A Decade Of Unagency: The Verum Story

Humble Roots

Two weeks before Christmas in December 2014, our founder, Eric Owen, stood at a crossroads. Serving as the head of marketing for a $560 million corporation, the role was among the first impacted in a company-wide layoff aimed at saving revenue, a tough blow that ultimately sparked the creation of something new.

Problems or Opportunities?

With decades of experience on both the business and agency sides of the industry, we’ve seen firsthand the flaws in the traditional agency model. The agency standard: overpromise, underdeliver, drain ad budgets with smoke-and-mirrors SEO strategies, and overlooked opportunities that forfeit revenue potential.

All while trapping clients in underperforming long-term contracts, forcing costly buyouts, or riding out the term with unmet business development goals. All resulting in distrust for digital marketing as a whole by traumatized business decision-makers.

We knew it was time for something different. At a kitchen table, Verum was born: built on transparency, results, and true partnership… so very un-agency like.

The Birth of Verum: The Anti-Agency

We chose the name “Verum,” Latin for “true,” with intention. It reflects our dedication to honesty, hard work, and delivering measurable outcomes. From the start, our goal was clear: to offer the sophisticated, integrated marketing strategies usually reserved for Fortune 500 companies—but tailor them to help mid-sized businesses grow and thrive.

Within our first week, we incorporated and signed our first client. That client is still with us today, operating on a month-to-month basis with no contract—for a decade.

A Different Kind of Agency

From day one, we set out to redefine what an agency could be. Exceptional work would always be our priority, just letting the results speak for themselves. Our goal is still the same, to build genuine partnerships with clients while focusing on their long-term success over our short-term revenue.

By operating lean and avoiding the overhead of a traditional brick-and-mortar, we pass those savings directly to our clients. Our streamlined approach integrates every major campaign strategy to ensure no growth opportunity is left untapped.

Staying True and Bespoke

Over the past decade, we’ve grown into a team of 15 highly skilled specialists, each with deep expertise in specific areas of digital marketing. From SEO to branding, social media to PPC, our integrated strategies consistently deliver results for clients with ambitious goals.

We’ve become a trusted partner for businesses at every stage of growth. Whether helping to launch a startup, navigate a five-year growth plan, or craft an exit strategy, we focus on serving entrepreneurs and their dreams. Underneath it all remain principles, stay true to our humble roots, craft strategies with results, and keep a heart of service at our core.

Steve Jobs once compared Apple to the Beatles—individually talented, but far greater as a team. We feel the same about Verum. Together, we’re greater than the sum of our parts, and we see that same potential in the companies we partner with.

Ten Years In The Making

What began as an idea at a kitchen table has grown into a trusted growth partner for entrepreneurial dreams. While we’ve evolved, our mission remains the same: deliver results, build trust, and redefine what an agency can be.

We’ve continued to evolve, leveraging cutting-edge AI tools, streamlining processes, and refining our methods, we stayed ahead of the curve and hungry. These innovations ensure we remain an agile, effective partner for businesses looking to achieve their next big milestones.

A Note of Gratitude

As we celebrate our first decade, we want to say thank you. To every client, team member, partner, friend, and silent supporter who’ve cheered us on, shared your experience or given us a shot—you are what makes it all work. Your trust and collaboration mean everything to us.

Here’s to another decade of growth, and evolution. Exciting things are ahead, and we’re thrilled to continue this journey with you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you… endlessly

— The Verum Team