Ben and Brennan, the founders of a local marketing agency, Zima, opened up to talk about their experience graduating from full-time employees into full-time entrepreneurs. Locally grown, the two met at a young age and have been fortunate enough to stumble upon opportunity after opportunity. In our interview, we cover the advice they have for people looking to utilize the internet for business purposes and where they plan to take their business in the near future. Learn more about running a marketing agency from up-to-date entrepreneurs and be sure to follow Ben, Brennan, and Zima on Instagram for more tips and inspiration!
Exclusive Zima Marketing Agency Interview
*This interview was edited for clarity*
How did you the two of you meet?
Ben: Brennan and I met in a high school history class and were paired up for a final project. We had completely procrastinated on the project and put it off until the day before. We had to rush frantically to put something together, but the project ended up receiving the highest grade in the class.
What initially sparked the idea and possibility of putting together Zima?
One of our partners (Brennan) had purchased a digital marketing course, from Tai Lopez. At the same time, Ben was selling door to door in Miami. Both of us had always been interested in starting a business but didn’t know which direction to go. Ben was hit as a pedestrian by a drunk driver, which totally derailed his sales career. Being hurt and not able to sell, Ben contacted Brennan, a close friend to brainstorm ideas and thus they partnered to create ZIMA.
What is it?
ZIMA: Zi-elinski Ma-tteucci (Our last names)
ZIMA is a marketing agency. We focus on real estate and mortgage lead generation. We take care of more than 70 real estate companies nationwide. ZIMA also has a media arm of the company. Our film team has worked with some of Seattle’s largest brands, including the Pro Club.
What sort of satisfaction do you get from the job?
It’s very rewarding to see our clients succeed from the marketing strategies we create for them. We help our clients increase their bottom line. More money equals more control plus freedom.
How did you learn how to do everything that you’re currently offering to your customers?
Both founders are college dropouts. For the most part, everything we know has either been self-taught or from paid courses and mentorships from top performers.
Any advice to those that are looking to start up their own business and/or marketing agency?
Marketing agencies are a fad right now. Stay persistent and find a way to stand out. One of the best ways to find success quickly is to niche down. Nobody wants to invest serious money in a jack of all trades. Big clients like specialists.
What sort of things are you guys currently working on?
Currently, we are focused on opening new branch locations. We now have team members opening office locations in Portland, Miami, Arizona, SoCal. We have also begun to expand our media team so that we can take on and execute on more video production & media related projects.
Where do you guys see yourselves in five years?
Within the next five years, we aspire to be a $25 million a year agency. Our goal is to work the top real estate teams in each market, to help them dominate their market. Being that we work so closely with top-level agents and investors, ZIMA has begun making real estate investments in Seattle and Portland.
Anything that you would like to add to those reading and in the Seattle area?
ZIMA is a brand that combines both technical skill sets with creative flow and design. In essence, a lot of what we have accomplished has been influenced by the culture and business that Seattle is known for.
