A Meaningful Conversation with Events to Remember’s Chereese Jervis-Hill
Inspiria Outdoor President & CEO Ronnie Ram was recently featured on the Coffee with Cher podcast, hosted by Chereese Jervis-Hill, CEO & Founder of Events to Remember. This dynamic and insightful conversation—more of an “entrepreneur session” than a typical interview—covered Ronnie’s business journey, the evolution of Inspiria and key lessons for entrepreneurs in any industry. “Expertise is not just about knowing your space, but it’s continuously learning with your team,” Ronnie shared—a mantra that has guided the company’s strategic focus and long-term growth.
From Publishing Roots to National Reach
As Ronnie explained, Inspiria Outdoor didn’t start as an outdoor media company. Instead, it all began with the acquisition of a local magazine. But as client needs shifted, so did Ronnie’s vision. A pivotal moment came in 2009, when a pizzeria owner in Scarsdale asked about advertising at the train station. That inquiry sparked a deeper dive into the world of out-of-home (OOH) advertising.
What began as a regional magazine publisher has since transformed into a leading OOH agency, with offerings spanning from train stations to digital billboards in Times Square, airports, malls and beyond.
What Sets Inspiria Apart
Ronnie outlined three major factors that differentiate Inspiria from others in the OOH advertising space:
- Expertise: Staying on top of trends, market shifts and industry innovations is essential. Ronnie reads daily newsletters like Billboard Insider and Morning Brew to keep his finger on the pulse.
- Responsiveness: Inspiria’s internal policy ensures that leads are followed up within 10 minutes during business hours—an impressive standard that reinforces their commitment to service.
- Adaptability: From navigating the 2008 financial crisis to pivoting during the pandemic, Ronnie emphasized the importance of evolving with the market, not resisting it.
Digital Dominance and Strategic Partnerships
In today’s advertising landscape, the shift toward digital is impossible to ignore. Ronnie explained the benefits and trade-offs of digital billboards, including flexibility in creative, dayparting and the ability to refresh content quickly. However, he was equally candid about the pros of static formats, noting that sometimes, “unmissable” is what matters most.
Another key initiative Ronnie highlighted? Strategic partnerships—with PR firms, branding agencies and marketing strategists—have become a powerful way to help more clients gain visibility while strengthening Inspiria’s reach.
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Numbers, Focus, and Grit
Ronnie shared three pieces of advice for fellow entrepreneurs:
- Know your numbers. Whether it’s profit margins or pricing strategies, the data tells the truth.
- Narrow your focus. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Find your niche and dominate it.
- Keep evolving. From economic downturns to changing buyer behavior, staying agile is critical.
Listen to the Full Interview
To hear Ronnie’s full story—and Chereese’s signature blend of warmth, insight and humor—tune into the full episode on the Coffee with Cher podcast.
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