Centralia, Kansas: Where Creativity Meets Connection
In the charming city of Centralia, population 485, a remarkable story of perseverance and innovation is unfolding. Tim Strathman, a local entrepreneur, has harnessed his passion for video production and web design to create a thriving full-service marketing agency called 6S Creative. Let’s dive into the tale of how this rural-preneur has made a name for himself in the marketing world.
A Rocky Road to Success
Tim’s journey to becoming a marketing mogul began back in his hometown of Bern, where he graduated with just nine other classmates. “I had 10 in my graduating class,” Strathman reminisced, reflecting on his humble beginnings. In such a small school, teachers had to juggle multiple subjects, but they sparked his interest in technology during an introductory web design class.
Strathman quickly realized that he had a knack for web design, even asking, “Is there an advanced level to this?” His enthusiasm paid off, as he ended up helping to teach the class the following year. By the time he reached his senior year, he was already building websites for local businesses—a head start that few teens experience.
A New Chapter in Life
After high school, Tim pursued a degree in software development at Manhattan Tech before settling down in Centralia with his wife. He initially worked as a web developer for a local manufacturing company, where an unexpected opportunity led him to discover his love for aerial photography. A chance assignment had him flying a drone to capture aerial footage for the company and unveiled a new passion he never thought he’d uncover.
However, commuting to a Kansas City tech startup took its toll. In 2017, Tim decided to take a leap of faith and propose an arrangement to work independently as their marketing specialist. “I told my wife, ‘I’ll either not have a job or I’ll have a client,’” he joked. Fortunately, he landed that client, paving the way for his future success.
Building 6S Creative
Fast forward to 2022, and Tim took the plunge to start 6S Creative full-time. You may wonder about the name “6S.” It’s simple—it represents his family’s initials plus their four kids, making six. In addition, when you say “6S” quickly, it sounds a lot like “success,” and that’s precisely what they aim to deliver to their clients.
In no time, 6S Creative has flourished beyond what Tim anticipated. Offering a range of services, including branding, web design, digital strategy, content creation, video production, and photography, the agency has quickly become a local favorite. “It’s been really exciting. I enjoy it more than anything else I’ve done,” he shared with enthusiasm.
A Focus on Agriculture
Six months in, and 95% of 6S Creative’s work is tied to the agriculture sector. Tim is passionate about working with small companies in this industry, as he understands their unique needs. He often hears clients express how agencies from big cities don’t quite get the nuances of agriculture, stating, “You people (at 6S Creative) understand agriculture and manufacturing.” This keen insight positions Tim’s agency as an invaluable resource within the industry.
While his work takes him across the nation, it’s clear that his heart remains in Centralia. “I’ve been in a different state every week since the first of April,” he remarked, showcasing just how busy and successful his business has become. With the future in mind, Tim hopes to produce more stories about agriculture, fostering connections with the public through podcasts and videos. One video featuring a Kansas rancher on a bitterly cold day, humorously showcasing the rancher’s frozen mustache, has garnered over 2 million views—proof that people love authentic stories.
Conclusion
As Tim Strathman continues to grow 6S Creative, he emphasizes the importance of relationships in both life and business. In his words, “Ag is a relationship business.” In a small town like Centralia, this philosophy resonates deeply. We commend Tim and the entire team at 6S Creative for their hard work and dedication to supporting their local community while helping other businesses soar. So here’s to creativity, connection, and the entrepreneurial spirit thriving right in the heart of rural America!
