We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris McKinzie a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Chris, can you introduce yourself and describe your journey to where you are today?

Hello, I’m Chris McKinzie, a managing partner at Adrian Agency. We are a 7-figure
social impact marketing and advertising firm. I started here in March 2019, and during that time I have created over 200 websites, managed hundreds of marketing campaigns, and generated millions of dollars in revenue for our clients.

My path to this role has been anything but straightforward. At 23, I was dealing with homelessness and addiction. It was a tough spot, but things began to turn after enrolling at Oklahoma State University and experiencing a significant spiritual breakthrough.
College wasn’t easy at first. I nearly gave up on graphic design, but then I found my groove in multimedia. That discovery led to my graduation and the start of my own marketing business.

Life, however, threw more curves my way. I went through a marriage that ended in divorce, fell back into old addictive behaviors, and ended up in prison facing a 10-year sentence. Prison, though, was a wake-up call. I used that time to get myself together, focusing on learning and personal growth. It really changed my outlook and approach to life.

Getting back into business after my release was a challenge. But it opened the door to starting from the bottom at Adrian Agency. I put my head down and worked hard, with a focus on making a real impact. My efforts paid off, leading to me becoming a partner at the agency.

Now, six years out of prison, I’m in a completely different place. I’ve remarried a
wonderful woman, Olivia, who already had two great kids, Dayanara and Ruben. We’ve also been blessed with two more amazing children, Isabella and Kaden. The gaps in my life have been filled, both personally and professionally.

Now, let’s delve into the mission and essence of Adrian Agency. Can you elaborate on what drives your company?

Sure. At Adrian Agency, we’re not your typical marketing firm. We’re all about purpose-driven marketing. What does that mean? Well, it’s about really getting to the heart of what our clients are all about, their core values, and then lining up their
marketing to match that. It’s more than just selling stuff; it’s about making a real impact.

Our whole thing started through a common goal to help businesses do more than just make money. We want to help them make a difference. It’s not just about the numbers for us; it’s about building something meaningful and lasting. We work with our clients to understand what drives them and then use that to shape their marketing strategies. This might mean bridging gaps in technology or finding new ways to connect with their audience.

At Adrian Agency, think of us as more than just marketers. We’re like partners and mentors to our clients. We’re there to guide them through the whole process of growing their business and making a real difference in their field. Our role in the market is all about mixing empathy with strategy.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I think the biggest example of my resilience was getting through my 41-month stint in prison. It was tough, no doubt about it. You’re thrown into this place where there’s not much structure or anything positive going on. But instead of just getting by, I decided to make something out of that time.

I started creating my own routine, setting up my own rules and goals. It was all about staying disciplined and focused, even when everything around me was chaos. I learned a lot about myself during that time – how to stay strong, keep growing, and not let the environment drag me down.

That time in prison, it really showed me what I was made of. It proved that I could handle tough situations and come out stronger. It wasn’t easy, but it was a period where I grew a lot, not just in dealing with the daily challenges of prison life, but also in my mindset and outlook on life.

How have you built such a formidable reputation within your market?

You know, building our reputation at Adrian Agency has been all about really delivering for our clients. It’s not just about doing what they ask for; it’s about going the extra mile. We focus on clear, effective communication and being proactive. This means we’re always thinking ahead, trying to not just meet but exceed our clients’ expectations.
That’s been key in making us stand out in the market.

For me personally, it’s about more than just business. It’s building strong, lasting relationships. I work closely with each one, getting to understand their unique needs and goals. And it’s not just me; we’ve got a team of great leaders, and together, we’re always looking for ways to bring something extra to the table.

Looking ahead, what does the future hold for you and Adrian Agency?

Going forward, our main focus at Adrian Agency is to keep serving our current clients with the high level of service they’re used to. We’re really proud of the strong relationships we’ve built and we’re committed to maintaining them.

But that’s not all. We’re also super excited about launching Lead Butler and Brand Butler. Think of Brand Butler as the powerhouse behind the scenes, like Jarvis to Iron Man, empowering our capabilities with Lead Butler’s AI tech. This isn’t just any CRM; it’s a game-changer that’s going to take what we do to a whole new level. With this
AI-driven system, we’re looking at smarter ways to handle everything from marketing to customer relationships. It’s about using cutting-edge AI tools to give our clients even better results. So, the future’s about balancing our solid foundation with these innovative new ventures.

Final Thoughts: Reflecting on Chris McKinzie’s Inspirational Story of Resilience and Purpose-Driven Success

In closing, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Chris McKinzie for sharing his remarkable journey with us. His candid recounting of challenges, triumphs, and the transformative path to success at Adrian Agency not only inspires but also sheds light on the power of resilience and purpose in shaping a fulfilling career. Chris’s story is a vivid reminder of how personal growth can lead to professional excellence, and his transparency in sharing this journey is truly appreciated. As Adrian Agency embarks on its future

endeavors, Chris’s journey stands as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to what can be achieved with determination and a purpose-driven approach.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://adrianagency.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckinzie.chris
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mckinzie/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cmckinzie
• Other: https://brandbutler.ai/ – the new agency, still in building phase, but we do have a working robot which is a feature of our service. https://leadbutler.ai/ – the CRM for Brand Butler