YOUR GUIDE TO GROWTH

Strategic Options partners with emerging businesses to build the customer-centric marketing infrastructure needed for lasting revenue growth and scale.

We have been trusted by our clients to guide their journey toward exceptional customer engagement—from acquisition to UX and monetization.

With our seasoned, industry-specific expertise and effective problem-solving skills, we can equip you with the roadmap, the relationships, and the assurance to act boldly and strategically where it matters most to your customers. We also work by your side to measure your outcomes and transcend any setbacks along the way.

Our clients benefit from our advisory approach in many ways, including:

ENGAGEMENT PROCESS

STEP 1
EXPLORATION

We’ll work closely with you to determine exactly what you want to accomplish and evaluate the best way to get there. We’ll agree on expectations and success metrics.

STEP 2
DEFINITION

We’ll outline your business problem, timelines, and the estimated budget. We’ll finalize everything in writing with your input and approval.

STEP 3
EXECUTION

From day one, we’ll ensure that your project is tracking according to plan, with milestones and checkpoints to keep everyone accountable. We’ll use data to drive our decisions.

STEP 4
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

We’ll provide final deliverables and any additional findings and action plans. We’ll ensure knowledge transfer to your in-house team to institutionalize the value created by the engagement.

MEET MARC

WHO

Building on a robust background in consumer packaged goods and e-commerce, Marc Wheeler, our Managing Partner, founded Strategic Options in 2008 to help emerging, high-growth businesses create better, more valuable experiences for their customers. With 20+ years of experience, Marc has a track record of developing meaningful, actionable strategies that deliver sustainable revenue.

WHAT

Marc is a specialist in direct-to-consumer and B2B2C distribution, acquisition, and monetization strategies, particularly in the evolving insurance technology, or “insurtech,” space. He has led transformational marketing initiatives for national brands like SelectQuote, NetQuote, and OneAmerica and steered the build-out of eBureau’s industry-recognized insurance-scoring model. Marc advises companies such as Covered, Presidio Interactive, and Cinch Financial, and serves as a subject matter expert through Alpha Insights, GuidePoint, and Third Bridge, providing VC and PE investors with D2C distribution insights for the Life, P&C, and Medicare product categories. He serves as a mentor for accelerator programs such as Techstars (MetLife Digital Accelerator), Plug and Play, and Global Insurance Accelerator. As co-founder of InsurTech Denver, Marc is also an active contributor and organizer within the Colorado insurtech community. He’s been a featured speaker at marketing and insurance industry events nationwide, including LeadsCon, Insurtech Connect, and Lead Generation World.

HOW

As a results-driven advisor, Marc works with clients on a project or interim basis to define strategies and develop tactical implementation plans across the customer journey. As a reliable extension of a business’s leadership team, Marc uses a proven engagement process to ensure ongoing transparency and accountability, so that clients know exactly where things stand. As needed, he leverages his extensive professional network to help clients make connections and source additional talent or expertise.

Typical engagements focus on:

● customer acquisition optimization
● cross-functional integration
● identification of interdependencies
● enablement of data-based decision making
● customer segmentation
● call center operations
● data capture/analytics
● performance marketing channel management (e.g. social, mobile, video, search engine marketing, SEO, content marketing, nurture campaigns, email, automation programs, radio, DRTV)
● strategic B2B2C partnerships and programs

CLIENTS VALUE OUR GUIDANCE

“Marc’s expertise in the insurance lead generation marketplace is superb. Having worked with Marc for some time, I’ve grown to trust his advice, and I’ve learned that it’s in my best interest to take a close look at the opportunities he presents. He is current on the latest industry trends and offers cutting edge solutions for the unique challenges of the current marketplace.”

Kris Bielefeldt, Helmsman Agency Leader, AVP & Manager, Choice Partnerships at Liberty Mutual Insurance

“Marc provided a sounding board in building out the Soda Pup business.  He challenged ideas and confirmed strategies. I appreciate his insights on customer acquisition and experience in building an emerging business.”

Adam Baker, Founder and CEO, SodaPup, reimagining chew toys for dogs

“Marc is a friend, former teammate and valued ad hoc advisor to Leota. He is a sounding board and through his network in the investment community provided introductions domestically and international as we pursued financing for the company.  His continued support as we build the business is invaluable.”

Sarah Carson, Founder and CEO, Leota woman’s fashion for everyday living

“Marc, we appreciate your continued support of Plug&Play.  Since 2017 you have provided support and guidance in working with start-up companies across the insurtech sector. Your weekly commitment and on-site visits in working with the various teams were invaluable. We look forward to your continued involvement with Plug&Play.”

Liz Kukka, Head of Operations & Programs, InsurTech Plug&Play

It’s hard to believe, but we’re close to finalizing our 2019 class for the MetLife Digital Accelerator powered by Techstars. You were an awesome mentor last year, and I would absolutely love to have you mentor for our 2019 program.”

Mee-Jung Jang, Managing Director, Techstars/MetLife

“Innovating in a sector like life insurance is challenging but Marc’s advice on key aspects of our strategy – including on product design, go-to-market strategy, and customer acquisition tactics – has greatly accelerated our efforts. I feel fortunate to consider Marc a valued advisor, insightful mentor and fierce ally in our ultimate pursuit of bringing a new level of value to the people we seek to serve.”

Jake Tamarkin, CEO, everyday life

“Marc has been player in insurtech since we first crossed paths in our respective roles at NetQuote and Insureme. He has an established reputation in the insurance arena providing insights to companies and as a resource in building customer acquisition programs and strategic partnerships.”

Lou Geremia, Chief Revenue Officer, Bold Penguin making commercial insurance profitable

“Marc, thank you for your business development support. Through your efforts, we were able to expand our reach with carriers and accelerate Notion’s penetration into the P&C carrier market. In addition, I want to personally thank you for sharing your insights on the industry and helping me get up to speed in understanding the nuances of the insurance industry.”

Matt Duncan, Partner Program Manager, Notion

Our Clients

Insurance | Consumer | Advisory

CONTACT US

Whether you’re ready to get started or you’d simply like to learn more about Strategic Options, don’t hesitate to reach out.