Rory Martin Seattle Web Design and Social Media

09/10/2026

WATCH FULL VID: https://youtu.be/i4fxR8D8Uec
What happens when a former salesperson teaches himself to code and builds an employee recognition platform used by companies like CBRE, Winnebago, and Allegiant Airlines?
In this episode of Hustle50, I sit down with my longtime friend Alex Grande, founder and CEO of Recognize. We go way back — Alex started out selling websites and marketing for me before he ever wrote a line of code. From there, he taught himself HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, worked on everything from Fortune 500 travel apps to a voting finder app built in six days for the 2012 Obama campaign, and eventually built Recognize — a positive reinforcement and employee recognition platform that's since won awards from G2 and GetApp.
We talk about:
Growing up with ADHD and finding his path outside the traditional college route
The "aha moment" that led to building an employee recognition app
How a scrappy browser extension hack got Recognize featured in Yammer's app store
The hard lessons learned scaling from early customers to enterprise clients
Why market research (and talking to real customers) matters more than perfecting your product in isolation
His advice for young, self-taught developers trying to break into tech today
If you've ever wondered whether you need a formal background to build something real, this conversation is proof that curiosity, grit, and a willingness to just start are often enough.
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What happens when a former salesperson teaches himself to code and ...

09/10/2026

September does not begin when the calendar flips.

For marketing leaders, the preparation starts now.

August is an ideal time to:
• Audit your website
• Review your lead funnel
• Identify automation opportunities
• Refresh campaign pages
• Review accessibility
• Prepare Q4 digital campaigns

The businesses that prepare their systems early have more time to focus on growth when the next busy season arrives.

Start with an AI audit. Find the gaps. Build the plan.

09/10/2026

In 2001, the Seattle Tattoo Expo was born from a love for creative minds and a passion for Seattle's unique artistic spirit. It's a celebration of individual expression, bringing together artists and enthusiasts.
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09/09/2026

Stop thinking of employees as 'people who work for me.' Instead, see them as 'people I work with.' Your staff are your first customers; their happiness directly impacts every other customer's experience. It's about respect, partnership, and shared success.
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09/08/2026

A prospect fills out your form at 9 PM.

What happens next?

If the answer is "someone will follow up tomorrow," there may be an opportunity for automation.

AI-powered lead systems can help businesses:
• Respond immediately
• Send personalized follow-ups
• Qualify prospects
• Notify sales teams
• Schedule appointments
• Keep leads engaged

RoryMartin.com can identify these opportunities through AI audits and help businesses build smarter lead-generation systems.

09/08/2026

The tattoo world was smaller back then. Winning Best Back at Inkslingers Ball meant everything to my younger self. I wanted my peers to see my skills, and it opened doors to magazines and conventions, truly fueling my career. WATCH FULL ON YOUTUBE
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09/07/2026

Decades in the chair, countless awards. What's the one piece of advice for aspiring tattoo artists serious about making it their life? Beyond the usual 'work hard,' what are the top 3 things to know when you're truly committed to this craft?

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09/06/2026

Worried about your kid wanting a tattoo? An artist shares how they vet potential clients, even checking social media for drawings. Building your own following is key to getting a spot in a shop.

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09/05/2026

People might subtly discourage you. Don't listen. Pursue what you want with all your might. That feeling of empowerment is real. Damon Conklin, a unique artist, found his calling in tattooing after careers as a cartographer, 3D animator, and video game designer. Since 1995, he's built an incredible career, opening Supergenius Tattoo and founding the Seattle Tattoo Expo.

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09/04/2026

A pretty website is useless if it doesn't convert, and a data-heavy site is forgettable if it lacks soul. At Rory Martin, we bridge that gap. We are a creatively driven team that lives and breathes performance metrics. This dual approach ensures that every search campaign and social brand we build is both beautiful and highly profitable.