Early Career Foundations & Education
Terry Krieg’s professional journey reflects a lifelong commitment to helping organizations grow, innovate, and thrive. A passion for marketing, communications, and the human side of business development shaped his early years. Terry's formal education and studies included the University of Michigan–Dearborn, and later continued his professional education through the CUNA Management School, a three-year program at the University of Wisconsin, the premier leadership development program for credit union professionals.
There, he distinguished himself as one of the top-performing students in the nation, earning the Top Student Award three years in a row — a rare and prestigious accomplishment. These formative experiences combined academic insight with real-world application, fueling his entrepreneurial spirit and sharpening his ability to build strategies that translate into measurable business results.
Credit Union Innovation
Before launching his entrepreneurial ventures, Terry spent nearly two decades as Vice President of CUCorp, now known as CU Solutions Group (CUSG), a subsidiary of the Michigan Credit Union League. In this role, he was tasked with revitalizing underperforming divisions and turning them into engines of growth and innovation.
One of his most significant achievements during this time was leading the transformation of the marketing and print services group into Images & Ink, an award-winning division that became a recognized brand in credit union marketing. Terry spearheaded initiatives that brought modern design, brand consistency, and measurable marketing impact to credit unions nationwide.
He also launched Spirit Wireless, one of the earliest wireless discount programs available through credit unions, in partnership with Verizon. By aligning member benefits with national partnerships, Terry positioned credit unions as forward-thinking organizations offering tangible value to members.
Perhaps most notably, Terry was among the first to introduce credit union website services in Michigan and Ohio. At a time when many financial institutions were just beginning to explore the digital frontier, his work helped credit unions establish an online presence, engage members digitally, and strengthen their competitive advantage. These initiatives set a precedent that positioned CUCorp and the Michigan Credit Union League as leaders in credit union innovation on a national scale.
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Entrepreneurial Journey: Building Companies from the Ground Up
After nearly 25 years of corporate leadership, Terry transitioned into entrepreneurship, bringing his expertise and vision directly to the business community.
Building on this success, Terry founded Advantage Marketing Solutions, the company that would define his role as a marketing leader and business growth expert. For more than two decades, Advantage Marketing has served as a trusted partner to small and mid-sized businesses, offering both full-service marketing execution and executive-level consulting.
Another venture was ProStaff Services, a recruiting and staffing agency specializing in engineering and marketing placements in the manufacturing and automotive sectors for over 15 years.
ProStaff quickly gained a reputation for its flexible staffing models, which helped companies access high-caliber talent without the overhead of full-time hires. By introducing options such as employee leasing and hourly assignments, Terry enabled businesses to scale their workforce strategically while controlling costs. This ability to blend strategic foresight with practical solutions became a hallmark of his career.
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Advantage Marketing Solutions: Driving Business Growth
At its core, Advantage Marketing Solutions is built on Terry’s belief that effective marketing should be accessible, affordable, and aligned with business goals. Unlike large agencies that rely on rigid packages or inflated promises, Advantage Marketing takes a customized, relationship-driven approach.
Terry and his team at Advantage Marketing Solutions serve a diverse range of industries, with a focus on sectors where growth, competition, and community presence are critical. Their work spans healthcare, financial services, professional services, and contractors, helping organizations in each area achieve measurable growth through tailored strategies.
· In healthcare, they’ve partnered with practices such as physical therapy clinics, medical and dental offices (including dental implant providers), guiding them to expand locations, increase patient volume, and strengthen reputations.
· In financial services, Terry’s background in credit union innovation provides unique insight into marketing for credit unions, banks, and financial advisory firms.
· In professional services, Advantage Marketing supports law firms, consulting groups, and other specialized practices by building strong brands, improving digital visibility, and generating qualified leads.
· In the contractor space, they work with trades and service-based companies to capture local market share, boost referrals, and build long-term customer relationships.
By focusing on these industries, Terry has built a proven track record of helping organizations embrace change, adapt to shifting market conditions, and achieve sustainable growth.
Starting at just $1,900 per month, Advantage Marketing delivers the power of a full marketing department at a fraction of the cost of hiring an entry-level employee. This innovative model has made high-level marketing accessible to organizations that otherwise could not afford it.
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Client Success Stories
The hallmark of Terry’s work is measurable success. A few highlights include:
· Healthcare Growth: Helped a Metro Detroit physical therapy company grow from 8 to 28 locations, representing a 400% increase in reach and revenue.
· Financial Services Impact: Delivered 25%–200% revenue growth for credit unions, dental and medical practices, and professional service firms.
· Full-Service Outsourcing: Stepped in as the entire marketing department for organizations, handling everything from strategic planning to execution across digital, print, and community engagement.
· Long-Term Partnerships: Earned client loyalty and trust, with many partnerships lasting over a decade — a testament to Advantage Marketing’s transparency, performance, and value.
These results are not just numbers; they represent real businesses growing, employees gaining opportunities, and communities benefiting from stronger local enterprises.
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Growth Philosophy & Leadership Style
Terry’s philosophy is simple but powerful: marketing is not about hype — it’s about clarity, strategy, and measurable impact. He is committed to listening first, understanding a client’s unique challenges, and then designing solutions that drive real results.
As a leader, Terry is known for his transparency, relationship-building, and ability to simplify complex challenges into clear, actionable steps. He views himself not as a vendor, but as a partner in growth, committed to aligning his team’s work with each client’s long-term goals.
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Recognition & Professional Development
Terry’s career has been marked by a series of recognitions that reflect his dedication and excellence:
· Top Student Award at CUNA Management School (three consecutive years)
· Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation
· Multiple leadership awards from the Michigan Credit Union League
· Recognition for his leadership on the boards of American 1 Credit Union and Michigan Services Credit Union
These achievements are complemented by his lifelong learning mindset and ongoing commitment to professional growth.
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Community Involvement & Governance
Over the past four decades, Terry has successfully guided businesses through some of the most challenging economic events of our time, including the 1987 Stock Market Crash, the Dot-Com Boom and Bust, the disruptions following 9/11, the Great Recession of 2007–2009, the global upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent surge of inflation and rising interest rates. These experiences have shaped his ability to help organizations not only withstand uncertainty but also adapt, innovate, and grow stronger in the face of change.
Beyond his business ventures, Terry has been a passionate advocate for collaboration between local businesses and industries. He has served on the boards of American 1 Credit Union and Michigan Services Credit Union for over 15 years, contributing governance, strategy, and leadership to organizations that serve thousands of members.
He is also an active member of the Canton and Plymouth Chambers of Commerce, where he advocates for the growth of local businesses and supports initiatives that enhance the community.
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Personal Values & Vision
At the heart of Terry’s career is a commitment to people — clients, employees, community members, and industry peers. His leadership style emphasizes trust, collaboration, and results over flash or hype. He is driven by the belief that small and mid-sized businesses deserve access to the same high-level strategies and execution that large corporations enjoy.
Looking forward, Terry envisions expanding Advantage Marketing Solutions’ impact by continuing to innovate in digital marketing, AI-driven strategies, and community-based business support models. His goal remains consistent: to empower businesses to grow sustainably, scale intelligently, and thrive in an ever-changing marketplace. His career reflects a lifetime of achievement in marketing, leadership, and business growth.
He is a strategist, an entrepreneur, a mentor, and above all, a partner to businesses seeking real results. Through Advantage Marketing Solutions, Terry continues to make his mark by helping organizations achieve growth that is measurable, sustainable, and transformative.
