Christopher Suchanek, CEO and co-founder of Firm Media, has over 25 years of marketing expertise, launching brands like Omniblend™ and MediLearn360™. He began in the entertainment industry with brands like Warner Bros. and MTV, contributing to a Grammy Award with Brainstorm Artists International. A Forbes™ author and Agency Council Member, Chris is an expert speaker on medical branding. He also co-founded Project Boon, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity, and manages CASKS Restaurant Group in Los Angeles. His leadership focuses on strategic vision and mentorship.
Christopher A. Suchánek, Entrepreneur
Chris, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your journey so far?
Absolutely! My career began in the entertainment industry, where I facilitated the release of over 35 albums internationally, even seeing a Grammy win. That was an amazing start, but eventually, I shifted my focus toward marketing, which led me to launch Firm Media in 2008, right at my kitchen table. We started with $2,000 and three clients just as the market was taking a downturn. Instead of closing the shop, we dug in and saw the opportunity. Sixteen years later, Firm Media is a national, award-winning marketing agency specializing in specialty medical practices like oral surgery, plastic surgery, and med spas.
That sounds like a remarkable journey. Was there a pivotal moment that brought you to where you are today?
There was one moment that really changed the way I approached work. I realized I wasn’t being paid for the hours I worked but for the value I provided in those hours. That shift in mindset separated me from the pack, as I focused on delivering value rather than just clocking time. It made me reevaluate how I approach challenges and opportunities in both my professional and personal life.
Can you tell us about Firm Media and how you help your clients?
Firm Media helps specialty medical practices grow their patient base and elevate their brand presence. We offer a wide range of services, from SEO, PPC, and social media marketing to award-winning web design, photography, and video production. What sets us apart is our systematized, results-driven approach, coupled with our own branded services like OmniBlend™ and MediLean360™. We tailor our strategies to help clients achieve long-term success and industry leadership.
What would you say sets Firm Media apart from other marketing agencies?
One of our key differentiators is the depth of our relationships with industry organizations like ASAPS, ASPS, and AAOMS, where we’re a preferred vendor. We’re also highly focused on market exclusivity and building long-term partnerships, not just vendor relationships. Another factor is our relentless focus on customer service. We make sure our account executives are not just delivering results but also nurturing the client relationship every step of the way.
You mentioned your career in entertainment and now success in marketing. What drives you to keep innovating and pushing boundaries?
I’m driven by the desire to show that marketing partnerships can be more than just transactional. There’s a passion I have for proving that, when done right, marketing can make a real difference in the lives of doctors and patients. It’s not just about lead generation; it’s about building trust and relationships that go beyond the numbers. I’m also deeply committed to emotional growth and healing, and that translates into my leadership style. Resilience, empathy, and innovation have become interconnected for me, and I think that’s what fuels my drive to push boundaries in both my personal and professional life.
That brings me to a more personal question. You seem deeply dedicated to balancing both emotional healing and professional passion. How has this shaped your leadership style?
That’s an interesting observation. I think, over time, I’ve come to recognize that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back it’s about growing through challenges. Balancing emotional healing with professional passion has definitely shaped my leadership style. I lead with empathy and try to foster a work environment where people can be their authentic selves. This isn’t just a marketing agency; it’s a place where people can grow, be challenged, and make a difference.
What advice would you give to someone starting their journey, whether in marketing or another industry?
My first piece of advice is to focus on delivering value, not just time or effort. When you shift your mindset to creating value, everything changes you start to innovate naturally and see opportunities others might miss. Second, invest in building relationships. Business is always about people, and the deeper those connections, the more successful you’ll be. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of emotional resilience. Challenges will come, but it’s how you grow from them that matters.
Speaking of growth, what’s next for you and Firm Media?
We’re always looking ahead. One of the most exciting upcoming projects is the launch of Ailm Atelier, a lifestyle magazine dedicated to the aesthetic and specialty medical fields. It will be a place not only for professional insights but also for sharing inspirational patient stories that highlight the transformative power of aesthetic medicine. Alongside Ailm Atelier, we’re developing the Ailm Practice Education Series, a video podcast that delivers practice-changing insights for aesthetic brands, med spas, and specialty medical practices. Together, they offer a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge, patient experiences, and industry innovation. Beyond that, we’re continually refining our digital marketing strategies, incorporating AI and data-driven tactics to stay ahead of the curve. The best is yet to come!
Finally, where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
In 10 years, I see Firm Media continuing to lead the industry but also evolving in ways that are hard to predict now. Personally, I hope to have expanded my role as a mentor and thought leader, not just in marketing but in leadership development. I’d also like to continue the work I do through Project Boon, helping communities in need. At the end of the day, it's about leaving a lasting, positive impact on everything I do.
That’s inspiring. Thank you, Chris, for sharing your insights and story with us today!
My pleasure! Thanks for having me.
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