Centralia, Kansas: A Journey of Creativity and Connection in Marketing

Life in Centralia, Kansas, a quaint town of just 485 residents, is about more than just the picturesque views and close-knit community. It’s also about the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in this rural area, as exemplified by Tim Strathman, the founder of 6S Creative, a full-service marketing agency that has been making waves since it opened its doors in 2022.

From Small Beginnings to Big Dreams

Tim’s journey into the world of marketing began much earlier than the founding of his agency. Growing up near his grandparents’ farm in Bern, Tim attended a small school where he graduated with just ten classmates. It was here that he discovered his love for technology in an introductory web design class. “I was captivated by how easy it was to combine creativity with technology,” said Strathman. His enthusiasm was evident when he asked his teacher if there was an advanced class, and even went on to help teach the subject!

After honing his skills in web design and software development, Tim worked for a local manufacturing company, eventually taking on the role of a web developer. One pivotal moment came when the owner of the company asked, “You know how to fly a drone, right?” This question propelled Tim into the world of aerial video production, which he quickly found he enjoyed.

Taking the Leap

Fast forward to 2022, after several years of commuting from Centralia to Kansas City for work, Tim decided it was time to chase his dreams. He approached his employer about doing marketing on his own and was thrilled when they agreed. “I told my wife, ‘I’ll either not have a job or I’ll have a client,’” he recalled with a smile. Luckily, he secured that first client, and 6S Creative was born.

But why the name 6S Creative? Tim explained, “Our initial is ‘S’ and my wife and I have four kids, making it six in total. Plus, if you say ‘6S’ quickly, it sounds like ‘success,’ and that’s exactly what we want for our clients.”

A Full-Service Marketing Agency

Since day one, 6S Creative has been committed to helping clients succeed through a wide range of services, including branding, web design, digital strategies, content creation, video production, photography, and graphic design. “It’s been really exciting,” Tim shared. “I enjoy it more than anything else I’ve done.”

Interestingly, while 6S Creative serves various industries, Tim’s passion for agriculture shines through as about 95% of their clientele comes from the ag industry. He shared, “Companies we work with often tell us that while they’ve collaborated with agencies in big cities, they noticed those teams didn’t truly understand agriculture. We do, and that makes all the difference.”

Building Relationships Through Storytelling

One of the core beliefs at 6S Creative is that relationships are at the heart of agriculture. Tim’s aim isn’t just to market products; it’s to tell stories that resonate. He mentioned a video featuring a local rancher with a frozen mustache who was working hard to care for his cattle in frigid conditions. That story went viral, amassing nearly 2 million views. “The rancher said, ‘We work too hard for people to put ketchup on their steaks,’ and it really hit home,” Tim recounted, highlighting the power of authentic storytelling.

With clients stretching across different states, Tim is frequently on the go, traveling to capture the essence of the agriculture industry. “I’ve been in a different state every week since April,” he said, emphasizing his dedication to not just marketing, but connecting deeply with the stories he represents.

Looking Ahead

Tim Strathman and 6S Creative are not just creating a business; they are fostering a community. Tim’s aspiration for the future includes producing podcasts and videos that tell even more stories from the agriculture sector, creating a bridge between farmers and the public. “Ag is a relationship business,” he said, and it’s clear he’s dedicated to nurturing those connections.

As Centralia continues to thrive through the hard work of local entrepreneurs like Tim, it serves as a reminder of the profound impact of relationships and shared stories. Keep an eye on 6S Creative as they continue to grow and inspire others with their creative marketing initiatives and genuine connections in the heart of rural Kansas.