It's a Good Thing I Like Coffee

Thoughts on Three Years in Business

By Mark Cipolletti, Founder

It’s now been a little over three years since I launched my company, Pinch Hit Partners. I give thanks every day, and especially on this three-year milestone, for the opportunity to run my own business and to be a part of my clients’ businesses. One of my favorite things about Pinch Hit Partners has been working with some great people and learning about a myriad of businesses and industries where I had no prior experience. I thank each of my clients for believing in me and making me a member of their team.

When I started the business, I was blazing a new trail in Richmond. I was really the first person to promote the idea of a “fractional Chief Marketing Officer” and “outsourced marketing.” It’s taken a lot of networking events and meetings to get the word out to CEOs, business owners and referral partners. (It’s a good thing I like coffee!) It’s finally starting to feel like prospects are familiar with the brand and the business model (and they like it). Most importantly, most of Pinch Hit’s new business comes from referrals. For that, I thank all of you who think to mention us to your friends and colleagues.

If I’m being honest, I definitely have days when I question my choice to start my own business. Those are often the days when I’ve heard that yet another competitor has entered the market. I’m now aware of at least six people in Richmond who are promoting fractional marketing. I try to remind myself that the more of us who are out there educating prospects and winning business, the better it will be for all of us. I’m still proud that Pinch Hit Partners is the only local provider whose consultants are all former VPs of Marketing or Chief Marketing Officers. If you’re going to trust your company’s growth to someone, shouldn’t you get the most experienced provider that you can get (like Matt Smith, former CMO at SweetFrog and Virginia Farm Bureau)?

Thank you for celebrating Pinch Hit Partners’ three-year milestone with me. If you are curious about fractional marketing and how it can help your business grow, please reach out to set-up a call.

Thank you,
Mark