As cThru Media celebrates its 10th anniversary, we sat down with our founder for an honest reflection on how the agency has evolved, what he’s most proud of, and where the next decade is headed.
How cThru Media Has Evolved Over the Years
From day one, the vision for cThru has been simple: stay grounded in what works while remaining agile enough to stay ahead of the industry.
“We’ve always focused on fundamentals and kept a pulse on what’s emerging,” he shared. “There are plenty of bright, shiny objects in marketing, but we’ve remained committed to sound digital advertising practices, meaningful one-on-one client relationships, and being a trusted partner.”
That balance, innovation without distraction, still defines the agency today.
A Founder’s Perspective on Achievement
When asked about a single achievement he’s most proud of, the answer wasn’t an award or a campaign; it was something far more foundational.
“The achievement is still being in business. Most companies don’t make it past the first year. The fact that we’re still here, still growing, still serving clients is something I don’t take lightly.”
He also reflected on the global moment that tested every organization: COVID-19.
“Everything shifted. The world changed. Navigating that period for our agency and helping our clients navigate it, too, felt like an accomplishment. It pushed us to evolve, adapt, and support in ways none of us expected.”
In the years since, cThru Media has celebrated meaningful milestones that reflect our growth, values, and commitment to purposeful work, including taking home our first Sandies Award in 2025 for the results we create through collaboration and creativity.
Our partnership with Scatena Daniels Communications has expanded our storytelling reach and deepened our media expertise—
—while new client relationships and continued work with longtime partners have strengthened our mission to deliver thoughtful, purpose-driven campaigns. We also hosted our inaugural Time Well Spent event in 2023, which gathered local creatives and marketers for an evening of connection and inspiration.
In 2022, purchasing our first office building in Chula Vista enabled us to invest even further in the community, from creating a vibrant mural that reflects our passion for higher education in the South Bay to establishing a welcoming home base for our work.
Building a Culture That’s Earned, Not Forced
Team culture at cThru isn’t manufactured; it’s earned. It’s the product of years of trust, shared expectations, and consistently showing up for one another.
“You can’t force culture. It develops through trust and action over time,” he explained. “You learn your team has your back. You know they won’t drop the ball, and you trust them to represent the brand the way you would.”
That trust runs both ways. Investing in the people behind the work remains a core priority.
“Culture grows when you invest in the human element. I don’t own my team; I want them to thrive in their profession, live their lives, enjoy their families, and pursue what makes them feel fulfilled.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of cThru Media
For cThru, growth means staying committed to what works while thoughtfully embracing the tools that move the industry forward.
“We’ll continue supporting our long-term clients and finding new ways to help them innovate, become more efficient, and strengthen their communications.”
Artificial intelligence is one area we see playing a meaningful role in the agency’s future, with intention, not hype.
“As we go deeper into AI, the challenge will be leveraging the technology without getting distracted by it. For us, AI isn’t about novelty; it’s about solving problems. We generate leads. We build brands. And as long as we stay rooted in sound marketing channels and remain a true resource to our clients, we’ll continue to thrive.”
With Much Gratitude
Ten years in, cThru Media stands exactly where it started: client-first, transparent, and committed to work that moves people forward. But now, it stands taller, with a stronger team, deeper relationships, and a clearer lens on what’s possible.
