Meet Malcolm Porch | Founder, Porch Marketing Studio | Program Director, Leaders For Life Martial Arts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Malcolm Porch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malcolm, how does your business help the community?
At its core, Porch Marketing Studio exists to help small businesses communicate better — to tell their story clearly, build trust with their audience, and grow in a way that feels authentic. I’ve always believed good marketing isn’t about manipulation; it’s about alignment — helping great businesses be seen for who they truly are, by the clients, investors, and partners who are seeking them.

What should our readers know about your business?
Porch Marketing Studio was created to help small businesses tell their story clearly and grow with purpose. I saw so many great entrepreneurs struggling — not because they lacked skill or drive, but because they didn’t have the time or systems to communicate their value effectively. The thing is, many business owners can underestimate the power of having up-to-date systems and seamless processes. When these are optimized, they remove unnecessary stress and free up time—allowing owners to focus on what truly drives growth: getting in front of the right people, closing deals, and attracting more clients. At Porch Marketing Studio, we put a finger on the gaps most business owners don’t see—those blind spots that quietly slow them down. From there, we implement modern, more efficient marketing tools that integrate with their existing systems, helping them work smarter, scale faster, and make every move count. That can look like upgrading their lead capture process, improving their social media presence, integrating automations, or even completely revamping their entire brand image or message. That’s what excites me I guess. Showcasing how their value is their, and that is just a matter of being open to growth. What really sets Porch Marketing Studio apart is the personal investment behind every project. With a background in Media & Communications from the University of Iowa and my experience as a Program Director and business leader at Leaders For Life Martial Arts, I’ve learned how structure, communication, and culture all play a role in performance. Whether leading a team or developing a brand, clarity and consistency make all the difference.

The road hasn’t been easy, but every mistake has sharpened my technical skills and business acumen. I’m proud of the relationships that have grown from this journey and excited to continue helping more businesses find their voice and show up confidently in the marketplace.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve got kind of a mix of spots — some for work, some for training, and some for just being weird and recharging. I’d probably start the week with something chill at Slowpokes Café — good coffee, easy energy, and a great spot to plan out the day. When I want to knock out work late, I head to Sleek Café and Crepes — they stay open late, and it’s the perfect quiet grind spot.

For fun nights, I like Pitch 25 — food, games, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to unwind after a long week. When I’m feeling my “anime nerd” side, Dragon Bowl C is a must. It’s ramen, but with an anime twist — the whole atmosphere hits different if you grew up on martial arts and Dragon Ball Z.

On slower days, I’m usually outdoors at Eleanor Tinsley Park — it’s my go-to for walking trails, sunbathing, and getting some clarity away from screens and schedules. Houston has this cool balance of hustle and calm if you know where to look for it. For me, that mix — good food, creative spaces, and peaceful moments — keeps everything flowing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I credit a lot to the people and places that helped shape me. Leaders For Life Martial Arts has played a huge role in my growth as a business leader — it’s where I’ve learned to blend leadership, communication, and purpose in real time. I also want to recognize Citadel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Iowa City and its owners, Matt Leighton and Jim Kelly, for sparking my passion for martial arts and instilling the discipline I carry into everything I do. Lastly, a big thank-you to my first Porch Marketing Studio clients — KIP Vending Services in Houston and Authentic Experiences Childcare Services in Cleveland — for believing in my vision early on and helping bring it to life. Lastly, all my family, friends and mentors back in Cleveland who helped remind me of who I am during dark and uncertain times.

Website: porchmarketingstudio.com

Instagram: @brands.n.belts

Linkedin: linkedin.com/Malcolm Porch

Facebook: Malcolm Porch & Porch Marketing Studios