Fusion92 grows in Arlington Heights
An interview with Matt Murphy, owner of Fusion92 in Arlington Heights.
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: We are a full service ad agency with a focus on digital marketing and innovation.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved technology and starting a digital agency was an opportunity to blend my passion with a career. At the time, I was straight out of college so I didn’t have much to lose and I saw the rapid growth opportunity digital media in the upcoming years.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in starting a small business?
A: Finding talented staff has always been and continues to be a challenge. We have a great team today, but when you start out each and every hire is critical to your success — so a lot of time and effort goes into recruiting.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: Watching my team deliver campaigns for our clients that get results. At the end of the day, that’s really all that matters — did we move the needle or not for our clients.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young?
A: At first it was playing professional sports, then I think it was being a stock trader, then some sort of “technologist.” While I never really saw myself being in advertising, when I look at what Fusion92 does today, it really combines a lot of my skills and an passions — technology, analytics, finance (ROI), competition, etc.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: I think one of the keys to our success is not taking anything for granted. Every employee, client, job, relationship matters to our success. However, at the end of the day, most of those things our out of our control — we can do things to influence them, but not control them. So the uncertainty or volatility of our business is what keeps me up at night.
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: Stay positive and focused — no matter what comes your way. I believe you make your own “luck” and usually it’s because you work harder than the next guy.
Ÿ Every Monday we feature a small, suburban business. We want to hear about yours. Contact us at kmikus@dailyherald.com.
Business: Fusion92
Address: 59 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights IL 60005
Owner: Matt Murphy
Year business started: 1999
Web address: www.Fusion92.com