I had to face my own limitations as a leader. I realized early on that a company can only grow as much as its leader. So, I made the decision to grow. I leaned into my weaknesses, sought mentorship, and adopted the mindset that all things worth having are uphill, as John Maxwell so wisely said. That climb became my purpose.
Q2: How do you decide to take the company a step further in terms of your products/services?
It always comes down to one question: Are we playing it safe, or are we creating something extraordinary? Firm Media has built something very good, but good wasn’t enough—we wanted great. That’s when we decided to take the leap. We developed OmniBlend™ Advertising, a groundbreaking solution to help specialty medical practices elevate their presence and establish unmatched brand awareness. It was a risk, but I’ve learned that the biggest rewards come when you’re willing to go out on a limb and try something new.
Q3: Tell us about the company?
Firm Media is a national, award-winning marketing agency specializing in specialty medical practices like oral surgeons, plastic surgeons, and med spas. Over the last 17 (plus) years, we’ve grown from a small local business to a leader in the industry, serving over 200 doctors nationwide. What sets us apart is our commitment to relationships, innovation, and measurable results.
Q4: What were the initial challenges you faced?
Starting from scratch during a financial crisis was a challenge in itself. We had to earn every client’s trust, and we did so by delivering results. But the biggest challenge was internal—I had to confront my fears, my doubts, and my comfort zone. Growth isn’t just about the business; it’s about the leader.
Q5: What is the reason behind your company’s long-standing success?
Our success comes from a willingness to adapt and evolve. We treat our clients as partners, not accounts, and we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards. But perhaps most importantly, we’re willing to take risks that others won’t. This is the time in my life when I’ve decided to be unapologetically myself, and I believe that has given Firm Media its authenticity and edge.
Q6: What are the products and services that your company specializes in?
Firm Media provides a suite of services tailored to specialty medical practices, including SEO, PPC, social media marketing, and award-winning web design. Our proprietary solutions, like OmniBlend™ Advertising and ReputationNest™, empower our clients to build trust, grow their practices, and stand out in their markets.
Q7: Can you describe a recent successful product launch or business expansion, and what factors contributed to its success?
This year marks a bold new chapter for Firm Media. We’re launching Ailm magazine and the Ailm Practice Education Series podcast, platforms designed to elevate the industry with insights from the top 1%. These projects were born from our willingness to go beyond what’s comfortable. I told my team, “We’ve built something good, but it’s time to take the jump toward great.” By collaborating with industry leaders and leaning into innovation, we’re providing our clients with the knowledge to achieve excellence.
Q8: How do you approach risk-taking and decision-making in your business, and what steps do you take to mitigate potential risks?
Risk is part of the game, but it’s how you handle it that defines success. I’ve learned to approach risk-taking with a balance of intuition, data, and collaboration. Every big decision is filtered through our core values: Does this align with our mission? Does it serve our clients? And does it push us toward greatness? To mitigate risks, we ensure we have the right systems in place and the best people on our team.
Closing Thoughts
Firm Media has come a long way, but the journey is far from over. While the company remains my focus, I’m equally proud of my other ventures. Hitch Burger is redefining fast-casual dining with quality meals for families, and Project Boon continues to address food insecurity and provide resources to those in need.
As we step into 2025, the energy is electric. With the launch of Ailm magazine, the Ailm Practice Education Series, and the rollout of ReputationNest™ (powered by Swell), we’re not just climbing—we’re leaping. The decision to risk what we had to create something extraordinary wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I truly believe the best is yet to come, and I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead.
