About / Founder Story
Meet Our Founder
The Advie Story: Arthur's Journey
Pivot to Purpose
In the summer of 2014, a 19-year-old Arthur McCray embarked on a journey that would redefine his life's trajectory. Leaving his comfort zone in Texas, Arthur set out on a 20-hour drive to Sioux City, Iowa with his father - a decision that marked the beginning of an inspiring odyssey. Once a basketball prodigy with a world revolving around the sport he loved, Arthur's life changed drastically when he decided to uproot himself and accept a scholarship from a small school in Iowa.
Embracing Change
Alone in a new city, navigating recovery and academia, Arthur gained a unique perspective on self-discovery and resilience. With tenacity, he transferred to the University of South Dakota, a pivotal juncture that ignited his passion for business.
Quest for Growth
Arthur's path was an unrelenting quest for self-improvement, diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD at 21, he channeled his newfound focus into excelling - juggling multiple jobs alongside his studies as he pursued academics and marketing consultancy work. This fervor extended across diverse global industries where he continuously expanded his expertise, with his resilience driving him to push boundaries by venturing into sales and consulting roles that challenged comfort zones and honed his business acumen. The countless hours of planning, ideating, and strategizing culminated in Arthur's vision and determination giving birth to Advie - a cutting-edge marketing solution.
Founder Perspectives
Why do you like the marketing industry?
"The marketing industry is where innovation meets the world - a dynamic intersection where creativity and strategy converge to shape ideas into reality. It acts as the bridge between a brand's vision and the people it aims to reach. What captivates me is marketing's ability to adapt and transform, leveraging emerging technologies to reimagine how we connect.
At its core, great marketing harmonizes human truths and innovative ideas. It has the power to shift perspectives, spark conversations, and cultivate communities rallying around purposeful missions - all while driving real business impact. That fusion of art and science, strategy and soul is what I find so energizing. Marketing allows us to create resonant campaigns that profoundly move people through the intersection of creativity and data-driven insights."
- Arthur McCray
New Direction: People At The Core
Drive. Reimagine. Create.
Originally founded as an online platform, Advie underwent a radical shift under Arthur's renewed vision. He reimagined Advie as a people-centric company focused on fostering authentic relationships and delivering personalized solutions.
This bold transition brought about a fundamental change in Advie's culture and values. Customer service became exceptional, driven by a deep understanding of individual needs and a commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives.
People-First Legacy
Today, Advie stands as a testament to Arthur's conviction that human relationships are the cornerstone of success. By prioritizing empathy, personalization, and meaningful connections, Advie has not only transformed its own trajectory but also inspired others to embrace a people-first approach.
Arthur's story reminds us that true growth often comes from challenging norms and daring to forge new paths driven by purpose and connection. His vision has left an indelible mark, redefining the possibilities of what can be achieved when people and their stories remain at the heart of innovation.
Curiosity and Adaptability
From an aspiring athlete in basketball shorts to a precise marketing visionary, Arthur's journey shows the transformative power of curiosity and adaptability. His transition from Katy, Texas to the heart of downtown Sioux Falls echoes an inspiring spirit of embracing the unknown. Arthur's remarkable evolution, shedding his former identity and rising to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the city's accomplished elite, is a testament to the boundless possibilities that emerge when one dares to forge their own path.
At just 28 years old, Arthur McCray's journey exemplifies the profound impact of personal growth and entrepreneurship driven by an unwavering belief in one's potential. As he passionately states, "You can resonate with people, you can understand people, you can work to change people's lives."
The Theory of One
At the heart of Arthur's vision lies the "Theory of One" - the belief that real change begins with a single person, business, or agency. This guiding principle fuels Advie's mission to serve as a foundation, empowering individuals and organizations to achieve amazing things through the power of human connection.
