Chamber Insider Blog

Congratulations to The Marketing Management Group TMMG for being a finalist for Main Street Business of the Year! Post written by President, Katie Schneider.  The livestream of the 26th Annual Loudoun Small Business Awards will premier Friday, November 13, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. on our Facebook Page.  View all 2020 SBA Finalists here.

Tell us about your business, how it got started, and how it has evolved into what it is today.

Steve started TMMG in 1999 with a goal of helping companies with their customer acquisition and retention services. The catch all term for that is “marketing”. We are a one stop shop when it comes to all things marketing and branding, with services that range from custom strategic plans and training, to tangible promo items and logo’d apparel production. We focus on small to medium sized businesses and non-profits because they are this country’s backbone. When the industry started to shift away from telemarketing and call centers, Steve left that world and decided to focus on providing unique and custom small business marketing plans, providing them the tools for success and continued growth. Dedicated customer service has always been a core value, and there is no better way to provide that then with one’s own business.

What would it mean for you and your business to win a Small Business Award?

It would mean the world! Owning a small business is a constant confidence struggle. Are we making the right choice? How are we making an impact? Did this plan work? One step up and two steps back sometimes. But being recognized for the hard work that you are putting in and the good that you are trying to put into the community is such a boost! Especially in 2020!

What is the smallest thing that has made the biggest impact on your business?

I think the small things only sound small. They’re never as easy as you think. Like taking the first step to join the Chamber. Gaining that confidence to sit in a room of professionals, and talk about yourself and your business with confidence, to some people that’s a very easy thing, to others, it’s very intimidating. But getting out there, meeting new people, and telling your story makes all the difference in the world.

Who is the one person that has influenced you the most in your career?

TMMG owner, Steve Fraser. I never understood just how soul crushing the wrong career could be. He encouraged me from the start to learn, grow, and find my passion. And having a supportive leader makes all the difference in the world.

What is your favorite thing about running your business in Loudoun County?

I love being able to see our work out in the wild. I probably freak people out when I see someone in a shirt we worked on and I get excited and grin like a fool. It’s so fulfilling to work so hard on a project, and then be able to see the effects and benefits that it has in the community directly.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a singer, or a famous Broadway star! Neither of those really panned out once I realized my crippling stage fright would probably get in the way.

What is a book that changed your life, and WHY?

I LOVE reading so this is a really hard question. I would say the Harry Potter series really helped me to embrace my inner nerd. Once I went to my 1^st midnight book release event, and saw just how many people were there and how excited everyone was about a book, I never felt ashamed of my geekdom again.

When you’re not at your desk, where can we find you on the weekends/what is another passion you have?

If I am not at my desk, I really enjoy a good hike or walk in the woods! I love a good adventure and learning about history. Get out there and explore!

How do you see your business evolving in the next 5 years?

I am excited to delve into new ways to customize apparel. You can do so many amazing things! Rhinestones, or textured patches, or shimmer foils, glow in the dark, full color everything. The apparel decoration trends are getting more and more elaborate and I look forward to seeing what the next big thing is.

Congratulations again TMMG! Check out their website, click here.