Jeff Turnbow - My Personal Story
My Journey
I was born and raised in West Tennessee, in a small town with a population of about 300. After graduation, I moved to Memphis for college and began my career.
My mother worked for a major garment factory (Garan) for over 35 years. Her work ethic amazes me to this day. She went to the same job and machine for 35 years. She was promoted yet maintained her role as a seamstress. Eventually, she refused an offer to go to Costa Rica to train those who would become replacements for all the employees in the small town of Adamsville, Tennessee.
My father was a small farmer. He didn't want to be a big farmer. He was content and humble and provided what we needed to feel safe and secure. I often miss riding my ATV on the farm and participating in various sports, with basketball being my favorite.
I have two older sisters who, along with my mother, provided three female role models growing up.
Faith Matters
Faith has always been important to our family, and we went to church every Sunday, Sunday night and Wednesday night.
School Days
As an introverted kid in elementary school, I was the quiet thinker in the room and found elementary and junior high school boring. I can recall being at the water fountain in 6th grade and thinking of owning a business to help my family have a better lifestyle. I specifically remember calculating that I would need to make about $35,000 per year to have a modest lifestyle and help my parents. My math was naive and certainly didn't predict inflation ha!
The Business Bug Bites
In 7th grade, I started sourcing sunglasses and custom visors to sell at the local 'flea market' (the weekend big flea market was a big thing in our area). My dad would take me, sit back, and watch me sell out most weekends. I started enjoying school again in high school and joined Future Business Leaders and Student Council clubs. I found joy and belonging in these groups. I began to appreciate education and community.
Secondary Education
I attended a Southern Baptist University in Jackson, TN, before attending The University of Memphis. At first, I wanted to pursue politics or law but eventually settled into marketing with sociology as my minor. I had to work full-time during college, so I obtained a job and excelled in telemarketing sales. Quickly, I advanced to become a manager of a telemarketing call center. I loved telemarketing and performed in this role for companies like ADT, Gannett newspapers, and American Airlines and received excellent training. I advanced quickly at each company.
I Studied The Greatest
I became a sponge for sales and marketing leadership. I read and listened to books (constantly) from all the greats - Tony Robbins, Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar, Tracy, etc. I listened to audiobooks constantly. I was on a mission to learn. I attended seminars and sales certifications with companies like Sandler Sales Training. I paid for weekend training seminars in leadership, sales, marketing, and customer service.
Career Highlights
While I started my career in telemarketing sales, it was the Yellow Pages advertising sales position where I found my calling in marketing, design, and working with diverse businesses. I wasn't even familiar with a Yellow Pages book. I flipped through every page of the big, honking Memphis book just before beginning my job. I remained in that industry for over 8 years and became a district manager in Nashville, TN, and then a regional manager in Arkansas. During this time, I received terrific consultative selling and marketing training that is still being taught and applicable today. Also, the Yellow Pages industry was the first to embrace Internet marketing. We sold web pages and Google clicks long before the other traditional media companies.
I met my wife in the industry, and we moved to Arkansas, where we had three exceptional children. After more than 15 years of helping to grow businesses, several began to ask me to manage all their marketing. I did that side hustle until I could replace my income and go alone. I wasn't scared at all. Perhaps I should have been because I wasn't quite ready. However, my work ethic, confidence in my training, and faith led me bravely into the unknown.
Beginning The Agency
Next, I created a direct mail magazine and began the first online news and city website in Arkansas. We offered news, coupons, real estate directories, and contractor directories and aimed to replace the need to pick up the Yellow Pages and newspapers/magazines in my area.
I began to create partnerships with digital marketing platforms to provide digital marketing services. I learned web design and started building a full-service agency.
Stepping Stones
Gannett recruited me for a contract role due to my fast-growing digital marketing client list. I set up their first-ever (non-traditional) digital marketing services and sales department, growing their revenues significantly within 90 days. News travels fast in the media world, so I was recruited by a top 50 TV station in Memphis. I replicated my successes in Arkansas. My team became the company's top station for digital marketing and sales. We led by incredible numbers, and I began discussing higher-level roles.
I was still leading my digital agency and speaking at conferences during this time.
Loss
My father passed away after years of deteriorating health. While his passing was tragic for me, I was able to spend quality time with him, get prepared as much as possible, and say goodbye.
When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, it was unexpected and sudden and ended her life quickly. It had a profound impact on me. I find it difficult to put into words the extent to which my goals, values, and every aspect of my life were shaken and crumbled. It would take years for me to comprehend and heal from this experience fully.
My kids are my priority. They were/are my source of joy. I left Memphis and returned to be with my family as much as possible. I wanted to grow my business and spend less time on contract work for media companies. I decided corporate was in trouble with the internet, and my best opportunity was to dive deeper into my company's success.
Moving Forward
I faced a huge setback, but I began again.
I gained a few new clients from my time in Memphis. One large client that would become my primary focus and a mentor simultaneously.
I continued to grow my business while recognizing the need for increased focus and skill development. I attended certification classes and digital marketing seminars, honing my expertise in the marketing field. I studied processes and organizational change more deeply. As a result of my dedication, I started receiving speaking offers. I seized the opportunity to share my knowledge of growing companies, both large and small, through digital marketing. This newfound passion became an integral part of my journey to today.
Awards & Recognition Begin
I've had the honor of receiving some remarkable recognition/ awards, including the esteemed title of Best Marketing Consultant in Arkansas. Additionally, I have been recognized as one of the Men of Distinction in AY Magazine. One of my notable achievements was co-authoring a book called “Mastering the Art of Success” with Jack Canfield, the renowned author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul and "The Success Principles.” This book became an Amazon Best Seller in four different categories. I have also received several other prestigious awards and recognition. While I am not one to boast about my accomplishments, I acknowledge that highlighting these accolades can be immensely beneficial in promoting my company and giving my prospective clients confidence in my capabilities.
Focus
In my capacity, I take on accounts where I provide faith-based business coaching services or work as their Chief Marketing Officer, Fractional CMO, Director of Marketing, or any other title they deem appropriate. Leveraging their assets with my skills and agency, we collaborate to develop winning strategies. I started by taking on only 10 targeted clients until I could incorporate automation, refine my team, and scale my capacity.
Happiness Is
On a lighter note, I enjoy engaging with my children’s interests. Whether coaching soccer or basketball or trying to keep up with their dance routines, these moments bring me tremendous joy and happiness.
International
While I reside in central Arkansas, I travel worldwide or meet via Zoom to engage with business owners and colleagues. The ability to connect with people globally is genuinely exhilarating. This year, I was asked to give keynotes, master classes, and emcee at DigiMarCon (the world's largest digital marketing conference series) in London, Dublin, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. The international experience and connections were a highlight for me personally and professionally.
Business Advocate
When I am not traveling, I actively participate in local church activities. Additionally, I am a political activist advocating for small businesses and free enterprise. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of small businesses to our society, our voices must be resolute and unwavering to capture the attention of our city, state, and national leaders.
Hard Work & Efficiency
To many, I am one of the busiest individuals they know. While it is true that I have numerous commitments, I have become exceptionally adept at maximizing efficiency. Hard work is an inherent part of my DNA, a trait instilled in me by my parents. Alongside my faith, this has been one of the most precious gifts they gave me. Developing good organizational skills forced me to effectively manage such a workload while balancing my quality of life with my kids, hobbies, and friends.
Business Influence
Throughout my journey, I have studied influential figures such as Zig Ziglar, who imparted invaluable wisdom: “You can have everything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” This statement resonates deeply with me, as I have discovered that prioritizing my clients' needs and desires makes them loyal and willing to invest more in our partnership. Also, many of my clients have become significant sources of knowledge, and I absorb it and appreciate that more than they know.
Growing Stronger
Today, I serve as the Vice President of National Client Digital Marketing Strategy at Salem Media, a leading Christian—Conservative Media Company that helps kingdom-focused and conservative businesses grow and change our nation.
I am blessed more than I deserve. I am grateful and hope that God continues to allow me to grow in my business pursuits and guide it more closely to His will and purpose.
I was born and raised in West Tennessee, in a small town with a population of about 300. After graduation, I moved to Memphis for college and began my career.
My mother worked for a major garment factory (Garan) for over 35 years. Her work ethic amazes me to this day. She went to the same job and machine for 35 years. She was promoted yet maintained her role as a seamstress. Eventually, she refused an offer to go to Costa Rica to train those who would become replacements for all the employees in the small town of Adamsville, Tennessee.
My father was a small farmer. He didn't want to be a big farmer. He was content and humble and provided what we needed to feel safe and secure. I often miss riding my ATV on the farm and participating in various sports, with basketball being my favorite.
I have two older sisters who, along with my mother, provided three female role models growing up.
Faith Matters
Faith has always been important to our family, and we went to church every Sunday, Sunday night and Wednesday night.
School Days
As an introverted kid in elementary school, I was the quiet thinker in the room and found elementary and junior high school boring. I can recall being at the water fountain in 6th grade and thinking of owning a business to help my family have a better lifestyle. I specifically remember calculating that I would need to make about $35,000 per year to have a modest lifestyle and help my parents. My math was naive and certainly didn't predict inflation ha!
The Business Bug Bites
In 7th grade, I started sourcing sunglasses and custom visors to sell at the local 'flea market' (the weekend big flea market was a big thing in our area). My dad would take me, sit back, and watch me sell out most weekends. I started enjoying school again in high school and joined Future Business Leaders and Student Council clubs. I found joy and belonging in these groups. I began to appreciate education and community.
Secondary Education
I attended a Southern Baptist University in Jackson, TN, before attending The University of Memphis. At first, I wanted to pursue politics or law but eventually settled into marketing with sociology as my minor. I had to work full-time during college, so I obtained a job and excelled in telemarketing sales. Quickly, I advanced to become a manager of a telemarketing call center. I loved telemarketing and performed in this role for companies like ADT, Gannett newspapers, and American Airlines and received excellent training. I advanced quickly at each company.
I Studied The Greatest
I became a sponge for sales and marketing leadership. I read and listened to books (constantly) from all the greats - Tony Robbins, Dale Carnegie, Zig Ziglar, Tracy, etc. I listened to audiobooks constantly. I was on a mission to learn. I attended seminars and sales certifications with companies like Sandler Sales Training. I paid for weekend training seminars in leadership, sales, marketing, and customer service.
Career Highlights
While I started my career in telemarketing sales, it was the Yellow Pages advertising sales position where I found my calling in marketing, design, and working with diverse businesses. I wasn't even familiar with a Yellow Pages book. I flipped through every page of the big, honking Memphis book just before beginning my job. I remained in that industry for over 8 years and became a district manager in Nashville, TN, and then a regional manager in Arkansas. During this time, I received terrific consultative selling and marketing training that is still being taught and applicable today. Also, the Yellow Pages industry was the first to embrace Internet marketing. We sold web pages and Google clicks long before the other traditional media companies.
I met my wife in the industry, and we moved to Arkansas, where we had three exceptional children. After more than 15 years of helping to grow businesses, several began to ask me to manage all their marketing. I did that side hustle until I could replace my income and go alone. I wasn't scared at all. Perhaps I should have been because I wasn't quite ready. However, my work ethic, confidence in my training, and faith led me bravely into the unknown.
Beginning The Agency
Next, I created a direct mail magazine and began the first online news and city website in Arkansas. We offered news, coupons, real estate directories, and contractor directories and aimed to replace the need to pick up the Yellow Pages and newspapers/magazines in my area.
I began to create partnerships with digital marketing platforms to provide digital marketing services. I learned web design and started building a full-service agency.
Stepping Stones
Gannett recruited me for a contract role due to my fast-growing digital marketing client list. I set up their first-ever (non-traditional) digital marketing services and sales department, growing their revenues significantly within 90 days. News travels fast in the media world, so I was recruited by a top 50 TV station in Memphis. I replicated my successes in Arkansas. My team became the company's top station for digital marketing and sales. We led by incredible numbers, and I began discussing higher-level roles.
I was still leading my digital agency and speaking at conferences during this time.
Loss
My father passed away after years of deteriorating health. While his passing was tragic for me, I was able to spend quality time with him, get prepared as much as possible, and say goodbye.
When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, it was unexpected and sudden and ended her life quickly. It had a profound impact on me. I find it difficult to put into words the extent to which my goals, values, and every aspect of my life were shaken and crumbled. It would take years for me to comprehend and heal from this experience fully.
My kids are my priority. They were/are my source of joy. I left Memphis and returned to be with my family as much as possible. I wanted to grow my business and spend less time on contract work for media companies. I decided corporate was in trouble with the internet, and my best opportunity was to dive deeper into my company's success.
Moving Forward
I faced a huge setback, but I began again.
I gained a few new clients from my time in Memphis. One large client that would become my primary focus and a mentor simultaneously.
I continued to grow my business while recognizing the need for increased focus and skill development. I attended certification classes and digital marketing seminars, honing my expertise in the marketing field. I studied processes and organizational change more deeply. As a result of my dedication, I started receiving speaking offers. I seized the opportunity to share my knowledge of growing companies, both large and small, through digital marketing. This newfound passion became an integral part of my journey to today.
Awards & Recognition Begin
I've had the honor of receiving some remarkable recognition/ awards, including the esteemed title of Best Marketing Consultant in Arkansas. Additionally, I have been recognized as one of the Men of Distinction in AY Magazine. One of my notable achievements was co-authoring a book called “Mastering the Art of Success” with Jack Canfield, the renowned author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul and "The Success Principles.” This book became an Amazon Best Seller in four different categories. I have also received several other prestigious awards and recognition. While I am not one to boast about my accomplishments, I acknowledge that highlighting these accolades can be immensely beneficial in promoting my company and giving my prospective clients confidence in my capabilities.
Focus
In my capacity, I take on accounts where I provide faith-based business coaching services or work as their Chief Marketing Officer, Fractional CMO, Director of Marketing, or any other title they deem appropriate. Leveraging their assets with my skills and agency, we collaborate to develop winning strategies. I started by taking on only 10 targeted clients until I could incorporate automation, refine my team, and scale my capacity.
Happiness Is
On a lighter note, I enjoy engaging with my children’s interests. Whether coaching soccer or basketball or trying to keep up with their dance routines, these moments bring me tremendous joy and happiness.
International
While I reside in central Arkansas, I travel worldwide or meet via Zoom to engage with business owners and colleagues. The ability to connect with people globally is genuinely exhilarating. This year, I was asked to give keynotes, master classes, and emcee at DigiMarCon (the world's largest digital marketing conference series) in London, Dublin, Barcelona, and Amsterdam. The international experience and connections were a highlight for me personally and professionally.
Business Advocate
When I am not traveling, I actively participate in local church activities. Additionally, I am a political activist advocating for small businesses and free enterprise. Recognizing the invaluable contributions of small businesses to our society, our voices must be resolute and unwavering to capture the attention of our city, state, and national leaders.
Hard Work & Efficiency
To many, I am one of the busiest individuals they know. While it is true that I have numerous commitments, I have become exceptionally adept at maximizing efficiency. Hard work is an inherent part of my DNA, a trait instilled in me by my parents. Alongside my faith, this has been one of the most precious gifts they gave me. Developing good organizational skills forced me to effectively manage such a workload while balancing my quality of life with my kids, hobbies, and friends.
Business Influence
Throughout my journey, I have studied influential figures such as Zig Ziglar, who imparted invaluable wisdom: “You can have everything you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want.” This statement resonates deeply with me, as I have discovered that prioritizing my clients' needs and desires makes them loyal and willing to invest more in our partnership. Also, many of my clients have become significant sources of knowledge, and I absorb it and appreciate that more than they know.
Growing Stronger
Today, I serve as the Vice President of National Client Digital Marketing Strategy at Salem Media, a leading Christian—Conservative Media Company that helps kingdom-focused and conservative businesses grow and change our nation.
I am blessed more than I deserve. I am grateful and hope that God continues to allow me to grow in my business pursuits and guide it more closely to His will and purpose.