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
Hometown: Santurce, Puerto Rico
Stats: Grew up where people go to vacation, we say WEPA! and Hay Bendito! Surrounded by beautiful beaches, great food, amazing music and the longest Christmas, this planet has. Passionate about traveling, trying out exotic dishes while learning about the different cultures this world has.
Favorite quote: “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” -Oprah Winfrey
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” — Nelson Mandela
Bucket list: To explore this world; visit all the continents and expand my palate.
Favorite Event: A few of the reasons I am enamoured with the experiential marketing world has been my ability to work high profile events, such as the MLB, Super Bowl, National Auto shows (L.A., N.Y and Chicago, etc.) and national Visa signature events just to name a few.
Dallas, TX
Holly Tighe
Hometown: A little bit of rock and roll..New York, CO and Dallas
Stats: (Ex: Father, son, etc) Proud Fur Mom to a 175 pound Gentle Giant English Mastiff, Callie. I volunteer at a Therapeutic Horseback Riding program that enhances the quality of life for those with diverse needs by partnering with horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities.
Favorite quote:“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”― Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Bucket List: Three month trip to Australia/ New Zealand
Favorite Event: The favorite event I have worked on was being part of the Brad Paisley National Collegiate Tour. Activating on college campuses has it’s own challenges yet when the students/crowd make the program hashtags trend on social media and/or absolutely love the on-site activation it makes it all worth it!
Favorite “Event” I have been to was seeing the Foo Fighters play at Wrigley Field! Incredible!
Los Angeles, CA
Derek Yopp Jr.
Hometown: Ontario, Ca
Stats: I started in Experiential marketing career in 2012 Marketing Werks at the advice of a good friend who was well established in the marketing field. Since then I have managed 3 National Tours, 4 regional campaigns, and 100’s of events all over the country. I currently own a startup media production company that specializes in Audio/Visual Media. My company has partnerships with Universal Music Publishing Group. We have had music in over 250 TV Shows and 2 Movies.
Favorite quotes: “Do not go gentle into the that good night, Rage, Rage against the dying of the light” – Dylan Thomas
“I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon if I can.” – Thomas Paine
Bucket List: I am going to do a round the world trip with my Family.
Executive Team
Hometown: Richmond, VA
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
Hometown: Port Charlotte, Florida
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!
Hometown: Wakarara, New Zealand
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.