by Julia Paulus

For as long as Matt D’Rion can remember, his parents have been independent business owners. They instilled in him a strong work ethic, and he gained firsthand experience of what it is like to really build a business from the ground up. So while working in sales in St. Louis, D’Rion actively networked to get to know the St. Louis business community, business owners and the opportunities available. Consequently, D’Rion was introduced to Barry Coziahr, owner of RESPONSE! Targeted Marketing. “He quickly made it clear he wanted me to work at RESPONSE! Targeted Marketing,” says D’Rion. “He was very open and offered me the position of vice president for expansion in October of 2009. Barry told me from the beginning that as a key executive in the business I would be allowed to influence company policy and help shape the future of the company.”

Since accepting the position, D’Rion has focused his energy on growing the company. “I recognized that Matt’s energy and vitality would help me take the business to the next level,” says Coziahr. “He has done just that. Since Matt joined us last year, he has helped us to double our business."