We sat down with Martin Kier, founder of Brand Buddy, a digital marketing agency helping businesses scale and succeed in today’s digital landscape. Martin‘s journey is a unique one, marked by countless “experiments” in business, a passion for digital marketing, and a drive to learn and adapt. He shares insights from his journey, the challenges of running a digital agency, and what motivates him to keep going.
1. Martin, you’ve had a fascinating journey into entrepreneurship. Can you tell us a bit about how it all started?
It all started back in 2009 or 2010 with my first business in jewelry. That’s where I first taught myself how to build websites, run ads, and create social media profiles. After that, I tried about 18 different businesses—everything from dropshipping and T-shirt printing to landscaping and window cleaning. Some lasted longer than others, but I saw these as experiments to figure out what I liked. I didn’t invest huge amounts of money, just enough to learn and explore. I eventually realized I enjoyed the digital marketing side of all these ventures, which led me to start Brand Buddy in 2018.
2. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting Brand Buddy?
Getting started came with a steep learning curve. Figuring out how each platform worked, getting access to ad accounts, and handling early clients was a lot to juggle. I was still pretty inexperienced back then, so I had to learn through trial and error. There were definitely moments when I “fell on my face,” but I just kept trying new things, researching, and figuring out different approaches.
3. You mentioned you’re a car enthusiast. Has that passion played a role in keeping you motivated?
Absolutely! When times got tough, I’d picture the car I wanted, and it would reignite my motivation. In 2021, I finally achieved my dream car—a V10 Audi R8—which was amazing. Digital marketing is a bit of a dice roll; you never know if a campaign will hit or miss. There were many times when I doubted my abilities, especially with clients from industries I hadn’t worked in before. But over time, I’ve learned that if I dive in and trust myself, I’ll eventually figure it out and gain new skills.
4. What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Be flexible and trust yourself. Try new things, get uncomfortable, and remember that not all businesses need massive funding to get started. You can learn a lot with just a small investment if you approach it with a willingness to adapt.
5. What are some achievements you’re particularly proud of with Brand Buddy?
One of our most exciting projects was scaling Pins & Aces, a golf eCommerce business, from just a few thousand dollars a month to a multi-million dollar company. That, along with achieving my dream car, are highlights of my journey so far.
6. What’s your vision for Brand Buddy in the future?
For now, I’m focused on staying adaptable and continuing to learn. I want to keep taking advantage of new tools and strategies. Maybe one day I’ll sell Brand Buddy, but right now, it’s exactly where I want it to be.
7. What impact do you hope your work has on your clients?
I already see the impact of my work, and it’s incredibly rewarding. It doesn’t happen for every client, but knowing that I can help some people live a more comfortable life is a great feeling. It’s one of the reasons I love what I do.
Final Thoughts
Martin’s journey shows us that success doesn’t come from a single path but through experimentation, adaptability, and trusting the process. His story is a reminder that no matter where you start, there’s always room to grow and achieve something meaningful.
To learn more about Martin and Brand Buddy, visit brandbuddyllc.com.