Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rita Fortino. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rita , appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later
Honestly, I’m a firm believer that there’s never a perfect time; nothing in life will ever be perfect. If I think about it, I would have loved to start my marketing agency earlier while still working on projects for others, but now looking back, I realize that everything happens when it’s supposed to happen. If I had to give advice to someone, it would be not to hesitate, to start when they feel the need to start, and not to doubt it. There’s no easy beginning; everything takes work, dedication, and perseverance.
Rita , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m from Caracas, Venezuela, and when I made the move to the United States, I carried with me a strong desire to carve my own path in the professional world. It wasn’t long before I recognized an opportunity to channel my passion for marketing into something more substantial. My decision to establish a marketing agency stemmed from a deep dive into market analysis, where I discerned ample room for innovation and improvement in how brands engage with their audience.
Fortinnett emerged organically from my experiences working within a large corporation that catered to a broad consumer base. It was there that I witnessed a concerning trend: the products churned out lacked genuine thought and consideration. Instead of striving to genuinely benefit their customers, the company seemed solely fixated on driving sales figures. This realization struck a chord with me, igniting a desire to create something different—a marketing agency that prioritizes authentic connection over mere transactions.
In founding Fortinnett, my aim was clear: to redefine the relationship between brands and consumers. I envisioned a space where marketing strategies were not just about pushing products but about forging meaningful connections. Our mission is to help businesses not only thrive but also resonate with their target audience on a deeper level.
Currently, Fortinnett specializes in a range of services, including social media management, branding, web design, marketing campaigns, and public relations. Collaborating with my partner Giulia, we recognized a multitude of opportunities to enhance and elevate businesses through our unique approach. We firmly believe that storytelling lies at the heart of effective communication, and it is through compelling narratives that we seek to bridge the gap between brands and their customers.
What sets Fortinnett apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity, personalization, dedication, and we are always trying to spark brands to live. We don’t just look for temporary solutions, we are always looking for the long run. Every strategy, every campaign, is meticulously crafted to resonate with the core values and aspirations of our clients and their audience.
What I’m most proud of is the impact we’ve had on our clients’ success stories. Seeing businesses flourish under our guidance reaffirms our belief in the power of genuine connection. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to give our best to each of our clients.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The best marketing strategy will always, always be letting your product speak for itself. Currently, we don’t pay for any advertising because all of our clients right now are through word of mouth. The best marketing will always be ensuring that your service is so efficient, excellent, and successful that it naturally becomes the best strategy. The most rewarding aspect of having the agency is hearing people’s feedback, and all criticisms are always welcome. Anything that helps improve the service is what ultimately enhances every industry.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Right after the pandemic, I decided to return to Savannah for in-person classes. I remember arriving early to this first class because I wanted to grab a comfortable seat. About 10 minutes later, a girl came to sit next to me. At that point in my college career, I didn’t have many friends who spoke Spanish. Most of my friends were from other majors. This blonde girl sat right next to me, and initially, I judged her to be American. But then, I noticed we both had the same phone case, a very distinct one that I knew nobody else had because it was from a small, not well-known brand. It was from a specific small brand that very few people knew about. When I realized this, I pointed it out to her and asked where she was from. She said she was from Honduras. My eyes literally lit up with excitement because at least I was going to have someone in my class who spoke Spanish. And right after that, we became inseparable.
Contact Info:
- Website: fortinnett.com
- Instagram: @fortinnett
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fortinnett
Image Credits
@pmphotographynyc