Small Beginnings, Big Opportunities — The Story of Tree House Media

Peter Hartzell • July 4, 2025

Every business begins somewhere, and for me it all started with just one client and a vision. Back in 2017, Tree House Media was nothing more than a laptop, a few pieces of gear, and the belief that I could help people bring their ideas to life.

I was producing videos, podcasts, and music projects for local businesses and creatives. It was scrappy, built on long nights and trial and error, but those early projects taught me what people really wanted: a partner who listened and understood them.


The name “Tree House Media” came from a moment years earlier when I was watching Treehouse Masters with Pete Nelson. What struck me most was that Pete wasn’t just building treehouses. He was helping people bring their dreams to life. I remember turning to my wife and saying, “I want to build treehouses!” Not literally, but in the sense of helping people take lofty ideas they could never achieve on their own and make them real. That vision stuck with me, and when the time came to launch my own business, the name was already waiting.


From those humble beginnings, Tree House Media has grown into a full-service digital marketing agency. Today we offer video production, social media management, paid advertising, SEO, website design and development, graphic design, reputation management, and more. But the heart behind the work has never changed. Our tagline, Your Story. Handcrafted., is more than a motto. It’s a reminder that every project should feel personal, intentional, and built with care.


Looking back, I’ve learned something important: small beginnings are not a disadvantage. They are an opportunity. Starting small forces you to be resourceful, to listen closely, and to focus on what matters most. Over time, those small steps compound into bigger opportunities than you thought possible.


But here’s the part that matters for you: small beginnings don’t just happen in my story. They can happen in yours too. Whether you’re just getting started or you feel stuck where you are, here are some steps that helped me — and that can help you.


1. Start with one thing

Don’t wait for perfect. I didn’t start with a full agency. I started with one client and one project. Ask yourself: What’s the smallest version of my idea I can launch today? Get that out the door, and momentum will follow.


2. Focus on relationships

My first opportunities came from people who trusted me. When you genuinely care about people and invest in their success, doors open. Don’t chase numbers. Build real connections.


3. Learn as you go

When I started, I didn’t know everything about digital marketing. Honestly, I still learn every day. Don’t let the fear of not knowing everything hold you back. Take the first step, then commit to constant learning.


4. Embrace the roadblocks

Every entrepreneur hits seasons where growth stalls. I’ve been there more times than I can count. Roadblocks are not dead ends — they’re signals to adjust. Sometimes it means refining your offer, sometimes it means asking for help, and sometimes it means slowing down to rebuild.


5. Celebrate the small wins

Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Celebrate every milestone — your first client, your first positive review, your first referral. Those “small” wins stack up to create big opportunities.


That’s the story of Tree House Media. We started small, and through years of persistence, creativity, and care for people, we’ve grown into a trusted partner for businesses across industries. And the same can be true for you.


If you’re at the start of your journey, or if you’ve been at it for a while and feel stuck, I’d love to help you see what’s possible. Schedule a free call with me, and let’s explore how your small beginning can turn into something much bigger.

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