A passion for problem-solving: Huntingdon-based consultants help companies get online, fast
Joey DiGangi from W.D. Strategies
If the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, then the best time to start a business that helps companies grow their digital footprint is days before the entire planet shuts down in a pandemic. Huntingdon-based W.D. Strategies would know.
“Funny story,” COO and Co-founder Joey DiGangi said. “I was at a conference in New Orleans with Wei-Chung Wang (he and I previously collaborated on a startup called Kdan Mobile) and after a session about social media management, one of the sponsors said they were looking for a marketing consultant firm. Wang chimed up and said, ‘Oh yeah, Joey and I have company.’ The second we got off the plane in State College, we drove into town and talked to Penn State law. We had a client before we had a company.”
The kismet timing of W.D. Strategies couldn’t have come at a better time. Within weeks of launching, the world shut down, forcing even the most traditional brick-and-mortar companies to learn how to conduct business online.
“We have a passion for solving problems,” DiGangi said. “We provide solutions to companies of all sizes so they can grow their digital footprint, whether that’s through e-commerce, web development, digital advertising campaigns, marketing consulting or data analysis.”
He says that their biggest hurdle over the past two years has been workflow management. “Because we launched at the exact same time that people needed the most help with growing their online presence, we grew very, very quickly. It’s a good problem to have, but we had to learn how to take on more projects, triple our workforce, and get up to speed as quickly as possible.”
He says that Ben Franklin Technology Partners, along with Startup Alleghenies coach Christa McGeary, have been critical to that rapid growth. “One of the best things we’ve gained from Startup Alleghenies is networking,” he said. “It’s been very helpful working with other entrepreneurs in the area.”
He has advice for entrepreneurs starting up in Huntingdon County: You don’t have to do it alone. Between Startup Alleghenies coaches, funding, and all the strategic support in this area, there is a lot of help to get you launched.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
