Interview with Greg Secrist, CEO and co-founder of BKA Content
This article is part of a series featuring business executives who choose to live and work in Utah. If you know of an executive we should interview, please contact us.
With a background in marketing and web design, Greg Secrist was motivated to figure out a way to supplement his income while facing the economic downturn of 2008. This led to a fascination about learning how Google’s search engine works that subsequently introduced to the world of search engine optimization. He became very interested in the role it plays in how businesses market themselves online.
After creating a few websites and optimizing them with SEO-friendly content, it was clear to Secrist there was a demand for U.S.-based content writing services internet-wide. To capitalize on this need, he created a simple website that offered content writing services and enlisted his brother to write content.
After six months, and a lot of writing done by him and his brother, it was clear to both of them that they had the potential to turn their efforts into a real business. Greg quit his full-time job and co-founded BKA Content with his brother Matt Secrist in 2009.
What does the acronym ‘BKA’ stand for?
When we started the company, verifying the business domain name contained an SEO keyword was essential to be ranked online. Because of this, we named our company Buy Keyword Articles. Thankfully, Google stopped recognizing keywords in domain names a few years after we started the company, so we rebranded as BKA Content.
What top two professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
After three years of tireless development, we recently launched a completely new and proprietary online system that manages client work and writer’s assignments. This system makes content writing services seamless for our writers and managers, while significantly improving efficiency. It also enables us to more conveniently service clients that can integrate with our system via our new Application Programming Interface (API). This interface allows for faster and scalable ordering and delivery of content between our system and theirs.
This year we celebrate our tenth anniversary. We are incredibly grateful for our amazing writers, editors, managers and clients that made this possible. Also, we are beyond thrilled to reach this milestone and look forward to what we can accomplish in the next 10 years.
What do you like most about living in Utah?
I love to ski! In North Ogden, I live 20-30 minutes away from three ski resorts.
Utah is known for its five national parks, and for a good reason – they are spectacular and breathtaking.
I also love the strong family culture and economy that Utah offers.
What do you like most about doing business in Utah?
Utah is one of the most business-friendly states out there. The state spurs entrepreneurialism and is filled with a community that possesses a strong work ethic. Utah also has a highly educated and skilled workforce.
On top of that, Utah has a strong economy and a plethora of outdoor activities to enjoy when you’re not working. It’s a no-brainer to bring your business to Utah.
What advice do you have for individuals considering starting a business, or relocating their business, to Utah?
Surround yourself with the right people that lift you up, especially when you’re starting out. It makes all the difference.
What is your primary challenge of doing business in Utah?
Since Utah has such a strong economy and booming business atmosphere, it can sometimes be challenging to land a new hire quickly. I think this is due to all of the other excellent businesses headquartered in the state that are growing as fast as we are.
What is your business philosophy?
At BKA Content, we have five core values that guide all that we do:
- Family – We value people and strive to have a family atmosphere.
- Integrity – Honesty, and transparency is the best policy.
- Quality – We believe in getting what you pay for.
- Fun – We know people do a better job when they are having fun.
- Charity – We are passionate about making the world a better place.
Tell me a fun fact about yourself.
I’ve never ridden a horse because I am nervous about being around big animals. But, maybe someday.
What do you do to relax?
I’m a sucker for a great video game or Star Wars movie