FIRSTSTEP Marketing was founded by Matthew Ferreira after working in the experiential marketing industry for more than a decade developing and executing thousands of client specific events. Leveraging his activation expertise and partnerships with industry specific vendors, FIRSTSTEP has proven to out perform larger event marketing agencies for considerably less investment.
At FIRSTSTEP, we offer engagement marketing services on both coasts to help clients reach their customers, prospects or employees. We have the experience to help any business reach their goals. Who is the face of your company?
Tampa, FL
Yara Ocasio
Dallas, TX
Holly Tighe
Los Angeles, CA
Derek Yopp Jr.
Executive Team

Stats: Father, husband, son, entrepreneur
Favorite quote: “Never say never, because limits like fears are often just an illusion” – M.J.
Bucket list: learn to kite board, snorkel the Great barrier reef, find a sunken treasure

Stats: (Ex: Father, son, etc.) Aunt, Wife, Sister, and Experimental Chef
Favorite quote: What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything ? – Vincent van Gogh
Bucket List: Do a “Lord of the Rings” tour in New Zealand (Holly and Marty, let’s plan this thing!)
Favorite event: I love attending and working at huge festivals. My favorite work experience is dead tie between Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester Tennessee and the 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota
Favorite “Event” I have been to was seeing the Foo Fighters play at Wrigley Field! Incredible!

Stats: Grew up on high-country sheep and cattle ranch, traveled the world and lived on three continents. Blessed with a cute wife and two smart kids (both Gators). Stranded in paradise (Fla.) – my stubborn family won’t move down under. Cricket, cooking, carpentry, fantasy football, politics, and trading stocks are a few of my favorite things.
Favorite quote: “Do the rules.”
Bucket List: Follow the New Zealand Black Caps as they tour India – 6 weeks of prime cricket action with awesome cuisine and scenery.
Favorite Event: The (now defunct) World Sailfish Championship. Being on the ground floor of creating and staging this world-class event, which was offering over $1 Million in prize money, and completely taking over Key West, by just the fourth year.