Meet Marco Argote | Creative Director, Social Media

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

Hi Marco, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson that my career in social media and marketing has taught me is the value of building strong relationships with clients and collaborators. In order to create successful campaigns and grow social media accounts, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of the client’s goals and values, and to work closely with them to develop strategies that align with their vision.

Additionally, collaborating with other businesses, influencers, and creatives can be incredibly valuable in terms of reaching new audiences and expanding your reach. By nuturing these relationships and prioritizing clear communication and mutual respect, I’ve been able to achieve some of my greatest successes and build a network of trusted partners and friends in the industry.

From small startup businesses to elected officials, and even working with influencers that have a following of over 2M, you must always prioritize building genuine relationships and collaborating effectively in order to achieve success in this field.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a creative director for Downtown Pomona, I am most excited about my upcoming project, Redlands Public Market (RPM), an upcoming food hall that will feature several bars and eateries in Redlands coming in 2024. I am assisting with the development of concepts and marketing from the ground up. Additionally, I am continuing to grow and build @DowntownPomona through local partnerships, events, and influencer collaborations. I am particularly excited for our Annual Day of the Dead festival, “Downtown Hasta la Muerte,” coming to Downtown Pomona Second Saturday in November, and hosting our end-of-the-year “Pomona Christmas Parade,” which will feature a very special Grand Marshal.

As a creative director during the pandemic, I faced many challenges. Not only did I transition to this role weeks before the closures, but one of the biggest obstacles was the cancellation of events and the need to shift to virtual platforms. It was difficult to create engaging and innovative campaigns that could reach people through digital channels. Additionally, the pandemic created financial strain on many businesses, which impacted the downtown Pomona community as a whole. As a creative director, I had to find ways to support local businesses and maintain community engagement despite the limitations. However, through perseverance and innovation, we were able to adapt and create successful virtual events that brought the community together during a difficult time. Overall, the pandemic taught me the importance of flexibility and resilience as a creative professional.

I have learned to understand my audience, by spending time in the community to understand the culture, lifestyle, and preferences of the people who live and work in Downtown Pomona. To embrace diversity in my creative work, considering the needs and interests of different groups, including minorities, young people, families, and seniors. Being innovative is also important, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the table and being willing to experiment with new marketing strategies, technologies, and approaches.

What sets me apart from others is my passion for serving my community and making a positive impact through my creative work. I want the world to know that it hasn’t been easy, but developing concepts, events, and being able to serve my community is truly rewarding. Pursuing a creative career can be tough, especially with the stigma that sometimes comes with it. However, I want to remind others that as creatives, we bring color and beauty to the world. We see things differently and have a unique perspective that can help solve problems and inspire others. Don’t let negative stereotypes hold you back from pursuing your passion. Embrace your creativity and let it guide you towards a fulfilling career. The world needs your creativity now more than ever.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area, I would make sure she is here on the second week of the month and definitely take them to Downtown Pomona. It’s a vibrant and diverse community with plenty of things to do and see.

Day 1:

* Brunch at El Jefe Restaurant for some delicious Mexican cuisine
* Visit the Pomona Arts Colony for some art galleries , unique shops and boutiques
* Grab a drink at dba256, a speakeasy-style wine and beer bar
* Catch a show at The Glass House, a popular music venue

Day 2:
* Lunch at the OG Pomona Fish Market, it has an iconic historic marquee
* Check out the Antique Row for some unique vintage finds
* Show the amazing work of Millard sheets from Home Savings architecture, murals, to the fountains on second street.
* Dinner at the Rookery Ale House for a delicious burger or philly cheese steak

Day 3:
* Take a hike at the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park
* Lunch at the downtown Pomona’s most popular pho’ joint, Pho’ Vina
* Visit the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum for some racing history

Day 4:
* Brunch at the Rookery Ale House, serving lunch and dinner
* Explore the Art Walk for some live performances and art exhibits must be on a Second Saturday.
* Visit the Latino Art Museum for some amazing Latino art and culture
* Dinner at The Whisper House, in Claremont speakeasy-style bar with craft cocktails and pub grub

Day 5 CHILL DAY:
* Visit the Pomona College Museum of Art for some amazing exhibitions and collections
* Relax and hang out at Shaun Diamond Plaza, might being some canvases to paint.

Day 6:
* Take a trip to the nearby Claremont Village for some shopping and dining
* Visit the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden for a peaceful nature walk
* Grab some delicious food at Dr. Grubbs Cozy a health-conscious eatery serving up chicken, shrimp & salmon with a selection of sauces & sides.

Day 7:
* Pack up for home
* Grab lunch at el Merendero in Downtown Pomona, it’ll taste close to Abuela’s cooking.
These are just a few of the many options available in Downtown Pomona and nearby areas. From delicious food to unique shopping, art, and entertainment, there’s always something new and exciting to explore in this vibrant community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the Tessier family, founders of The School of Arts and Enterprise (SAE) charter school in Downtown Pomona. As a teen, I was struggling with bullying in public school and felt like I didn’t fit in anywhere. But the SAE changed all of that for me. It gave me the confidence and strength I needed to succeed, and I was fortunate enough to work with my mentor, Tricia Manzo, on the recruitment team to help bring more students into the school. That experience led me to manage the school’s social media and website, and eventually, to a career in content creation and promotions.

But I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and love of my Abuela (Ma. Patrocinio Perez Medrano). She was there for me during some of the darkest times of my life and encouraged me to pursue my passions. My family to them and the Tessier family, I had the opportunity to return to Downtown Pomona and work at Arteco Management, where I was interviewed by Ed Tessier, one of the founders of The SAE. It was a surreal experience, and I still chuckle at the fact that he handed me my high school diploma at The SAE. The Tessier family has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. Their continuous support and mentorship has brought me many opportunities to make a positive impact in my community, and I’m honored to currently serve as Creative Director for Downtown Pomona Owners Association.

Website: downtownpomona.org

Instagram: @mr.argote , @downtownpomona