Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Gerritson.
AJ, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Dedham and graduated from Dedham High School. I went to UMass and graduated with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Political Science. At UMass, I discovered many passions. At the top of the list was rugby. Before I graduated I was honored as a two-time collegiate All-American by USA Rugby.
After graduation, I took advantage of an opportunity to play professional rugby in Ireland for a year and played locally for years to follow with a local team here in Boston called the Boston Irish Wolfhounds. My professional career has included an online startup and 18+ years of agency work. In 2004, I co-founded Agency 451 with my business partner Nick Lowe.
Since then we have grown the agency to become one of the largest independent agencies in New England with over 90+ full-time staff and offices in Boston, NYC and LA. I now live in Hull with my amazing wife Meaghan and three children Jack, Elle, and Caroline.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Whenever you start and grow a company it’s always a struggle. The first 5 years you are always worried about cash flow. I remember plenty of times worrying about not being able to make payroll. Luckily, we always did but usually, it was at the expense of the partners getting paid.
I also clearly remember the first time a client stiffed us on some very big bills that nearly crippled us as a company. Or the time we put on an event in the early days that we owned that flopped where we shelled out over 10% of our annual revenue at that time. As you can imagine, very devastating. I have learned lots of lessons the hard way over the years.
Agency 451 – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Agency 451 knows it’s not about you or us, it’s about THEM…Your customers! By starting with consumer insights, our agency provides strategic creative, digital marketing, public relations, and influencer marketing campaigns that are compelling and engaging.
Founded in 2004, 451 is one of the fastest growing independent agencies in the country with three offices and over eighty-five full-time staff. Winners of numerous industry awards, 451 prides itself and credits its growth to the agency’s motto to always “exceed our clients’ expectations.”
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I’m incredibly goal driven and oriented. If I hit my goals, then I feel like I have achieved success.
Contact Info:
- Address: 100 N. Washington Street Boston, MA 02114
- Website: www.agency451.com
- Phone: 617-259-1605
- Email: info@agency451.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/agency451
- Facebook: facebook.com/agency451
- Twitter: twitter.com/agency451
- Other: linkedin.com/agency451
Image Credit:
Tony Simonetti
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