A note from Megan
The Story Behind Golden Media
(and a Good Boy named Hank)
Hi, hello!
If you’ve landed on this page, there’s a good chance you’re a client, a potential partner, a friend, or maybe just someone curious about what Golden Media is all about. Either way, I’m really glad you’re here.
Since this is the very first post on the Golden Media blog, it feels only right to start with a bit of a personal introduction – who I am, how this business came to life, and why it means so much to me.
Early seeds.
I was born and raised in Lynnwood, Washington, and for as long as I can remember I had two very different interests pulling at my brain.
On one side: drawing, painting, writing, photography, design.
On the other: numbers, patterns, organization, and analysis.
For a long time I assumed those interests lived in completely different worlds. I actually was annoyed I had such polar interests.
But there was another influence shaping things behind the scenes.
My dad started his own traditional advertising agency when I was three years old. Growing up, I spent plenty of time around that world: watching him meet with clients, brainstorm ideas, write commercials, and somehow strike up deep conversations with absolutely anyone.
He had this incredible ability to connect with people. The kind of person who could sell water to a fish (and probably make them feel great about it). But he was also deeply creative and incredibly analytical – a talented artist and a sharp strategist all in one.
At the time I didn’t realize it, but I was quietly soaking it all in.
The first glimpse of “This might be my thing”.
In school I stayed busy – sports, ASB, the typical things – but the place I really found my home was Yearbook class throughout high school.
I eventually became Editor-in-Chief and spent hours writing stories, designing layouts, and figuring out how to capture moments visually. It was storytelling, design, and strategy all rolled together. I even created a physical magazine from soup-to-nuts for my senior showcase called Expressions, which told stories of dozens of my classmates and how they expressed themselves through their interests.
Looking back now, that class was probably the first real glimpse of what my career would become.
My first jobs from 16-22 years old were at Finish Line and Nordstrom selling shoes and learning more about people, service, leadership, communication, and relationship-building than I probably realized at the time.
A small fun fact that surprises people today: I was actually very shy growing up. Most people who meet me now assume I’ve always been comfortable leading meetings or presenting ideas. That confidence came much later.
From Intern to Agency Leadership.
I eventually moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, where I graduated from the Communication school with a degree in Journalism and New Media.
During my senior year I landed an internship at a local social media agency, and suddenly everything clicked.
Marketing had the perfect balance of the two sides of my brain:
Creative storytelling
and
Data-driven strategy.
I started behind the scenes writing content, designing graphics, and managing online communities. Client meetings and presentations? Those terrified me.
However, when I was offered a full-time role as an Associate Account Manager… I said hell yes (while quietly panicking). I was confused why they wanted me in this role, but I wasn’t going to turn down a salaried position fresh out of college.
Over the next ten years I grew into leadership roles at the agency and eventually became Director of Strategy & Operations. I helped oversee everything from client strategies to internal teams, contracts, and agency operations.
During that time I had the chance to work with hundreds of brands across just about every industry. I helped brand and sell everything from raw dog food, two-way radios, mortgages, wine, popcorn, concert tickets, water bottles, and just about everything in between.
What I loved most was that blend of creativity and data.
Marketing feels like a constant experiment – part art project, part science lab – and watching brands grow over time never stopped being exciting.
Equally exciting in that first year, I got my very first dog that was all mine, and he came to the office with me every day from 8 weeks old.
The Unexpected Beginning of Golden Media.
You might assume Golden Media started because I wanted to do things “my way.”
That’s partially true now. But it actually began in a very different way.
With my dog, Henry.
Henry was my golden retriever and very best friend. Anyone who has had that first dog as an adult living on their own knows exactly what I mean when I say they can make the greatest impact.
When Henry was just seven years old, he was diagnosed with lymphoma.
Everything changed overnight.
Despite having pet insurance, his treatments were incredibly expensive, so I decided to take on some side projects to help cover the costs. I began helping with clients through my dad’s agency.
To do that properly and professionally, he recommended I form an LLC.
And thus I needed a business name.
Since I was doing it for Henry, Golden Media felt like a great choice.
(There’s actually a small easter egg in the logo that nods to him – if you find it, send me a message!)
Plus there was added alignment and value in the double meaning of “The Golden Rule” with how I communicated with clients and “The Golden Standard” in the quality of my work.
Hank, the Good Boy.
During that time Henry and I lived in a condo in Lower Queen Anne (with what I still think was one of the best views in Seattle.)
Every evening we would sit on the deck together watching the sunset over the water and skyline. That ritual quickly turned me full-blown sunset obsessed – something you’ll probably notice if you spend enough time around me.
Despite chemotherapy, countless vet visits, and a deep dive into holistic nutrition and homemade dog food (a passion I still carry today), Henry eventually relapsed.
He passed away in my arms on the floor of that condo on a beautiful Seattle summer day, just two weeks after his eighth birthday.
Losing him was like losing a part of my heart.
But something unexpected came out of that chapter.
Golden Media had quietly started to grow.
Where Passion turned to Purpose.
After Henry passed, I felt a strong pull to continue building the business that had started during those last months we spent together.
Golden Media became a place where all the things I care about most could live together:
Creativity
Strategy
Data
Growth
and most importantly – Connection.
I genuinely care about the people and brands I work with. Helping them grow and watching their progress over time is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
Today I’m proud to be celebrating four years of Golden Media, and even more proud that many of the clients who joined in those early days are still partners today.
That kind of trust means everything.
The Heart of Golden Media.
Golden Media is built around a few core values that guide everything we do:
Lead with integrity
Stay curious
Create with purpose
Prioritize connection
Deliver meaningful impact
Ultimately, this business is about helping brands grow in thoughtful, strategic ways while building meaningful partnerships, even lifelong friendships along the way.
If our paths cross here.
If you’re here because you’re curious about working together, I’d love to learn about what you’re building.
And if you’re simply here reading along for the story, thank you for being part of this little corner of the internet.
Here’s to curiosity, creativity, great partnerships, and a lot more sunsets ahead.
So very warmly,
Founder & Owner, Golden Media