Journeys to Success: Karen Moore and The Moore Agency

Briefly describe your business and its mission

The Moore Agency is a globally top-ranked integrated communications agency headquartered in Tallahassee with market hubs in Miami, West Palm Beach, Denver, and New Orleans. It is one of the largest independently owned communication firms in the U.S. and is the oldest woman-owned agency in Florida, representing an impressive portfolio of clients that include state agencies, pharmaceutical companies, workforce development groups, economic development groups, nonprofits, healthcare advocate organizations, trade associations, and more. When it comes to our mission, we have a saying to “BRING Moore” every day.

• Be for the team and the rest will follow.
• Reach communities by doing good.
• Imagine the possibilities with passion.
• Never lose our winning spirit.
• Give clients our best.
  
  

Share the special journey The Moore Agency has experienced.

Back in 1992, I was working as a marketing director for Florida State University with a dream of one day going out on my own. While at work one morning, I had an epiphany that if I was going to do something different and follow my passions, I had to just do it and stop playing the waiting game. That same day, I began the Moore Agency. I was so unprepared with no marketing plan, no business plan, no office, no computer and no clients, I was told that my business would fail due to being too young and inexperienced. Within one week, I had six clients and my first office, which was a single-room cottage at Lake Ella in Tallahassee, FL. We just celebrated our 30th anniversary, the company has grown from one person to more than 50 team members across the country and our revenue has grown from $2,500 to more than $25 million. 
 

Share a leadership lesson you have used to assist in your organization’s success.

When it comes to strong organization success and leadership standards, my guiding principle has always been “Do the Right Thing.” Choosing to do the right thing will reward you tenfold. 
 

What advice do you have for others who are either starting or trying to grow their business?

It may never be the “perfect” time, but it will always be the right time to take a leap of faith and start your business. Stepping out into the world as a business owner and CEO was one of the scariest things I have ever done and also one of the most rewarding. Don’t wait for the “right time” to be great!