As stated earlier, I never touch paper twice. Surrounding myself with a quality team of professionals contributes greatly to my ability to achieve this goal and serves as a foundation for this level of efficiency.

Andrew Dorko, Jr. is the founder of Total Marketing Concepts (TMC), a marketing and telecommunications company located in central Florida.

Named as one of Inc. Magazine’s 500 Fastest Growing Privately Help Companies in America, TMC serves clients from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. TMC clients include Verizon Wireless, Verizon FIOS, AT&T, Spark Energy, and others.

In forming TMC, Andrew Dorko, Jr. assembled a team which offers solutions in marketing, and customer contact, including, but not limited to, B2B, direct sales, seasonal political surveying, inbound and outbound marketing, and collegiate placement. Mr. Dorko’s professionally trains staff in each specific department, providing a competitive advantage for TMC in this market.

TMC’s steady growth over the past 12 years demonstrates the company’s success.

Where did the idea for Total Marketing Concepts come from?

My training with the Yellow Pages impacts decision and business ideas to date. The Yellow Pages “boot camp” instilled fundamental business principals, and provided exposure to direct sales, and more importantly, comprehensive customer service. As I moved in my career, it became clear that marketing and telecommunication companies limited marketing and sales efforts, providing fertile ground for a marketing and sales solution to offer a complete, or Total, marketing solution to maximize opportunities. The concept served as the foundation for TMC.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

On a typical day, I come in, make sure everything is running smoothly, and continue to knock down things on my to-do list. I never touch paper twice and remain productive without difficulty. My approach to business provides the necessary efficiency to oversee the company operations, and permits time to evaluate and consider new business opportunities.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I surround myself with a high-quality team of professionals. I work with this team to clarify the opportunity and rely upon the team to assist in navigating a path to seize the opportunity.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive?

As stated earlier, I never touch paper twice. Surrounding myself with a quality team of professionals contributes greatly to my ability to achieve this goal and serves as a foundation for this level of efficiency.

What was the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?

Without specifying the job carrying the worst experience, I can say that even from that job, I learned business principals which positively impact decisions today.

If you were to start again, what would you do differently?

No—I have been loyal to business fundamentals which shaped my decisions and believe I have made sound decisions from inception.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.

Our outbound marketing efforts are a great way to acquire new business. One of our sales teams is highly focused on bringing new clients aboard each month. It makes it easier having our business model, because a lot of people who are looking for specific marketing strategies see us as a good fit right off the bat.

What is one failure you had, and how did you overcome it?

I don’t really see failure as most people see it. I always see them as opportunities and learning experiences. One thing I have learned over the course of being with TMC, remains the importance of accountability. When things go wrong, whether your fault or not, we teach team member to be accountable and take responsibility. Learning from mistakes typically leads to success.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Without giving too much away, I like the book “Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking”. It was recommended to me as an entrepreneurial type book and I gave it a shot. Great read.

Any advice you’d be willing to give out to young entrepreneurs?

I’ve stated this many times before, already in this interview as well, but surrounding yourself with the best talent is key. Yes, you can technically start a business and run it yourself, but you are only one person. Eventually to grow, you need to bring on more people, and they need to be the right people. Also, knowing that the right people are beside you with the same goals and beliefs helps the best type of innovation come out of your company!