Stefanie Curtis is the CEO of Pace Creative Group. Stefanie is a thought leader, business coach and advisor, visionary, and successful entrepreneur. Stefanie provides the strategic leadership and energy that has inspired the creation of Pace Creative Group. Stefanie Curtis joins other leading CEOs and Founders taking part in our Leader Roundtable Interview Series. The DotCom Magazine editorial team is delighted to have Stefanie join us for our Leader Roundtable Interview.
Stefanie, thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy day for this interview about your company, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
1. Stefanie, please tell us about Pace Creative Group. What is the elevator pitch?
Pace Creative is a full service communication and marketing agency specializing in content marketing. 80% of our clients are in B2B and 20% in B2C. Our strength is to communicate difficult messages in simple yet engaging way, often, but not always to sophisticated audiences in regulated industries.
Industries that we work with include: pharma, medical device, biotech, engineering, professional services, publishing/education, technology and software.
Since we are full service, we collaborate with our clients that range from small start-ups to global Fortune 500 companies on strategy, branding, content, print, web and digital initiatives.
2. What is the one thing that makes Pace Creative Group great?
The business was founded in 2013 and it’s our 3rd agency since 2006. Because it’s not my first business, I have learnt from my previous businesses and mistakes which has helped develop a strong foundation for Pace Creative.
Our team is in-house which allows to provide clients with excellent customer service, quick turnaround time and ad-hoc strategic recommendations to overcome specific business challenges.
3. Please tell us what is the key to being a great entrepreneur?
I think it’s imperative to have a strong vision based on data, research and in-depth knowledge.
Our core senior team started learning about content marketing when working for a large Fortune 500 client in 2010. We saw the potential of content strategy almost a decade ago, when no one was really familiar with the term. Our team decided to master content marketing for B2B and B2C. From there, we founded Pace Creative.
Other things that make an entrepreneur great is perseverance, strong ethical values and strategic thinking.
4. What is the best advice can you give to a young entrepreneur just starting out with a new venture?
- Do your homework!
Do your research to have an in-depth understanding the industry you are about to enter, the environment you are working in, and ensure your service or product will overcome a business challenge. Try to evaluate how much value you can add to a client.
Invest your money strategically. Every penny counts!
- Do not try to do everything yourself.
Learn the value of your time and what you are good at… which might be different from what you like to do!
Here is an example, if you are an engineer, your time should be spent in product research, product development, not in communication or branding, even though you might think you understand it and you like it.
Invest in building strategic alliances with consultants or partners in finance, accounting, operations, HR, communication, marketing and sales and ensure efficiencies throughout the organization by identifying and developing strong processes. By doing this you will end up building a company that has on a foundation that should sustain itself thru ups and downs.
In addition, you will also end up making more money and saving money too overtime.
5. What is the one thing that you, as a person, want to be known for?
Thoughtful, generous with my time and making a positive impact for my clients and other businesses I advise.
6. When building a business, what is the one most important thing to keep in mind at all times?
To not compromise on standards.
7. When hiring employees, what is the one most important thing you look for?
At Pace Creative, we hire for attitude and leadership. Every single team member is a problem solver.
8. What is your “Why”? Why do you get up in the morning?
Each morning I know I will be making a difference by helping other businesses be more efficient and successful by aligning their communication, marketing and sales.
It’s a great feeling to see the positive results of our work on a daily basis. We wake up to reflect on our successes from the day before and work on creating new successes!
9. What is the one thing that makes a great company?
An engaged team working towards the same goal.
10. What is the one thing that makes a great leader?
One thing is difficult to identify.
I think it’s the combination of the following:
- Ability to listen to others respectfully,
- Adapt to situations,
- Reflect on problems solved during the day,
- Support and delegate organically.
Stefanie Curtis, thank you so much for participating in the DotCom Magazine Leader Roundtable Interview Series. We very much appreciate the time you spent helping our readers learn more about what it takes to build a great company and become a great leader. We wish you, your family, and of course Pace Creative Group, nothing but the best.
Thanks again!
