CEO of Proximo Marketing, Courtney Riley always knew she had a creative spirit, but what she didn’t have was a desire to become an entrepreneur. Having been raised by two serial entrepreneurs – both owners of building, construction and real estate companies – Courtney got the full view of what it really means to own your own business, from a young age, and she wanted no part of it! She wanted structure and stability, and believed that business ownership was simply too uncertain with all of its ups and downs. So, she went to college to pursue a career in criminal justice.
While in college, Courtney worked with a thriving dental practice, quickly moving from administrative support to their marketing lead, after having shown a talent for it. What started as a way to pay the bills, while taking classes, soon became a full-time gig that would launch her unexpected career in the Marketing industry.
“I didn’t choose marketing,” Courtney says. “It’s cliche, I know, but it definitely chose me. And thank God it did, because I couldn’t imagine life any other way.”
Proximo Marketing Strategies has definitely been an evolution of innovative thought and dedication to excellence. Courtney has assembled a team of creative talent to complement her gift as a Master Strategist. She helps her clients connect with their God-given purposes, and helps them recognize the items on their to-do lists that are keeping them from devoting their full energy and passion to that purpose.
“I know what it’s like to be an entrepreneur and to feel like you have to wear all the hats at once,” Courtney says.
“It’s exhausting and it zaps all of the passion out of your purpose. At Proximo, we help our clients take a few of those hats off, so to speak, so that they can really focus on their why. Why did they get started in the first place? What excited them about it? What are their unique talents? By handing us those marketing to-do’s, our clients are able to free up so much brain space, time and energy to devote to their God-given purposes. Everyone has a gift, and they should be able to use that gift without being bogged down or distracted by things they were never meant to do.”
Clients at Proximo Marketing Strategies can expect a full-service experience, with a team of experts who specialize in strategy, social media, content writing, website development, brand design, video production, photography and public relations. It is truly a “one-stop-shop.”
“Of course, our aim is to provide superior marketing solutions to our clients,” Courtney says of Proximo. “But really, we’re just a team of hard-workers who recognize the signs of burnout and overload in others, and we want to help. Trying to run a business while also having some resemblance of a personal life is impossible if you don’t ask for that support.”
Courtney knows a little something about balancing a thriving business with family life as a wife to husband, Matthew, and the proud mother of a teen and a toddler.
“Business ownership isn’t everything,” she says. “You’ve got to really show up in your life, too. Be present with those you love, take time for self-care and quit trying to be a superhero. Drop the cape, ask for help and watch how your business soars.”
Recently named one of Hampton Roads’ “Top 40 Under 40” & “Hampton Roads’ 2016 Woman of Excellence,” Courtney is determined to change our world!
Courtney loves people and wants to see them succeed in whatever God has called them to do. Transparently, we’ve been in ministry for over ten years and have never really understood the value of marketing ourselves and what we do. She has opened our eyes to the value of marketing and what it means to work with a good team. Her enthusiasm and energy have inspired us to think bigger.
Courtney has refocused our energy and challenged us to set and achieve ministry goals. Traveling all over the world to lead conferences and minister to villages is costly. Trying to find new partners and raise funds on our own was an overwhelming and tiring task. Courtney has encouraged and equipped our ministry to do more, to see more, and to bring the value of the Gospel to unreached areas.
Courtney is not only a good friend, but an example to many, that nothing is impossible with God and with the right people behind your vision. Courtney’s heart is all about giving people her best, connecting people with the same purpose, and giving glory and honor to God. We are so blessed and honored to have Courtney and her team coaching us to accomplish our mission.
– Bruce and Elaine Barton, Whole World Ministries
You’re the client for me if:
- You’re feeling that certain something, that still, small voice, that gentle tug that you are made for more than this, and discovering what that means always takes a back seat to everything else that has to get done in your business.
- You’ve been burned by marketing that didn’t work and vendors that didn’t care, and you’re afraid to take the next leap and trust someone to love your business as much as you do.
- You’re burnt out and tired of being a one-man band in your business, and you’re ready to prioritize your dreams and your family by building a team you can trust.
