Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Powers.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started out in video games in the mid 2000’s out in LA and in 2010, I moved back to San Antonio, where I live today. I worked as a marketing manager for a logistics company and then a technology coordinator for a small non-profit school.
I formed my digital marketing agency, Graphic Gato, LLC, in 2018 as a side hustle and in 2025 I went full-time with it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I can’t say it has been rough. I’ve had a lot of time to iron out a lot of details and set up processes because I kept my business extremely small while I had my full-time job. I was able to focus on a few clients and figure out a lot of what needed to be done and what I’m actually good at by taking my time and focusing on the client’s needs without trying to rapidly scale.
I waited tables and bartended for about 18 years on and off while in college and when I was first starting out. Being in customer service taught me a lot of invaluable lessons on how to treat clients and work through problems. I owe a lot to cutting my teeth while waiting tables.
We’ve been impressed with Graphic Gato, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Graphic Gato is a digital marketing agency based in San Antonio. We focus on helping small to medium-sized businesses grow by building their online presence through best practices in SEO and digital marketing.
We create SEO-optimized websites from the ground up, manage online ads, oversee social media accounts, and handle just about any other digital service a client might need.
What sets us apart is how easy we are to work with. We want every client to feel comfortable throughout the development process and understand each step along the way. Our goal is to help them see what it really means to be successful in the digital age.
I take pride in teaching my clients what SEO actually is and how it works for their specific website. I even like to reframe it from “Search Engine Optimization” to “Strategic Earning Opportunities.” That shift in perspective helps people understand that SEO isn’t just about ranking higher on Google; it’s about creating real, measurable growth for their business. I often tell clients, *“Even if a year from now you decide to go with someone else, I want you to be armed with enough knowledge so you don’t get taken advantage of.”*
Too many business owners have shared horror stories about spending tens of thousands of dollars and months of time with other agencies, only to end up with an underdeveloped product and little to show for it.
What I’m most proud of, brand wise, is staying small. I like not having heavy overhead. I like being able to work closely with my clients and give them the personal attention they deserve. They’re not just account numbers to me. I make sure they know they matter, because every single one of them does.
Ninety-nine percent of my clients come through word of mouth, and I’ve retained over 90 percent of them since I started.
I want business owners and entrepreneurs to know it doesn’t matter how small they are or what they sell. Everyone needs a strong website to get the most out of their online presence. And while it takes hard work to reach the top, it’s worth it. If someone tells you it’s easy or quick, run.
I’m a “do it the right way as best as possible” kind of guy. I’m not perfect, and I make mistakes like anyone else, but every mistake has taught me something valuable. Those lessons have helped me become sharper, faster, and better every time around.
How do you define success?
When my clients see growth and are getting email submissions and phone calls, I’m a happy guy. I’m pretty big nerd when it comes to how all the technology, design, and effort comes together. When it actually works, I nerd out pretty hard.
Pricing:
- My fees range from client to client. Every business is different and needs different tools to make them successful. This is why I have a free consultation to go over what the client actually needs instead of trying to sell them on something they’ll never use.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://graphicgato.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/graphicgato/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/graphicgato/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/graphicgato
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/graphicgato
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@graphicgato
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/graphic-gato-san-antonio?osq=graphic+gato
- Other: https://g.page/graphicgato
