by Lauren Rainford
When Debbie Rainford founded MarCom Group in the basement of her home nearly 30 years ago, her vision was simple: to build a business on her own terms, one that allowed her to balance professional fulfillment with family life. She wasn’t focused on scaling an empire. She wanted autonomy. She wanted to create a career that allowed her to be present for her family, including me—her daughter.
What began as a desire for flexibility soon grew into something much bigger. With each successful project, MarCom Group evolved into a well-respected, highly-regarded, full-service agency supporting federal clients in their missions—missions that, in many cases, are critical to national security. Today, as I step into the role of president of MarCom Group, I stand on the foundation of her unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
“It’s not about how people feel about Friday—it’s about how they feel on Monday.”
Starting and sustaining a small business is never easy, and as a woman in the male-dominated industry of advertising, Deb faced barriers that tested her resolve. In the early days, financing was a persistent struggle. Despite years of financial stability and a track record of success, she found it difficult to secure something as simple as a line of credit—something that took MarCom Group over two decades to obtain.
“In the 1990s, when Bob and I would meet with new clients, the men did the talking,” she reflected. “But once we built relationships, they saw me and valued my input.” It wasn’t just about proving herself; it was about proving that MarCom Group could deliver results time and again.
Today, everyone refers to Deb as “even keel.” An ardent sailor, she is patient, steadfast, and always looking toward the destination on the distant horizon. These are the traits she brought to every challenging chapter throughout MarCom Group’s past. She led the team through difficult times. From the tragedy of 9/11 and the crash of 2008 to the pandemic, Deb ensured MarCom Group remained resilient and adaptive in the face of uncertainty.
Beyond external challenges, Deb also had to navigate internal struggles as a leader. At times, she found herself struggling with confrontation and hard conversations. Through time and experience, she learned that a strong leader must make tough decisions, even when they’re uncomfortable.
Surround yourself with smart, trustworthy advisors. Know that you don’t have to do everything yourself. And above all, never underestimate the power of perseverance.
This is one of the many lessons I carry forward as I take on the responsibility of leading MarCom Group. Success isn’t just about external wins—it’s about fostering an internal culture where people thrive. Deb always believed that investing in her team was just as important as delivering for clients. She made sure her employees were paid fairly, valued for their contributions, and supported in their growth.
One quote my mother shared resonated deeply with me: “It’s not about how people feel about Friday—it’s about how they feel on Monday.” Her leadership created an environment where people want to show up, where they feel valued and empowered. That is the legacy I will carry forward.
When I asked Deb what advice she would give to other women looking to start and lead their own companies, her response was simple yet profound: Do it. Surround yourself with smart, trustworthy advisors. Know that you don’t have to do everything yourself. And above all, never underestimate the power of perseverance.
I can’t think of a better way to begin this next chapter than by honoring the woman who started it all. This Women’s History Month, I honor Deb’s journey—not just as MarCom Group’s founder but as a trailblazer who has shown me and everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside her what’s possible. As I take on this new chapter, I do so with gratitude, determination, and an unwavering belief in the strength of women-led businesses.