We had the good fortune of connecting with Felipe & Kate Roldan and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Felipe & Kate, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Rolington Media was driven by a blend of passion and necessity. It was a joint venture between Kate and me, driven by our shared passion for technology and creativity. As a first-generation immigrant and an engineer, I’ve always had a fascination with technology and creative solutions. The concept of 3D virtual tours intrigued me, combining my technical skills with a creative outlet. Kate’s insights and support were pivotal in shaping the vision of the business. Her perspective complemented my engineering background, making our approach to virtual tours unique and more comprehensive. The decision to start our own business was also about creating something meaningful – a venture that would not only fulfill my creative and intellectual interests but also offer a stable future for my family and the ability to support our parents as they age.
Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
As the owners of Rolington Media, my wife Kate and I are deeply committed to empowering small businesses to enhance their online presence in the new digital era. What sets us apart is our focus on using advanced technology, like immersive 3D Virtual Tours, to revolutionize how businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, interact in the digital world. This service is pivotal across various industries, including childcare, education, real estate, and retail, and it’s about more than just showcasing spaces – it’s about creating meaningful digital engagements.
We’re most proud of how Rolington Media has evolved from a concept during the pandemic into a flourishing enterprise. Our combined backgrounds in engineering and creativity have fueled our company. However, the path wasn’t easy. We navigated numerous startup challenges, such as understanding the market, refining our business model, and mastering the complexities of entrepreneurship. Overcoming these challenges required hard work, adaptability, and learning, greatly supported by mentors like Lisa Borowsky from Sustainable Georgia.
The most significant lesson we’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability in business. Being open to change and responsive to feedback has been critical to our growth. We want the world to recognize Rolington Media as a symbol of the transformative power of technology in business storytelling, especially for small businesses striving to make a mark in the digital world. Our vision is underpinned by innovation, quality, and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ success.
We’re excited about the future of virtual and augmented reality and are committed to being at the forefront of these evolving technologies. Our story is about transforming challenges into opportunities and a firm belief in the impactful role of technology in reshaping business engagements. Rolington Media stands for innovation, exceptional service, and a dedication to helping all businesses, especially small ones, thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d plan an itinerary packed with some of the best experiences our area has to offer, combining both the vibrant city life and the serene beauty of nature.
Day 1: We’d start at Ponce City Market, exploring the unique shops and indulging in diverse culinary delights. The Roof at Ponce City Market offers not just great views but also fun games and a lively atmosphere.
Day 2: A visit to Krog Street Market for more exquisite dining experiences would be on the agenda. It’s a food haven for anyone looking to explore Atlanta’s burgeoning restaurant scene.
Day 3: The Atlanta Botanical Gardens would be our peaceful retreat. The lush landscapes and exotic plants provide a tranquil escape from the urban bustle.
Day 4: Strolling down Georgia Avenue, we’d soak in the local culture, checking out the eclectic mix of shops and cafes, and perhaps catching some live street performances.
Day 5: No trip to Atlanta is complete without visiting the Georgia Aquarium. It’s not just about the marine life; it’s an immersive experience into underwater worlds.
Day 6: For a more laid-back day, we’d head to Ria’s Bluebird for a leisurely brunch. Their pancakes are a must-try!
Day 7: We’d end the week with a visit to Canoe, located in the Vinings area on the Chattahoochee River, for a fine dining experience in a beautiful setting.
Throughout the week, we’d grab casual bites at Killer Burgers for some of the best burgers in town and Junior’s Pizza for a slice of New York in Atlanta.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
For us at Rolington Media, it’s important to recognize Lisa Borowsky from Sustainable Georgia. In the early stages of our business, Lisa was more than just a friend; she was a mentor and a supporter. She entrusted us with her projects, allowing us to perfect our craft in a real-world setting. Her feedback was invaluable, not just in terms of improving our technical skills, but also in understanding client needs and expectations. Lisa’s belief in our potential, coupled with her constructive critiques, significantly contributed to our growth and development as a company. We are immensely grateful for her guidance and support during those formative years, and we attribute a part of our success to her unwavering faith in our abilities.
Website: https://www.rolingtonmedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolingtonmedia/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/84858287
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RolingtonMedia
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rolingtonmedia
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rolington-media-covington
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrrktAVTBfU2hFkUBakL57A
Image Credits
Kate, Rolington Media Felipe, Rolington Media