We recently connected with Adam Ortman and have shared our conversation below.

Adam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

Starting Kinetic319 has unquestionably been one of the best decisions of my life. The sense of fulfillment, autonomy, and the opportunity to steer my vision towards reality have been profoundly rewarding. Launching my own agency allowed me to implement a blend of innovative strategies and a customer-centric approach that I always believed could redefine our industry standards.

However, my journey to saying “yes” is deeply intertwined with a considerable amount of “no,” stemming from two primary reasons. Firstly, my professional repertoire, which significantly contributed to my readiness to lead my own venture, was largely acquired through previous jobs. These roles were critical in honing my tactical, strategic, and relationship-focused skills. Each position served as a stepping stone, enhancing my understanding of the industry and refining my ability to navigate its complexities. This experience was invaluable; without it, I might not have been equipped with the necessary tools to manage and grow a business successfully.

Secondly, my decision to start later rather than sooner was also fueled by what I term “founder fuel.” This refers to the lasting irritation and frustration I experienced seeing predecessors and competitors make decisions that I fundamentally disagreed with. Observing these missteps and the impact they had not only on business efficiency but also on client satisfaction and employee morale, gradually built a compelling case for me to venture out on my own. It was clear that there was a gap in the market for an agency that could do things differently—more effectively and thoughtfully.

Had I started my business sooner, without the accumulation of this foundational knowledge and the “founder fuel,” I likely would have faced steeper learning curves and potentially more significant setbacks. The irritation and experiences from previous roles were critical in ensuring I was not only ready to start but driven to persist and innovate.

Looking back, while there’s a part of me that wonders about the possibilities had I started earlier—perhaps in a less saturated market or at a time when digital strategies were just emerging—the timing I chose was optimal based on my personal and professional readiness. Starting later afforded me a clearer vision and a more robust toolkit, allowing Kinetic319 to thrive from a well-grounded foundation rather than floundering through early mistakes.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

As the founder of Kinetic319 and a fourth-generation business owner, my journey into the world of media and marketing is deeply rooted in a rich familial tradition of entrepreneurship and an unwavering commitment to excellence. From an early age, I was brought up in the ethos of grit, customer service, and professionalism—values that have profoundly influenced my approach to business and client relations. The hands-on lessons in resilience and integrity I learned from my predecessors have been instrumental in shaping not just my career but the very foundation I have built for Kinetic319.

My academic journey further complemented these real-world lessons. Earning a master’s degree in consumer psychology was a pivotal chapter that enriched my understanding of the market. It provided me with both practical and theoretical insights, enabling me to approach media strategy not just as a business initiative but as a scientific study of human behavior and decision-making processes. Honestly, it’s an obsession of mine. This unique perspective is embedded in every strategy and campaign we develop at Kinetic319, ensuring that we not only capture attention but engage with it meaningfully and deeply.

At Kinetic319, we specialize in crafting tailored media management solutions that resonate deeply with target audiences. Our services range from comprehensive digital marketing strategies, including SEO and content marketing, to innovative traditional media campaigns and cutting-edge performance analytics. We solve a variety of problems for our clients, from enhancing online visibility and engagement to driving sales and improving overall brand perception.

What sets us apart in a crowded industry is our relationship-first approach. We believe that true success comes from authentic connections—not just between us and our clients but between our clients and their customers. Our strategies are designed to build trust and loyalty, turning casual interactions into lasting relationships. This philosophy is something I’ve carried over from my heritage, where business was not just about transactions but about community and mutual respect!

I am most proud of the way Kinetic319 has been able to transform businesses by not only meeting but exceeding their goals through innovative, data-driven strategies infused with a human touch. A human touch that is, unfortunately, lacking in most agencies today. The success stories of our clients are not just testimonials of our work; they are reflections of the collaborative spirit we foster within every project we undertake.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I’m going to take a different angle on this question, as I feel it is important. In the narrative of starting Kinetic319, the story of funding isn’t just about capital; it’s fundamentally about resourcefulness and leveraging the modern digital marketplace to its fullest. In today’s ‘business world’, the array of free tools and programs available to entrepreneurs is truly astounding. These resources are not merely aids; they can be the bedrock on which a savvy business owner can build an enterprise with minimal initial financial outlay.

When I began shaping the idea for Kinetic319, I took a strategic approach to minimize overheads and maximize efficiency by utilizing an array of these free or low-cost tools. For instance, platforms like WordPress and Wix offered robust, user-friendly options to build a website without needing to invest heavily in custom development. This allowed us to establish a professional online presence quickly and affordably, essential for attracting and engaging our first clients.

For project management, tools like Microsoft Planner (included in your Microsoft 365 subscription) and Asana were invaluable. They provided the frameworks necessary to keep projects organized and on track without the need for costly software licenses. This not only kept our operations lean but also highly effective, ensuring that we could deliver on our promises to clients without overextending financially. In the media agency world, this is critical.

Regarding accounting and financial management, software like Wave and other free accounting tools enabled us to manage our finances with professional diligence from day one. These tools offered features that one would expect from premium products, like invoicing, expense tracking, and basic reporting, all without the upfront cost.

The initial capital required to start Kinetic319 was thus significantly reduced by relying on these digital tools. Of course, there was still a need for some startup funds—primarily for marketing, initial hardware, and to cover the costs not accounted for by free services. This was sourced through a combination of personal savings and reinvesting early revenues back into the business. This bootstrap approach not only kept us lean and agile in the early months but also instilled a culture of cost-consciousness and innovation that continues to drive Kinetic319 today.

The key takeaway for fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners is that while securing funding is important, equally crucial is understanding how to maximize every dollar with the tools at your disposal. In today’s digital age, the savvy use of available technologies can dramatically reduce the need for large initial investments, allowing you to scale more organically and sustainably.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

As the founder of Kinetic319, I’ve found that the most effective source of new clients has been through leveraging and nurturing relationships derived from a diverse set of networks and community engagements. Being actively involved in various organizations, such as the Denver Chamber of Commerce, Business Journey Leadership Trust, the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), and various charity boards, has provided firm ground for establishing and growing these invaluable connections.

These community programs and organizations offer not only networking opportunities but also platforms to demonstrate our expertise, commitment to community welfare, and our ability to collaborate on various projects. The relationships built within these circles often transcend simple business transactions; they evolve into partnerships founded on mutual respect and shared goals. This community-driven approach to business networking has been instrumental in connecting with clients who value a relationship-first approach to business.

Additionally, prior business relationships cultivated over the years have been a significant source of referrals. The trust and rapport built from previous collaborations mean that these contacts know the quality and reliability of the services Kinetic319 provides. They are more likely to recommend us to others, knowing that we uphold a standard of excellence and integrity in all our dealings.

Moreover, I have placed a strong emphasis on building relationships within complementary industries, including consulting, creative arts, and development sectors. These relationships are invaluable as they not only provide direct client referrals but also opportunities for collaboration on projects that require a multidisciplinary approach. The synergy between Kinetic319 and these complementary industries has often led to innovative solutions that meet unique client needs, thereby enhancing client satisfaction and retention.

In today’s digital age, it can be easy to rely solely on online marketing and communication tools for business development. However, I firmly believe in the power of personal connections. Engaging with potential clients and partners face-to-face, whether it’s over a cocktail or during a community event, creates a more meaningful connection that often leads to longer-lasting business relationships. A handshake and a genuine conversation can indeed be much more effective than a cold email.

This hands-on, relationship-first approach has not only been the cornerstone of attracting new clients but has also helped us build a reputation as a reliable and personable partner in the media strategy industry. At Kinetic319, we continue to champion these values, knowing that our commitment to real, human connections is what sets us apart and drives our business forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Kinetic319.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Kinetic319/100095513262322/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ortman/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kinetic319
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC46k0ZR9oISM79tIObs4HWw