URBAN MARKETING CORP OF AMERICA
Carl Washington and Damon Haley (www.urbanmca.com) held prestigious marketing positions at Reebok and Nike, respectively. However, they realized that they can make a bigger profit and a deeper impact on the urban community by starting their own firm. This convinced them to leave their jobs and start URBAN MARKETING CORPORATION OF AMERICA in 1999. Initially, Carl and Damon lacked the financial means to really get their company off the ground. Their circumstances improved after they completed their first assignment for the Reebok Millennium Celebration at the NBA All-Star Game. As a result, they were able to use part of the project’s earnings to create a direct mail system targeting Fortune 500 companies. To enhance their effectiveness, Carl and Damon also use social functions as a tool for helping large corporations reach the urban market. Over the years, UMCA has amassed reputable clients that include Nike, MTV, Warner Brothers and Nickelodeon.

MMI
Bill Rivera (www.minimailers.com) and his company MMI first appeared on Making It! in 1989. Since then, the direct mail company has expanded its staff to 150 employees. Bill’s success can be attributed to his ability to provide added value to the clients he serves. He does this by using technology to create growth opportunities for his business. He believes he will be able to increase the response rate from 3% to an impressive 300% with the help of digital capability and one-to-one marketing. In addition, MMI participates in a significant portion of the pre-mailing process and is now considered to be a semi-partner of the United States Postal Service. Currently, Bill is working to expand his company by opening a third facility that specializes in digital color printing.