Why I Started AF Managed

For one, I saw a need. Marketing is not only a science, it's an art. While it is possible for untrained business owners to succeed in digital marketing, that's an exception not the rule. We will get into the finer details of how our Certified Marketing Programs (C.M.P) in a bit, but for now a little about myself and how I got started.

My Name is Aaron Freyer, and I am the Founder and CEO of AF Managed. I grew up in the Automotive Industry, and got my start in franchised car dealers by driving and delivering Fords in high school. From there I studied business law and marketing at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. After working at a law firm after graduation, I decided law school didn't have the appeal it once did. From there I worked at a Philadelphia area Luxury automotive dealership group. It was on the retail side of luxury automotive I learned the importance of impeccable customer service and that has stuck with me over the years.

As a BMW product specialist or "genius" interacting with customers to then running the 3 dealership's marketing. I handled everything from branded posters to our first social media advertising campaigns as well as philanthropic marketing efforts. I helped to ink a partnership with one of the largest not-for-profit music venues in the country. I worked directly with our vendors and the OEM or Brand for those not up to speed on auto industry terms. It was in this capacity that I was first immersed in aligned marketing efforts. With 3 distinct tiers of marketing (OEM, Region, Dealer) most OEMs needed a way to align the 3. They worked with auto specific companies to help launch these marketing program initiatives.

From there I went to work for one of these companies. They handled the OEM's Marketing Programs from top to bottom. I consulted with 30+ luxury dealerships on all things digital marketing. Part of my job was to ensure marketing was compliant and aligned with the OEM. Dealers had choices of approved marketing vendors who were vetted, and the OEMs got invaluable local and regional data. The relationship with my employer and the OEM was almost a decade long, and they looked to us as integral partners in marketing decisions. It was here where I learned how important marketing alignment is for the success of an organization.

Over the years, I had interactions with numerous business owners. When they found out I was in marketing, they would always pick my brain. I learned a lot of them were in the Franchise industry, as well as with Brands that have Independent Retailers. They always had the same concern. It was either my franchisees have a hard time leading the pack in their marketing efforts, or my retailers aren't fully embracing digital marketing. These Franchisors and Brands knew the importance of digital marketing. Most of the time their retail partners did as well, that wasn't the issue. The issue was they were focused on running the business, whether it was slicing meat for a sandwich shop, or making sure they had the latest jewelry styles in their showcases. They were experts in their business, not experts in marketing.

And with that, I created the idea for AF Managed, and our Certified Marketing Programs. These Programs take what worked in the franchised automotive industry and mirror and enhance them for Franchisors and Brands to offer to their Franchisees and independent retail partners. I saw the immense value of marketing programs and how important having approved and vetted marketing partners was. My passion is seeing businesses succeed, and with AF Managed I can harness that passion.