There's something profoundly validating about being recognized by your peers in an industry that moves as fast as marketing does. When Digital Reference reached out to feature Fathom35 in their inaugural list of Marketing Consultants in the USA to Watch For in 2025, I was both honored and energized by the opportunity to share what makes our approach to marketing strategy so distinctive.

The recognition comes at an exciting time for independent marketing consultants. As Digital Reference notes in their comprehensive feature, we're witnessing a fundamental shift in how businesses approach marketing partnerships. Companies are increasingly turning away from one-size-fits-all solutions in favor of specialized, agile consulting relationships that can adapt to their unique challenges and growth trajectories. This trend toward decentralized talent perfectly aligns with what I've been building at Fathom35—a consultancy that bridges the gap between marketing strategy and business operations for growth-stage companies.

What struck me most about Digital Reference's selection process was their focus on consultants who demonstrate both regional presence and niche expertise. Their methodology wasn't just about creating another directory; they were genuinely interested in identifying marketing professionals who bring "a unique combination of agility, experience, and strategy to the table." This approach reflects exactly what I've seen working in the field—clients don't need another generalist, they need someone who can quickly understand their industry, assess their existing assets, and turn those insights into momentum.

During my interview with their team, I had the chance to articulate what makes Fathom35's approach different. At its core, my philosophy centers on working with brands I genuinely admire across various industries, but with a particular strength in consumer packaged goods, hospitality, and beverage. My background in the spirits industry has taught me to navigate complex regulatory landscapes while still driving creative, results-focused campaigns. But what really sets our work apart is the foundation I built in hospitality—an industry that taught me the art of connection, reading a room, and creating experiences that people remember.

This hospitality background fundamentally shaped how I approach marketing. It's not just about visibility or even engagement metrics; it's about resonance and building lasting relationships. When I evaluate a client's existing assets—whether that's press coverage, brand equity, digital content, or email lists—I'm looking for opportunities to create deeper connections with their audience. Great stories shouldn't live and die in one headline; they should keep paying dividends over time.

My superpower, as I told Digital Reference, is identifying the value in what clients already have and turning it into sustained momentum. As someone who's founded and run several businesses, I understand firsthand the time and mental bandwidth it takes to get marketing truly dialed in. That's why every Fathom35 engagement starts with a clear audit of existing tools, platforms, and resources. We identify what's working, what's being underutilized, and where the untapped opportunities live. From there, we build story-driven strategies rooted in what makes each brand truly distinct.

The Digital Reference feature captured something essential about the current marketing landscape: we're in an era where specialized, independent talent is redefining what it means to work smart. Being included alongside consultants like Jenny Kay from Kay Communications, who brings a fractional approach to strategic communications, and other recognized experts from across the country, feels like being part of a movement toward more authentic, effective marketing partnerships.

Digital Reference's inaugural list begins with a powerful observation about today's marketing environment:

"In a landscape where brand awareness can turn on a dime and audience expectations are evolving faster than a TikTok trend, independent marketing consultants have become the go-to powerhouses for businesses wanting to stay sharp and adaptive."

Read the full Digital Reference feature on Marketing Consultants in the USA to Watch For in 2025 to see the complete list of marketing professionals who are shaping the industry's future—and to learn more about what makes this new era of decentralized marketing talent so effective.