Darren Fox
Entrepreneur, Marketing Expert, Speaker
Darren Fox is a marketing expert near Chicago available to hire for consulting. He has over 23 years of experience with digital marketing and website development.
Growing a Top Rated Marketing Agency + Improving Partnerships
In 2000, Darren Fox started his design and marketing career while in high school doing a variety of freelance projects. He later went on to work at a local sign company and then to a web design agency. In 2009, he founded Idea Marketing Group, an award-winning marketing agency known for digital strategy and web development with national brands.
Today, the talented team works with brands like Carmex Lip Balm, Eagle Foods, Hamburger Helper, Bridgford Foods, and more. His mission is to establish long-term partnerships with consumer brands by delivering better customer service and providing proactive solutions, something big agencies have lost sight of.
Husband, Father + Outdoor Enthusiast
When not online, you can usually find Darren outside. Activities include camping, mountain biking, kayaking, atv/trail riding, and hiking. Currently residing in Yorkville, IL with his high school sweetheart and crazy daughter.
Other hobbies include remodeling and woodworking. He is obsessed with tiny houses and highly functional, clean line architecture.
Let's Work Together
Digital marketing expert available for contract consulting. Get an outside, expert opinion on your digital marketing strategy.
Highlights + Recognition
- 2023 Web Excellence Awards (Multiple Winning Websites)
- 2022 Top B2B Design Firm by Clutch.co
- 2022 Web Excellence Awards (Multiple Winning Websites)
- 2021 Top B2B Design Firm by Clutch.co
- 2021 Ranked #20 for Top Web Design Companies on Clutch.co
- 2021 Web Excellence Awards (Multiple Winning Websites)
- 2020 Top Digital Agency by Clutch.co
- 2020 #1 for Top Marketing Strategy Agencies Worldwide, The Manifest
- 2019 Top Chicago Web Design Agency by Clutch.co
- 2018 The Best of Small Business Awards SB100
- 2018 Leading Chicago Agency by Clutch.co
- 2017-present, Google Ads Search Certified
- 2016 Small Business of the Year Awarded by the Yorkville Chamber
- 2015-2020, Yorkville Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Committee, PAY Co-facilitator
- 2014 American Web Design Award from Graphic Design USA
- 2013 Entrepreneurial Excellence Award: Young Entrepreneur from the Daily Herald in Chicago
- 2012-2014, International Live Events Association (ILEA) Chicago Chapter, Board of Directors
- 2013-2014, DesignFirms Web Award Winner
- 2012-2013, DesignFirms Web Award Winner
- 2009-2016, Oswegoland Optimists Club Member
Past Speaking Events
- Journey Map Podcast: Dave Hale & Darren Fox
- Garlic Marketing Show: Ian Garlic & Darren Fox
- Startup Hustle Podcast: Andrew Morgans & Darren Fox
- TastyTrade: Bootstrapping in America
- Taps and Tees Podcast: Marty McDonald & Darren Fox
- Legends Behind the Craft Podcast: Drew Hendricks & Darren Fox
- Smart Agency Masterclass Podcast: Jason Swenk & Darren Fox
- Workforce Recon Podcast: How to Optimize Your Business Website
- IAPD/IPRA Soaring to New Heights Conference for Park Districts
- SCORE
- Professionals Advancing Yorkville Program
- Oak Brook Business Network
- Waubonsee Community College
- Plainfield South High School
Web Development + Marketing Experience
I’ve had the pleasure of working with hundreds of brands around the world, from startups to household names.
Fractional CMO / Marketing Director
Accomplished, senior creative/marketing director with over 23 years of hands-on experience, encompassing brand development, strategic planning, competitive analysis, creative production, web development, and integrated marketing. Proven ability to hire, train, and lead teams. Rare blend of creative abilities mixed with strategic, forward thinking to develop brands and cultivate growth.
Operations
- Business Operations
- Budgeting
- Website Growth Strategy
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Analysis
- Project Management
- Networking & Relationships
- Hiring
- Coaching
Digital Marketing
- Search Engine Optimization
- UI/UX Design
- Reporting
- Website Architecture
- Website Design
- Google Ads
- Email Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Graphic Design
- DNS & Hosting
Software
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Google & Microsoft Suite
- Google Analytics
- Asana
- HubSpot
- SEM Rush
- SpyFu
- CrazyEgg
- Qwilr
- Biteable
- Sublime
- Filezilla