By: Emma Hunter
Dave Carroll, CEO and Founder of DOPE Marketing is no stranger to the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Known for his relentless hustle and drive, Carroll has navigated the complexities of building a business from the ground up, earning his place as one of the top marketing companies in the country—38th in the U.S. and 4th in Minnesota, according to the Inc. 5000 list. However, as his company continues to thrive, Carroll’s identity and vision for the future have shifted dramatically.
When asked about his plans for the future and how he intends to maintain this new identity while driving DOPE Marketing forward, Carroll’s response is deeply reflective. “For the past 18 months, we’ve been very fortunate,” he begins. “We’re bootstrapped at DOPE. We didn’t take any investment, and because of that, it’s made us very attractive to investors. People are constantly hitting us up to buy part of the business or the whole thing. Up until pretty recently, my goal was to sell a chunk of this, maybe not controlling interest, but enough to get a check and focus on life.”
However, a conversation with a friend changed everything for Carroll. “My mind completely changed,” he admits. “I realized that the impact I can have on other people’s lives is much greater when I’m operating the way I’ve always operated—being in full control.” This revelation has led Carroll to reconsider his priorities and the legacy he wants to leave behind.
Carroll’s journey has been marked by a growing understanding of the power he wields as a business owner. “I have a business right now that I can hire people and change their lives. I can bring on clients and help their business grow,” he explains. “If a single mom works for us and her car breaks down, I can make the decision without asking anyone to get it fixed so she can get to work. I don’t have to ask permission to cater lunch for the office three times a week because the staff is working hard or met a goal. We’re even planning a really cool trip to Cabo for the team if we hit a goal this year.”
For Carroll, the ability to make these decisions without external approval is invaluable. “The grass is always greener on the other side, right? Sure, I could get a big check and invest it, live off the interest, and never have to work again. But do I really not want to work ever again? I like working. The impact we can have on other people is something we often get selfish about and don’t realize how significant it is.”
This shift in perspective has also influenced how Carroll views his role within the company. “In the past 12 years, I’ve put myself out there, sharing my life, my growth, and I never really knew why I was doing it,” he reflects. “Now, as I get further along, and the people the universe connects me with, I’m so thankful for the position I’m in to have an influence on people’s lives.”
Carroll’s newfound understanding of his influence has made him more protective of the control he has over DOPE Marketing. “Everyone’s got a number, sure, but I wouldn’t sell controlling interest in this business for any amount of money today,” he says firmly. “I’m growing more now than I’ve ever grown because of the position I’m in to manage other high-level people. Managing myself is one thing, but managing a bunch of other people with different strengths from different walks of life—that’s a whole other challenge.”
Photo Courtesy: DOPE Marketing
This challenge is one that Carroll welcomes despite the difficulties it presents. “It goes back to giving yourself permission to let things go wrong and being okay with not getting it right all the time,” he explains. “As you get further in life, your definition of success evolves with you. I’m just very thankful for where I’m at right now because I know we’re just getting started.”
Carroll’s evolution from a relentless hustler in the traditional sense to a leader focused on empowerment and impact is a powerful reminder of the importance of growth—not just for a business, but for its leader as well. His journey reflects a deepening understanding of what it means to be successful, and a commitment to using that success to positively influence the lives of others.
As DOPE Marketing continues to grow, Carroll’s vision for the future remains clear. “It’s not just about making money anymore,” he says. “It’s about making a difference. And I’m in a position now where I can do that every day. That’s what drives me forward.”
In a world where entrepreneurs are often defined by their hustle, David Carroll is carving out a new identity—one that balances ambition with empathy, and success with significance. And as he steers DOPE Marketing into the future, it’s this balance that will ensure not only the company’s continued growth but also its lasting impact on the lives of those it touches.
Published by: Khy Talara
