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
Jaimie Pickles, GM of Insurance at Jornaya
“Marc leverages his knowledge and experience in the online insurance space with a strong network of partnering resources. His extensive network of contacts makes him an invaluable resource for industry insights and opportunities. Marc’s understanding of the insurance landscape combined with his marketing expertise gives him a unique perspective and ability to guide others in managing and growing their business. I value his insights and respect his recommendations.”
David Embry, President at Mylo
“In the early days of building Mylo, Marc was an extension of the team providing subject matter expertise in building out a direct to consumer distribution organization. His insights on customer acquisition, product development and call center implementation were helpful in guiding the development of the business.”
Bill Daniel, Chief Executive Officer at All Web Leads
“Marc combines a deep knowledge of the insurance lead generation market, strong relationships with carriers, and a high integrity approach to produce great results for All Web Leads.”
George Luecke, Vice-Chairman & Co-CEO at Global Bankers Insurance
“Marc was a member of the due-diligence team advising us on a potential acquisition of a US based lead gen company. Marc is an expert in all things lead gen. We valued his industry knowledge and insights in assessing the acquisition. “
Mickey Freeman, Chief Operating Officer at Covered Insurance
“We have had an extended relationship with Marc in growing the Covered business. He’s acted as a member of the management team in providing strategic direction, industry insights and day-to-day management of key initiatives. Marc has demonstrated an intimate knowledge in building out an emerging business, working across functions, rolling up his sleeves in guiding marketing, customer acquisition, data insights, and call center operations. We value his contributions in supporting the business.”
Jon Kelly, CEO & Founder at Kelly Klee Private Insurance and Founder at SureHits
“I worked with Marc in his former role at NetQuote and through his subsequent work in the industry. Marc has a thorough understanding of the online insurance lead gen business and intimate knowledge of the key players involved. He’s used his experience to build successful business partnerships and provide valuable insights to partners. I would highly recommend Marc to those who are interested in entering or expanding their presence in the space.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
