Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Insert Marketing founder Massimo Grisafi, who we caught up with to find out what inspires his hospitality-driven business and what advice he would share with other young professionals…
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WORK
Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
Lifestyle marketing with a focus on nightlife, festival consultation, and artist management. Portfolio includes: Capture Group, I*AM, and Lyme Productions & Insert Marketing.
What was the inspiration for your career route?
Fifteen years ago I started as a club promoter for Ralf Madi, and as the saying goes, the rest is history. The energy, relationship building, and quick pace were perfectly aligned with what I wanted to do every day (and often every night) for a living.
Since then, I’ve had the honour of working with industry veteran Charles Kabbouth of INK and with Adam Gill of Embrace. From nightclub promoting to event marketing, I launched my own marketing and brand development company called Insert Marketing. Insert specializes in developing marketing campaigns for all types of small businesses.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
When Disclosure outgrew both Hoxton and Danforth Music Hall, we migrated the show to the Direct Energy Center. Selling out with 8500 people in attendance was a major milestone in my career. A close second goes to the two-day Monster Mash event at Liberty Grand last Halloween where we saw 10,000 people come through the doors.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
As I continue to grow my brand and service offerings, the goal is to become the go-to source for lifestyle and concierge services. Need a marketing plan? Private dining experience? Rebranding of your small business? Leveraging my carefully curated network, I’ll be able to offer a solution for each demand – so many of these things are closely intertwined.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
You should be working to seek out opportunities 24 hours a day. Sounds extreme, but it’s necessary. Also, build and foster relationships; “The wider your network, the better.”
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
F*ck Cancer is a cause that’s very close to me, so I support where I can both financially and with my time. I’ve helped them with soliciting corporate donations and event management at venues like Maison.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
It’s more of an opportunity than a challenge, but with the evolving state of mobile technology and social media there is always a new way to reach your intended audience. Being able to keep up and even ahead of the curve has been essential to propelling my career forward. It’s important that I’m always researching new technologies and techniques to get the message out.
What does the word notable mean to you?
Notable = memorable. To stick out in someone’s memory.
PLAY
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Portland Variety. The food is top notch and the ambiance is great. You can entertain clients, or hang out with old friends – it’s a polished dining experience without being pretentious.
What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser?
Google – it can give you an answer for anything.
The most played song on your phone?
“On the Floor Like” by Joe Ghost (obviously).
Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
@Crimebydesign on Instagram has such an intriguing and well curated aesthetic. Check them out.
What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
My favourite country to visit has to be Italy. It’s a nice nod to my heritage and the history is so rich. Plus, the food scene is phenomenal.
Next up on the list is China.
What gives you the greatest FOMO?
I get nervous when I decline an invite for an event and think I’ve lost out on the opportunity to meet new people who will have a positive impact on my business.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
A well-made old fashioned and Tiramisu.
What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
I spend way too much on clothes in an attempt to stay on trend and curate unique pieces. I should probably spend more on presents for my mom (right, ma?)
And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
I used to directly attribute success to monetary gain. But I’ve learned it’s about how my actions impact and inspire my team, partners and associates. Success to me now means looking at my relationship with the key stakeholders in my life and feeling good about what I contribute professionally and personally.
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