We had the good fortune of connecting with Manuel Agosto and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Manuel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of starting my own business came to me a few years ago when I was still living in Puerto Rico. While working at Hyundai in digital marketing, I began to notice that many friends and family members were approaching me to ask for my opinion on marketing issues for their businesses. I always said yes to help them and give them my opinions and recommendations, without charging them, of course. But came a time when I realized that my recommendations and opinions had value. Many of the things I advised them to do, they did and achieved very positive results. Seeing this, I decided to formalize Mark4B Group, what would become a marketing consulting agency.
After perhaps a year of running the agency, I received an amazing job opportunity at Kia Corporation as Regional Marketing Manager for Latin America, and the position was in Miami. When this opportunity came, I didn’t think twice and accepted it, but I had to sacrifice continuing with the business due to the time and effort required by my new role.
Fast-forwarding to today, after 4 years leading Kia’s regional marketing team, I still was dreaming of opening my own marketing agency. And I finally decided to open it, after believing in myself having the potential lead a business,
Mark4B Group officially began its operations in January of this year, and in less than six months, we have managed to secure 9 clients, 4 of whom have long-term contracts with us, and the others are served on a project basis.
What should our readers know about your business?
At Mark4B Group, we pride ourselves on being a digital marketing agency based in Miami. What sets us apart from others is our commitment to personalized services and solutions and our deep understanding of the latest industry trends. We specialize in delivering innovative marketing solutions that drive tangible results for our clients, tailoring our strategies to meet their unique needs.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our dedication to forming partnerships that will help boost our clients’ businesses. We’re constantly working hard to close these deals, which will provide even more value and opportunities for those we serve. It’s this kind of forward-thinking and dedication that makes me excited about the future of our agency.
Getting to where we are today wasn’t easy. The started operations on January 10th facing since the beggining numerous challenges, from building a client base to keeping up with the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. Overcoming these obstacles required perseverance, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for what I do. I focused on building strong relationships with our clients, understanding their goals, and delivering results that exceeded their expectations.
Through this journey, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. Adaptability is crucial – the digital marketing world is always evolving, and staying flexible is key. Collaboration is powerful – working closely with clients and truly understanding their vision is essential for creating successful campaigns. And integrity is invaluable – being honest and transparent in all our dealings has helped us build trust and long-lasting relationships.
What I want the world to know about Mark4B Group is that we’re more than just a marketing agency. We’re a dedicated team of professionals passionate about helping businesses thrive. Our story is one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We believe in the power of marketing to transform businesses and are committed to making a positive impact on our clients’ success.
On a personal note, my journey with Mark4B Group began with taking a chance and believing in myself. It wasn’t easy, but I knew that with hard work and determination, I could make it happen. There is still so much to do, but we are working non-stop to achieve our goals. In 5 months we have achieve so much. This is only the beggining. This drive and commitment fuel our daily efforts and inspire us to keep pushing forward.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love hosting friends and family here in Miami, as the city offers endless opportunities for fun and excitement. If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d plan an itinerary packed with the best Miami has to offer. We’d start with a hearty breakfast at The Betsy Hotel’s LT Steak & Seafood, enjoying the outdoor seating and vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, we’d spend the day soaking up the sun at South Beach, with some swimming and water sports. For dinner, we’d head to Joe’s Stone Crab to indulge in some of Miami’s best seafood, followed by a stroll down Ocean Drive to admire the iconic Art Deco architecture.
On the second day, we’d dive into Miami’s culture and history, starting with a visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. After exploring the historic estate, we’d head to the Wynwood Walls to marvel at the colorful murals and street art, grabbing lunch at Bakan in Wynwood, known for its delicious Mexican cuisine. In the evening, we’d check out The Wharf Miami for drinks, food trucks, and live music along the Miami River.
For a taste of nature and adventure, we’d spend the third day at the Everglades National Park, taking an airboat tour to see alligators and the unique ecosystem up close. Afterward, we’d return to the city to visit the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Dinner would be at Ariete in Coconut Grove, where innovative American cuisine meets Cuban flair.
Day four would be all about shopping and relaxation. We’d start the morning at the luxury Bal Harbour Shops, then spend the afternoon unwinding at Haulover Beach Park, especially enjoying the food trucks and live music if it’s a Sunday. Dinner would be at Mandolin Aegean Bistro, offering delightful Mediterranean dishes in a charming setting.
We’d take a day trip to Key Biscayne on the fifth day, visiting the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and climbing the lighthouse for breathtaking views. After a beachside picnic and some island exploration by bike, we’d return to the city for dinner at Rusty Pelican, known for its stunning skyline views.
On the sixth day, we’d immerse ourselves in art and nightlife, starting with a visit to the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for contemporary art exhibits. Lunch would be at Zuma Miami, a stylish Japanese restaurant on the waterfront. In the evening, we’d head to Little Havana to soak in Cuban culture, with dinner at Versailles Restaurant and live music at Ball & Chain.
For the final day, we’d start with a relaxing brunch at Greenstreet Café in Coconut Grove. The afternoon would be spent at Brickell City Centre for some last-minute shopping and perhaps a movie at the luxury cinema. We’d wrap up the week with a farewell dinner at Juvia, enjoying the rooftop view of South Beach and a fusion of French, Japanese, and Peruvian cuisine. Of course, we’d also make sure to visit the Miami Zoo for an unforgettable wildlife experience and perhaps take a scenic drive to the beautiful Keys. Throughout the week, we’d enjoy amazing meals at places like Mofongos in Calle 8, Chica, and Baby Jane in Brickell. Miami’s beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and diverse culinary scene make it a perfect place to host and entertain friends and family.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give credit to many factors that gradually influenced and fueled my idea and passion for having my own business.
First, I credit my people, my core group of friends and family who have always believed in me and my potential. They have been my army throughout this adventure and continue to be an important pillar for my growth.
Next, I have to mention my coworkers, colleagues, and supervisors. I have to say that I have been fortunate or lucky to cross paths with high-caliber professionals who allowed me to learn the best from them. And believe me, I have learned a lot from each one.
And finally, I give credit to several books that made me think outside the box, books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad, The Four Agreements, The Secret, Blink, The Icarus Effect, Originals, and many others that have been key in keeping my mind centered and focused on the process of starting my business.
Website: https://www.mark4b.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark4b.group/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-4bgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark4b.group