Small Business of the Year – Emerging Business: Arcos
- George Gdovin, vice president solutions development and Jason Smith III, president and CEO of Arcos.
Jason Smith, III looked to ancient Greek literature for his company’s name: Arcos (leader).
But the firm’s blazing futuristic trails for clients in blending the powers of technology with a multi-discipline interactive marketing firm that’s rapidly expanding — and honored as 2009 Small Business of the Year in the Emerging Business category.
As president and CEO of Arcos, Smith partners with Vice President of Solutions Development George Gdovin in offering a comprehensive suite of marketing services ranging from video-integrated Web sites and search engine optimization to electronic brochures, e-mail campaigns, social media management and more.
The SBOY award’s a blessing, Gdovin said. “We have more people seeking us out for projects and work than we ever have had in the past” and are “able to instantly establish connections from folks that were there or who are active in the chamber. We now have companies, large companies, contacting us from all over the Metroplex and North Texas.”
With a management philosophy that’s people-focused and results-oriented, Arcos has previously focused on small to mid-size businesses. Clients also include highly sophisticated institutions such as TCU where Smith and Gdovin earned BBAs, in 2003 and ’06 respectively, from the M.J. Neeley School of Business’ E-Business Program.
Both bring previous business experience to Arcos, founded by Smith in 2006, and that’s a key strength that sets them apart in delivering finely tailored services, Smith said.
“Our balance of marketing savvy and technical abilities make us very unique,” he said. “We can talk business with the CEO and technical implementation with the staff.
“We keep our clients aware of opportunities we see in our industry that can benefit them” and provide deep education in the technologies used.
Arcos gives back to the community with appearances at marketing seminars, area chambers of commerce programs and networking with giants such as the American Business Women’s Association where Smith recently saved one business owner nearly $2,000 with solutions for her online custom jewelry store.
Arcos holds Gold Member status at the Fort Worth Chamber where Smith and Gdovin participate in programs such as Minding Your Business. They deliver guest lectures at TCU’s Neeley School of Business where they also help interview candidates for admission.
Nonprofit initiatives at the YMCA, Lena Pope Home and other organizations benefit from volunteered Arcos involvement.
It’s all part of Arcos’ passion to serve, Gdovin said. “Arcos is here to stay for lasting success and long-term relationships.”