No. 6 - Rochester Top 100

Butler/Till Media Services, Inc.

About Butler/Till Media Services, Inc.: Full-service media company that provides media planning and buying and media audit services

Rank on Top 100: 6

Top Executives: Susan R. Butler and Tracy E. Till

Employees: 31

Website:www.butlertillmedia.com

We asked partners Susan R. Butler and Tracy E. Till to tell us about their company.

Question: What fueled your growth to allow you to make your debut on the Top 100 this year?
Executives: This is the first year Butler/Till applied for the Top 100. Our business has grown steadily since we were founded in 1992, with a slight dip in the early 2000s.We rebounded in 2002 and our aggressive growth began in late 2004. Since December 2005, we have increased our staff from 8 to the current 38. Our growth has been fueled by acquisition of new clients, as well as expanded business relationships with existing clients.

Question: Where are most of your customers based?
Executives: We've always had a mix of business from both inside and outside of the Rochester area. Our aggressive growth over the last two years has definitely come from outside the Rochester area.

Question: What is the business climate for advertising firms?
Executives: The business climate for advertising firms is strong right now, but the industry itself is in a huge state of transition. Advertising firms that are succeeding and growing, like Butler/Till, are doing so because they are keeping abreast of consumer behavior, lifestyles and communications options, and are not afraid to explore, embrace and even create new means of breaking through the clutter and achieving their client's marketing communications goals.

Question: What inspired you to go into business for yourself?
Butler: My answer to this always sounds very cliche, to control my own destiny, be my own boss, etc. But those were a big part of it. But maybe the biggest part was just knowing in my heart that I was capable or being a successful independent business person, and believing that if I did not pursue this path, I would be doing a disservice to myself and my personal potential. I also felt it was important as a mother to live my belief that we are capable of doing whatever we put our minds to, and that gender is not an issue when it comes to success. Those are important lessons that I wanted to illustrate to my son.
Till: Truthfully, there was no grand design. It became an option on my career path and the timing was right. There was, however, always a desire to "sell" what I believe to be powerful and unique marketing communications solutions in a style that is "me." While ownership can bring upon its fair share of stress, overall it's been amazing for me personally and professionally. I'm proud of what this business has become.

Question: Where were the major obstacles you overcame to get your business off the ground?
Executives: Without a doubt, funding. In the first few years, we needed capital to grow, but as a start-up, we were not a credit risk that traditional lending sources were willing to make. Fortunately, family members were willing and able to help us through some tough financial periods.

Question: What advice do you have for someone looking to start their own business?
Executives: Make sure it is something you love, because it will be your life.