Margy: Good morning, Steve!

Steve: Good morning, Margy.

Margy: I’m so glad you’re here! I’m Margy Lyman from Dudum Real Estate Group, and today I’m chatting with Steve Koel from Trending Now. Steve, tell us a bit about what you do for local consumers.

Steve: Thanks for having me! In a nutshell, my business connects local consumers with local businesses using digital marketing and direct mail. We get businesses in front of people who might not even know they need them yet.

Margy: Very cool! What’s something people don’t usually know about this kind of advertising?

Steve: Ah, here’s the juicy part! All advertising falls into two categories: demand generation and demand satisfaction. Digital stuff like Google or Facebook—those satisfy an existing demand. People are already searching for something, and they see an ad that fits. But I focus on demand generation—basically, planting a seed in someone’s mind. It’s like, “Hey, you weren’t thinking about us, but now you are!”

Margy: That’s really interesting! How did you get into this?

Steve: Well, it feels like a hundred years ago, but I started in corporate marketing, sales, and advertising. I always gravitated toward the creative side of things. Eventually, I was traveling and working on big campaigns for major companies. But like many people, I got tired of the corporate grind and thought, "Why not bring this to local businesses?" So that’s what I did!

Margy: And now you’re helping smaller businesses grow. What keeps you motivated?

Steve: I love helping people and putting points on the board. Seeing results for local businesses, especially in tough times, is what drives me. It’s rewarding to help them hit their goals.

Margy: Do you have a most memorable experience?

Steve: Oh yeah, easy one. I met my fiancée through a business networking group called BNI. If I don’t say that’s the most memorable, I might be sleeping on the couch tonight! (Laughs)

Margy: (Laughs) Smart man! Congratulations! Now, what about challenges?

Steve: Definitely. Clients often want instant results, but advertising takes time. It’s called an ad campaign for a reason. You can’t just throw money at it and expect immediate returns. As for my own challenges, sometimes I have difficult clients. This year, I’m planning to fire a few—sometimes it’s just time to move on.

Margy: That sounds like a solid strategy. Let’s talk local businesses—what are some of your favorites in Alamo, Danville, or Walnut Creek?

Steve: Oh, that’s easy—any business that advertises with me! (Laughs)

Margy: (Laughs) Good answer! Why is supporting local businesses so important to you?

Steve: Local businesses are the backbone of any community. They foster social and business relationships, and they give back. When you shop local, you’re supporting people who live here, send their kids to school here, and care about the community. That’s not something you get when you shop on Amazon.

Margy: I agree 100%. So, what do you do when you’re not working?

Steve: Well, as you know, I’m at the gym five days a week—and you’re probably there six days!

Margy: (Laughs) Yes, we met there!

Steve: Outside of that, I’m recently engaged, and with my kids grown, I’m enjoying a little more travel these days.

Margy: Congratulations again! How can people get in touch with you?

Steve: The best way is to call me at 510-715-6117. I’m always happy to help or answer any questions. You can also visit my website at trivalley.mytrendingnow.com.

Margy: Thanks so much, Steve! If anyone watching wants to be featured in my series, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Steve: Thanks, Margy. This was great!