Stephen Donnelly & Associates (SD&A) joined ISRI in September. The Binghamton, N.Y., company is a full-service marketing, consulting, and communications firm. Services include public relations and reputation management, web design and development, graphic design, photography and videography, social media, digital marketing and advertising, and grassroots outreach. SD&A employs 20 people across New York.
SD&A President Stephen Donnelly answered questions provided by Scrap News to help introduce his firm to other ISRI members.
Can you tell us a bit about your firm’s history?
I founded the firm at the age of 22, working as a marketing gun for hire, so to speak. Over the course of the agency’s 20-year history, I have worked with thousands of clients across the United States and internationally, including AT&T, Tioga Downs Casino Resort, and CoreLife Eatery. I’ve grown a team of subject matter experts, which has allowed me to bring all services in house.
One of my very first consulting clients, Adam Weitsman, has relied on SD&A as a full-service marketing department for nearly two decades. In that time, SD&A has helped [Weitsman’s company] Upstate Shredding eliminate mass media spending and skyrocket from modest revenue numbers to over $1 billion in annual sales. SD&A has also publicized Weitsman’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy, building his credibility as an investor in the local community. Today, he is a well-known entrepreneur, philanthropist, and influencer in upstate New York and nationally.
Has your company been recognized with awards from within or outside the recycling industry?
SD&A is a certified Minority Business Enterprise and has been recognized by Central New York Business Journal as one of the largest advertising, marketing, and PR firms in the state.
What kinds of programs/projects do you have to give back to your communities?
SD&A frequently sponsors local sports teams and contributes to many charitable causes in our community, from backpack drives to purchasing holiday gifts for families in need. We also take on several non-profit clients, discounting our services for those organizations.
How did you hear about ISRI?
We heard about ISRI through working with multiple clients in the recycling industry.
What do you hope to get out of your membership?
As subject matter experts in the field, we hope to be promoted as a resource to businesses looking to grow with the help of marketing and public relations services. Within industries like recycling and manufacturing, we often experience success with grassroots outreach, using LinkedIn and email outreach to establish one-to-one connections with prospects on behalf of our clients.
If others want to do business with you, who’s the person(s) to contact?
Contact me, Stephen Donnelly: sd@sdamktg.com or (719) 337-8238.
Photos courtesy of Stephen Donnelly & Associates. Main photo caption: Stephen Donelly and his client Adam Weitsman. Body photo caption: An SD&A photographer sets up a shot of a magnet at a recycling facility.
