Leveling the Playing Field

Eyecon Graphics owner Rachael Sogge is working to dispel the myth of overpriced advertising agencies.

By Emily Bertram

Business Central: How did you get into the marketing industry?

Rachael Sogge: I grew up in St. Cloud, where my mom worked in fashion for Herberger’s and my dad owned his own architectural firm and blueprint printing company. I came from a creative family. During my college years I worked in the Twin Cities while attending St. Cloud State University remotely, so I was able to learn computer graphic design skills before it was the standard. I graduated with a degree in graphic design, spent some time working in publishing and for local ad agency Thelen Advertising, and eventually started Eyecon with my fellow designer Brian Barrick in 2005.

BC: What made you want to start your own agency?

Sogge: Through my time spent in the industry, I got

AT A GLANCE tired of not being able to help businesses succeed just because they didn’t have a big enough budget. It’s somebody’s identity – this is their business. The vision for Eyecon started with a desire to help clients of any size with any budget. I wanted to level the playing field, whether you were a small, medium or large business. Everybody should be able to market their business and feel confident in the solutions.

BC: What has been the best part of being a business owner?

Sogge: In the marketing world, it’s something new and creative every day, so we as a staff are constantly learning. When we put goals on paper, they don’t revolve around Eyecon – they revolve around personal and professional growth for my employees. When they grow professionally, they bring more to the table for

Personal Profile

Rachael Sogge

Hometown: St. Cloud

Education: St. Cloud State University

Work History: Sogge worked at Skyway Publications, Complete Planning Services and Thelen Advertising before starting Eyecon Graphics in 2005.

Family: Husband Kelly and children Cheyenne, Ethan, Tristan, Zachary and Alexis Hobbies: Spending time outdoors on her “funny farm,” including hunting, fishing, gardening, canning and camping my business and clients. Professional development is built into our workdays, and I love helping my staff reach their personal and professional goals.

BC: What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

Sogge: I don’t know that I’ve ever gotten that really memorable business advice. Unfortunately, I was told more often, ‘Are you sure you’re ready for that?’ I was 29 when I started Eyecon Graphics, so people really questioned if I could do it. Being questioned and told that I can’t drove me to say, “Oh really? Watch me.”

Timeline

2001

Rachael Sogge graduates from St. Cloud State University

1996-2001

Sogge works as a graphic designer for Skyway Publications in Minneapolis

2001

Sogge works with her father, who owns blueprint printing company Complete Planning Services

2001-2005

Sogge works as a graphic designer for Thelen Advertising where she helped with Business Central Magazine for a few years

2005

Sogge starts Eyecon Graphics with partner Brian Barrick

2008

Brian leaves Eyecon Graphics; Sogge becomes the sole owner

2010

Eyecon moves to 921 1st Street N, St. Cloud

2022

Eyecon Graphics moves to its current location at 32 32nd Ave. S, St. Cloud

Eyecon Graphics // Joined the Chamber in 2007 // 32 32nd Ave. S Suite #100, St. Cloud, MN 56301 // eyecongraphics.com // 320-257-3695 // Opened: 2005 // Business Description: Full-service advertising agency helping clients develop easy step-by-step plans that include traditional and digital media solutions for brand consistency. // Owner: Rachael Sogge // Number of Employees: 3 full-time, 2 part-time