Interview With Charles (Founder & CEO of Five Rivers Marketing)

1) Where were you born and raised? Also tell us something unique about yourself.

Dayton, Ohio I'm only 23 years old, kinda unique for owning a successful agency!

2) What got you interested in marketing and what was your journey?

Growing up in modest circumstances and living with my grandmother, who was on assisted living, I had a lot of freedom to explore my interests. However, our financial constraints and lack of transportation limited what I could do. I received my first computer at the age of 13, and it quickly became my window to the world. I spent countless hours playing games and immersing myself in the digital realm, which was both an escape and a joy.

By the age of 14, I had already begun creating logos, delving into the world of graphic design with a fervent curiosity and an eager willingness to learn. This early venture into design was more than just a hobby; it was the beginning of my journey in understanding the power of branding and visual communication.

At 16, I built my first website. This project was not only a technical challenge but also a monumental step in my self-education in digital marketing and web development. It allowed me to experiment with my ideas and see the impact of my designs in a real-world context.

In high school, I had the opportunity to attend a technology center, where I chose to pursue a business course. Owning my own business had always been a dream of mine; I saw it as a pathway to achieving what my family hadn't been able to and as a means of creating a better future. This decision turned out to be one of the best I've ever made. The program covered all aspects of business, but it was the marketing courses that truly captivated me. It was then that I realized marketing was my passion and the field I wanted to pursue.

3) What skills and industry do you specialize in?

We specialize in a comprehensive range of digital marketing services, but our expertise truly shines in website design, search engine optimization (SEO), and pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Our skill set is tailored to elevate the online presence of our clients, combining innovative design with strategic marketing to deliver results that exceed expectations.

Regarding the industries we serve, our clientele varies widely in size, primarily encompassing small to medium-sized businesses. We have a strong track record of success with service-based companies, leveraging our digital marketing skills to enhance their online visibility and customer engagement. Additionally, we bring our expertise to a diverse array of sectors including medical, industrial, and e-commerce. Our approach is versatile and adaptive, allowing us to meet the unique needs of each industry and help our clients achieve their specific goals.

4) What is your best soft skill?

My strongest soft skills are communication and problem-solving. I prioritize transparency with our clients, ensuring they are always informed about what we're doing and how we're doing it. This approach not only fosters trust but also enables our clients to fully grasp the processes and benefits involved in our services.

By effectively communicating and solving problems, we navigate challenges efficiently and maintain a clear, open channel of dialogue with our clients. This has been instrumental in building lasting relationships and achieving successful outcomes.

5) What softwares and tools do you use regularly?

Google analytics, Semrush , Bright local, Adobe creative suite, Adobe stock, Flat icon, GoHighLevel.ca , QuickBooks, Google search console, Google ads, Google tag manager, Loom, Wp rocket, Elementor pro, Imagine, Siteground, Zapier , Asana Chatgpt, Gramarly, Indexed.pro, Canva, Dashthis.

6) What are your goals for the next year and into the future?

Our primary goal for the coming year is to achieve a 125% increase in revenue compared to last year. Additionally, we aim to transition one of our part-time employees to a full-time position and bring on board a new hire to strengthen our team. To enhance our capacity and efficiency, we're also focused on developing a more streamlined process for our website design projects, allowing us to handle a greater volume of work simultaneously.

Looking further into the future, we plan to establish a physical office space to foster collaboration and creativity among our team, who currently work remotely. Our ultimate aspiration is to grow into a 7-figure agency, setting new standards in our industry and continuing to deliver exceptional value to our clients.

7) What has been the hardest thing you dealt with in your career path?

One of the most challenging aspects of my career has been overcoming self-doubt. Being younger in a professional setting often made me question my own success and worthiness, wondering if my age might somehow make me less deserving of achievements. This internal struggle was compounded by the rigorous demands of my work, often extending to 80+ hour weeks. However, the last six months have marked a turning point for me.

I've made a concerted effort to step beyond my comfort zone, embracing more public roles and engaging in networking events to raise my profile and that of the company. Initially, I harbored concerns about how we might be perceived due to my age. Yet, the overwhelming positive feedback and raving reviews from our clients have been affirming.

This journey of overcoming self-doubt has not only been about personal growth but also about understanding the value and impact of our work. It has reinforced the belief that dedication and quality stand above all, regardless of age.

8) What is the biggest mistake you made that you want others to avoid?

The biggest mistake I made, which I hope others can learn from, was not investing in myself sooner. Last year, I took the significant step of hiring a coach, and it has proven to be one of the best decisions I've ever made for my business. This investment has led to the development of better processes and the implementation of more appropriate pricing for our services.

Looking back, I realize the profound impact that investing in personal growth and guidance can have on one's career and business. It's a decision that can catalyze not only professional development but also enhance the quality and efficiency of your services. I encourage others not to wait as long as I did to seek out opportunities for self-improvement and professional advice. The earlier you invest in your growth, the sooner you'll see the positive transformations in your career and business.

9) Who are your favorite people in the industry that you follow?

Matt Diggity , Mike Schmidt, Neil Patel and Chris Schaeffer.

10) Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?

The most significant influence on my career to date has been my sister. Early last year, during a particularly challenging time to find reliable part-time remote help, she stepped in to assist with the workload. Initially, she may not have had all the necessary skills, but what stood out to me was her unwavering work ethic and the trust I had in her.

Her involvement was transformative for the business, not just in overcoming the hurdle of the first hire but also in setting a precedent for the kind of growth, dedication, and trust I value in my team. She has since grown immensely in her role, proving herself to be an indispensable part of the team and a true blessing. Her contribution went beyond mere assistance; she played a crucial role in shaping the business and continues to inspire our approach to teamwork and development.

11) What has been your favorite course that you taken and why?

My favorite course that I've taken so far has been 'Sales Machine' by Agency Coach. This course was instrumental in laying the groundwork for a solid sales process, something that was crucial for me. Despite being proficient in various technical aspects of the industry, sales was not initially one of my strengths. 'Sales Machine' not only equipped me with the essential sales strategies and insights but also transformed my approach to selling.

It helped me understand the importance of blending technical know-how with effective sales techniques to truly meet the needs of our clients and grow the business. This course was a turning point, enabling me to confidently engage with clients and effectively communicate the value of our services.

12) What would you tell yourself or someone who is just starting out in marketing?

If I could offer advice to myself or someone just starting out in marketing, it would be to remember that success in this field is a marathon, not a sprint. When I began my journey three years ago, my primary focus was on cultivating a stellar reputation and establishing a robust referral funnel.

These objectives have been instrumental in the growth and success of my business. Building something lasting takes time, effort, and dedication. It's crucial to be patient and maintain a long-term perspective, recognizing that every effort you make today lays the groundwork for your future achievements. So, stay committed, focus on delivering value, and trust that your persistence will pay off.

13) If the entire world was listening to you, what would you have to say?

If the entire world was listening, I'd say: Embrace perseverance, cherish the trust you build along your path, and never underestimate the power of investing in yourself and those around you.

Success is not just about reaching your goals but about the journey, the relationships you nurture, and the growth you experience along the way.

Remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint, and every step you take is a part of building something meaningful.

14) Where can we find you?

LinkedIn, TikTok @fiveriversmarketing, Facebook @fiveriversmarketing And our website.