Curtis DeCora, Business Strategist and founder of Superior Marketing, has been named the recipient of the 2025 “Local Business Person of the Year” award by Alignable, a leading small business networking platform with over seven million members across North America. The award celebrates local business leaders who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and impact in their communities. With a career dedicated to elevating small business success through marketing innovation and community-focused strategy, DeCora’s recognition reflects both industry excellence and a commitment to supporting fellow entrepreneurs.
DeCora’s company, Superior Marketing, is a digital marketing firm based in Hayward, Wisconsin. With a 17-year track record, the business has built its reputation on local SEO expertise, content marketing, and integrated public relations strategies. Superior Marketing serves businesses that have traditionally relied on customer service and referrals, helping them transition to scalable, strategic growth. The firm’s approach has earned accolades from regional tourism authorities as well as national small business organizations, highlighting both its technical marketing capabilities and its holistic, people-first model.
The Alignable award spotlights business owners who play an active role in shaping their local economies and communities. Winners are chosen based on peer nominations, testimonials, and engagement across the Alignable platform. DeCora’s profile stood out for his hands-on approach, collaborative business philosophy, and proven results in transforming local brand visibility. The award adds to a growing list of accomplishments, including recognition as a National “40 Under 40” honoree by the National Center for American Indian Economic Development and multiple nominations from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism in categories such as Tourism Innovation and Service Excellence.
“I’m honored to receive this award from Alignable,” DeCora stated. “It’s a reflection of the work we’ve done alongside our clients, as true partners in their growth. I’ve always believed that small businesses are the heartbeat of any community, and when we help them succeed, we all benefit.”
DeCora’s professional philosophy centers around deep integration with client teams. Rather than operating as a traditional marketing vendor, Superior Marketing becomes an embedded strategic partner. This includes participating in weekly client meetings, coordinating directly with team members, and even working with customers to create tailored content and promotions. By co-developing internal and external initiatives, DeCora ensures that marketing efforts are aligned with broader business goals and operational realities.
The company’s success is rooted in its ability to scale organic growth. Clients who once relied solely on word-of-mouth or seasonal peaks are now supported with consistent lead generation, community engagement, and brand-building strategies. Superior Marketing customizes campaigns that combine digital performance with cultural relevance—particularly important in the tourism and hospitality sectors where community voice and authenticity play key roles in customer decision-making.
DeCora’s role extends beyond Superior Marketing into wider entrepreneurial and community development efforts. He frequently speaks on topics such as indigenous business growth, rural entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. These engagements support his broader mission of creating inclusive economic opportunities and amplifying underrepresented business voices. His dual perspective—as a strategist and as a member of the communities he serves—brings a unique layer of empathy and precision to his client work.
The momentum behind DeCora’s recognition underscores a broader shift in the marketing industry—one that values close collaboration, localized strategy, and purpose-driven leadership. In contrast to high-volume agencies that emphasize scale, Superior Marketing continues to prioritize client relationships and measurable community impact. This approach not only sustains business success but also builds a foundation for long-term regional development.
As Superior Marketing looks ahead, the team plans to expand its footprint while preserving its core values of service, partnership, and innovation. Ongoing investment in new tools, training, and community alliances will further support the firm’s mission to help local businesses grow sustainably in an increasingly digital-first economy.
Alignable’s Local Business Person of the Year distinction serves as both a personal and professional milestone for DeCora. It validates a model of growth rooted in empathy, trust, and technical skill—one that’s increasingly rare in the digital marketing landscape. More importantly, it reflects the impact that thoughtful leadership can have when businesses invest in each other and in the communities they call home.
For more information, visit www.haywardmarketing.us
Connect with Curtis DeCora on Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/hayward-wi/optimize-business-solutions