How We Came About
We are business owners that were doing paid internet marketing for more than 12 years.
As the head of our own companies, we experienced the flow of many SEO companies vying for our online business. Many were less than scrupulous. After we tried some and realized that they were not qualified, we dug in and figured out how this space works. We found an incredibly efficient and integrated marketing software called HubSpot that shows the results of the work done so we could track our ROI.
Tom Telford and Fred Spring started 98 To Go, an inbound marketing agency that focuses on helping businesses grow through creating remarkable content and developing engagement for the increased traffic.
With more than 2,500 hours logged in using the HubSpot platform, we have vast experience and knowledge of how to improve your website presence, get more leads and increase your bottom line with paying clients.
Who's Who
Tom Telford
Co-Founder, CEO
Tom Telford holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and taps into his engineering education and analytical skills to get underneath the hood of what makes website visitors and search engines tick.
With 10 years of marketing his own company, Tom Telford and his business partner Fred Spring, cracked the code on what it takes to be found by the search engines, then nurture those online relationships, so that the researcher gains trust and ultimately wants to buy.
The ability to be successful in the online market, gave Tom Telford a peace knowing that his own company would be successful over the long haul. Once that was done, he realized he could help other small businesses owners have that peace of mind and become successful at inbound marketing. He knew that he could help business growth through the ever expanding online marketing space. His bottom line is to help businesses grow, so that more folks can get back to work.
As CEO of 98 To Go, Tom Telford is guiding the company to success and basing that off his experience from his previous company that was 100% dependent on internet leads and online customers. He has become a recognized expert in the HubSpot platform, logging in well over 2,000 hours in the system and is knack is to keep internet marketing so simple that anyone coming to your business can get it.
Tom Telford spent 20 years in sales, so he is also currently spearheading the sales efforts of the company. His strategy approaches sales from the customers’ perspective, looking first for why things might not work. “If the potential customer gets through the tough questions and it still makes sense to explore the options, most of the time there is a really good fit for to help their company".
Fred Spring
Co-Founder, CIO
Fred worked for over 23 years with Turner Broadcasting. As a VP of Marketing Research he helped TV networks prove marketing effectiveness for traditional media marketing campaigns. Most recently he has helped clients grow website rankings and business volume through organic digital marketing efforts. Fred has a Broadcasting & Film degree from Boston University. In April 2011 he partnered with Tom to create 98 To Go – a new type of inbound marketing agency. He oversees all operational aspects of the company. His love and passion in this work involves analyzing actual results from internet marketing efforts and figuring out ways to improve clients’ marketing effectiveness.
Some of Fred’s main contributions to 98 To Go are: Evaluating overall marketing tactics; Optimizing a business’ website using Google best practices; Teaching effective blogging techniques to build fresh content; Creating videos to build your business; Creating calls-to-action to engage website visitors; Analyzing conversion measures to know which marketing levers to push; Keeping the company and its tools transparent for our clients.
Members of the blog optimization team:
Julia Criswell 
Laurin Peacock 
Laura Austin 
Carla Plouin
VP of Marketing
Carla is an accomplished global executive with proven track record in international marketing, who thrives in fast-paced and teamwork environments. With 15 years working in marketing and business development, Carla has nurtured a special interest and know-how in integrated marketing communications, creative marketing solutions, international business development, economic development, and global project management.
She is trilingual English/Spanish/French and conversational in Portuguese and seven years managing multi-cultural and cross-functional marketing communications teams. She holds two Masters Degrees (international relations and marketing) and is well-versed in computer/new technologies.
Carla worked for 6 years with the State of Georgia, leading its international marketing efforts and bringing new international business into the State. In her capacity as Director of Global Outreach, Georgia Department of Economic Development, she has traveled to such places as China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina and numerous countries in Europe where she has developed invaluable contacts that are helpful for clients seeking to do business globally. In 2011, Carla incorporated Melle Global MarCom, a communications and marketing consulting firm, developing and implementing strategic and operational integrated marketing plans for small and medium size businesses. She is also the Marketing and Communications Director for Professional Photographers of America, where she leads the development of several new websites, organization-wide rebranding, social media strategies and professional online community. Carla joined 98toGo’s core team in 2011 to lead the marketing efforts of the company and support its Crush-It Clients.