About Mark Mandelbaum

I’m a Content Strategist and Copywriter who believes the best marketing starts with a clear story. I specialize in the space where data meets audience growth, helping organizations turn complex ideas into content that builds genuine trust.

My strategy is rooted in mission-driven grit. Early in my career, I served as a Marketing AmeriCorps VISTA at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, where I used storytelling to support a 20% increase in program awareness. That experience taught me that communication is most effective when it’s used to build community and drive a clear purpose.

Since launching Inspire, Thrive, Survive in 2016, I’ve worked as an independent strategist for a diverse range of brands. This includes managing localized SEO projects across 60+ locations for regional agencies and overseeing five years of content operations for the American Marketing Association (Columbus). Whether I'm increasing organic engagement by 82% or using GA4 insights to refine a content plan, I always prioritize intent over just chasing impressions.

Building Audiences from Scratch

Before the agency world, I built an entertainment platform from the ground up, scaling it to 3,000+ recurring visitors by navigating the gatekeepers of the industry, coordinating with talent agents and publicists to land high-impact interviews.

The Resilience Behind the Writing

My perspective is also shaped by my experience as a cancer survivor. Writing is my tool for resilience, a way to distill clarity from difficult moments and build real connection. This journey and the philosophy behind my work were recognized by The Ohio State University in a featured profile exploring the intersection of personal growth and the origins of my strategy platform.

That experience taught me that in strategy, as in life, the plan is only as good as your ability to pivot. I bring that same grit to every content engine I build, whether in narrative essays like Inspire, Thrive, Skydive! or my editorial piece, The Window, also published through Ohio State. Both continue this exploration of perspective and purposeful storytelling.

I’m currently looking for new opportunities in content strategy and marketing communications where I can help organizations solve communication challenges with purpose and precision.

✦ Continuing Education & Credentials

• Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate - Hootsuite (2026)

• SEO Foundations Training - LinkedIn Learning (2025)

• Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Essential Training - LinkedIn Learning (2025)