We build search-optimized websites that win with AI and voice assistants. 25 years helping local brands get found — and chosen.
Your business deserves to stand out locally, and we're here to make that happen. With our creative marketing and comprehensive coverage, we'll help you reach more customers and drive real results. Let's work together to unlock your full potential in your local markets!
How We Started Our Journey in Search
Rise Local’s story begins with a deep-rooted foundation in directional media and local advertising. From 2000 to 2009, our founders built their expertise while working at Yellow Pages and managing internet operations for Verizon and its spun-off media company. This decade of experience gave us unparalleled insights into the unique needs of local businesses and how to connect them effectively with their customers. It also instilled a passion for helping businesses thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Why We Focus on Helping Business Owners Succeed
Unlike many marketing agencies, Rise Local was built with the belief that family-owned and legacy brands deserve trust, loyalty, and personalized support. Mike, our founder, started his first business hauling hay at 13 for his Grandma's feed store in Hunt County. Later he began his directional media marketing career at 19, joining the Yellow Pages. This upbringing shaped our company’s mission: to empower owner-operators, professionals, and multi-location brands with the tools and honesty they need to succeed.
We’re not designed to service massive multi-state franchises—we’re here for the hardworking entrepreneurs who wear multiple hats and need a reliable partner who truly understands their challenges and ambitions. That’s why we focus on creating solutions that don’t just work but also save you time, allowing you to concentrate on running your business while we handle the technical side of websites and marketing.
The Birth of Rise Local
In 2015, Rise Local was launched as a key division of the Status26 brand with a clear mission: to help local business owners dominate their online marketing results. With offices and media studio spaces across Texas—including Dallas, Conroe, Palestine, Houston, and Southlake—Rise Local is one of the few marketing companies that has invested in maintaining a dedicated local presence. This commitment allows us to serve businesses throughout Texas with authenticity and hands-on support.
A Unique Approach to Marketing
At Rise Local, we know that marketing isn’t a one-and-done task—it’s an evolving process that requires constant attention and adaptation to stay ahead in today’s competitive local marketplace. Our team works tirelessly to help you achieve tangible results, whether your goals are increasing online visibility, generating qualified leads, or fine-tuning your marketing strategy.
What sets us apart is our roots in traditional media combined with our expertise in digital marketing. Unlike many competitors who outsource local services overseas, we handle everything in-house with our Texas-based team. This means you get solutions that are tailored, reliable, and personal.
We also understand that your time is limited. That’s why our end-to-end services—managing your domains, email, hosting, media production, and optimizing your local search presence—are designed to give you back hours in your day. With us, you can rest easy knowing that your marketing is not only effective but also handled seamlessly.
What Sets Us Apart?
Our unique combination of traditional and digital marketing expertise, local presence, and hands-on support sets us apart. We don’t just understand marketing; we understand your market. As locals ourselves, we craft solutions that resonate with your audience and deliver results.
Get Ready. Grow.
When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, Rise Local is here to help you compete, win, and grow. With expert services, personalized strategies, and a team committed to your success, we’ll help you build the next chapter of your business’s story—all while giving you back the time to focus on what matters most for your business.
Rise Local is a multi-generational family owned, and veteran owned local business. Providing local business bussiness owners with the guidance, tools, and resources they need to grow is not just our business, it's our life purpose and family's lasting legacy.
Mike Stewart is a 25+ year media and marketing pioneer in helping local and small business owners take advantage of the internet to put their business on the map. Today, he continues to stay on the cutting edge of new digital marketing trends to help his clients reach their goals.
John O’Grady has many years of operations experience in digital marketing helping small businesses succeed. Leading our team by providing the support and knowledge gained through years of technical mastery and advertising experience.
Joe is a skilled web developer and website host-master with a keen sense of how to blend design and strategy. Using his knowledge of on-page and off-page SEO gives our clients a huge lead in brand visibility.
Jonathan is well-versed and knowledgeable in the management and optimization of local listings. Keeping up with Google guidelines and the intricacies of citations is his wheelhouse. He also provides clients with content for websites.
Jingle is an expert website developer who builds new websites, revamps or rebuilds existing websites for our current clients, offers excellent customer support including website edits and updates, and assists in site developments.
Taylor is a highly skilled marketing specialist with a strong background in communication, writing, and marketing. With a passion for solving problems and an eye for detail, Taylor brings a unique perspective to any project.
Stephanie is responsible for handling clients’ social channels including creating graphics, sourcing media, tracking analytics, and creating a consistent posting schedule. She seeks creative ways to engage with the ideal customer on a brand’s social media accounts.
With a background in sales and customer service, working at Rise Local allows Sennen to do what he loves most, connect with people. Sennen provides support to his team and clients in need of service resolutions.
Kevin leads the advertising team for Rise Local’s clients since 2009. He and his team leverage paid ads and social to drive traffic to your website and brand that encourages sales growth. A well established industry paid media and advertising veteran, Kevin adds a resource to Rise Local that few agencies can replicate.
With a background in creative agency media and marketing campaigns, Ruben is a Video and Social Media Marketing Expert that will make your online presence shine. He is sure to have your audience loving your brand and oftentimes ROTFL. Ruben specializes in creative designs that fit into the social landscape and cultivates leads based on his contributions to your business and personal brands creative assets.
Mark creates engaging media for customers to reach more customers. He is a highly-skilled video editor and producer. From concept storyboard to final edited video and everything in between including customer voice talent and motion graphics, Mark has you covered. Mark celebrated his 5 year work anniversary this year.
"Rise Local transformed the online visibility of our event through their expert SEO marketing strategies. Their team crafted a targeted campaign that dramatically increased our event's search engine rankings, making it significantly easier for potential attendees to find us online.
The results spoke for themselves. Our event landing page quickly climbed to the first page of Google for our key search terms, driving a surge in organic traffic. What impressed us most was their understanding of event marketing dynamics – they knew exactly when to ramp up different aspects of the campaign to maximize attendance.
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