Hi, I'm Luke.
I help local business owners grow through marketing strategies that actually work—no fluff, no guesswork, just data-driven results.
How I Got Here
I'm the founder of Blue Heron, a marketing consultancy based in Kansas City. I hold a bachelor's degree in PR/Marketing from Middle Tennessee State University and a master's in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Kansas.
But here's what matters more than the degrees: I've spent over a decade in the trenches of digital marketing—building campaigns, analyzing data, and learning what actually drives results for local businesses.
Before starting Blue Heron, I founded SeniorLivingPROS, a marketing automation company, and served as Director of Sales for over four years. I've also held leadership roles at Pivotal Health Care and Grand Digital, where I developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies for businesses across the Midwest.
Through all of this work, I discovered something important: I get the most satisfaction from creating strategies for local business owners and watching those strategies lead to real, measurable success.
That's why I started Blue Heron—to work directly with local businesses who want to grow but are tired of wasting money on marketing that doesn't deliver.
How I Work Differently
Every Business Is Different
Most agencies sell one-size-fits-all SEO packages or generic ad campaigns. I don't work that way. A chiropractor's marketing needs are completely different from an HVAC company's. Different search intent. Different customer journey. Different conversion points.
Every proposal I create is built specifically for your industry, your market, and your goals.
It's Not Just About More Leads
Here's what I've learned: most business owners say they want more leads. And they do. But what they really need is more leads plus a system to sustain and nurture those leads into paying customers. That's where most marketing fails.
I build both—the lead generation and the framework to convert those leads into customers.
No Fluff. Just Results.
"People don't buy the best products. They buy the products they can understand the fastest." — Donald Miller, StoryBrand
I love this quote because it captures how I approach marketing. I don't build fluff. I don't rely on feelings about business growth. I rely on data. My job is to cut through the noise, identify what actually drives results for your business, and execute strategies that get you there.
The Biggest Mistake Local Businesses Make
I see it all the time: a local business owner hires a large, generic marketing agency, pays $3,000+ for a website, and expects it to magically bring in more business.
It doesn't work that way.
A website is just a tool. It needs strategy behind it—SEO to drive traffic, content that converts visitors, and a system to capture and follow up with leads.
Without that foundation, you're just burning money.
That's exactly what I help businesses avoid. We build marketing that works as a complete system, not isolated tactics.
What Working With Me Looks Like
Hands-On Partnership
I'm very hands-on with every client. Whether I'm building your Google Ads campaign, developing your SEO strategy, or serving as your fractional CMO, I'm in the details with you.
I don't hand your account off to a junior team member. I don't disappear after the initial strategy call. You work directly with me throughout the entire engagement.
Clear Goals, Measurable Results
Success looks like meeting the goals we set together—whether that's 20 new patient appointments per month, doubling your service calls, or building a predictable pipeline of qualified leads.
We establish clear KPIs from day one, track progress religiously, and adjust strategy based on what the data tells us.
Who I Work With
I work with local businesses across industries:
- Chiropractors and healthcare practices
- HVAC and home service companies
- Auto repair and automotive services
- Insurance agencies
- Senior living communities
- Professional services
If you're a service-based local business that wants to grow, we should talk.
Background
Education
Experience
Beyond Business
I live in Kansas City with my wife Bailey and our goldendoodle, Paddington.
When I'm not building marketing strategies, you'll find me maintaining my planted aquarium, golfing, or involved in my local church community.
I believe in building authentic relationships with clients—not just transactional business arrangements. Your success matters to me, and I treat your marketing budget like it's my own.
What Drives My Work
Transparency
No hidden fees. No confusing reports. You always know what I'm doing and why.
Results Over Activity
I don't bill for "busy work." I focus on activities that directly contribute to your growth.
Partnership
Your success is my success. I'm invested in your long-term growth, not just monthly retainers.