Company: The Business Growers
Company Description: The Business Growers, founded in June 2021, is Mississippi's only tech-focused marketing agency. Led by founder and CEO Laura Johns, this women-owned and operated company achieved its first million in annual revenue within just 15 months of its inception. Specializing in marketing for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT companies, The Business Growers employs 17 women all over the world.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Female Entrepreneur – Business Services –11 to 2,500 Employees
 Nomination Title: Laura Johns, Founder & CEO
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 199 words used.
Laura Johns is the founder and CEO of The Business Growers, a marketing firm based in Mississippi. With 20 years of experience in marketing, Laura has managed efforts for companies ranging from tech startups to global, multi-billion dollar businesses. She spent nearly half her career as a corporate marketing executive in the telecommunications industry before launching The Business Growers in 2021, after the birth of her second son.
Under Laura's leadership, The Business Growers has become Mississippi's only tech-focused marketing firm, serving over 60 clients across 23 states. The company specializes in providing done-for-you marketing services for Managed Services Providers (MSPs), IT companies, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and cloud service providers.
Laura's expertise and leadership have been recognized as "Top 50 under 40" and "Top 50 Leading Women in Business" in Mississippi. She is also a member of the prestigious Leadership Mississippi program. Laura graduated cum laude from Mississippi College, where she currently serves as Vice President of the Alumni Board. She also earned a Master of Arts in Advertising/PR from the University of Alabama.
Laura is married to Jay, a church worship pastor and is a mom of two boys. Laura also leads worship and serves at church.
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 206 words used.
Laura Johns has steered The Business Growers towards remarkable achievements, both professionally and personally. The company is rapidly approaching $2 million in ARR, with a goal to reach this milestone by the end of 2024. In late 2024, Laura made a strategic pivot as a generalist agency to exclusively serving IT companies and Managed Services Providers. Laura developed three core growth programs for IT businesses and launched a proprietary "Know Grow Scale Process," setting the company apart. She authored her first booik, "Know Grow Scale: The Digital Marketing Blueprint for Growing Your MSP or IT Business" in 2024. The Business Growers' unique approach caught the attention of AT&T, leading to their inclusion in the AT&T Partner Exchange Program in August 2024 as an approved resource for AT&T Resellers. This partnership allows IT businesses to utilize The Business Growers' services with up to 100% reimbursement through AT&T Market Development Funds. In February 2024, Laura faced a personal battle with breast cancer. She not only overcame the disease, becoming a third-generation survivor but now speaks publicly at events to raise awareness. Laura leads her company and champion diversity, hiring 19 women globally in three years and solidifying The Business Growers' position as a leader in tech-focused marketing.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 208 words used.
As a female entrepreneur in the male-dominated tech industry, Laura has broken barriers and set new standards. The IT sector, where The Business Growers now specializes, has only about 25% female representation. Laura's success, coupled with her commitment to hiring 100% women (19 women in 3 years), demonstrates her role in driving diversity and inclusion.
The company's financial growth is remarkable. Approaching $2 million in Annual Recurring Revenue within three years surpasses the average agency growth rate of 15-20% annually.
The Business Growers' strategic pivot to focus exclusively on IT companies sets them apart from generalist agencies. Laura has positioned her company in a high-demand niche.
The development of the proprietary "Know Grow Scale Process" and subsequent book publication establishes Laura as a thought leader. This unique methodology, combined with the AT&T partnership, provides a competitive edge few other agencies can match.
Most notably, Laura achieved these professional milestones while personally battling and overcoming breast cancer and raising two young boys. Leading her team during this time, coupled with her efforts to raise awareness through public speaking, showcases extraordinary leadership and personal strength that transcends typical business achievements. Her ability to grow a successful company while facing significant personal challenges sets her apart as a truly exceptional entrepreneur.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 9 words used.
https://thebusinessgrowers.com/our-team/
https://thebusinessgrowers.com/press-releases/the-business-growers-joins-att-partner-exchange-ecosystem-as-an-approved-marketing-provider/
https://a.co/d/6ohr2w8
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