Richard A. Pomes and James A. Braendel founded marketing agency RapJab (a mash-up of the founders’ initials) on September 4, 2012. They chose this name because of the personal component, as well as its uniqueness – it’s great for Google searches. They feel that the name is very action-oriented, reflective of their young, risk-taking firm.
Exactly one year later, they hosted a launch party to officially introduce RapJab to the New Orleans community. Their vendors provided food, drink and even a musical act. The party served as a way to present their vendors, as well as offer the New Orleans community a unique networking event.
Launching a startup in New Orleans was an act of faith for RapJab, as the company “bootstrapped” its way into existence without any capital investments. By using their contacts from previous networks, RapJab’s business has grown 20 percent every month for the past year. Recently, the growing company has added new team members.
Pomes and Braendel, along with Samantha Brooks, have several years of marketing experience. They saw an opportunity to help New Orleans with its explosion of new businesses. Pomes and Braendel’s partnership strikes a great balance; Braendel excels at promoting the company’s vision and contributing to its growth, all while keeping an eye on the bottom line. Pomes, however, is more creative and in tune with New Orleans culture. Their left brain/right brain partnership has proven successful.
Pomes enjoys being his own boss, feeling a sense of ownership over the company,and building the company culture out of RapJab’s own core beliefs and values.
“We’re here. We’re hungry for work,” Pomes says of RapJab. The RapJab crew has enough experience to form a solid foundation, but they remain an energetic, agile company.
RapJab is thrilled to partner with Propeller (a social venture incubator) and Life City (an organization that promotes environmentally-conscious businesses). Revitalizing the Broadmoor community is another big goal. According to Pomes, they’re not just another marketing agency. “We want to make smart, beautiful work for business owners in New Orleans,” he says. To contact RapJab, visit Rapjab.com.
