Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefon Pettigrew.
Hi Stefon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my career in the music industry, working on the street team and radio promotions side for Record labels such as Atlantic Records and the Russell Simmons Music Group (RSMG). When I relocated to Baltimore from New York, I learned that Baltimore wasn’t a Music Market, but I wanted to work as close to music as possible, so I ended up working for CBS Radio (now known as Audacy Inc.) as a part-time promotions representative, then later promoted to Assistant Promotions Director, overseeing the daily operations of the Promotions Department. With me still having ties to the music industry, I was doing freelance Promo campaigns in the DMV area for the likes of Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, All Time Low, The Black Eyed Peas, and many others. Not knowing that working with Major Record labels and recording artists was a conflict of interest while working in Radio, my boss asked that I stopped. So I stopped doing freelance promo work for these recording artists so I can keep my job. Then one day, I got a call asking if I can execute a promotional campaign to promote Quiznos new delivery service. They heard of me through word of mouth, so I said “sure!”. That was my first time doing a promo campaign that was non-music related and the payout was more than what the record labels were paying me.
From there, I started doing freelance work again, but nothing music-related. I’ve executed campaigns for Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores, Metro PCS, and many other big brands. A friend of mine told me that I should turn my freelance work into a business; so in 2016, I created KaBooFace Marketing, LLC d/b/a KBF Marketing. We are a Marketing Consulting firm that also operates as an ad agency and Experiential Marketing company. Giving us the ability to place ads via our local and national media partners (ex: Radio, TV, Billboards, MTA, etc.) and we create and produce on-site events for any live B2C activations and experiences. We are a Certified Minority Business Enterprise and we are focused on working closely with helping businesses and brands diversify for their marketing strategies by allowing us to reach the large minority consumer audience.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it definitely has not been smooth. I had to learn a lot along the way. I am not ashamed to admit that I am not college educated. I never been to college so I don’t have a degree in marketing or communications. I had to learn a lot through my hands on experience. I literally threw myself to the wolves. I had to learn effective marketing strategies, terminology, and even how to conduct proper business when dealing with large corporations. But I am proud to say that I have not disappointed a business yet. I am big on my name, my reputation, and relationships. I’ve always delivered results and I’ve always figured it out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
KabooFace Marketing, LLC d/b/a KBF Marketing is a minority-owned boutique Marketing Agency. We are consultants that also act as an Ad Agency and Experiential Marketing company; where we leverage our local and national media partners (ex: TV, Radio, Billboards, MTA, etc.) to place ads on our client’s behalf based on their Marketing and Advertising needs. We also produce and create live activations (ex: retail, trade shows, community, etc.) for an on-site, in-person B2C experience.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I always wanted to be successful. I never knew what that looked like. Everyone has their own interpretation as to what success looks like to them. I was very ambitious and a big dreamer. I always looked out for friends and family that were less fortunate than me. I had my first job at the age of 14, and I would save my money and/or lookout for those who needed. I’ve always had a big heart and I am glad that I did not allow my obstacles in life to change the way I feel about helping loved ones and those in need.
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@kbfmarketing.com
- Website: http://kbfmarketing.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kbfmarketing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KBFMarketing/
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/kbfmarketing
Image Credits
Personal Photo: Carlos Polk IG: @iloswork Additional Images DLS Designs IG: @DLSDesigns
