Meet Maria Rutkin | CEO at Rutkin Marketing & Fractional CMO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Rutkin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, what matters most to you?
The most important value to me is “Family First.” I love my family, and I put my family first. I am thankful for the minutes, hours, days, months, and years as the Mother-head of our pack. Mothering and Spouse-ing offer me opportunities for personal growth and joy as there is nothing in life that compares. That means appreciating the wonderment of their lives and being there when Ben and Leah need me, and carving out quality time together. Whether that is listening, talking, watching a movie, eating dinner, sitting by the pool, going for a walk, shopping, or taking vacations together – my heart focuses on the love and bond I have with each of them that winds around, over and through their lives and mine. This also means spending alone time with Ben where we sit, talk, share, connect, and encourage one another as we go through this road in our life journey together. This also means seeing my Mother and Grandmother, and finding time to call my siblings and extended family to check in and let them know I am thinking of them. Although it may feel overwhelming and worrisome at times, God’s unfailing peace and love strengthen and empower me, and the bond with each of them grows deeper.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Many business owners, CEOs and entrepreneurs waste time and money on marketing that often fails. This causes stress and frustration. What sets me apart from others is that I come in as a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Brand Strategist, guiding them along the way and showing them how to GET RESULTS with their marketing!

Rutkin Marketing is a full-service marketing agency specializing in lead generation, content marketing, and fractional CMO services. So when clients work with me, they get me as their CMO and a team of marketing pros to support all of their needs.

– 25+ years experience in B2B tech, SaaS, healthcare, cybersecurity, and professional service industries.
– CMO for multiple tech, healthcare, and SaaS companies. Built operations and got them through acquisitions.
– Started agency in 2015, representing 55+ B2B brands with a very different and better marketing approach to achieve results.
– Proven methodologies to increase sales meetings/demos to build pipeline for B2B companies.
– Certified experts in StoryBrand, PR, Google, Microsoft, and HubSpot.

How did I get to where I am today business-wise? Was it easy? If not, how did I overcome the challenges?

My journey in marketing spans over 25 years, with the last decade dedicated to running my own agency, Rutkin Marketing. It was not an easy path. I made a lot of sacrifices and worked hard to get where I am today.

I began my career in public relations and marketing communications roles that refined my strategic marketing, demand generation, and brand management skills. Working with companies like Kroll Ontrack and Datamyx (now Deluxe) provided me with invaluable experience in building marketing infrastructures from the ground up and aligning them with sales cycles across multiple sectors.

When I founded Rutkin Marketing in 2015, I faced the typical challenges of starting a new business—establishing credibility, acquiring clients, and managing growth. However, my extensive experience and a clear vision for delivering high-quality, results-driven marketing strategies helped me overcome these obstacles.

What are the lessons I’ve learned along the way?

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that success in marketing is built on a foundation of clear, compelling messaging and an understanding of customer needs. One of the most crucial lessons is the importance of investing in a solid marketing strategy. Many startups fail because they overlook this step, opting for short-term sales tactics over long-term brand building. Another key lesson is the value of adaptability. The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires continuous learning and agility. Moreover, building strong relationships with clients based on trust and delivering consistent results is essential for sustained success.

What do I want the world to know about me, my brand, and my story?

Rutkin Marketing is not just another marketing agency; it is a strategic partner committed to driving growth and delivering measurable results. My team and I specialize in lead generation, content marketing, and sales enablement, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. We take pride in our hands-on approach and our ability to create high-performance marketing strategies that close the gap between where businesses are and where they want to be. I want the world to know that my brand stands for excellence, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of success. We are dedicated to helping businesses thrive by providing the strategic insights and tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting South Florida, I would make sure they experienced the very best the area has to offer. Here’s a week-long itinerary showcasing my favorite spots to eat, drink, visit, and hang out.

Day 1-2: Delray Beach
• Morning: Start your visit with a relaxing morning at Delray Municipal Beach. This beautiful, pristine beach is perfect for a swim or just lounging under the sun.
• Afternoon: Head to Atlantic Avenue for some shopping and lunch at one of the many trendy restaurants. Don’t miss out on the local seafood specialties.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Grove, known for its farm-to-table cuisine, and then take a stroll through Pineapple Grove Arts District to explore galleries and street art.

Day 3: Fort Lauderdale
• Morning: Drive down to Fort Lauderdale and start your day with a visit to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for some kayaking and hiking.
• Afternoon: Spend time on the beautiful sand and clear waters of Fort Lauderdale Beach. Enjoy delicious coastal cuisine and sushi at S3 Restaurant (beachfront dining).
• Evening: Take a water taxi tour through the canals of Fort Lauderdale, often called the “Venice of America,” and then enjoy dinner at Coconuts, a popular waterfront seafood restaurant.

Day 4-5: Miami
• Morning: Head to Miami and start with a visit to South Beach. Enjoy the art deco architecture and vibrant beach scene.
• Afternoon: Visit Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum showcasing some of the world’s best-known street artists. Grab lunch at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar.
• Evening: Dine at Joe’s Stone Crab, a Miami institution, and then head to one of my favorite hot spots in Little Havana for some live music and dancing at Ball & Chain.

Morning (Day 5): Visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
• Afternoon: Visit Perez Art Museum and enjoy lunch at its scenic waterfront restaurant.
• Evening: Wrap up your Miami visit with dinner at the trendy KYU in Wynwood (great Asian-inspired cuisine).

Day 6-7: Key West
• Morning: Drive down to Key West, stopping at Bahia Honda State Park. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the Keys, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Afternoon: In Key West, visit the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum to learn about the famed author’s life. Then, take a stroll down Duval Street for some shopping and people-watching.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at Blue Heaven, known for its eclectic atmosphere and delicious Caribbean food. End the night at Mallory Square to catch the famous Key West sunset celebration (a must-see, absolutely stunning sunsets!).

Morning (Day 7): Start your day with breakfast at Cuban Coffee Queen for a taste of local flavor.
• Afternoon: Visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and take a leisurely bike ride around the island, stopping at landmarks like the Southernmost Point.
• Evening: For your final dinner, head to Louie’s Backyard for upscale dining with a stunning ocean view. Finish the night with drinks at Sloppy Joe’s, a historic bar with live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
What we think leads to the words that come out of our mouths. What we think and speak may be one of our most important habits because it determines the other habits in our lives. I would like to thank Joyce Meyers for changing my life. Her book “Change your Words Change Your Life” had a profound impact in helping me understand the power of every word I speak. To this day, I have made praising a part a daily part of my life. It centers me and helps me see where I need to grow and the courage to change the things I need to change in my life and in my work.

Website: https://rutkinmarketing.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rutkinmarketing

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariarutkin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MariaRutkin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rutkinmarketing