A Chat with Our VP, Partner Development, at a Digital Marketing Agency for Franchises

In the dynamic realm of digital marketing, the sales department plays a pivotal role in partner development by forging and nurturing key relationships, translating organizational strengths into tangible value propositions, and driving the growth and sustainability of strategic partnerships. With an impressive three-year tenure at ChoiceLocal, Isaac Kebe, Vice President, Partner Development, has been an instrumental force in propelling ChoiceLocal to new heights as a digital marketing agency for franchises. In this insightful interview, we delve into Isaac’s journey, exploring the pivotal moments that have shaped his professional trajectory. From navigating the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape to fostering meaningful partnerships, Isaac shares his wealth of experience and offers a glimpse into the strategic initiatives that have defined ChoiceLocal’s success.

Describe your duties as Vice President, Partner Development.

The clearest way I’d describe it, it’s myself and my team, and we’re in charge of onboarding franchisors and franchisees – both on the marketing and the business side and doing it all with integrity in all things. We want to make sure we start off with partners on the right foot.

What were you doing before ChoiceLocal, and how does franchise marketing differ from other industries?

I used to work at an insurance call center. It was not a performance-based culture but rather a politic-based culture. Working at big companies like that, everyone looks at them as the heartbeat of America but what they forget about are the individual, small franchise owners. That’s what makes franchising so beautiful; it’s the people working with the people. What’s cool about franchise marketing is that there are some common principles that flow through an entire franchise system, but what is great is wowing the individual owner. Being able to provide a phenomenal experience and improvement of their business is just really cool to be a part of.

You’ve been with ChoiceLocal for three years. How has the industry and company changed in that time?

How has it not? I think anytime you’re with a company that’s scaling, processes and change management are just so critical to be implemented, and that’s I think what we’ve seen at ChoiceLocal. The growing and implementation of the processes have been critical to what we do, because a lot has changed in those three years.

What is the go-to app you use every day?

HubSpot. If I didn’t have it, I’d have no idea what was going on in our business. It has helped me to keep our team accountable and has been wildly crucial to our success.

What’s your favorite success story at ChoiceLocal?

Watching my team succeed. Seeing some of my team onboard bigger partners has been really cool. Watching one of my team members get a promotion has been neat. Just seeing how they have been tenacious this year.

What does the future hold for ChoiceLocal?

I think we’re going to have a really big year, but especially to continue to have consistent opportunities to improve franchisor and franchisee local marketing and how it impacts their business. Because the reality is we’re going to be working with more partners.

What makes you excited to show up every day and do good work at ChoiceLocal?

We’re making a significant impact on people’s livelihoods. It’s not just a transactional sale or business relationship. We are their partners and helping them grow their businesses to be successful so they can live out their dreams and everything they’re doing.

About ChoiceLocal
ChoiceLocal is a franchise marketing agency dedicated to leading a purpose-driven business as the first and only franchise marketing agency with a money-back guarantee. This has led to successful partnerships with over 50 franchise brands and a spot on the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companies. Our core values are driven not only by the digital marketing work that is done but reflected by each person who becomes a teammate; we volunteer in our local communities every quarter and make a difference to those around us. Named a top workplace for four years straight, ChoiceLocal is dedicated to making the lives of everyone we are involved with better.