Tools of Marketing, Inc. is a woman-owned family business that sells promotional products with the goal of helping companies market themselves with quality items. The company also offers fulfillment services. The business has seen significant growth recently, almost tripling in size over the past four years.

Tools of Marketing’s Story

Marietta Reuter started the business in March of 1995 out of a bedroom in her family’s home. She wanted to provide services that would help businesses promote themselves, but she also wanted a career that would allow her to be available and present as her daughters grew. Five years after starting the business, Marietta and her husband added on to the home to accommodate the business’s growth.

In 2018, she moved the business to a new, almost 10,000-square-foot facility. In 2022, the company will be adding an additional 15,000-plus square feet to the building.

Marietta’s first employee was her niece, Amanda Bischoff, who started with the company at an early age. Additionally, Marietta’s daughters, Mariah Mitchell and Martina Reuter, also worked in the business during high school and college. All three women have become full-time employees and now part owners of the company.

FBC Impact

“Our friends at Wollersheim Winery told us about the Wisconsin Family Business Center, and it has been vital in helping us transition from a single owner and adding the second generation. It has also helped give us a direction for my exit plan,” Marietta says.

Marietta has seen value in every event and meeting she has participated in. She credits networking with other family business owners in helping guide her and the business in a custom plan to help bring the second generation into the business.

“Every event and meeting we have attended I have come away with some great piece of information,” she adds. “We really appreciate having this great resource. Sherry [Herwig] has always been a great person to talk with or to be able to email for direction and guidance.” 

Interested in becoming a member of the Wisconsin Family Business Center or joining one of our peer groups? Find all the information you need at www.uwfbc.org. You can read more FBC member stories in our Blog section.