Welcome to this week's "From the Founders" blog edition, where we explore the origin story of Ace Digital Group. Join us as we delve into the company's core values, unwavering commitment to excellence, and Ace Digital Group’s mission to redefine digital performance, with insights from founders Nilab Jafarzadeh and Kerri Davis.
KC: Could you share the story of how Ace Digital Group came to life? What inspired you both to start this venture and how does the company's origin shape its mission today?"
KD/NJ: Truthfully, having worked on some massive brands together, experiencing working at many agencies and our collective experience in the industry, we recognized that there was a critical gap that needed to be addressed — the need for exceptional client results without compromising the well-being of our team. Rather than complain and dream about what a perfect agency would be, we decided we would just create it instead. At Ace Digital Group, we have an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our approach is centred around putting our employees first, ensuring their growth, satisfaction, and overall well-being. We firmly believe that when our team thrives, our clients reap the benefits.
Our values center around collaboration, which is why we choose to work exclusively with clients who share our values. By aligning our goals and aspirations, we create a synergistic partnership that leads to outstanding outcomes. Our work environment is not just focused; it is impactful and safe. We strive to set new industry standards by fostering an environment where every team member can thrive and contribute their best. This dedication to creating a supportive and empowering workplace allows us to deliver exceptional results time and time again. At Ace Digital Group, we are redefining the agency experience, paving the way for a future where success is measured not only by the results we achieve but also by the positive impact we have on our team and clients.
KC: In an advertising space crowded with agencies that often look and promise similar results, what sets Ace Digital Group apart and makes it truly stand out?
KD/NJ: We understand that businesses require tailored approaches, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our holistic perspective goes beyond channel management to delve into the core of our client's businesses. By identifying the key drivers of growth, we craft comprehensive and customized solutions that truly resonate, and we do this with a “no fluff” approach. Data and attention to detail are at the heart of our methodology. We embrace best practices while challenging conventional thinking. Through continuous testing, we let the data and results guide our path to success. We listen to our client's goals and pair them with out-of-the-box thinking, continuous optimization, and data-driven decision-making. Rejecting siloed thinking, we aim to be an extension of our client's teams, fostering collaborative partnerships. We bypass any fluff and get straight to the point, what is working, what is not, what can we test and what have we learnt? How do we apply these learnings and continue performing?
The expertise and experience of our team are the cornerstone of our success. Their seasoned knowledge instills confidence and builds trust. As a boutique agency, we consider each client an integral part of the ADG family. We are dedicated to their success, prioritizing performance-driven results and providing unwavering support throughout their journey. By aligning our efforts with our client's aspirations, we redefine excellence and cultivate meaningful partnerships.
KC: Could you provide us with an overview of the services that Ace Digital Group offers?
KD/NJ: We drive transformational growth for our clients by providing integrated, data-driven solutions. Our expertise lies in combining best-in-class digital marketing and performance media capabilities with a deep understanding of our client's businesses. We strategically engage customers, regardless of their demographics or location, with a unique focus on customer-centricity and intent. Our approach encompasses all media as performance media, and we design holistic digital strategies that cater to the specific stages of your customer's decision journey.
From paid media, paid social, performance lead gen, content, and SEO, we create customized solutions that not only connect you with new customers but also have a significant impact on your business' growth efforts. Our services are all underpinned by real-time data and analytics, allowing our teams to make informed decisions, optimize clients’ strategies, and drive tangible results in a rapidly evolving digital and tech landscape.
KC: How does Ace Digital Group ensure top-notch results while nurturing a winning culture?
KD/NJ: Having both worked the traditional "9-5" grind, where catching transportation in freezing temperatures and seeking permission for personal appointments were the norm, we wanted to create something centred around the needs of our team and the (much needed) evolving workplace environment. Our journey took an unexpected turn when we established ADG just weeks before the pandemic struck which gave us invaluable perspective into the realities of the work world.
Understanding that our team members lead lives beyond the typical agency hours and settings, we've created an environment that caters to their unique needs with fully remote roles, flex Fridays and unlimited vacation time. We genuinely care about the well-being of our team and prioritize flexibility, autonomy and prioritizing mental health. We strive to achieve a healthy work-life balance and encourage our team to see the world, experience different cultures and embrace the positive impact they make. Our goal is to create an environment that supports their overall well-being. At ADG, we've assembled a talented team with the skills, qualifications, and shared values to deliver exceptional work where collaboration and support are at the heart of our business. Breaking down hierarchical barriers, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and open communication, every team member, regardless of their role, is accessible to one another.
KC: How does Ace Digital Group consistently cultivate a track record of client satisfaction and foster enduring partnerships?
KD/NJ: At ADG, we take great pride in our track record of client satisfaction and long-term partnerships. Our impressive 95% client retention rate is a testament to our unwavering commitment to understanding client needs and surpassing expectations.
What sets us apart is our dedication to personalized service and tailored communication. We firmly believe that exceptional results are just one aspect of a successful partnership. By taking the time to truly understand our clients' goals and objectives, we can provide customized solutions that address their unique challenges and deliver outstanding outcomes.
Our reputation speaks for itself. Referrals have been the driving force behind our growth, and we consider them the highest form of compliment. When clients recommend us to others or take us with them when they switch jobs, it demonstrates the trust and confidence they have in our services. Our commitment to our clients extends well beyond the initial engagement. We view client relationships as long-term partnerships, and we work diligently to continuously deliver exceptional performance and the high level of service they expect. Even after the "honeymoon phase," we remain dedicated to exceeding expectations and ensuring our clients' ongoing satisfaction.
KC: What does the future look like for Ace Digital Group?
KD/NJ: Our vision for the future revolves around two key aspects: our agency's growth and our commitment to meeting our clients' evolving needs. Our primary goal remains to position ourselves as a leading employer and a boutique digital marketing agency that consistently generates exceptional results. We firmly believe in challenging industry norms and demonstrating that the safest route is not always the most successful one.
To achieve this, we are dedicated to delivering tangible outcomes without unnecessary embellishments, building a reputation for reliability and effectiveness. Our focus on providing exceptional value and establishing ourselves as a trusted partner in our clients' success drives us forward. We are keenly aware that as the industry evolves, so do our clients' needs. Therefore, we recognize the importance of evolving alongside them and remaining relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
Expansion is an integral part of our plans. However, we approach it with a mindful perspective. We aim to broaden our reach and explore new markets, forging strategic partnerships and establishing a global presence. Nevertheless, we are committed to responsible growth. We will never take on more than we can handle, ensuring that we create an environment where our team members can thrive without being burnt out. Our team's well-being is crucial to maintaining the high level of performance and service our clients expect from us.
By expanding our team and roster of clients in a healthy manner, we strive to strike the right balance between growth and maintaining our commitment to excellence. We want to continue delivering outstanding results for our clients, aligning our services with their evolving business goals. Our unwavering dedication to exceeding expectations and providing exceptional value will enable us to leave a lasting impact on the digital marketing industry.