We had the good fortune of connecting with Logan Martinez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Logan, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
You know, for me I had always worked the 9-5 type jobs. From the time I was 15 and working at McDonald’s to the time I was twenty something working in sales, it was always working in some sort of corporate structure. I don’t remember the exact moment, but I remember the exact feeling…I was tired. I was tired of working to drive someone else’s dream. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely believe there is value in those jobs and some people really thrive in the structure and security they provide, but I came to this place where it was time to take that leap of faith into the unknown. I wanted work out the dream in my heart with my own hands and see it flourish into something that would impact my family, my friends, my community, and eventually the world.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I think what sets us apart is the goal behind the business. There are tons of media companies and digital marketing agencies out there, and they have great processes and can achieve results, but for me I am more interested in developing partnerships with businesses that last longer than a contract. One of my favorite clients is a candy maker, in fact she has been featured on Shout out, her business is Taheen Queen. We developed a website for her to help streamline her business and enable her to do more, and while a website is kind of a basic thing that any development company can do, we focused on the relationship and what the future looks like and she has experienced great success. She has become a friend, and I am more interested in seeing her succeed and go to new levels, firstly for her and THEN for my business. Too many companies get it twisted, they are all about the money and how much more they can milk somebody for, but for us it’s longevity and looking ahead, we firmly believe that partnerships will produce more in the long run.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh man, as an AZ native, born and raised, I can tell you that there are a lot of hidden little gems in the valley and beyond. Here are my tops: 1. Mexican Food: Elmers in the East Valley and Rito’s Mexican in the PHX area. 2. Drinks: I am huge fan of the Fox Cigar Bars. They got one in Scottsdale and in Gilbert and have some of the friendliest bartenders and cigar aficionados around. 3. Places to visit: you gotta check out cityscape in downtown PHX for some great restaurants, bars, and spots to chill. Also, if you are willing to venture out of the city a little ways, go and see Apache Lake, it’s a beautiful and secluded lake with amazing views!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Good questions! I guess I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to all of the people that have trusted me to help them, whether it’s with a photo shoot, a promo video, or a website, because of them I am able to keep doing what I do! The person that deserves a big part of the credit in this story is my business partner, Gabriel Ortiz. Willmar Media is an extension of the company we run together, Primero Negocios, and I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am without the support he has provided.

Website: https://willmarphoto.com

Instagram: @willmarmedia

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.