Central New York Business Journal: Growing Watertown firm offers digital ads on its vehicles

Whether you’re looking to promote your new business or just want to give someone an extra-special birthday shoutout, Runningboards Marketing allows customers to make their message mobile via its Digital Advertising Vehicles, or DAVs. Launched in 2018, the brand has recently begun franchising and is looking for qualified candidates, eyeing Syracuse for its next outpost.

Business partners Calvin McNeely and Zach Yelle first got the idea for Runningboards when McNeely stumbled across a similar truck online. “I had never seen one of these trucks before, and I knew right then and there I had to do it,” said McNeely to the Central New York Business Journal. Seasoned businessman McNeely brought on Yelle, age 23, as VP for his background in technology, marketing, design and social media. McNeely’s decades of experience in business paired with Yelle’s fresh, innovative perspective and tech knowledge made for the perfect partnership.

After building their own custom truck and attracting clients, McNeely and Yelle began to look into franchising. As of April 2019, Runningboards is positioned to sell franchises in 35 states and Washington, D.C. The franchise is the first of its kind and an exciting opportunity for investors to get in on the ground floor of an emerging market.