Question: Explain what you do.
Answer: I help small businesses grow, through expert analysis of their online presence and marketing approach, and provide business owners with an Internet marketing action plan to achieve their growth objectives.
I recently founded Thrive Local Advertising, a digital place-based advertising firm serving locally-owned businesses in Loveland and Fort Collins.
Q: How did you get into the business?
A: I have always been an entrepreneur. When I was 4, I would take drawings I made to the supermarket with my mom and sell them to strangers.
I got involved in the Internet marketing industry about seven years ago, I started a small company with a friend called Barking Pineapple. From there I went on to work for larger firms and was instrumental in their growth.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you or your industry face?
A: Search engine optimization voodoo and misinformation perpetuated by people in web development who say they do SEO but really only know what SEO means. Most business owners know they need to be found in search but have been bamboozled by these types of people.
Q: What are the biggest rewards of your job?
A: I absolutely love helping people. When I see that a business has grown as a result of my or my team’s efforts, see the smile on the owners’ faces and hear the enthusiasm in their voices — that is my biggest reward.
Q: What advice do you have for someone else thinking about a career in your field?
A: Be a perpetual student, aim to be the best at what you do, and understand you aren’t perfect. This industry changes incredibly fast; self-education driven by a drive for excellence is essential. Knowing you’re not perfect will aid you in your drive to be the best.
Q: What do you do in your leisure time?
A: I spend a lot of time working on our house we bought in 2012, which just so happens to be four blocks north of Loveland High, where I graduated. I am an active member of the Loveland homebrewers club the Weizguys and love brewing beer. I love spending time outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping, hunting — I’m a true Colorado boy.
Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?
A: A fireman, then a police officer, then in the Air Force, then a pastor, then an Air Force chaplain, then a missionary. They all revolved around helping people.
Q: What kept you from pursuing that vision?
A: Nothing. I am pursuing this vision and it has grown and changed over time.
Q: Where do you see yourself career wise in 10 years?
A: Owning a few more businesses and giving back a lot more to the community of Loveland.
Q: Outside of work, what’s your favorite thing to do and your favorite place to do it?
A: I love spending time with friends and family outdoors. I grew up in Loveland and am a second-generation Colorado native, so being in the mountains with friends and family makes me feel alive.
Q: What role does volunteerism/giving back play in your work or personal life?
A: On a personal side, volunteering has really helped define my values and expand my world view. In work life it is a great way to grow your network and meet business people who share similar values.
Q: What role does social media play in your business and how do you utilize it?
A: With Page1, as an Internet marketing company we actively manage social media accounts for many of our clients, so that is vital. Social media makes businesses personable, increases brand awareness, and helps to develop brand ambassadors.
Q: Where is your favorite spot in Loveland and why?
A: Grimm Brothers Brewhouse, it’s pretty much like my Cheers. That or Downtown Fourth Street. I love that downtown Loveland is becoming so cool and Fourth is a huge part of that.
Q: If you could interview one person in the world who would that be?
A: That is a really tough one. I would have to go back in time for this, but I would interview C.S. Lewis.
Young Professional is a collaboration with the Loveland and Fort Collins chambers of commerce.
Paul Baron
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Age: 31
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Occupation: Internet marketing consultant/business development manager at Page1 Online Marketing; owner of Thrive Local Advertising
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Education: Certificate in Pastoral Leadership from Hillsong International Leadership College
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Family: Wife, Rachelle, soon to be a father (coming in August); two dogs, Makarios Theophilus and Winnifred Carabelle; one cat, Keitaro Shelumiel (I figure since I will never name real children odd names, I can do it with my pet children).
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Contact information: (970) 223-0797