Startup Success Stories: Marathon Consulting in Hampton Roads

In the fast-moving world of technology, it’s rare to find a company that not only survives but thrives by staying true to its values. In this episode of Disrupting the Tide, we explore the story of Marathon Consulting, a Virginia-based tech firm that has redefined what long-term success looks like in Hampton Roads.

From launching on April Fool’s Day in 2006—right before the Great Recession—to growing into a trusted partner for powerhouse clients like STIHL, Marathon has built its legacy on grit, integrity, and a people-first philosophy.

A Foundation of Resilience

President and co-founder Tony Cortinas shared how Marathon’s founding team bootstrapped the company by guaranteeing a line of credit with their own homes and forgoing salaries for months. They left high-paying jobs behind to fill a growing gap in the market: companies needed local, high-quality IT consulting services that weren’t offshored or cookie-cutter.

That leap of faith paid off. Today, with over 125 consultants and more than 600 clients served, Marathon stands as a model of what it means to scale smart.

Built on Relationships, Not Just Code

At the heart of Marathon’s success is a culture of deep investment in people—both employees and clients. Longtime team members like Tom Marsden, Vice President, and Katie Keene, Senior Corporate Recruiter, spoke about how the company has evolved without ever compromising its DNA.

“We don’t hire for just one contract,” Keene explains. “We’re looking at the second, third, and fourth engagement. We want people who are in it for the long run—people who want to build something.”

This long-game approach has created a workplace that attracts and retains top talent, even bringing former employees back. Carlton Campbell, now an Enterprise Business Technology Consultant, returned to Marathon in 2024 after experiencing a very different culture elsewhere. “At Marathon, you don’t feel like just a number. You’re part of the family.”

Mentorship That Multiplies

Savannah Martin’s journey—from intern to Senior Software Developer—is proof of what Marathon’s mentorship culture can produce. She started in QA and now leads development on major public transit projects across the country.

“Everyone here is willing to share knowledge. That’s what makes Marathon different,” Martin says. “I’ve been mentored, and now I’m excited to give that back to others.”

This hands-on leadership isn’t limited to new hires. Founders like Tony and senior leaders like Tom are still directly involved in problem-solving and mentorship. The leadership isn’t perched in an ivory tower—they’re in the trenches, modeling what servant leadership looks like.

Partnering with Purpose

Client relationships at Marathon aren’t transactional—they’re transformational. Joe Quartararo of STIHL praised the firm’s ability to integrate deeply with his team: “They act like they work for STIHL. That level of ownership is rare—and it’s what sets them apart.”

This mindset has helped Marathon become more than a vendor. They’re trusted advisors, embedded in their clients’ long-term success.

Lessons for the Tech World

In an era obsessed with speed and scale, Marathon proves that staying grounded, being deliberate, and putting people first can create something that lasts. Whether it’s resisting the urge to chase fast growth or remaining committed to local talent, every decision at Marathon echoes its core values.

And perhaps that’s the biggest disruption of all: that in tech, success doesn’t have to come at the expense of culture.

Marathon isn’t just consulting. They’re setting the pace.

Stay tuned for more episodes of Disrupting the Tide, where we continue to highlight the bold, resilient, and forward-thinking businesses shaping Hampton Roads and beyond.