Winston Churchill once said, “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life."
These wise words seem to define Ahwatukee resident Marc Rivas, the president/founder of On The Marc Media (OnTheMM.com), a boutique marketing agency. “We do it all,” said Rivas. “Social media, websites, media planning, whatever the client needs.”
The Early Years
A native of Nogales, Rivas was 12 years old when his father was diagnosed with cancer. The family moved from Nogales to Tucson to be closer to his treatment. Unfortunately, his father passed away in 1987 but it was his influence and the experiences Rivas had as a child that helped form the man he is today.
“My father was a successful real estate developer in Nogales,” Rivas said. “We were better off than most in our community. There was poverty, but my dad wanted to change that. There are streets named after him in my hometown.”
Rivas holds a core memory from childhood as a testament to the power of generosity. A friend from an underprivileged family invited him over. During the visit, the friend's mother offered him half of a Ding Dong for a snack. The young Rivas was so amazed that a family with so little was willing to share something with him. It was at that moment that Rivas realized you don't have to be wealthy to give.
Founding On The Marc Media
In 2009, after years of working in the corporate world of publishing, Rivas formed On The Marc Media. Although success didn't come right away, a strong work ethic and perseverance saw him through sluggish beginnings.
“I worked for my brother's businesses to make ends meet. I hustled,” explains Rivas.
In 2010, he signed his first big client, and then more clients rolled in. Owning his own successful business allowed him to spend more time with his family and to focus on his philanthropic work.
Service and Gratitude
Rivas currently sits on the board of the National Football Foundation and serves as chairman of the local executive committee and gala for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), a cause very near to his heart. (MDA.org)
“My wife's younger sister was diagnosed with Friedreichs Ataxsia, a form of muscular dystrophy, when she was 12,” says Rivas. “We were very close. She lived life to the fullest and I always admired her for that. She passed at age 33.”
Rivas and his wife often participated in MDA fundraising walks and it was during one of those walks that someone approached him about his interest in joining the board. He jumped at the opportunity.
“Right now there is no cure for muscular dystrophy,” explains Rivas. “As long as there is breath in my body I'm going to do whatever it takes to change that.”
“I'm rich in so many ways beyond wealth. I have a beautiful wife, two amazing sons and a successful business,” reflects Rivas. “But I am also rich in the knowledge that I can help people, I want to help people in any way I can.”