Business Owner: Terri Parker
How would you describe your business in your own words?
We are a full-service branding, marketing and communications agency. We service both small and large businesses – anywhere from startups and single entrepreneurs to multimillion dollar companies.
What clients have you serviced?
We’ve serviced a lot of clients throughout the years: local governments, Toledo Lucas County Health Department, the City of Toledo. the Area Office on Aging of Northwest Ohio is one of our longest standing clients.
When did your business open?
We’ve been around since 2006.
Who started the business? Why?
I’ve always loved the arts and creativity. I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in graphic design. I later went back and started taking classes in marketing towards my master’s degree. I worked for various agencies and eventually ventured out on my own doing business in Detroit for several years.
Prior to leading my business full-time, I was creative director for the Toledo Blade for 13 years. I was also an adjunct professor at the College of Design in Detroit.
When The Blade started their layoffs, I moved into my business fulltime, and I’ve been here ever since.
What services do you offer?
Our strong hold is our branding and creative services. In addition to that, we serve as a strategic thought partner for clients. It starts with their mission and their vision. We try to really get a sense of the business, and we go in and make advertising and marketing recommendations that are really going to boost or strengthen their brand.
What makes your business unique?
We use the combination of traditional marketing as well as digital marketing. We like to do cross platforms for consistency.
Also, long before covid we were already working a hybrid model – some people came into the office and some worked remote. It helped us to keep our overhead and cost down. We’re a small entity that does a lot of impactful work through our diverse team of experts.
Have you achieved the level of success you have hoped for?
I have been successful, but I am not quite at the level I’d like to be at yet. There are still levels of growth. I think there is more to come.
What piece or pieces of advice would you offer to other aspiring business owners?
Don’t be afraid to venture out into the world of entrepreneurship. It helps to have–not good mentors–but great mentors: those that have history, that are from this new era of technology. Embrace technology, don’t run from it and always educate yourself. Also don’t forget to give back.
Business Name: T. Parker & Co. LLC
Hours: By Appointment
Location: 6800 W. Central Avenue Suite C #3 Toledo, Ohio 43617
Website: www.tparkernco.com
Phone Number: 419-720-1711