By definition, a milestone is “a significant point in development”. Over the years at The Buddy Group, we’ve celebrated many milestones that have shaped who we are today and have helped determine our path forward.
The thing about milestones is they are markers along the path from the beginning point to the end destination. Milestones mark progress, symbolize advancement and are evidence of growth. Sometimes reaching a milestone is a relief but there are also times that getting to a milestone just means there’s still further to go.
That’s how we feel about our latest milestone. Don’t get us wrong – we’re thrilled – but the most exciting thing about this milestone is that it helps carve out our path forward. We are encouraged by the fact that this is a great milestone in our journey and take pleasure that it means there is no end in sight. We’re rallied by the fact that this milestone means Storydriven businesses matter and that they are the exception.
Okay, okay, let’s just cut the chase and get to the point…The Buddy Group is excited to share our latest milestone with you, and it’s a really good one – we are proud to announce that The Buddy Group has been ranked among the Inc. 5000’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America for 2021!
This means a lot to us because we’re especially proud of our entrepreneurial spirit. It’s what drives us day after day to be and create Storydriven Businesses™.
Storydriven Businesses are the exception in their category. By producing strategic, technology-empowered success stories, Storydriven Businesses buddy up with consumers, shareholders, investors and teams, delivering a paradigm shift in relatability and value creation.
That’s why we are proud to be honored among these others. Even though we’re one out of 5,000, we feel this honor has lit our path forward and we are wholly appreciative of the recognition knowing that it serves our mission to be the exception in our category.
In addition to the Inc. 5000 recognition, we want to take this opportunity to reflect on our internal growth in 2021:
- David Ferguson, an eight-year veteran of The Buddy Group, was promoted to Executive Vice President, Operations and Productions. David oversees and stewards The Buddy Group’s growth and partner success.
- Jonathan Neubauer was named Vice President, Production and Content Development. With a strong background in video and film, Jonathan brings a unique combined experience of creative production and project management organization to maximize efficiencies and alignment within the organization. He started with The Buddy Group in 2006.
- Eli Marcus, an established channel and product management executive in the mid-funnel marketing industry, was hired in 2021 as Vice President, Strategy and Channel Growth. Eli has practiced Storydriven product development and marketing throughout his career by connecting the customer journey and pain points to real-world solutions, differentiators, features and messaging.
- Jon Nowinski was named Creative Director and oversees Storydriven identity-based, visual and experience design. Grounded in the idea that great design comes from understanding the human experience, his work is evolving the depth and connection of Storydriven adventures.
- Marisa Schaeffer was hired as Director of Storydriven Marketing and Strategy and is responsible for developing and implementing Storydriven marketing strategies, ensuring clear alignment with business objectives to effectively reach target audiences in a meaningful and purposeful way.
It is a great feeling to know that after 16 years, this team is still innovative and relatable – even in challenging times.
Stay healthy all,
Pete