Question 1

What is Urban Umbrella?

Accepted Answer

Urban Umbrella is a Portland, Oregon-based digital marketing agency that builds complete marketing infrastructure for small and mid-size businesses. We work across lead generation, SEO, AI-powered follow-up, video production, and web design. The difference between Urban Umbrella and most agencies is that we do not hand you one piece of the puzzle. We build the whole thing and make sure every part works together.

Question 2

Who founded Urban Umbrella?

Accepted Answer

Urban Umbrella was founded by Michael Franz. Michael co-conceived and executed the first three-page cover in TIME magazine's 91-year history, shot from the top of One World Trade Center in 2014. He is also an Emmy Award winning executive producer for digital innovation. He started Urban Umbrella because extraordinary businesses deserve marketing that matches what they have built.

Question 3

Where is Urban Umbrella based and do you work with clients outside Portland?

Accepted Answer

We are based in Portland, Oregon. We work with clients across the United States and internationally. We have active client relationships in Alaska, across the Pacific Northwest, and in multiple other states. Location has never been a constraint. Great marketing does not require being in the same room.

Question 4

What industries do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Our primary vertical is Alaska outdoor and experience economy operators -- whale watching companies, bareboat charter operators, fishing guides, shore excursion companies, and wilderness lodges. We also work with local service businesses including contractors, real estate professionals, attorneys, and veterinarians. The common thread is a business owner who is great at what they do and whose marketing has not kept pace with the quality of their operation.

Question 5

What size businesses do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Small to mid-size businesses. Typically owner-operated or founder-led companies generating between $300,000 and $5,000,000 in annual revenue who are ready to invest seriously in marketing infrastructure. We are not the right fit for solo freelancers or enterprise corporations.

Question 6

How many clients do you work with at one time?

Accepted Answer

Urban Umbrella works with a select group of clients at any given time. Every engagement is led personally by Michael Franz. We do not hand accounts off to junior team members after onboarding. That intentional capacity is what allows us to deliver the depth of attention each client's business deserves.

Question 7

What makes Urban Umbrella different from other marketing agencies?

Accepted Answer

Three things. First, we build systems rather than delivering isolated services. A great website with no traffic strategy does not move revenue. A lead generation campaign with no follow-up infrastructure leaks money. We build every piece to work together. Second, every engagement is led by a founder with documented results at the highest level of creative production. Third, we only get paid for SEO when your keywords actually rank. That alignment of incentives does not exist at most agencies.

Question 8

What does "We build the whole thing" mean?

Accepted Answer

Most agencies specialize in one service -- they build your website, or they run your ads, or they handle your social media. Each vendor does their part and hands it off. The result is a collection of disconnected pieces that never quite add up to a system. Urban Umbrella builds the complete marketing infrastructure: the website, the traffic, the lead capture, the follow-up, and the content. Everything connected, everything measured, everything working toward the same goal.

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