We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dana Fluegge. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dana below.

Dana, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

A lot of big companies get so caught up in presenting a perfect brand image that they forget about their real, human side. Nowadays, consumers really value authenticity and transparency. Brands that embrace their true values and even show a few flaws tend to connect with customers a lot better.

Corporate marketing often takes a “one-size-fits-all” route, which means they don’t tailor their messages to local communities or cultures. This can turn potential customers away, making brands feel out of touch. Some companies splash out on flashy ads that promise more than they can actually deliver, resulting in distrust and frustration. Long-term success is all about keeping promises and building a strong reputation.

Plus, a lot of businesses still throw out generic messages that don’t really cater to what individual customers want. Today’s customers are on the lookout for personalized experiences, but corporate marketing often lacks that real engagement. Many companies prioritize quick sales instead of focusing on developing lasting relationships with customers. Effective marketing is all about creating genuine connections rather than just pushing for a sale.

Also, it seems like many large corporations overlook how important it is to support local businesses. Teaming up with them can really boost goodwill and strengthen community bonds, yet corporate marketing often misses out on these chances.

I’ve seen a lot of small businesses try to replicate big companies to try to elevate their business to the next level. But this does more harm than good. The big companies thrive when they can make their business seem small and personal. Small businesses already have that advantage. Be yourself and consistently show up for your community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m 31 and live in Bad Axe, Michigan, with my husband and daughter. I started Noble Fox Media in 2021, and I really love coming up with marketing strategies that mix digital, print, and community-focused methods to help businesses and nonprofits grow. We work with clients not just locally but all over the U.S.

When clients reach out, they usually need help with their website or social media, or they might ask for basics like flyers or business cards. But as I get to know them better, I often find more ways to be their go-to for their whole marketing strategy. That part of the job is what I enjoy most and feel makes the biggest difference.

I take pride in the personal connections we build with our clients. My husband and I both come from families that owned businesses, so we really understand how important it is to support them. We know they rely on their businesses to take care of their families.

It’s a true joy and honor to be part of the journey for every organization we work with.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best way I’ve gotten clients has definitely been through word-of-mouth and personal connections. I’ve always believed in letting my work speak for itself. Rather than pushing aggressively for clients, I focus on proving my skills and being genuinely helpful, which naturally leads to referrals and repeat business. It’s been a slow but steady growth, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The relationships I’ve built along the way have been more meaningful and sustainable.

One of the best examples of this came from a small local business I worked with early on. They were struggling with their branding and online presence, and I offered to help them redesign their website and create some social media materials. We didn’t have a formal contract at the time—just an open, honest conversation about what they needed and how I could assist. After seeing the results, they were thrilled, and within a few months, they started referring me to other businesses in their network. It was amazing to see how that first project snowballed, not because of aggressive marketing, but simply because I delivered value and took the time to truly understand their needs.

Since then, I’ve stuck to that approach—focusing on quality work, building personal relationships, and always being authentically willing to help. And while it hasn’t always been the fastest path to growth, it’s definitely been the most rewarding. I believe this method leads to stronger, more loyal clients and a reputation that grows organically.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I first started my business, I had zero capital to invest, so I had to get creative with how I built it from the ground up. I didn’t have a huge marketing budget or resources to go all in at once, so I started small—doing work on the side in my free time. I focused on taking on small projects and helping clients however I could, even if it meant starting with a limited scope or offering more personalized, hands-on service.

At first, I wasn’t concerned with making big money or getting a ton of clients. My goal was to deliver quality work, build a good reputation, and create lasting relationships. I found that as I kept delivering value and showing people that I could be trusted, the word started to spread. Slowly, my client base grew, and over time, I was able to transition into doing this full-time.

I wanted to share this experience because I know that many entrepreneurs and small business owners start without much capital. Most will have to begin small, work hard, and build their business in incremental steps. It’s about having the patience to grow at your own pace, being diligent in your work, and leaning on your network and connections. I truly believe that starting small doesn’t mean you’re starting behind—it’s actually a great way to learn and grow sustainably. That journey, though slower, is often the one that builds the strongest foundation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.noblefoxmedia.com
• Instagram: @noblefoxmedia
• Facebook: @noblefoxmedia