Adam Binder’s entrepreneurial journey did not start with an influx of money, but rather with a vision in mind and the drive to make it a reality. When Adam started Creative Click Media in 2011, he was a single father waiting tables to get by with little more than a laptop to his name. Adam utilized his self-taught design talents to create websites for friends, and networked tirelessly to build a clientele base until he was able to turn his small side business into a full-time venture. Years after its inception, Adam has grown Creative Click Media from a one-man operation into a double-digit team of top talent with an ever-growing awards shelf to match. Adam himself has been the recipient of numerous prestigious industry awards, including: 2016 JSPRAA Jersey’s Best 40 Under 40 Awards, Omni Award Winner for Web Design, 3x Vega Award Winner for Web Design, 2x Communicator Award Winner for Web Design, and more. A frequent speaker and author on the subjects of online marketing and business development, Adam has been featured by Forbes Councils, The Asbury Park Press, NBC News, The Huffington Post, and numerous other publications in connection with his work. When Adam isn’t busy helping businesses find success online, you can find him working on his yoga brand Apeiron Yoga, creating art and music, and going on adventures with his son, Miles. Follow him on Instagram at @infinity_in_a_second.
Company: Creative Click Media
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company
Adam Binder: Thank you so much for having me! I’m Adam Binder, the Founder and CEO of Creative Click Media. We’re a full-service digital marketing agency with a focus on helping small to mid-sized businesses grow their online presence through website design, SEO, and comprehensive digital marketing strategies. What started as a one-man operation in my home has evolved into an award-winning agency with a global team and equally varied clientele. Our goal is simple: to empower businesses to stand out in the crowded digital landscape by providing them with the strategies they need to grow and thrive on the web and beyond.
Can you share a time when your business faced a significant challenge? How did you navigate through it?
Adam Binder: In March 2020, our business faced an unprecedented challenge when COVID-19 hit. We lost 35% of our recurring business almost immediately, particularly from our clients in the health and hospitality sectors. This was a daunting situation, and one I could have never anticipated. We had to act quickly to keep the business running, so when our office lease was up for renewal in April 2020, I made the difficult decision not to renew and to transition to a fully remote work environment. It was a nerve-wracking change, but one that was necessary to cut costs and ensure the survival of our business.
Adapting to a remote work environment required us to rely heavily on the online learning platform we had developed for employee onboarding and training. This system was crucial in maintaining our operations and ensuring that new and existing employees received consistent, high-quality training. Even though we struggled financially for over a year, we managed to avoid layoffs and maintain our team’s morale. Slowly but surely, old clients began to return, and we even gained new clients, particularly in industries that were less impacted by the pandemic. This experience challenged our team in ways we could have never imagined, but we emerged from this crisis stronger and more adaptable with a more efficient and resilient team.
How has a failure or apparent failure set you up for later success?
Adam Binder: Though tough in the moment, failures have been some of the most powerful catalysts for growth in our business. I clearly remember a client project early on that spiraled out of control because we didn’t scope it properly from the start. It was a hard lesson, but it forced us to overhaul our entire approach to project management. We introduced a comprehensive discovery phase, where we now take the time to deeply understand a client’s needs, set realistic expectations, and plan meticulously before diving in. This change didn’t just improve our internal processes, it also led to higher client satisfaction and stronger, more transparent relationships. That one failure ultimately laid the groundwork for many future successes.
How do you build a resilient team? What qualities do you look for in your team members?
Adam Binder: In my experience, building a resilient team starts with finding individuals who are excited to learn and grow with our company. No one has to know everything from the get-go, but having a genuine curiosity and willingness to expand their knowledge is crucial. Adaptability is equally important. If there’s one thing the pandemic has shown us, it’s that life can change in an instant, and it’s crucial to pivot gracefully and stay focused when the unexpected happens. I value team members who can take these changes in stride, stay positive, and keep pushing forward no matter what.
How do you maintain your personal resilience during tough times?
Adam Binder: Regular exercise and meditation are at the core of how I maintain my personal resilience. They help clear my mind and keep my body strong. I also place a lot of value on my support network, as having both professional and personal connections to lean on during challenging times makes a world of difference. Reflection is another key element – I always set aside time to think through what’s happening, learn from the experience, and find ways to grow from it. No matter how tough things get, I make it a point to celebrate the small wins along the way. Acknowledging progress, even in small increments, keeps my spirits up and reminds me that I’m moving forward.
What strategies do you use to manage stress and maintain focus during a crisis?
Adam Binder: When I’m navigating a crisis, I start by rigorously prioritizing tasks, honing in on what truly matters and letting go of distractions. Breaking down large problems into smaller, more manageable steps is another strategy I rely on, as it helps prevent overwhelm and makes the path forward clearer. I also practice mindfulness techniques to keep myself present to avoid the temptation to catastrophize or get lost in worst-case scenarios. And, of course, I make sure I’m taking care of myself by getting enough rest and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This holistic approach to stress management helps me stay sharp and resilient, even when the pressure is on.
How do you communicate with your team during a crisis?
Adam Binder: Effective communication during a crisis is all about transparency and consistency. I make sure to provide our team with frequent updates on the situation to ensure that everyone is on the same page and aware of any developments. Clear delegation of responsibilities is crucial too – I outline who is responsible for what, along with my expectations, so there’s no confusion about roles. I also keep open channels for feedback and encourage our team to voice any concerns or suggestions they might have. Regular check-ins are another key component, not just to assess progress but also to gauge team morale and offer support where needed. This approach helps maintain a sense of unity and purpose, even in the most challenging times.
What advice would you give to other CEOs on building resilience in their organizations?
Adam Binder: I’d emphasize the importance of creating a company culture that values adaptability and continuous learning. The ability to pivot and learn from every situation is a strength that can’t be overstated. It’s also crucial to invest in the well-being and professional development of your employees – they’re the backbone of your organization, and their resilience directly impacts the company’s resilience. Building diverse teams with a mix of skills and perspectives is another key strategy, as it brings a broader range of solutions to the table. Don’t forget the importance of having a solid crisis management plan in place, and make sure it’s regularly updated. Finally, encourage open communication and idea-sharing at all levels of the organization; innovation often comes from the most unexpected places.
How do you prepare your business for potential future crises?
Adam Binder: Preparing for potential future crises is something we take very seriously. We start by conducting regular risk assessments and scenario planning to identify possible threats and develop strategies to mitigate them. Financially, we ensure that we maintain reserves and diversify our revenue streams, which provides a cushion during turbulent times. Investing in scalable technology and processes is another cornerstone of our preparedness that it allows us to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. We also prioritize building strong relationships with stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and partners, as these connections are invaluable during a crisis. And, of course, we regularly review and update our business continuity plans to ensure we’re always ready for whatever comes our way.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis?
Adam Binder: The most important lesson I’ve learned about leadership in times of crisis is the incredible power of transparency and empathy. During difficult times, your team looks to you for direction, but they also need to know that you understand the emotional toll of the situation. Being open about the challenges the organization is facing, while also maintaining a positive and forward-thinking outlook, goes a long way in building trust and motivating the team to push through. Crises often bring hidden opportunities for innovation and growth, so it’s important to keep that in mind and encourage the team to see beyond the immediate difficulties. Balancing clear, honest communication with empathy is what helps turn a crisis into a turning point for the better.