Darren Fox, Podcast Host

I’m an entrepreneur with 20+ years of marketing experience and I like to approach to business differently. I’ve been a keynote speaker on various marketing topics and enjoy being a guest on other podcasts. I was born and raised in the Chicago area but love exploring other areas. I met my wife at a high school volleyball game and we’ve been together ever since, we have one daughter that is just as crazy as me. We call Yorkville, IL home but imagine we live elsewhere during the winter.

Podcast Community

The podcast community is a close knit group. Besides hosting the Pitcher This! Podcast, I’m excited to share these other podcasts I’ve been invited on as a guest. Be sure to check them out for marketing insights and website advice with me, Darren Fox. I’m always open to conversations, let’s connect on LinkedIn.

Are you looking for a podcast guest? I'd love to.

Some Random Facts About Darren Fox

How long have you been working in marketing?

Let’s just say I am a really old man when it comes to digital marketing. I started getting into the industry in 2000. Digital marketing years are double that of dog years, they really do a number on you. Though I did go to college for design and marketing, a lot of what I picked up was self taught, trial and error learning. I started freelancing as a junior in high school. I learned to code HTML using Notepad with a dial up modem years before Google was even born. That should pretty much say it all. Being in marketing like I have has allowed me to learn from hundreds of other business owners and granted access to the ins and outs of their respective industries, crazy valuable insights.

When did you become an entrepreneur?

I decided to go off on my own in 2009. That is when I founded Idea Marketing Group. Definitely a tough year to start a business when so many were going out of business. I’ve also been a partner within other startups over the years as well as had a marketing seat as an advisor and within a board of directors role for multiple associations. From some odd reason, I’m drawn to the thrill of the ups and downs with new ventures.

Where is the heck Yorkville, IL?

I get that a lot. Usually I have to say the Aurora/Naperville area which triggers the aha moment. But if you are not from the Chicago area, then that still doesn’t mean anything. So… Yorkville is about an hour Southwest of Chicago. Luckily, we record the podcast over Zoom though I would love to someday do it in person.

What are your hobbies?

When I’m not staring at a screen, I love being outside. Eventually I will escape Illinois to a spot with better year round weather. My favorite activities are hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and trail riding (ATV and Dual Sport). I am a Honda guy all the way. #RideRed

Did you always want to be in marketing?

Nope. In high school, I was taking all wood working and drafting classes because I wanted to be an architect. It wasn’t until my senior year that I got exposed to graphic design and screen printing. I am still fascinated with architecture and slightly obsessed with tiny home floor plans on Instagram. In 2019/2020, I completely gutted and flipped a home myself (minus the drywall, plumbing and tile work, I really suck at that). Now I am itching for another project.

Interested in fluffy awards and accolades? Check out my personal website which is simply my name, Darren Fox.