“Why I left my Dream Job at VaynerMedia”

:: Introspective Intro ::
“I left my dream job to chase my dream.”
It feels like this story should open with a sentence that sounds something like that, no? Introspective think pieces have become all the rage in this era of Player’s Tribune athletes announcing their every thought and narcissistic entrepreneurs writing veiled marketing pieces (like this one) to garner constant attention.
Regardless, it’s the truth.
I had my dream job with the exact type of company I set out to work for when I graduated from a tiny Christian college in 2011. VaynerMedia is an upbeat agency filled with incredible people and a celebrity CEO. Exactly what I’d hoped for. Look Mom, I’d made it.
:: The Turning Point ::
Despite this, I had a yearning for more. God has no doubt placed certain desires inside of me and positioned me in a point in history that allows me to pursue those desires like never before.
The truth is that I’ve been given a life of privilege.
I didn’t grow up on the streets or have to sell drugs to get by. My grandparents and parents worked incredibly hard to build a life for us in Philadelphia, and eventually achieved their dreams by affording to move us to the suburbs where I’ve since spent a lot of my life. I can never repay all of the sacrifice and effort they gave to allow me to be where I am today.
That doesn’t mean I’m not hungry.
In fact, the history that I carry with me and the desire to build what my family has started is a large piece of why I needed to leave to pursue my own business. They worked for others to provide for me. Honoring that means the world to me.

:: The Opportunity ::
I’ve known Derek’s family for years. His little sister married one of my closest friends in the world. I stood next to them while they got married (Derek was looming nearby). He’d been encouraging me to bring my talents to South Broad St., and build something together for a while. So here we are. Meet Strafire Media.
Together, we’re building a fast-moving, deceivingly creative, SWAT-like team to create digital content and experiences that drive growth for B2B and B2C businesses. Some are referring to us as the “Kobe/Shaq” combination of our industry. We’re embracing this moniker. Feel free to use it.
:: The Promise ::
Effort, hustle, work-ethic… you get it. I’m going to give everything I have.
Content, time, advice, a brand-new show filled with practical marketing advice, etc. I’m in. Even my Instagram feed has been stripped of food imagery and pictures of my gorgeous dog, Bella (text me for pix). Derek and I are going to give away as much free advice and knowledge to all those under-served companies who want to grow their brands, earn more attention, and grow their business.

All I ask in return? Keep tabs on us. We’ve got an unbelievable amount of incredible stuff brewing and we’re overwhelmed with the support our community has given us already. There is so much more to come.
With all my heart,
The Digital Mamba (←not tied to this).
