Today we’d like to introduce you to Kory Curcuru.
Kory, 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 Gloucester and left college early to tour as a comic, performing stand-up and improv for years. That led to writing for comedians, and soon thereafter I moved to Hollywood. My day job was working at content houses, producing bonus material for DVDs (like making-of documentaries and blooper reels) for the major studios. It was a valuable experience, but that industry sucks your soul. After six years, I moved home to Gloucester convinced that I needed to make a living out of being myself – anything to keep from cubicles, commuting, water cooler talk, or having a boss.
I briefly helped a startup promote the local music scene by starring in off-the-cuff videos. An intern there thought we could expand on the concept and better promote local businesses and events. We became partners and built a social media website geared towards serving Cape Ann (OvaTheBridge.com, since changed to BridgeCapeAnn.com).
The idea was that businesses could post content and I would pop on throughout the day like an anchorman to relay the info. We figured, why compete with millions of users on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube when you simply want to reach folks in your neighborhood? I still believe in the concept, but most small business owners don’t have the time, money, personnel or imagination to constantly create engaging content.
Relying on them to do so was a big misstep. Plus, billions of people use the major platforms, making it impossible for us to convince folks that our concept was actually less costly and more beneficial. Not to mention the fact our website couldn’t possibly keep up with technology. Despite this, we had dozens of clients from the start, made money from day one, and created successful events that have become community staples. But there wasn’t enough money to support two owners, so my partner left in 2015.
I redoubled my efforts to focus on my skill set, which is much more personal and less technical. The Bridge immediately began to thrive. My duties include creating content for clients and channeling it through my social media followings (which are very local and much larger than my clients’). I also host more community events, everything from family-friendly festivals to formal balls to gaming parties. Now that live streaming video is everywhere (I knew the hometown anchorman concept was solid!), I spend a lot of time doing live broadcasts.
Six years later, Bridge Cape Ann continues to grow. It isn’t a job, it’s a lifestyle – I “work” close to 100 hours a week. But it never feels like work – just an extension of myself.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The conceptual stuff was covered above. The toughest part about owning your own business is that what you gain in freedom you lose in security. I went many moons without paying myself. Luckily, I was at a place in life where I could afford the time to let The Bridge take root.
Plus, I have very little overhead. I do most of my work through my phone. If I had to pay ridiculous rent, raise children, deal with sickness, divorce or death (things that sink many small businesses in their earliest stages), I wouldn’t have made it.
I’m in awe of young parents who make their businesses work – especially those with brick and mortar establishments. They’re nuts, but I’m in awe.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Bridge Cape Ann – what should we know?
We make promotional videos, relay Cape Ann happenings, organize fun events and festivals, host live broadcasts, run contests to boost local businesses, and teach seminars on social media—all to showcase the uniqueness and beauty of Cape Ann.
We do this because most businesses don’t have time to devote to social media. We create content for—and share content from—our members (aka Bridge Buddies) to our followers to help them reach more people.
Most people know us from our Facebook videos. We’ve produced thousands of them to introduce business owners and promote events. I’m so tired of looking at and listening to myself, but it works… ha-ha.
I’m most proud of Bridge Cape Ann’s brand and standing in the community. We have a pristine image – the shiny, happy online presence just trying to help connect folks to one another. We never pontificate or editorialize anything.
I make friends pretty easily and want to convey that friendship with my clients on screen. At the end of the day, the goal is to generate positive word of mouth.
Let’s face it, everything we do is advertising, and no one uses social media to look for commercials. But it’s the way we do it that makes it work. Viewers want familiar faces and places. That’s what we give them.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
This is a massive list, MASSIVE, and I’m a rambler, so I’ll try to keep it short and sweet. Credit goes to my girlfriend, friends, and family for their patience and time. They back me up no matter what I do. My Bridge Buddies are the ones who continue to teach me the nuts and bolts of business, and all have become friends.
My business mentor and attorney are a constant source of logic and guidance, and the Cape Ann community has always been unbelievably supportive. I’m related to half of Gloucester, so I had a good head start. Don’t forget, I was a comic without an ounce of business know-how. These people are transforming me!
One group has been extremely critical to Bridge Cape Ann’s success; The Innovation House, founded by Jon von Tetzchner, who launched the website browsers Opera in the 1990s and Vivaldi a couple years ago. By sheer happenstance, Jon became a friend just as I launched The Bridge, then a mentor, and eventually an investor. He’s my go-to person whenever my mind needs untangling.
Check out what The Innovation House is doing in Jon’s hometown of Reykjavik, as well as Oslo, Tokyo, and incredibly, the Magnolia section of Gloucester where I grew up. (If you value privacy and personal data, Vivaldi is the safest browser in the world.)
Time to get back to work. If you want to see what’s happening in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, or Manchester-by-the-Sea, look us up. Til then, see you in the neighborhood!
Contact Info:
- Website: BridgeCapeAnn.com
- Phone: 978.943.2182
- Email: hello@bridgecapeann.com
- Instagram: BridgeCapeAnn
- Facebook: Bridge Cape Ann
- Twitter: BridgeCapeAnn
Image Credit:
Alissa Curcuru Photography, Jessica Lynn Photography
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