What does it really take when it comes to scaling service businesses with marketing? For Arielle Cohen, the answer is equal parts bold strategy, clear financial systems, and a mindset that says, “do whatever it takes.”
In this episode of Business Owners Tell All: What It Takes, host Jamie Seeker sits down with Arielle Cohen, the powerhouse founder and CEO of Marketing 411, based in South Florida. Her award-winning agency helps contractors and home service professionals build bold brands and smart systems that actually work.
If you’re a service-based entrepreneur ready to stop winging it and start scaling with purpose, this episode is packed with lessons you can apply today.
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🚀 From Setbacks to Scaling Success
Before she became known for scaling service businesses with marketing, Arielle faced her share of failed ventures. But those early setbacks built her resilience.
“Some of those ventures didn’t make it, and I used to feel shame about that. Now, I know they were just chapters in my story.”
Her big break came when she partnered with someone in the roofing industry and realized there was a massive demand for marketing services tailored to contractors. That was the moment Marketing 411 was born.
💸 Financial Mastery: The Secret to Scaling Service Businesses with Marketing
At first, Arielle admits she didn’t fully understand her numbers—a mistake most business owners make. But learning to manage cash flow, budgets, and profitability became the foundation of her growth.
“Most businesses only look at their numbers 12 times a year. We look 52 times. That’s 52 opportunities to make better decisions.”
By implementing weekly “Stoplight Reports” and proactive financial reviews, Arielle and her leadership team were able to make real-time adjustments and scale efficiently.
Her core advice:
“There’s no financial problem in your business that more sales can’t fix.”
👩💼 Leadership Lessons from the Trades
Arielle’s leadership journey reflects what many founders experience: learning to delegate and trust others.
“I was my biggest hurdle. I had to break old habits and stop solving everyone’s problems for them.”
She teaches her team the 10/80/10 Rule—give direction, let them own the process, and step in at the end to finalize. It’s a strategy any business owner can adopt to reclaim time and build confident teams.
💪 Women Leading in the Home Services Industry
In a traditionally male-dominated space, Arielle sees her identity as a strength, not a setback.
“I never saw being a woman as a disadvantage. I saw it as something that made me stand out.”
Her authenticity—tattoos, dreads, and all—has become part of her brand’s bold voice. It’s proof that real leadership starts with being real.
🧠 What It Takes: Arielle’s Mindset on Success
When asked what it truly takes to be a business owner, Arielle gave one of the most memorable answers we’ve heard yet.
“Whatever it takes. I have it tattooed on me. This is a you-versus-you game. You’re in a lifelong game of Monopoly, and you have to keep moving forward.”
Her words perfectly capture the spirit of entrepreneurship—tenacity, adaptability, and unstoppable drive.
🔗 Connect with Arielle Cohen
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Website: marketing411.com
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Instagram: @arielleceo
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Facebook: @arielleceo
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