Force Marketing Named 2025 Georgia Fast 40 Honoree and EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist in the Southeast
Force Marketing
Atlanta, May 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Force Marketing, a data-driven technology and marketing leader in the automotive industry, has been named a 2025 Georgia Fast 40 honoree by ACG Atlanta and celebrates CEO John Fitzpatrick's nomination as a finalist for Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year® Southeast Region. The recognitions mark a breakout moment for the company, which has quietly been growing at a rapid but sustained pace behind the scenes—and is now turning heads across the industry.
'While we're certainly proud of our consistent 25% year-over-year growth for the past three years, we're equally, if not more, excited about our 95% client retention rate,' said Fitzpatrick. 'That's the real foundation of our momentum. Our OEM and dealer partners are growing with us, and we're bringing even more dealers into the fold. That kind of impact is what makes milestones like these award recognitions truly meaningful.'
Long known as a legacy name in automotive marketing, Force is rewriting the playbook with a unified data tech stack–including its automotive-specific CDP, Audience IQ–that supports both variable and fixed operations. The company's acquisition of GSM (Gulf States Toyota's longtime marketing partner) in 2021 was a major turning point, giving Force unmatched depth in after sales loyalty and lifecycle marketing.
Audience IQ houses a full-stack suite of solutions including DRIVE (streaming CTV pre-market & in-market audiences), Conquest Connect, Recapture and ATOM, Force empowers dealers with proprietary audience targeting, dynamic creative and end-to-end retention tools that drive results across every dealership department.
'Our growth story is powered by people,' added Fitzpatrick. 'We have world-class team member retention—over 95% for the last three years—all while operating fully remote with 115 team members across 21 states and counting. Our team is the secret sauce behind every milestone, every innovation, and every client success story.'
As Force expands and continues delivering results for OEMs and dealer groups across the country, one thing is clear: this isn't just growth— it's evolving the way dealers connect with their customers.
About Force Marketing
Founded in 2006, Force Holdings, LLC is a leading marketing technology provider to the automotive industry whose family of brands includes: Force Marketing, WeDrive Automotive and Gulf States Marketing (GSM). Headquartered in Atlanta with over 110 team members strategically positioned all over the U.S., the Force Family of Brands focuses on partnering and fostering relationships with dealers and OEMs nationwide to maximize ROAS, speed to market and improved lifetime customer value metrics. More information about Force Marketing's comprehensive suite of tech-enabled products can be found at ForceMKTG.com.
Attachment
Force Marketing
CONTACT: Media Contacts: Kerry Crump, kcrump@fulltiltconsulting.com Kelly Frommer, kfrommer@fulltiltconsulting.comSign in to access your portfolio
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Business Wire
3 hours ago
- Business Wire
Discover Yourself Named to Inc. 5000 for Second Time
EXCELSIOR, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Discover Yourself, the world's largest distributor of the Insights Discovery® personality assessment, has once again been named to the Inc. 5000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies. This second-time honor places the Minnesota-based training firm alongside some of the country's most innovative and dynamic businesses. 'Being named to the Inc. 5000 is more than an award. It's proof our methods work, and that organizations everywhere are hungry for meaningful change.' Share The Inc. 5000 list is widely regarded as the hallmark of entrepreneurial success, celebrating innovation, customer impact and sustained revenue growth. Earning a spot on the list twice reflects Discover Yourself's strong performance, and its enduring ability to adapt and deliver value in a rapidly changing workplace environment. Easily the most colorful company on the Inc. 5000 list Founded by internationally recognized speaker, author and trainer Scott Schwefel, Discover Yourself transforms communication and teamwork by teaching the universal language of color. Through the Insights Discovery framework, individuals identify their unique blend of Fiery Red, Sunshine Yellow, Earth Green and Cool Blue energies, unlocking self-awareness and awareness of others. This approach enables participants to reduce misunderstandings, build stronger connections and collaborate more effectively. 'Most people who train with us have done other personality assessments but rarely use them. With ours, they start applying it immediately because every conversation, every email and every interaction gets better,' says Schwefel. Discover Yourself's programs — ranging from leadership development and sales training to executive coaching and team-building workshops — are trusted by global brands such as Caterpillar, 3M, Whirlpool, Zendesk and Workday. The company is actively expanding its reach with new online learning platforms, scalable virtual workshops and digital resources to make its programs accessible to teams anywhere in the world. Its reach spans all 50 states and more than 30 countries, powered in part by newly launched digital clones that can deliver on-demand training in 170 languages. Schwefel, one of only 60 global faculty certified to train other trainers, has personally taken 4,000 CEOs through Insights Discovery training, and has spoken to more than 2000 groups. His TED Talk has nearly four million views. He is also a popular keynote speaker worldwide. 'Being named to the Inc. 5000 is more than an award. It's proof our methods work, and that organizations everywhere are hungry for meaningful change,' comments Schwefel. Discover Yourself has grown from a two-person operation to 17 employees, who support a global network of more than 300 Insights Discovery certified facilitators. Clients reporting measurable boosts in collaboration, productivity and leadership capability. Visit Discover Yourself to take a one-minute quiz to discover where you fall in the color model. If you'd never experienced Insights Discovery and would like to learn more, contact Scott@


Business Wire
11 hours ago
- Business Wire
Face the Future: Mary Kay's AI Foundation Finder Poised to Disrupt the Beauty Game
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mary Kay Inc., a global leader in direct selling and skin innovation, announces the launch of its cutting-edge AI Foundation Finder – an intuitive technology designed to help consumers effortlessly find their foundation match, while empowering Mary Kay independent beauty consultants to guide their customers in finding the right match – right from their phones. A first in the direct selling industry, the Mary Kay AI Foundation Finder uses advanced artificial intelligence to scan a customer's face on their mobile phone and provide personalized shade recommendations in just seconds. A first in the direct selling industry, this AI Foundation Finder uses advanced artificial intelligence to scan a customer's face on their mobile phone and provide personalized shade recommendations in just seconds. What sets this AI-powered tool apart is that it is informed by a scientifically developed scale offering an inclusive and nuanced understanding of human skin tones. The technology captures the user's skin tone using their camera and then matches it to the most accurate Mary Kay foundation shade by analyzing the user's skin tone and the corresponding RGB values of the Mary Kay foundation products 1. Mary Kay holds exclusive rights to the tool, making it a true direct selling industry disruptor 2. 'AI Foundation Finder fuels our vision to be a beauty disruptor in the direct selling space and beyond,' said Dr. Lucy Gildea, Mary Kay's Chief Brand and Scientific Officer. 'We are pioneering AI shade matching globally, helping consumers meet their foundation match within the diverse range of foundation finishes in the Mary Kay® Flawless Face portfolio. Embracing beauty tech marks a unique opportunity to elevate the category and cultivate our next-generation beauty community.' The AI Foundation Finder aligns with a rising demand for hyper personalized, tech-enabled beauty solutions amid broader cultural and technological shifts. As the #1 Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World by Euromonitor International for three consecutive years 3 in 2023, 2024, and again in 2025, this launch further reflects Mary Kay's commitment to digital innovation, inclusivity, and empowering our beauty entrepreneurs around the world. 'The launch of our AI-powered Foundation Finder reflects a continued commitment to innovation in personalized beauty,' said James Whatley, Mary Kay's Chief Information Officer. 'By leveraging an exclusive AI technology in the Direct Selling channel, we're able to provide shade recommendations in seconds, while making the consumer experience intuitive, inclusive, and enjoyable. Our Mary Kay independent beauty consultants will now have a powerful digital partner that elevates their business, enhances customer trust, and reimagines how beauty is delivered in a tech-enabled world.' The tool is now available in select markets and will be rolling out globally in the coming months. For more information, please visit here. AI Foundation Finder Highlights: Beauty tech: The user's camera captures real-time tracking of the user's input video or images with precise detection of 151 facial feature points. Inclusiveness: The Mary Kay AI Foundation Finder is based on a proprietary 10-shade scale designed to accurately represent a wide range of human skin tones with inclusivity and precision in mind. Performance: In our consumer tests, 83% of consumers expressed that they would be likely to purchase their recommended match. In the Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant (IBC) tests, 100% of the Mary Kay IBCs said they would be very likely to use the tool in their business. Access: AI Foundation Finder is integrated into the online shopping experience, accessible from or through the iCatalog, consumers can easily scan and instantaneously find their foundation match. Privacy: The AI Foundation Finder does not store or process biometric data. About Mary Kay One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women's lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 40 markets. For over 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.


Business Wire
12 hours ago
- Business Wire
CIBL, Inc. Reports Second Quarter Operating Results
RENO, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CIBL, Inc. ('CIBL' or the 'Company'; OTC Pink ®: CIBY), a holding company with interests in broadband operations in New Hampshire, reported its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. Revenues increased 4.1% to $529,000 in the second quarter of 2025 from $508,000 in the second quarter 2024 Earnings per share were $5.60 per share in the second quarter of 2025 compared to a loss per share of $5.22 in the second quarter 2024 Cash and investments, net of zero debt, were $20,452 as of June 30, 2025 Christopher Nossokoff joined CIBL as a mergers and acquisitions advisor to provide and accelerate our interest in non-organic growth Results from Operations Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 Revenues increased 4.1% to $529,000 in the second quarter 2025 from $508,000 in the second quarter 2024 due to increased service revenues from broadband, end-user terminals and voice over internet protocol. EBITDA from operations 1 decreased 21.3% to $118,000 in the second quarter 2025 compared to $150,000 in the second quarter 2024 due to less capitalized labor for plant under construction and switch replacements. Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Revenues increased 7.9% to $1,053,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from $976,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 due to new services, one-time equipment revenues and system upgrades. EBITDA from operations 1 decreased 16.8% to $242,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from $291,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 due to the increase in revenues discussed above partially offset by less capitalized labor for plant under construction and switch replacements. _______________ 1 A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure is provided at the end of this press release. Expand Other Highlights Capital expenditures were $45,000 and $164,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2025, and 2024, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company acquired 725 of its shares at an average price of $1,690 per share. As of June 30, 2025, CIBL has 11,541 shares outstanding. Since its spin-off from LICT Corporation in 2007, CIBL has repurchased 15,325 of its shares for $21.8 million, or an average price of $1,420 per share. CIBL's Board of Directors continues to evaluate a broad range of strategic alternatives for the company to create shareholder value. About CIBL, Inc. CIBL is a holding company with interests in broadband operations. CIBL's operations consist of Bretton Woods Telephone Company and World Surfer, Inc. providers of broadband and communication services in Northern New Hampshire. CIBL is listed on OTC Pink® under the symbol CIBY and information can be obtained on our website: Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements To the extent this release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, it should be recognized that such information is based upon assumptions, projections and forecasts, including without limitation business conditions and financial markets, and the cautionary statements set forth in documents filed by CIBL on its website, Thus, such information is subject to uncertainties, risks and inaccuracies, which could be material, and there can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate. CIBL Inc. and Subsidiaries Attachment B Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (USD in thousands, except share data) December 31, 2024 (Audited) June 30, 2024 Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,594 $ 2,341 $ 1,348 Investments in United States Treasury Bills 16,550 16,598 18,841 Investment in available for sale equity securities 44 294 279 Investment in equity method limited partnership 1,706 1,645 1,595 Accounts receivable 253 284 221 Prepaid expenses 94 192 71 Materials and supplies 59 59 59 Income taxes receivable 37 - 43 Total current assets 20,337 21,413 22,457 Telecommunications, property, plant and equipment, net 907 958 771 Goodwill 337 337 337 Other intangibles, net 25 30 35 Other investments 1,708 1,636 700 Deferred income taxes 34 39 50 Other assets 59 59 71 Total assets $ 23,407 $ 24,472 $ 24,421 Liabilities Current liabilities Income taxes payable $ -- $ 14 $ -- Trade accounts payable and accrued expenses 142 138 124 Accrued liabilities 353 284 381 Total current liabilities 495 436 505 Other liabilities 46 46 59 Total liabilities 541 482 564 Equity Common stock, par value $.01, 30,000 shares authorized; 26,865, 26,865 and 26,415 issued; and 11,541, 12,266 and 12,399 outstanding -- -- -- Contributed capital 7,112 7,112 6,212 Retained earnings 37,545 37,416 37,147 Treasury stock, 15,325; 14,600; and 14,017 shares at cost (21,791 ) (20,538 ) (19,502 ) Total equity 22,866 23,990 23,857 Total liabilities and equity $ 23,407 $ 24,472 $ 24,421 Expand CIBL Inc. and Subsidiaries Attachment C EBTIDA Reconciliation (Unaudited) (USD in thousands, except share data) The following table is a reconciliation of EBITDA from operations to Net income (loss): Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net income (loss) $ 65 $ (65 ) $ 129 $ (126 ) Adjustments: Interest income (185 ) (266 ) (377 ) (521 ) Income tax expense (benefit) 20 (31 ) 34 (46 ) Depreciation and amortization 52 34 100 65 Total adjustments (113 ) (263 ) (243 ) (502 ) EBITDA (48 ) (328 ) (114 ) (628 ) Corporate office expenses 273 280 509 523 Equity in earnings of affiliated companies (107 ) 127 (133 ) 283 Unrealized and realized losses on available for sale equity securities - 71 (20 ) 113 EBITDA from operations $ 118 $ 150 $ 242 $ 291 Expand