Black Truck Media + Marketing focuses on strategy and customer service with new marketing firm.

"I always wanted to own and run my own business. I also wanted to do something fulfilling," recalls Jason Dodge on the "why" of his decision to start Black Truck Media + Marketing.

With a background in Internet marketing that began immediately after graduating from GVSU and years of working in marketing and with agencies,  Dodge's first independent business venture began with his founding of Michigan Ski Report in 2008 -- "the premier website for skiing and snowboarding in Michigan," he quickly explains when asked for an "elevator pitch description" of the site.  

Still working in a marketing agency while Michigan Ski Report grew, Dodge decided to start Black Truck Media + Marketing as he sensed an opportunity to provide a level of service that many agencies are not able to as they become bigger.

"As an agency grows and takes on more clients, less hand-holding is done," Dodge explains. However, his experience has been that many mid-sized businesses still need hand-holding and would rather deal with one person  who is dedicated to that business than deal with an agency rep trying to always sell additional services. "What the client wants versus what the clients needs are two different things," Dodge says.

Feeling that poor communications is why some businesses have a level of dissatisfaction with agency work, Dodge focuses on one-to-one relationship building, stressing the importance of strategy before determining investment needs in online marketing tools.

The early returns on his decision to go solo have been positive.

"Grand Rapids has weathered this storm and took the hit early," he says. "People are beginning to think about how we can grow our business online. And if you are not thinking about it, you should be."

Source: Jason Dodge, Black Truck Media + Marketing
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor