Did you know Google started in VP of Product Management Susan Wojcicki’s garage? That Michael Dell started Dell Computers in his dorm room? And that Nike operated exclusively out of the trunk of company founder Phil Knight’s green Plymouth Valiant? Great companies sometimes have humble beginnings. As we get ready to celebrate our 10th anniversary on July 1, we remember our own humble start.
In the beginning, there was Tod Martin, and a borrowed desk. And a lot of coffee.
Tod was an award-winning creative director when he formed The Martin Group in 2001 on the principle that every client, whether it be a mom-and-pop shop, a Fortune 500 company, or a pro bono, deserves absolutely nothing less than professional expertise, personal attention and world-class creative. No job is too big or too small. Respect the client. Respect the creative. There is only one right answer: “Yes, we can.” Tod Martin not only believes this, he lives it.
Enthusiasm and tenacity such as this are infectious. One freelance job led to several. One freelance copywriter led to more than 30 full-time staff members. Relationships – both client and creative – became the backbone of what would grow from one man and a borrowed desk to an award-winning branding and advertising agency. And, in the midst of our 10th anniversary, we’ve just made our debut on the Business First Book of Lists Fast Track Companies of Western New York 2011 edition, coming in at number 9. We’ve loved the opportunity to do what we do best for our clients, and look forward to serving them for the next 10 years – and beyond.
By way of raising a toast to both Tod Martin and the future of The Martin Group, we asked our staff to chime in on what being a TMG “Groupie” means to them. Click here to read more.
