Hetherington recognized as young business individual of year by CK Chamber

Madison Hetherington has hit the ground running since earning a marketing degree from Western University less than two years ago.

Hetherington, 24, spent six months working as marketing manager for Advanced Basement Systems before starting his own company Propel Marketing in January 2022.

“So, we pivoted and now they’re my client,” she said. “We still work together and they’ve been fantastic in this transition and supporting me.”

Little more than a year later, Hetherington will move from operating online to opening an office at 64 Fourth St. in downtown Chatham on April 1.

“We’ve been hitting it hard,” she said. “We’ve been growing quickly and we’re just running with the momentum and it makes sense for us to be in an office now.”

With three full-time team members and a total staff of 11, Hetherington said it made sense to give employees that structure and routine in a space where they also can collaborate.

Shortly after Propel Marketing opens its new office, Hetherington will be awarded the award for young business individual of the year during the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce 135^th annual business excellence awards on April 13.

She said it is “surreal” to think she will receive such an honor so soon after starting her business.

She is “very humbled and honored” to be selected, especially with all the talented young entrepreneurs in Chatham-Kent.”

Owning a marketing company has long been Hetherington’s dream.

“It happened a lot sooner than I thought,” she said.

When asked about the keys to success, Hetherington said, “I think just having so much gratitude for my clients and for my team.”

Noting she couldn’t have built her business without her team, she said, “I’m very grateful for them every day.”

Social media marketing is the “bread and butter” of the business, Hetherington said.

The company also offers photography, videography and website design services.

Chatham-Kent is seeing many young people taking the leap to become entrepreneurs and Hetherington said, “That’s really the mission and the passion behind Propel is propelling Chatham-Kent.”

She said that involves helping businesses and Chatham-Kent as a whole, along with showing youth what is possible.

“I want to encourage youth to stay in Chatham-Kent and build businesses here,” Hetherington said. “You don’t need to live in a big city to have success and to have growth and to create a business.”

The other award recipients being recognized by the chamber include:

• Larry Delaey of AarKel Tool and Die, Wallaceburg: business individual of the year and Business of the year (large)
• Denny Vervaetof Red Barn Brewing Co., Blenheim: entrepreneur of the year
• Drew Ferren of CK Tubs and Taps, Chatham: young entrepreneur of the year and business of the year (small)
• John Schinkel of Schinkel’s Gourmet Meats: business of the year (medium)
• Lynn McGeachy-Shultz: citizen of the year (posthumously)