Founder’s Story With Richard Horvath

Richard Horvath’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and the entrepreneurial spirit. As the founder and president of TheeDigital, one of North Carolina’s largest digital agencies, Richard’s journey from Hungary to the United States is nothing short of inspiring. His path highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by many immigrants who come to America in pursuit of better opportunities.

A Humble Beginning

Richard and Christopher, who know each other from working together at TheeDigital, began their conversation in this podcast episode of GrowthCast by discussing Richard’s background. Richard is not just a successful entrepreneur but also a father. His story began in Hungary, where after finishing his education, he felt the need for more exciting opportunities which Hungary couldn’t provide at the time. He decided to move to the United States to learn English, which he believed was essential for securing a great job, not just an average one.

TheeDigital: A Full-Service Digital Marketing Agency

TheeDigital, under Richard’s leadership, has grown into a full-service digital marketing agency. We specialize in creating online lead generation websites that are more than just simple marketing tools. We build robust lead generation machines designed to grow businesses. Our services include SEO, paid advertising on platforms like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, and the adoption of CRM tools like HubSpot to manage and maintain leads effectively.

The Journey to Entrepreneurship

Richard’s journey to becoming a business owner was not immediate. After arriving in the U.S. at the age of 25, he spent several years doing freelance work and improving his skill sets. He soon realized that he would never be the best designer or coder, but he had a knack for surrounding himself with talented individuals who excelled in these areas. This approach allowed TheeDigital to organically grow into a successful company.

Early Challenges and Successes

Starting a business in a new country came with its challenges. Richard shared how he initially marketed his services by printing business cards and distributing them at local gyms, grocery stores, and hairdressers. This grassroots marketing approach helped him land his first clients and build a portfolio. However, a significant learning curve came when he invested in Yellow Pages advertising, which yielded minimal results. This experience taught him the importance of digital marketing and lead generation.

Embracing Innovation

Richard’s willingness to adopt new technologies early on played a crucial role in TheeDigital’s success. We were one of the first companies in their area to use WordPress, which allowed us to create fully functional content management systems. Additionally, the company embraced Salesforce and later HubSpot, which helped us manage our growing database of leads and clients effectively.

Resilience During Economic Downturns

One of the most impressive aspects of Richard’s journey is how TheeDigital thrived during the 2008-2009 recession. While many businesses struggled, TheeDigital grew because of its commitment to digital marketing and maintaining strong client relationships. Richard attributes this success to the smart business owners who realized the importance of not downsizing their marketing efforts during economic downturns.

Lessons Learned

Richard candidly shared the challenges of being a boss, particularly as an immigrant with different cultural and communication expectations. He emphasized the importance of effective communication and building a strong team. Hiring the right people, not just for their technical skills but also for cultural fit, has been a critical factor in TheeDigital’s ongoing success.

Looking Ahead

Today, TheeDigital continues to grow and evolve. With a solid inbound marketing and CRM strategy, we are poised to achieve even greater success. Richard’s journey from Hungary to becoming a leading entrepreneur in North Carolina serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, the right mindset, and a supportive team, anything is possible. Richard’s story is not just about business success but also about the resilience and ingenuity that define the American dream.

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