Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Thomas.
Ivan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My passion for public relations and entrepreneurship started when I was in Washington, D.C. attending the Mecca, Howard University, over a decade ago. It is a university that really ignited my entrepreneurial spirit. I interned and worked at various organizations – C-Span, Stateline.org, a marketing company named GMMB, a law firm named Darby & Darby and various other companies that allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds and learn. I realized early on that I needed a diversity of experiences because I get bored easily. In the summers during my internships, I would see the same people riding the metro every day at the exact same time, going to the exact same place. Some people were working at their jobs 20, 30 or even 40 years. That is great, but I could not see myself working for someone else’s vision that long.
Before I graduated, my dad started a PR company in the Chicago area where I grew up. I worked with him for about 6 years. It was great to work and a great learning experience. However, I knew I needed to chart my own course and that I was the only person who could create the career and lifestyle I envisioned for myself. In December 2014, I launched Intrigue Media Group and the rest is history. I now represent exceptional clients in arts, culture, lifestyle and entertainment.
Has it been a smooth road?
When I first started my company I just went for it. I didn’t have much money saved up and I did not have any financial assistance. The little money I had gone straight into the business. I was a single father with a young son. I wasn’t in Atlanta, I was in a small Florida city called Palm Coast at the time and I had plenty of moments where I was struggling to make ends meet. To save money, I had to move out of my place and crash at my mom’s house for several months to plan my next move. The clients in my area were not at the level where they could really afford my services, so I had to offer low rates just to bring in business, but it was not enough to really grow.
Not to mention, I had the brilliant idea of starting my company 10 months before marrying my wife. She had just finished grad school and was not working, so you can imagine the pressure I was under to grow a company in a slow market, stay on top of bills and come up with money for the wedding. Of course, you also have the people who project their doubts and insecurities onto you, suggesting that you won’t make it. It was difficult at times, but every second was worth it. My vision was clear, so I knew where I was headed. The adversity was absolutely necessary and the lessons learned are the reason for my success today.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Intrigue Media Group – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Intrigue Media Group is a strategic communications company that specializes in PR and marketing for clients in arts, culture, lifestyle and entertainment. My role as the President/CEO requires vision, leadership, creativity, strong communication skills and an ability to connect the dots and create opportunities.
My company provides expert counsel and support to individuals and organizations seeking to increase public awareness of their work, to garner media coverage, establish valuable relationships and to be positioned on platforms where they can connect with their target audience. I pride myself on making things happen, not only for our high profile clients but also for those just getting started.
What sets us apart is extraordinary customer service to our clients and the ability to bring many of them from relative obscurity into the spotlight. We don’t need to piggy back on clients who are already hot. We elevate people and expand their horizons so they can capitalize in ways they never even considered.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Atlanta is an extraordinary, beautiful, progressive city. There is so much going on all the time and it is full of entrepreneurs and people striving to create and build something special. I like the fact that you can enjoy the city life and then escape from that and enjoy the beauty of nature. The culture, sports, music and entertainment makes it a special place. I believe that moving my business here was one of the best decisions I could have made and I have met some amazing people.
What don’t I like? The traffic!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.intriguemediagroup.com
- Email: intriguemg@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intrigue_media_group/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=intrigue%20media%20group%2C%20llc
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/ivanth3great/
Image Credit:
Intrigue Media Group
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