In the June-August 2026 issue of NZ Marketing magazine, we asked agency founders to tell us the story behind why they started their agency, their favourite thing, what they’ve learned and their best advice.
Gecko Marketing
- Founder: Tim Rosenbrook
- Year founded: 2013
Tell us the story behind founding your agency.
Gecko Marketing was founded in 2013, at a point when my career in marketing had spanned around 14 years, largely working with large corporates.
Most recently, I’d been part of the team that launched Z Energy, following several years with Shell. During a restructure, I had the opportunity to step back and reassess.
While exploring senior roles in Wellington, I realised there was a different path I wanted to take. I saw an opportunity to apply what I’d learned, working with large budgets, deep research and strategic frameworks, to help New Zealand SMEs access the same level of marketing thinking.
That choice resulted in the establishment of Gecko Marketing. Initially a one-person operation, aided by contractors, it has since expanded into a small team with a big emphasis on providing opportunities for new and recent marketing graduates to enter the industry.
What’s your favourite thing about running your own agency?
My favourite thing about running my own agency is the flexibility and freedom it provides.
In the early days, that was especially important with a young family – it allowed me to build a business without sacrificing time at home.
Equally rewarding is the opportunity to work alongside so many passionate and successful New Zealand business owners. Being part of their journeys, helping them grow and seeing the impact of good marketing firsthand is incredibly motivating.
Another highlight is creating opportunities for others. Gecko Marketing has helped seven (and counting) new graduates take their first step into the industry. Watching them develop confidence and build their careers is something I’m really proud of, and a big part of what makes running the agency so fulfilling.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned?
The most important thing I’ve learned is the value of staying flexible and being a marketing generalist.
Every client and situation is different, so the ability to adapt, think broadly and connect the dots across multiple channels is critical.
I’ve also learned to be pragmatic: marketing isn’t about theory, it’s about what actually works. That means constantly testing, learning and refining based on real-world results, not assumptions.
Above all, effective marketing must be measurable and customer-focused. If you can’t track it, you can’t improve it, and if it’s not resonating with your audience, it won’t deliver value. Keeping the customer at the centre and using data to guide decisions has been key to achieving consistent, meaningful outcomes.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or given out?
Before starting Gecko Marketing, I reached out to my network of marketers across New Zealand for advice.
Without exception, everyone was incredibly generous with their time and insights. One piece of advice that has stuck with me came from a friend who challenged me to think deeply about what makes Gecko Marketing different.
What was my USP? What makes Gecko Marketing truly unique? It was a simple question, but an important one. That thinking has stayed with me ever since. It’s not just relevant when starting a business, it’s fundamental to building a strong brand.
Today, it’s something we regularly challenge our clients on as well. Understanding what sets you apart, and being clear and consistent in how you communicate it, is critical to standing out and creating real value.
This story comes from NZ Marketing magazine issue 87, June-August 2026. Why not subscribe? Get four issues a year for just $50 (including delivery) if you autorenew.
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