Episode Summary
In this episode of An Agency Story, Russel Dubree sits down with Ginger Reichl, founder of Pinstripe Marketing, based in St. Petersburg, Florida. With a niche focus on professional service firms…lawyers, accountants, engineers, architects, and tech specialists.Ginger has built an agency rooted in personalization, authenticity, and resilience.
From her early days cutting Superbowl commercials out of VHS tapes to crafting bespoke marketing campaigns for industry professionals, Ginger’s story is filled with moments of clarity, challenge, and charm, including one unforgettable hug that cost her a client.
- Key Highlights:
Early inspiration: How a failed newspaper contest sparked Ginger’s lifelong dream of owning an agency. - Intrapreneurial training: The invaluable experience of running an agency within a Fortune 100 company.
- Agency evolution: From side hustle to thriving business—with a twist of serendipity and a commitment to meaningful work.
Agency Info
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Company: Pinstripe Marketing
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Guest: Ginger Reichl
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Year Started: 1998
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Employees: 1-10
If you treat people with respect and genuinely want to help them grow, you’ll have the most loyal alumni out there ever.
Ginger Reichl
Key Takeaways
Purpose-Led Positioning Pays Off
Ginger knew from day one that she wanted to help “nerds” shine. By specializing in professional service firms, Pinstripe avoids the clutter of generic agency work and instead delivers tailored, strategy-first solutions that resonate with experts in law, engineering, tech, and more.
The Power of Intrapreneurship
Before launching Pinstripe full-time, Ginger had what she calls a “business owner internship” inside a Fortune 100 company. This formative experience allowed her to build operational skills in a safe environment—learning to manage budgets, teams, and politics before stepping out on her own.
Business Development Without the Hustle
Instead of cold calls and sales funnels, Ginger built her client base through organic relationships, community involvement, and board service. Her network became her lead generator, allowing her to grow Pinstripe without the pressure of hard sales tactics.
A Culture of Alumni
Ginger pioneered an “alumni network” mindset, treating every employee like a future partner. This approach emphasizes growth, mutual respect, and long-term connection, often leading to referrals and collaborative opportunities even after team members move on.
“If I can be honest and let them know I want them to succeed, then I’ll have the most loyal alumni out there.”
— Ginger Reichl
Returning with Purpose
After semi-retiring thanks to a stellar second-in-command, Ginger found herself back at the helm post-COVID. Her focus now? Quality over scale. She’s passionate about helping nonprofits, startups, and doing work that genuinely matters—even if it’s not big-budget.
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