Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Masi.
Kevin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I co-founded Torque with my brother, Eric. We both attended U of I Champaign and received BFAs in painting. I took the first few years to work with my father, managing investment rental apartments that he had rapidly acquired during the time I was in school. That experience as well as his interest in Chicago architecture, ultimately led us to a focus on real estate marketing today.
We started up the business in 1992 and by the late 90’s, we were delivering more websites and other electronic media and content than anything else. We were an early digital agency. In 2000, we experienced our first downturn which nearly ended the business, through the triple witching of a recession, dot.com bust and the loss of our biggest client. We’ve since weathered two more downturns but learned critical lessons of staying power in 2000.
At that point, we realized the importance of leading with strategy (branding) while also executing digital marketing. We were early to email marketing and in the mid-2000s, we embraced social media and eventually developed social media marketing services for clients. Today, we still offer brand strategy and digital marketing, powered by content designed to inform and entertain. Drone video, video projection and virtual reality are among the emerging technologies we’ve added to our roster.
Having just celebrated 26 years in business, I never get tired of reflecting on many great clients served, including the launch of Goose Island 312 beer, opening international stores for Borders (remember them?) and creating the Select USA brand for President Obama’s Department of Commerce. We’ve also been trusted with the marketing of some of Chicago’s most iconic commercial and residential real estate properties, including the John Hancock, the Wrigley Building, Union Station and the Uptown Theater.
Our small but mighty staff of 12 employees, is fortified by a big network of marketing and technical specialists, allowing us great flexibility and capacity to move where the demand takes us.
Has it been a smooth road?
In addition, we once made the mistake of taking out a rather large business loan to meet payroll. After we down-sized (anyway), we were left with a total staff of six people (including ourselves) and over $300,000 in debt. But, with obstinate determination we paid it off in four short years.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have always been deeply curious about business, so we’ve developed a discovery and strategic planning process that involves extensive investigation into the business case for our clients as well pinpointing the greatest personal concerns. All is in service of helping our clients focus on their customers.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Chicago is a great place for businesses of all types. We have a diverse economy and a thriving culture that is attractive for employees. Entrepreneurs and business managers can find vibrant communities for technology, private equity and talent of all types. Of course, you’d need to be under a rock not to be aware of some of the city, county and state fiscal woes, but business is voting confidently with continued development of office and residential real estate.
Pricing:
- We partner with our clients to deliver value to business starting at $75,000.
Contact Info:
- Address: 167 N. Racine Ave, Chicago IL
- Website: torque.digital
- Phone: 312-421-7858
- Email: info@torque.digital
- Instagram: @torquedigital
- Facebook: torquelaunch
- Twitter: @torque_social
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/518365/
Image Credit:
Torque Digital
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