Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Dirschell.
Hi Courtney, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
2nd Story Marketing was created in order to share the good in our community through marketing. We do this by helping businesses create a marketing strategy that enables their business to flourish. 2026 marks 16 years in business and to celebrate, we’re throwing a Sweet 16 Anniversary Party after the new year,
I have worked for the past 25+ years within both large and small organizations and businesses helping develop effective public relations, marketing, event management, and social media. A graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in Integrative Public Relations and a concentration in event planning, Courtney began consultant work during college and has been helping businesses in and around the region since January 2010 in education, manufacturing, heath care, banking, senior care, and mental health fields. 2nd Story Marketing is located in historic downtown Coldwater, occupying the 2nd story.
I have been named the Branch County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year and Branch County Business Women of the Year by the Branch County United Way. In 2024, I was named Grand Marshal of the Coldwater Holiday Parade for my work in the community serving on the Coldwater Downtown Development/Main Street Board, founder of the Coldwater Farmers Market, Board Member of the Coldwater Community Center, and Steering Committee Member for Branch County Women Who Care. I believe that people work with others that they know, like and trust – therefore it’s strategic that I’m very involved in the community to grow the business.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My background is in PR and marketing, and I never imagined I’d be owning my own business, so in college I never took business classes. I’ve really had to learn as I go. I was lucky to have a business partner the first 10 years of this business, who was well-versed in running a business/organization – so I leaned on her a lot. In 2018, one of our younger employees passed away suddenly of melanoma and it was a shock to us and our business. She was our first employee and we were shook by it. It took some time to get back on our feet after that. Today, I have an amazing staff of women who are power-house marketers/graphic designer! We also fluctuate seasonally with interns each summer, many who end up getting hired as employees.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 2nd Story Marketing?
We are a dedicated, energized, and fun group of professionals who want to impact the community in a positive way. The passion and expertise that goes into each marketing plan will help make your business thrive. We have a variety of services including: Comprehensive Marketing Management, Public and Media Relations, Digital Marketing, Event Planning and Management, Website Design and Development, Crisis Communication planning, and Visual Direction and Creative Services.
In 2018, we were approached by the City of Coldwater to bring a unique and fun event to Downtown on a weekly basis to breathe new life into downtown, welcoming a younger generation to see buildings available for sale or to renovate. In 2019 we planned a weekly street closure for a beer garden – rotating live entertainment on the street, food trucks, and Michigan Craft Beer. We kicked it off in 2020 (which was very interesting) and it’s been going strong ever since – averaging 750 people on the street each Thursday night in the summer. Because of Hops on Monroe, all empty buildings on that street have been secured for development and we’re excited to watch the revitalization process.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I’m also the founder of Crave Women’s Conference. A conference designed to feed women information and resources they are craving for mental, physical, emotional and spiritual support. The first one-day conference kicked off in 2021 with women food trucks, women-run businesses as vendors, and a series of women speakers throughout the day. By request in 2023, the conference turned into a weekend retreat, and the same format is being emulated for a January 2026 retreat.
I’m passionate about women-centered work, empowering women to go into business even if they are scared to do so, to encourage female interns to stretch beyond their means, and to give my own staff of women the tools they need to be successful and empowered.
Since 2020, I’ve worked virtually for the month of February, from an ocean-side condo. I really only thought I’d be able to do it for one year, but I’ve been doing it ever since. I spend my time planning, organizing for the year, and soaking up Vitamin C in between Zoom calls!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://2ndstorymarketing.net
- Instagram: 2ndstorymarketing
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/2ndStoryMarketing/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2ndstorymarketing/
