The Firestorm Story (The Fun, Actually-True Version)
Firestorm SEM didn’t start in a boardroom, a coworking loft, or after some inspirational TED Talk. It actually started in elementary school, where Jonathan Stec and Mark Barletta were busy being friends long before they were busy being marketers. Fast-forward to 2007: Jonathan decided to try selling products online as a side hustle — back in the Wild West era of digital marketing. This was the time when:
- You could run a Google ad with one URL and send users somewhere totally different
- Spammy blog comments counted as backlinks (seriously)
- Competitors weren’t above copying your site, sabotaging your SEO, or even hacking you
Jonathan did well until the bigger-budget pirates of the internet showed up. So he pivoted: instead of fighting them, he used his new skills to help businesses grow the right way, joining GSI Commerce (now part of eBay) and working with brands like GNC, Toys“R”Us, and Skullcandy.
In 2011, Jonathan launched Firestorm SEM — and things took off quickly. Firestorm became one of Philly’s top SEM agencies, supporting brands ranging from Rutgers Camden and Revelator Coffee to global enterprises like Verizon. Ratings rolled in, Upwork badges piled up, and Philadelphia repeatedly named Firestorm one of the best.
Then in 2015, the story got even better:
Mark officially joined Firestorm, reuniting the elementary-school duo who had already spent years working together at global marketing agencies from 2007–2012. The chemistry was still there — along with a shared love of data, strategy, and building businesses the right way.
What Firestorm SEM Does Today
In short: We help companies grow — profitably, predictably, and with smarter use of SEO and PPC.
Firestorm SEM (that’s Search Engine Marketing) is a hybrid SEO + PPC agency specializing in strategies that:
- Grow revenue
- Cut wasted ad spend
- Improve visibility
- Strengthen brands on Google and beyond
We do it through:
- Technical + content SEO
- High-performance PPC campaigns
- Local SEO & local PPC
- Ecommerce growth strategy
- Full-funnel search marketing
We’re also a Google Partner, which is Google’s way of saying: “Yep, these folks know what they’re doing.” Plus, it just turns out that two kids who met in elementary school make a pretty killer marketing team.
OUR CORE VALUES
Our Agency
Firestorm SEM is officially headquartered in King of Prussia, PA — inside the Valley Forge Casino, which means technically our office neighbors are slot machines and people chasing million-dollar jackpots. Fun place to visit… but honestly?
We almost never work there.
Firestorm is (and always has been) a mostly virtual agency, because paying for a giant office just to impress people in 2025 is basically the business equivalent of still using AOL CDs. It’s expensive, outdated, and it does nothing to help our clients grow.
The world is wireless, digital, and tech-driven — and we happily follow the logic:
Remote work = lower overhead = better pricing + better talent + happier humans.
Plus, our team loves the freedom. No commute. No cubicles. No awkward microwave conversations. Just focused, efficient work done by people who are actually excited to be here.
Despite being a virtual agency, things like Google Meet, Zoom, and even the good old fashioned phone allow us to stay connected and have that face-to-face time. We still make time to get together when possible and celebrate the important things. The virtual model has never hindered our work and has never been a weakness. We find that it is not only a strength but also puts us ahead of the curve and trend of what agencies will eventually adopt.
The Right People In The Right Jobs
The people make the company. Learn about our people.
Digital Strategist
Jonathan has 15+ years in SEO, PPC, and AI-driven marketing. He’s managed millions in ad spend and helped launch brands like Blink Health and Leesa Sleep. Jonathan uses data to drive ROI for companies like GNC and Verizon. Outside work, he enjoys family time, his dog, and classic 16-bit Nintendo games.
Client Strategy Lead
Mark has 15+ years of experience leading digital marketing, paid media, and growth strategy for global brands and high-growth B2B companies. He’s known for delivering ROI through data-driven, full-funnel programs. Outside work, Mark enjoys family time, coaching youth sports, and cheering for Notre Dame and the Yankees.
