How I Became the CEO of Cardinal

How to Become a CEO

“How to Become a CEO and a successful digital marketer?”

How was your University time?

I went to Georgia State University so that I would be surrounded by diversity and different ways of thinking. I didn’t want to go to the same place everyone from my high school went – I wanted new challenges and to meet people that thought differently. Being located in Atlanta was crucial as well because I knew it would give me a leg up when I looked for a job after school. ceo

Why did you choose a career in digital marketing?

I love helping businesses grow, and marketing is the best way to do that, so I have always had a love for it. It started when I was in high school; I would make the websites and do the SEO for my dad’s pinball machine business. You never know how something you are doing in high school can help you after you graduate!

What was your first job or nuggets from jobs you had that helped you to get to where you are today?

I learned that growing a business is hard work, and no one will do it for you. Don’t do it to get rich; if you do, you will definitely quit about six months when you are still poor. It takes 2+ years to get a business profitable.

How did you prepare for the interview?

Bring five questions specifically related to the company I would be interviewing with. DO NOT bring in templated questions, it sounds boring, and no one likes boring.

Can you provide some book recommendations?

The E-myth is the best book for aspiring entrepreneurs. It helps you learn that if you really want to grow a business, you have to get out of the weeds.

Things are changing very fast in the industry; how do you keep yourself updated. Please list techniques or newsletters, podcasts, events, etc.

Interviewing people on my podcast – Ignite, helps me understand where things are going. I also read the Search Engine Journal and keep up with Becker’s healthcare review, so I know what’s going on in our largest vertical.

Advice for someone looking for a digital marketing job?

NETWORK WITH EVERYONE. People will help you land a job, but at the end of the day, it’s on you to hustle and create opportunities for yourself. No one will do it for you.

Why do you think you were selected among other candidates?

-I started my own business, so not sure this applies.

Lessons from jobs that you couldn’t get.

Hard work isn’t enough, you also need smart work. Work on what matters

Alex Membrillo is the CEO of Cardinal, a digital marketing agency focused on growing multi location companies. His work as CEO of Cardinal also recently earned him the honor of being selected as a member of the 2018 Top 40 Under 40 list by Georgia State University as well as 2015 and 2016 Top 20 Entrepreneur of metro Atlanta by TiE Atlanta, Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2016 Small Business Person of the Year and Digital Marketer of the Year by Technology Association of Georgia (TAG).

Cardinal has experienced exponential growth under Membrillo’s leadership, being consecutively named on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing privately-held US companies in 2014 – 2016. Membrillo’s innovative approach to digital marketing has transformed the industry and delivered remarkable results to clients of all sizes and markets. He has been featured in leading national publications including The Business Journals, Entrepreneur, Search Engine Journal, and The Wall Street Journal. He has also served as an expert speaker for conferences including the American Marketing Association, SouthWired, and Vistage Executive Leaders, where he spoke on his unique approach to Millennial Management to over 400 CEOs.

Also Read: How I Started My Own Mobile Game Development Company

How I Became the CEO of Cardinal

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