Meet Jason Rutel | Founder of Creative Nomads

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

Hi Jason, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Before starting my own business, I worked for a comedian, serving in a jack-of-all-trades role. My responsibilities encompassed a wide range of creative and marketing tasks, allowing me to acquire diverse skills. These skills included negotiating with contractors, managing complex, long-term projects like theatrical releases, and quickly building trust and rapport with changing production teams.

During this period, my interest in marketing and sales grew. I realized the importance of tasks that contribute to business growth, which was a key interest for my boss. To enhance my knowledge, I devoted my one-hour commutes to listening to audiobooks on marketing and business development. I was particularly intrigued by sales strategies that focused on serving rather than being pushy.

One influential concept I learned was Donald Miller’s StoryBrand framework. Its simplicity and applicability were enlightening, and I began implementing this knowledge in my work with the comedian. This approach led to clearer communication and reduced confusion.

In 2019, I started exploring freelancing opportunities outside my regular job. As time was limited, I learned to delegate creative tasks, effectively becoming a creative broker. This role involved bridging the communication gap between clients and creatives. As a creative myself, I could understand and clearly convey the intricacies of creative projects to clients. I also communicated client goals back to creatives, emphasizing the need for creative work to align with business objectives.

Motivated by the desire to have an impact I could direct myself, I felt a calling to start my own business. While my previous role allowed me to help many through the company, it wasn’t something I owned. So, with growing knowledge and confidence in business and marketing, I took a leap of faith in the fall of 2019 and launched my business full-time. Initially, on my own, I gradually built a team, clarifying my role and the business’s direction along the way.

The direction of Creative Nomads has now been clarified in the people we serve. We focus on aiding nonprofit and mission organizations and empowering those who serve others. Our goal is to provide these organizations with digital legitimacy and develop online communications that enhance their visibility and donor relations. Consistent communication with donors is crucial; it fosters recurring donations and builds long-term trust. We’re passionate about making a difference in our community. By supporting organizations that make a difference, we indirectly empower transformation in the community and, ultimately, the world.

What should our readers know about your business?
Creative Nomads began with a vision to use our digital expertise to make a real difference, especially for non-profits. Our deep commitment to empowering these organizations sets us apart. We’re not just about creating websites or designing graphics; we’re about crafting digital experiences that resonate with our client’s missions and goals.

I’m particularly proud of how we’ve tailored our services to meet the unique needs of non-profits. We understand their challenges, like limited resources and the need for effective storytelling, and provide solutions that drive engagement and support.

Our work with organizations like Samaritan Aviation, the Assemblies of God World Missions, Avail Mission, school foundations, and community resource organizations exemplifies our impact. Whether supporting life-saving medical flights in Papua New Guinea, empowering global missions, or aiding local community development, each project is a story of contribution and passion.

The journey to where we are today has been filled with challenges, notably in client acquisition beyond word-of-mouth referrals. We’ve responded by enhancing our digital presence and focusing on local SEO. Adaptability in the evolving digital landscape and building a strong team have been crucial lessons. Each team member plays a vital role, from project management to development.

Another significant lesson is the power of building long-term relationships with clients. We view every project as a partnership, where our success is linked to the success of the organizations we serve.

I want the world to know that Creative Nomads isn’t just another digital services company. We are a team driven by a passion for making a difference, one project at a time. Our story is blending creativity, technology, and empathy to empower those doing good in the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have several favorite spots in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that I absolutely adore. At the top of my list is Hurtado Barbecue, known for its mouth-watering flavors, followed closely by 407 Barbecue, another gem for barbecue enthusiasts.

For a more varied experience, Grandscape in The Colony is a fantastic destination. It offers a diverse array of stores and experiences, making each visit unique. Another remarkable place is the Shops at Legacy West, which has an amazing ambiance, reminiscent of California.

The Dallas Zoo holds a special place in my heart, especially its impressively built African section. It’s a family favorite, and we’ve made countless memories there, thanks to our season pass.

Exploring DFW further, the Gaylord stands out as a fun hotel with its unique charm. For a casual yet exciting outing, Topgolf is my go-to spot for entertainment. And when it comes to dining, Gen BBQ near Carrollton is an unbeatable choice for amazing Korean BBQ.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our experiences and environments fundamentally shape us, a truth evident in my own journey. My transformation began in high school under the guidance of a youth pastor, Adam Altermatt, who recognized and nurtured my leadership potential. His influence was so profound that it even influenced my college selection.

In college, I was fortunate to have an exceptional professor who deeply understood the creative industry’s demands. He often imparted wisdom through memorable phrases like “be willing to murder your creative children” and “embrace the suck.” While seemingly harsh, these concepts were invaluable in balancing artistic passion with the pragmatic needs of business outcomes. They taught me an important lesson: while it’s easy to become attached to our creative works, they must ultimately align with the client’s business objectives and desired results.

Another significant influence in my life was Michael Jr., a comedian I had the privilege of working for. Michael wasn’t just a boss but became a lasting friend. His commitment to excellence profoundly impacted me. His decisions, often perplexing at first, always revealed their wisdom upon completing a project, elevating the quality of our work. A mantra we embraced in the office, which I still hold dear, is “how you do anything is how you do everything.” This philosophy applies universally, reflecting the character within us and in those around us.

This environment was not only about meeting high standards but also about personal growth and improvement. My natural inclination to explore and innovate was celebrated in my role, constantly driving me to evolve and enhance my skills. This continual learning and adaptation ethos has been a cornerstone of my professional and personal development.

Website: https://creativenomads.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecreative.nomads

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecreativenomads

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

Image Credits
All images were edited/created by Creative Nomads LLC