For over four decades, Robert Rustici has lived at the intersection of marketing innovation, technological advancement, and entrepreneurial spirit. As a Chief Marketing Officer and digital strategist, Robert’s professional journey has been defined by a relentless drive to help businesses—especially startups—transform big ideas into impactful action. He doesn’t just believe in marketing for marketing’s sake. He believes in crafting strategic narratives that sell, in building systems that drive real results, and in using technology to forge authentic customer relationships. His motto, “Guiding Startups from Vision to Visibility,” reflects the clarity and momentum he brings to every venture he advises.
Robert’s career began in the early days of the digital revolution, where he laid the foundation for his technology fluency at Digital Equipment Corporation and later at Compaq Computer Corporation. During this era, he managed large-scale, international projects and led multicultural teams across Europe, including a pivotal three-year assignment in France. This experience gave him a global business lens that continues to inform his work with companies seeking to expand internationally. At Compaq, he was instrumental in developing strategic training initiatives and innovation hubs that led to over $7 million in closed business, solidifying his reputation as a strategic thinker with a tangible impact on bottom-line results.
Recognizing early the power of the internet as a marketing engine, Robert transitioned into online marketing with agility and foresight. From founding a boutique consultancy to creating his own ecommerce company, uBuyCoffee, he continuously immersed himself in emerging digital tools. His ventures were never experiments—they were case studies in how intelligent marketing systems, when aligned with business goals, could drive sustainable growth. At uBuyCoffee, he managed SEO, PPC, customer support, and product strategy, translating niche consumer demand into a thriving ecommerce platform well ahead of the artisanal coffee boom.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Robert became a sought-after advisor and team leader for digital marketing firms and startups alike. At McDougall Interactive, he managed $120K+ monthly advertising budgets, fine-tuned search engine strategies, and implemented customer acquisition funnels that delivered measurable ROI. He continued this work at Centrus Digital, where he remains a managing partner. There, he scaled the firm’s performance marketing division, mentoring a team of consultants while creating repeatable sales support systems that generated 80% of new client business. Centrus is more than just an agency—it’s a reflection of Robert’s belief in transparency, relevancy, and education as the pillars of marketing success.
One of Robert’s unique strengths is his ability to blend the analytical with the creative. He is a certified Google AdWords professional, well-versed in platforms like Magento, WordPress, and Shopify, but also deeply invested in understanding human behavior, buyer personas, and the psychological journey from interest to conversion. This synthesis enables him to design marketing strategies that are not only data-driven but emotionally resonant. His campaigns don’t just convert; they connect.
Robert’s passion for startups is rooted in his own entrepreneurial DNA. He thrives in environments where agility, grit, and vision are valued—and where cash flow and runway aren’t just metrics, but survival tools. As a marketing advisor to startups across e-commerce, SaaS, and home services, Robert often plays a hybrid role: part mentor, part tactician, and part co-pilot. His ability to “polish up” raw ideas, architect sales funnels, and develop lean marketing playbooks makes him a trusted ally for founders navigating uncharted territory.
His commitment to community and knowledge-sharing extends beyond the boardroom. For nearly two decades, Robert has volunteered with the SCORE organization, a nationwide SBA-funded mentorship initiative. Here, he has helped hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs access the insights, strategies, and encouragement needed to take their ventures from concept to customer. He also serves with the Seacoast Science Center and supports other local nonprofit initiatives, reaffirming his belief that giving back is not a distraction from business—it is central to it.
Beyond his work, Robert brings a warmth and groundedness that instantly puts collaborators at ease. His personal interests—photography, pottery, swimming, and hiking—mirror his professional style: patient, hands-on, and attuned to the nuances of process and beauty. He often jokes about being the “resident baby boomer” at Centrus, but in truth, his experience offers a calming counterbalance to the frenetic pace of modern marketing. He listens intently, coaches generously, and leads without ego—qualities that endear him to clients and colleagues alike.
Looking ahead, Robert is actively seeking opportunities to contribute to boards and advisory councils where his decades of insight, technical knowledge, and strategic marketing acumen can help shape the next generation of businesses. He is especially drawn to founder-led organizations, early-stage ventures, and mission-driven enterprises where he can play a transformative role. For Robert, the timing is right—not just professionally, but personally. He’s ready to help others accelerate their impact, sharpen their strategies, and scale their visions.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, few leaders offer the depth of perspective, clarity of execution, and unwavering mentorship that Robert Rustici brings. He doesn’t chase trends. He builds futures. And he does it with integrity, intelligence, and heart.
Character:
Robert Rustici is grounded in integrity, humility, and a deep sense of purpose, consistently prioritizing mentorship and community service throughout his career. His decades-long volunteer work with SCORE and local nonprofits reflects a values-driven approach to leadership that inspires trust and collaboration.
Knowledge:
With over 40 years of hands-on experience across technology, e-commerce, and marketing, Robert possesses an expert-level understanding of both foundational business practices and modern digital tools. His continuous learning—spanning certifications, software platforms, and evolving market trends—demonstrates his commitment to staying ahead in a dynamic industry.
Strategic:
Robert blends analytical rigor with creative problem-solving to design marketing systems that are scalable, sustainable, and ROI-focused. Whether building sales funnels or advising startups on market positioning, he aligns every initiative with long-term business goals and measurable outcomes.
Communication:
Robert is a compelling communicator who simplifies complex digital strategies into actionable insights for clients, teams, and mentees. His style is approachable yet authoritative, enabling productive dialogue whether he’s advising a founder, leading a campaign, or mentoring a student.
