Celebrating 20 Years as a Digital Marketing Agency  

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary at TBG Digital Marketing, I reflect on the incredible journey we’ve been on together. It’s a tale of resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to helping businesses thrive in the digital world. It all started on a day that changed everything for us, as it did for so many others—September 11, 2001. 

A Day That Changed Our Lives 

I remember September 11, 2001, like it was yesterday. My dad, Gene Bonanno, was out of town for work, as he often was as a national sales representative for IBM. One of his key accounts was in New York City, where he was meeting with clients for the week. I was a senior in high school, glued to the television as the unimaginable unfolded before my eyes—Flight 11 hitting the World Trade Center’s North Tower, followed by Flight 175 striking the South Tower. Panic set in, knowing my dad was in that area of the city. Phone service went down, and it wasn’t until approximately 3:00 pm that afternoon that we finally heard he was okay. That day’s events not only altered the course of my dad’s career but set a different future for our family in motion. 

My dad decided to leave his corporate sales job, seeking something more meaningful without travel. Thus, the seeds of entrepreneurship were sown. In December 2004, he established The Bonanno Group, LLC; this is where the ackronym TBG comes from.  

From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership 

Back in 2004, the internet was still in its Wild West phase. Dad purchased a little-known Canadian franchise, which provided a network of consultants and solution centers to deliver internet solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. I eagerly joined him, working part-time during my senior year of college and then full-time upon graduation in 2006. 

Together, we made a great team—Dad brought over two decades of wisdom and experience from IBM. In contrast, I brought youthful insights and skills from the burgeoning world of social media. Thanks to our combined effort, we quickly rose to the top of the franchise system. We oversaw 30 Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana franchise offices at one point, offering mentorship, support, and franchise sales assistance. 

Some of my fondest memories are from those annual conferences, standing before an audience of over 500 attendees and sharing our successes and strategies. Those moments were not just father-daughter duo milestones but also the building blocks of our path forward. 

Outgrowing the Network 

Penn Care, one of our initial clients, was a significant contributor to our early success. Penn Care opened doors for us in the fire/EMS industry through its connections with Medix Ambulances and Braun Ambulances. I’ll never forget it all started with co-owner, Don, leaving a voicemail after he saw the news article we’d opened. It candidly said something to the effect of, “You web developers are a disease, but I know I need you. Call me back if you’re interested.” Talk about a memorable introduction; my dad laughed every time he told that story. 

Working through several vertical markets, we outgrow our reliance on the network. We found innovative strategies that worked best for us and our clients. We built a team of dedicated employees and industry-leading partners. In fact, our first intern – Jessica Ward – has been with us through it all! Eventually, we left the system and rebranded to TBG Digital Marketing.  

Transitioning to the Next Generation 

In 2023, Gene passed away unexpectedly, leaving a hole in our hearts and big shoes to fill. This was a profoundly emotional time as I navigated the grief of losing my father and mentor while balancing the rigors of running a business and raising two growing children. But nearly a year and a half later, here we are… celebrating 20 years in business as a digital marketing agency. It’s an amazing accomplishment! 

I am incredibly proud of every employee and partner who has helped make this possible. And I am deeply honored by those of you who have chosen TBG Digital Marketing to help you achieve your goals and dreams. So many of you have become part of our “family.” 

It’s been beyond meaningful to watch your businesses grow and thrive, some welcoming in the next generation of family leadership. For those of you carrying on a legacy together, know you are truly blessed to work with those you love. Time is never guaranteed; building memories, even in stressful situations, is something you’ll fondly look back on – just as I do.  

A Forward-Thinking Future 

As we look forward to the next 20 years, our commitment to providing reliable and innovative digital marketing solutions remains stronger than ever. We’ve come a long way, from those early days when the internet felt like the Wild West to now being a trusted ally for countless businesses striving to navigate the digital landscape. 

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Here’s to many more years of growth, innovation, and shared success!