James Straatman

James has been in digital marketing since 2007, but it all really began for him in the early 2000s with his fascination with search engines. After honing his craft by experimenting with ranking his affiliate websites for travel deals and tax software, he began freelancing, working with his clients. 

Once he joined his first marketing agency, James worked in numerous positions, from a marketing intern, specialist, manager, director, and VP to his current role leading the product development team at Big Leap.

James has worked with well over 300 clients in every imaginable field, from small local businesses to Fortune 500 corporations, including the following:

• Travel
• Software as a Service (SaaS)
• eCommerce
• Home services
• Retail
• Professional services
• Local brick-and-mortar

James embraces the dynamic, ever-changing nature of his role at Big Leap, harnessing innovation, creativity, and collaboration to ensure every client gets the absolute best attention. He discovered that the key to success in digital marketing is to be a great listener. 

Clients face unique roadblocks and experience constant change. “When you pay close attention to their challenges and expectations, you can offer the best strategic decisions to provide them with the most effective marketing.” James also understands that we experience some of our most significant growth by learning from past failures, so he approaches every new undertaking as an opportunity to learn.

James has seen the amazing results that emerge from finding creative solutions to seemingly impossible challenges. Whether it’s thinking outside the box for a client with limited resources or helping a national brand remain at top visibility in a highly competitive market, he loves collaborating with Big Leap’s team to turn these challenges into tremendous accomplishments. 

These incredible moments drive James to embrace innovation, experiment with emerging technologies, and engage with his fearless team of Big Leapers.

Outside of his role at Big Leap, James has the heart of an explorer. He loves hiking, camping, and just taking in the wonder of Utah’s great outdoors. James is an amateur stargazer who loves playing basketball with his four boys and spending time with his family.

James studied business administration and entrepreneurship at Utah Valley University.