Today we’d like to introduce you to JT Trask.
Hi JT, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was young, I was always bothered by the unethical element of advertising. In high school, I took a journalism and advertising class that opened up my eyes to the schematics of persuasion and sales. In college, I studied, communication and the aspects of perspective. So, when I entered the workforce, I didn’t like being shaped to sell. I appreciated personal connections and the art of understanding consumers.
After years in the start up marketing realm, I became depressed and felt purpose-less. It appeared that creative direction wasn’t coveted as much anymore. I felt undervalued and expendable for having an opinion. Strategies that I knew would be more effective were bypassed for data driven ideologies. After I was laid off with 26 other employees (to outsource our business development department), I knew I had to bet on myself. The problem was, I just had shoulder surgery, rode a Harley and was the sole provider.
Due to my desperation, I spent the first few years doing anything and everything marketing. I had so much experience that it was hard to say no when an opportunity arose. I found out quickly that my ambition was being taken advantage of. My vulnerable state of mind was reaching a point of exhaustion. I had to find a direction and stick to it. Throughout this time frame, I didn’t make much money. But I started to discover a purpose that separated myself from other marketers.
At the end of the day, most businesses do not take the time to think through the totality of their growth initiatives. In most cases, emotion or desires directs decisions. I knew I had to be more confident in explaining the value of a longterm strategy. One that sets the business up for future success – instead of instant gratification. This philosophy has been in me for a long time. But I wasn’t even taking my own advice.Thinking outside of the box to reach ideal customers should be everyone’s goal.
So, I zero’d in on this concept and began developing strategic consulting plans and content direction packages. While it has always been tempting to take the basic work (to help people), I realized it just wasn’t fruitful. We have to PreFocus on every initiative to create cultural certainty and synergy that can be felt in the community.
My passion is creating memorable first impressions and consistent, unique customer experiences that can be valued. I work really hard to differentiate my clients and treat my ability as an extension of their business. I had a lot of success with local brands in Phoenix, and look to do the same in Memphis, TN.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Since I was raised to earn what I have, I never invested in funding or business support. A large family made it tough for me to make financial decisions that would set us back even more. My first year, I made $14,800. The second year, I made a little over $34,000. This definitely took a tole on my marriage and relationships. Starting any business is hard.
I also struggled to get companies to see the value in strategic planning. Marketing has basically merged with sales over the past decade. Most people in the industry want fast turn around and instant results. They don’t want to listen to the benefits of sustaining a message and vision. So, I found myself rather discouraged after year two. This is where I pivoted more into the videography realm and “about” content (telling the business story). Now everything I do stems from my PreFocus process and brand identity development.
At first, I was hesitant to ask for a large investment for my services. I felt as though I would be turned down a lot more.. and I was. However, this gave me a better chance to meet people that wanted to hear how they could improve returns and magnify their internal culture. Establishing a vision takes work. If you’re disinterested in this, then you’re placing yourself in a bucket of options.
The failure and challenges gave me confidence in my own message and value.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Not one person is the same. Not one product or service is the same. There are several ways (outside of cultural classifications) to differentiate us from ourselves. Nonetheless, we can all relate in some way. In other words; we all made as individuals but created to thrive collectively. The more we can understand each other and they “why’s” behind our actions, the better we can all thrive. I believe this with all my heart.
If you take a long look at society; the majority doesn’t see this. Whether you agree with me or not, I think you ought to. This is what sets me apart. I’m not a puppet creator or a guy you can assign marketing tasks to, I aim to reinvigorate brands and give them beneficial meaning that any consumer can see. Everyone knows you need to make money – but what else are you doing and why? How does this benefit others?
PreFocus is unlike any other creative agency because I help companies establish a foundation they can build on. I specialize in developing clear messaging that aligns with the core values, goals and ideal customers. My services are not based on sales quotas or achievements but impact and worth. Success is inevitable.
Pricing:
- Brand Development Starter Package $1995
- About Videos starting at $499.
- Drone Videography $350/hr
- Creative Direction $250/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prefocus.solutions
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theprefocus
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traskjordan
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/___prefocus___
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprefocus
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/prefocus-solutions-olive-branch
