Rob studied Marketing at the University of Guelph where he set up his first TV in 2006 together with the other founding partner of Intrigue Media, Paul Demarco, while both were still students. Rob likes sports, such as skiing, wakeboarding and snowboarding, plays volleyball and generally never rests.
BeTheBoss: Tell us about the Intrigue Media concept.
Rob Murray: At Intrigue Media, we believe in building community by empowering local businesses. We exist to help local businesses get noticed and found. That is why we have tested and developed a full range of services to help our clients attract new business and engage their current customer base. We use a network of TVs throughout communities as an alternative to print or radio. We couple this out of home channel with result oriented online marketing initiatives so that our clients can measure the impact of their marketing dollars locally.
BTB: How and when did you become involved with Intrigue Media?
RM: I became part of Intrigue Media when Paul Demarco and I founded the organization in 2007. We started of by trying to help local downtown shops reach the ever evolving student base at the University of Guelph. We installed a Flat Screen TV in the University Centre and produced videos for the local shops and organization that wanted to attract students.
BTB: What are some of the advantages in being an Intrigue Media franchisee?
RM: I think the biggest key advantage is that you are part of a team that is trying to make a difference. A team of dedicated professionals that are committed to being the best local marketers in Canada. The Market is shifting faster and faster everyday. With Intrigue Media, you can be confident that you will have the tools and skills you need to succeed in the marketplace.
BTB: Who is your ideal franchisee?
RM: That is a really good question and we have given this a lot of thought. Our ideal franchisee is someone that passionately cares about helping people. Someone that believes that learning never stops and that we are students of life. We want someone who wants to be financially independent and make a six figure salary. We are looking for people that want to be involved in their community and participate as a leader. We want people that want to make a difference and help change the world.
BTB: Tell us a little about the Digital Out-of-Home Advertising Market?
RM: The DOOH market is always experiencing huge growth year to year, especially from 2010-2014. I don't expect this growth trend will slow down any time soon. The challenge the market is facing is the increasing scrutiny for measured Return on Investment from advertisers. The beautiful part of Intrigue Media is that we strive to bring transparency to our clients everyday. Whereas other organizations are shying away from the measurement conversation, we are embracing it. We know that if we can deliver value for our clients, we will be in business for the next 100 years.
BTB: What are some of the greatest lessons you’ve learned in growing this franchise?
RM: Never compromise on cultural fit and consistency is key. As a franchisor, it is our responsibility that we understand what type of person will succeed in our system and enjoy it while they do it. At Intrigue, we have a very strong culture. We believe in open, honest communication, doing what you say you're going to do when you say you're going to do it. We believe ongoing learning and internalizing failure and learning from it. We believe in doing things outside our comfort zone. It is up to us to make sure that the people that are joining our team, believe the same things. Once everyone is culturally aligned, it is easy to teach everyone how to be successful and why we do what we do. Once that happens and we create a consistent client experience in every community we operate, we are a way to the races!
BTB: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
RM: Find the culture that best fits you as a person. At the end of the day, you are buying a proven system to run a business. You will be expected to turn the key and run the business that you have invested in the way that you will be taught to run it. The kicker is to enjoy your time in the system and that will only happen if there is a cultural fit.
BTB: In your opinion, why do you think that Intrigue Media would be a great opportunity for someone?
RM: First of all, we are not for everyone. If you are looking for an opportunity that means you can open up shop, sit behind the counter or in the office and see it succeed, then we are not for you. Intrigue Media is a great opportunity for someone that wants to be active in the community, understands what it means to be a professional salesperson and that wants to be a part of a team focused on excellence. That person will become a leader in their community, financially successful, and help local businesses succeed!
Check out Rob Murray's Linkedin profile here.
