Trueline – Portland, Maine’s Best Marketing
Trueline: Roots In Portland, Maine
Founded by Haj Carr and based in Portland Maine, Trueline is a full-service marketing consultancy that provides web and graphic design, business development, content creation and management and search-engine optimization (SEO) to clients throughout the U.S.—from large nonprofits and Fortune 500 executives to local entrepreneurs.
Launched in 2007, the company’s publishing division includes six publications, highlighting a range of businesses and industries: Vanguard (in-house legal counsel); Vision (executive leadership); Toggle (IT); Terra Firma (agriculture) and Blueprint (design and construction). To date, the company has profiled thousands of executives—from both small businesses and Fortune 100 companies alike.
Meanwhile, Trueline’s marketing services have helped clients of all sizes and sectors bolster their brands and tell their stories in unique, creative ways. Some of the company’s services include design, writing, business development, social media and SEO.
In addition to its broad range of services, Trueline offers a uniquely collaborative approach. Depending on the project, clients might work with employees from three or four different departments.
So What Sets Trueline Apart?
When founder and president Haj Carr opened Trueline in 2007, the company’s first publication—U.S. Builders Review—was seen as a pioneer in the custom-media market.
There was just one problem: The country was about to enter the worst economic recession in decades—on that would adversely impact the very industry Trueline wanted to spotlight.
Over time, Carr and his team were able to convince these companies that the best way to differentiate themselves from others in the industry was not to abandon their marketing efforts; but to embrace them. Specifically, with stories that captured their values, missions and brands.
It worked. U.S. Builders review took off. More trade journals soon followed, and by 2010 Trueline—now headquartered in Portland—had emerged as one of Maine’s most dynamic and innovative marketing companies.
In June of 2019, the company relocated to a new office space at 561 Congress Street: the former location of the SALT Institute for Documentary Studies. To honor the space’s artistic past, Trueline began hosting monthly art galleries to coincide with the city’s First Friday Art walks. Featuring the works of regional artists, these showcases have helped put Trueline on Portland’s cultural map.
Speaking of culture: The company takes the word very seriously. Each summer, Trueliners are invited on a weekend rafting excursion to Northern Maine. The company also hosts a yearly holiday party, along with monthly town hall meetings, trivia nights and happy hours. Trueline has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Maine” four straight years. Along with a strong benefits package, employee perks include a ping-pong room (with tournaments to boot), nearby parking and one of the best office environments you’ll find.
