Big Dreams, Little Budgets and the Messy Middle: A Launch Story

Reaching the next level is an exciting time for any entrepreneur. Big dreams, little budgets, and no shortage of tasks to do before you can really say “It’s Ready for Launch!”

(I know you fellow entrepreneurs are laughing right now. I mean, come on...are we ever really ready?)

I’m excited to announce the launch of Copper Compass Group, a fractional marketing partner for small business entrepreneurs. We believe small businesses should have access to the best marketing talent that fits their budget. Fractional marketing is a competitive game-changer. It allows companies of any size to get experienced marketers on a part-time basis without needing to hire a senior headcount. Copper Compass becomes an extension of the teams we work with as a true marketing partner. 

Now, because our career paths are never straight lines, here’s the reality.

I started my marketing career as an entrepreneur. This photo is my 2005 entrepreneur self. I built a website design company in Maryland with over 100 clients and I received an SBA award for my work helping home-based businesses and small companies. I learned a thing or two about what small businesses need. And, I also learned a thing or two about how important having a marketing strategy is for entrepreneurs. Then, the recession of 2008 happened. Womp womp.

I shifted into corporate roles and I learned a lot. I worked with some incredibly talented marketers. I was given the chance to try new things, lead teams, onboard systems and travel globally. But once an entrepreneur, always an entrepreneur. The pull is genetic; I come from a family of entrepreneurs. My parents both owned businesses and my sister has run a successful business with her business partner for decades. Since the pandemic, I had kept my skills current by freelancing part-time on evenings and weekends and I loved doing it. I got to work with a wide range of companies - from breweries to home health care agencies, and even a safari tour company - and I discovered how much I love learning about new industries.

I’d started exploring what shifting to full-time freelance work might look like. And then one day, poof! I found myself unexpectedly out of a job. Womp womp, again. Only this time, I had a plan.

This setback turned into an opportunity to return to my entrepreneurial path. I got to work. I ran, then walked. I hustled and I definitely made mistakes. I made it through.

Toward the end of last year, I paused and took a look at how far I’d come since working full-time in the fractional marketing space. Has it really only been since March? I’ve been lucky to have several great clients that have experienced the value I bring to their businesses and stuck with me as I figured out what this new venture could become.

What followed was a cocktail of brainstorming, visualization, and coffee, (not necessarily in that order). I found an amazing transformation coach, and I allowed myself to dream bigger, which has brought me to where we are today.

I know there are many people out there working in fractional roles either by design or necessity. I applaud all of you because you also took a chance on yourself to make things happen.

This year I’ve started building my dream team (to be introduced soon) and I became an official HubSpot Partner. I’m building other programs to launch later this year and I can’t wait to share them with you when they’re ready. Big things are coming in 2026! It won’t be easy but it will be so worth it.

In the meantime, if you know any entrepreneurs or small businesses who need some marketing help, we are excited to meet them.