Our Story
Welcome to Go Vertical Media Group! We founded this company in 2019 as a side hustle on evenings and weekends while working in corporate website and marketing roles. However, as our passion for helping small businesses grew, we decided to take the leap of faith and leave our day jobs in August of 2021 to fully commit ourselves to our vision.
Our mission has always been to provide top-quality, full-service website design and marketing solutions to small businesses. We understand the importance of a strong online presence as a small business, and we’re committed to helping companies effectively reach their communities through tailor-made marketing strategies.
With over 30 years of combined experience in the industry, we are confident in our ability to help small businesses thrive and scale to new heights. Our core focus is providing personalized service to every client. We take the time to listen to your needs, understand your brand, and create a customized solution that helps you stand out in the crowded digital landscape.
Thank you for choosing Go Vertical Media Group. We’re excited to work with you and help your business reach new heights.
Mark Wescott
the go getter
I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From a young age, I dreamed of owning my own business. When I wasn’t in school, I was working—mowing neighbours’ lawns, babysitting, doing farm work on hot summer days, and even selling odds and ends. My parents raised me with a strong work ethic and always taught me to give my best.
When I entered my first year of university, I enrolled in a marketing class and discovered a deep passion for the field. Marketing opened up a whole new world for me, and I became determined to pursue a career in this industry.
Throughout university, I was fortunate to complete several marketing internships, which provided me with invaluable experience. After graduating, I started as a Marketing Coordinator and worked my way up to Marketing Manager for a company in the London area. I dedicated about 8 years to this role, gaining extensive knowledge and expertise in marketing along the way.
Now, with Go Vertical, my dream as a child to one day own my own business has come to fruition, and this would not have happened without all the people who have played a role in my life by encouraging me and helping me grow and develop. At the top of that list is my wife and children. I love being a girl dad and being active in their lives and interests!
Education: BA in Business Administration & Marketing, 2010
Volunteer: STEA President & Board, Forged 27:17 Board, Local Church
Fun Fact: After growing up with just one brother, I am now an all-girl dad who has embraced living in a dramatic environment on a daily basis.
Favourite Movie: The Rocky Series
Favourite Books: The Go Getter, Atomic Habits, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
Hobbies: Exercise and playing with my children
Robin Johnson
the creative director
Growing up in British Columbia, I got to experience life surrounded by oceans, mountains, and wildlife. After graduating from college, I made the move to St. Thomas, Ontario to be closer to family. What I didn’t realize at the time was how much that decision would change my life. It was there that I met my wife, Nikki, and began working at a job where I would meet my future business partner, Mark.
The years that followed moved quickly. Go Vertical Media Group was formed, we took on a massive renovation project on a house outside of town, and our family grew with the arrival of our first child, Joelle. Each milestone marked a new chapter, both personally and professionally.
I’ve always been an animal lover. Our home includes one dog, a very opinionated beagle named Shelby, along with two pygmy goats, Alfie and Charlie. With plans to add chickens soon, farm fresh eggs are next on the list.
Education: BS in Media Management & Graphic Design, 2014
Volunteer: Director of Media at my Local Church
Fun Fact: I am always up for a good conspiracy theory!
Favourite TV Show: Person of Interest
Hobbies: DIY Renovations
Our Team
Community Involvement
From the very beginning, we knew that we wanted Go Vertical to be bigger than us – we wanted it to serve our local community in St. Thomas and beyond. Both Mark and Robin are actively involved in volunteer work, contributing their time and resources to causes that matter to them.
Mark sits on the board at the St. Thomas Executives Association, a local business networking group, as well as Forged 27:17, a Christian men’s ministry that equips men both physically and spiritually. The St. Thomas Community Christian School is a cause very dear to Mark and his family. Two of his girls currently attend the school, and his youngest is excited to start kindergarten there in a few years! Mark’s whole family actively supports their annual charity auction and other fundraising efforts throughout the year.
Robin leads a team of volunteers who run the media at his local church. From preparing the services and setting up the weekly livestreams to running sound boards and brainstorming on the best in-service and online experiences, the team consistently works to serve the members and attenders at each service.
As a team, Go Vertical has made it an annual tradition to participate in both the St. Thomas and Aylmer Christmas parades. We love this event as we get to bring Christmas cheer to the whole community!
We were honoured to be chosen as a finalist in the 2024 St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce Impact Awards. What a thrill it was to be able to see the impact so many local businesses have on the community.
Associations We Belong To
