Directions Magazine (DM): What is your position in your company and what do you do there?
Brock Adam McCarty (BAM): I am part-owner of Apollo Mapping along with my colleague, Ms. Katie Nelson. As a small business owner, you are called upon to handle every aspect of running a company – from Web design, to sales, to accounting. I typically focus my efforts on sales, marketing and advertising, while Katie focuses on sales and accounting. On any given day, I spend at least half my day working with clients and the rest of my time is spent balancing the most pressing “other” needs.
DM: What accomplishments has your company achieved?
BAM: We are a successful, year-old company as of August 31, 2012, so I would consider this our biggest accomplishment in this recovering economy. We look forward to many more years serving the needs of our valued customers.
DM: What challenges do you face?
BAM: I would say our largest challenge as a small and relatively young company is deciding where to focus our limited advertising/marketing funds and product development efforts. In the early days of a business, these decisions can be crucial to future success, so as a team, Katie and I consider each of the steps we take carefully and constantly readjust our strategy to reflect current market trends.
DM: What was your career path to your current position?
BAM: After completing my master’s degree in geography at the University of Colorado, Boulder, I started my career as a customer service representative at DigitalGlobe and spent four years there. During that time, I held several positions and was a sales engineer when I departed to work for a small U.S. reseller. I spent three years with my new company and handled sales, marketing and advertising before Katie and I started Apollo Mapping.
DM: What would you like to be doing in your career in 10 years?
BAM: In 10 years, I would like to see Apollo Mapping maintain and grow its market position with Katie and myself continuing in leadership roles. I feel truly lucky to work in an industry I love – I mean, how great it is that we get to work with satellite imagery and GIS data over some of the most beautiful locations on the planet?
DM: What are your personal interests and hobbies?
BAM: Well, admittedly, running a company is like having two full-time jobs, which does not leave much time for “you.” When I do have spare time in my day, I enjoy walking my dog, pondering politics and sports, and then spending time on my yoga mat.