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

Hi Andrew, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

I believe that the legacy I hope to build is deeply rooted in my commitment to making a positive impact in our community. I hope they remember me as someone who lived out the principles of purpose, compassion, and service.

Throughout my career as a digital media professional, I’ve strived to bridge the gap between passion and purpose through technology. My work has not just been about advancing corporate goals or digital media strategies; it’s been about using these tools to make a difference in the lives of individuals, businesses, and communities.

One of the core aspects of my legacy is my dedication to community service. I’ve donated over a thousand hours of pro-bono work to local small businesses and nonprofits, expanding their visual communications and helping them tell their stories effectively. This commitment to service was recognized when I received the Mississippi Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Award for Outstanding Service in the Promotion of Volunteering and Community and Southaven Young Professional Leader of the Year.

In addition to my professional endeavors, my involvement with various organizations, such as Leadership Memphis, Southaven Chamber of Commerce, and The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, reflects my desire to be an active participant in building stronger communities. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as Chair for Southaven Chamber of Commerce’s Southaven Young Professionals and as the previous Board Chair for Let’s Innovate Through Education and Volunteer Mid-South.

Furthermore, my faith as a Christian has been an integral part of my journey. I believe that my faith calls me to be a servant leader, to love my neighbor as myself, and to use my talents and resources to make the world a better place. I hope that people will remember me as someone who lived out these principles, not just in words but in actions.

Ultimately, I aspire to be remembered as a person who made a positive impact, who used digital media not just for personal gain but to amplify the voices of the marginalized, to inspire others to take action, and to foster a sense of community and togetherness.

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?

My professional path has been a profound exploration of the world of digital media. It’s a journey deeply rooted in my belief that technology can be a powerful force for good and that storytelling has the potential to create lasting impact no matter your budget or industry.

I entered the digital media industry driven by a passion for storytelling and a desire to connect people and organizations with their audiences in more meaningful ways. Over the past 15 years, I’ve immersed myself in this field, constantly evolving and learning, all with a singular mission – to bridge the gap between passion and purpose. With the rise of AI and automation tools in social media management, I’m now teaching hundreds of businesses and nonprofits how to work more efficiently.

Currently, I hold the position of Director of Digital Media for cityCURRENT, a dynamic platform powered by Higginbotham. In this role, my focus is on orchestrating events and media projects that not only shape the corporate activation landscape but also harness digital media resources to empower cityCURRENT Partners and the community to leverage technology for their CSR initiatives. I’m the co-host of The cityCURRENT Show which airs weekend morning across 9 Cumulus Media stations in Memphis and Nashville Tennessee, reaching more than 750,000 listeners.

The show focuses on positives and features interviews with a mix of business and community leaders who discuss trends, efforts, lessons learned, and ways to get engaged and make an impact globally.

My professional identity is a blend of design and marketing, where I combine artistic creativity with strategic communications. I aim to create visually captivating narratives that resonate with audiences, all while ensuring affordability, so that businesses, regardless of their size, can access top-tier digital marketing solutions.

What drives me is my commitment to community service and social impact. I’ve dedicated over 1,000 hours of pro-bono work to support local small businesses and nonprofits, a commitment that was recognized when I received the Mississippi Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Award in 2020.

In a nutshell, I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve been able to facilitate in the nonprofit sector, having touched the lives of over 500 organizations through workshops and initiatives.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is not just about technology or digital media. It’s about using these tools to create a brighter, more connected world, where stories are a catalyst for change, and where technology is a force for good. Together, we can amplify stories that matter, connect passion with purpose, and build a future where digital media is a source of inspiration and transformation.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building a loyal social media following transcends algorithms and metrics; it’s an odyssey of authenticity, relationship cultivation, and unwavering productivity. My digital journey is shaped by three life lessons that have not only defined my mission but also fueled my online presence.

Firstly, authenticity is the guiding light. In the digital world, real voices resonate the loudest. Embracing one’s true self and sharing not just triumphs but also struggles is non-negotiable. A moment of proof in this was my 2014 invitation to the White House as a digital media innovator, an experience that underscored the power of transparency and trust in resonating with audiences and the power of using social media to power the good.

Social media is a two-way street of relationships waiting to flourish. Genuine connections are the lifeblood of the digital age, from collaborations with influencers to engaging with followers. The White House experience reinforced this, highlighting how meaningful relationships can lead to profound opportunities.

Productivity is the secret sauce in the fast-paced digital world. Efficiently maintaining a consistent online presence, through AI tools and organization, is paramount.

Overall, it’s not about shortcuts but a steadfast commitment to these principles that will not only expand your following but also establish a meaningful and impactful online presence.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

There’s a definitive mission steering my creative journey: “we will be known by the problems we solve.” Throughout my career, I’ve woven creative exploration and digital storytelling into the fabric of my professional identity. But beyond my career, I proudly wear the hats of a husband to Lacey and a father to three remarkable children under 3 – Emilee, Jackson, and Benjamin.

These roles have deepened my commitment to a mission close to my heart: helping others maximize productivity. Whether it’s through digital media, community engagement, or my personal life, my purpose is to make a positive impact by aiding individuals and organizations in their quest for productivity and meaningful problem-solving. This mission is the driving force behind every creative endeavor I undertake, and it fuels my determination to connect passion with purpose through technology and storytelling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cityCURRENT.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/andrewjpg
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrewjpg
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjpg/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/andrewjpg
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/citycurrent

Image Credits
Haleigh Eggert Photography