who We Are

We help clients grow and prosper by developing precise positioning and crafting clear, compelling marketing messages.

We’re especially good at:

  • identifying new markets and reaching key decision makers
  • building web sites that work
  • rebuilding old sites that don’t
  • developing fluff free PR campaigns
  • creating smart, savvy social media programs.

Technology makes us efficient and allows us to work with clients around the country. Years of experience enables us to hone in on the best marketing tools and tactics for your particular business. 

In a nutshell….

we break marketing down to its simplest components. We’re not here to impress you. We’re here to help you make more money. 

Here’s how we think it should be done….

  • Tell your customers how you'll solve their problems.
  • Have a consistent message.
  • Find the one key difference that makes you stand out from the competition.
  • Be authentic.
  • Don't over-promise. Over-deliver.
  • Provide outstanding customer service.

meet Rickey

Rickey picThat’s me….on the left. I started this company in 1992, after searching for a job for six months in a really crummy job market. The “& Associates” are my team…..a cadre of smart, skilled, experienced freelance professionals who do amazing work, and who I bring in, as needed, on client projects.  

Prior to becoming an accidental entrepreneur, I spent four years as Media Director at a small agency in Skokie, IL, where one assistant and I built the department fourfold in four years. Before that, I worked in the College Design Department at Scott, Foresman & Company, where I did a little graphic design and a whole lot of project management and department coordination.

As a natural networker, who enjoys connecting people and sharing interesting and quirky bits of info, word-of-mouth is natural conversation for me. I do it pretty much everywhere.

I’m also a cheerleader. Minus the pompoms. I’m just as likely to be promoting your business as mine. So if you’re a client, you can be sure that I’m carrying your business cards and passing them out to people I meet. It’s marketing via sharing.

I’m a staunch believer in “giving back” and skill sharing. I’m a third-term Board Member of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. From 2006 – 2008, I served as The Lincoln Park Business Development Institute's Operations Committee, where I developed and facilitated marketing workshops. And from 2003 – 2008, I served as the Public Relations “Department” for East Lakeview’s Nettelhorst School.

let’s Network!

I love networking and hanging out with smart, fun, creative people. And I find lots of those as a member of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association and a funky little creatives group called ideaXchange.

kudos

My company was honored as the Lincoln Park Chamber 2007 Small Business of the Year.

My articles on entrepreneurship, marketing and networking have been used as SCORE and SBA handouts, among others.

education

B.A. in English with an Art History minor from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

work Style

Our work style is very much hands-on, because we really enjoy partnering with our clients. But what our clients love is that we’re nimble and responsive…and that when you hire us, you work directly with professionals with years of marketing experience. 

I’m brutally honest and extremely loyal. If my team and I can’t help you, I’ll tell you. But I’ll usually find someone else who can. 

In that same vein, I won’t recommend a marketing strategy unless I’m convinced it’s one that will grow your business. My goal is to help you achieve success. Period!