Colin Rowe, currently the Chief Marketing Officer at Arthron INC., a medical supply company in Franklin, Tennessee, has quickly become a notable figure in the social media marketing. With his experience managing digital content and social advertising for various prominent brands, Colin shares valuable insights into his journey. He offers advice for social media managers at any stage in their careers. Colin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Analysis and Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, graduating in 2016.
Interview with Colin Rowe
How do you define success, and how long did it take you to find it?
When I graduated college, I didn’t have a clear career path laid out in front of me. It’s rare to graduate with everything figured out, which was certainly the case for me. I was still trying to find my way. My first job was actually in the customer service industry at Mr. Roof. At the time, I wasn’t sure where this role would take me, but looking back, it was the perfect starting point.
Working in customer service taught me invaluable skills—problem-solving, communication, and staying calm under pressure. These skills have carried over into every role I’ve had since. But it wasn’t until I transitioned into marketing that I found my passion. I discovered that marketing allowed me to blend creativity with strategy, and that’s where I truly thrived. Success wasn’t an overnight discovery for me—it took time and multiple experiences in different fields to really understand where my passion lay. When you love what you do and you don’t feel like you’re working, that’s how I define success.
What are the qualities of a good entrepreneur?
A successful entrepreneur must keep up with industry trends. Marketing, especially digital marketing, changes quickly. What works today might not work in six months. I stay updated by reading reports, attending webinars, and talking with other professionals. Staying informed is key to staying competitive because it helps you anticipate changes and adapt before others. This is what separates great entrepreneurs from the rest.
Another important trait is leadership. Having a great idea is not enough; you need to lead a team to make it a reality. I used to try to do everything myself, thinking no one could do things as well as I could. But that slowed down my growth.
I realized the importance of leadership and delegating tasks. I improved my team’s skills and boosted our productivity by teaching and guiding my team. Delegating allowed me to focus on bigger tasks, making my team more confident and effective. This helped us achieve better results together.
What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning of your journey?
When I started at Festisia, one of my main goals was to form partnerships that would help boost the company’s brand in the entertainment industry. I quickly found out that building these connections wasn’t as easy as I expected. The biggest challenge was earning the trust of well-known industry leaders. Since Festisia was still growing, I had to show that we were a reliable and valuable partner. Many bigger brands already had strong relationships with other companies, so breaking into those networks took time, persistence, and patience. But I learned valuable lessons in resilience and realized that successful partnerships are about finding ways for both sides to benefit, not just pushing for our own advantage.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited about how video is changing marketing. Video is now a great way for brands to share their stories. The best part is that short videos on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts make it easier for brands to connect with people in a real and fun way. These platforms focus on creativity and let companies show who they really are without fancy production. Today, people want to see something authentic, and video makes that possible.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to find a mentor early. A mentor can be really helpful when starting your career. I was lucky to find one later, and it made a huge difference. Having someone who has been through what you’re going through can give you advice and ideas you might not think of. They can help you avoid mistakes and give support when things feel tough. For me, understanding the industry became easier with someone to guide me. A mentor can help you meet new people, boost your confidence, and push you to try new things.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
What excites me the most is how much easier video editing has become. Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro can now handle tasks like adjusting colors, mixing sound, and adding visual effects automatically—things that used to take a lot of time. Plus, apps like Canva and mobile editing tools let marketers quickly create high-quality videos, which is really important in today’s video-focused world.
By automating the “boring” tasks, marketers can focus more on being creative—coming up with ideas and creating stories that connect with people.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
What really helps me unwind is going to music festivals. I love music, and festivals let me take a break from work stress. Being around others who love music is exciting and inspiring. Plus, I get to travel and explore new places, which is refreshing. It recharges me and gives me fresh ideas. Afterward, I come back to work feeling more focused and motivated. Music festivals remind me that taking time for myself helps me stay productive and balanced in the long run. It’s not just a break—it’s a way to reconnect with my creativity.
Key Takeaways
Since 2024, Colin Rowe has served as the Social and Marketing Manager at Arthron INC. in Franklin, Tennessee. He handles all the medical supply company’s digital content and social advertising. In addition to his marketing expertise, Colin enjoys making music videos and collaborating with local artists in the Franklin area. He’s consistently building his portfolio with engaging content that drives results for both his clients and the brands he works with.
With creative vision and analytical skills, Colin is poised to continue impacting the marketing world. His advice for young marketers and entrepreneurs is clear—stay curious, be patient, and never stop learning.