My name is Tom McAteer. I am a full-time Firefighter/Paramedic since June, 2022. I started The Marion Local Direct for multiple reasons;

I am a 5th-generation Ocala McAteer. Every generation of my family has been an entrepreneur and business owner. I have been entrepreneurial at heart for as long as I can remember. In 2023, I gained experience as a social media marketer, serving companies of varying sizes across all of Florida before going to Paramedic School. After the success of completing school, I yearned for another entrepreneurial venture.

I saw an opportunity when I discovered that not a single mail advertiser in Ocala offers what I now offer through The Marion Local Direct. Every magazine, coupon envelope, doorhanger, and postcard were all the same; The promotions were hidden behind pages, hidden in a pile of dozens of forgettable coupons, had direct competitor’s ads placed directly next to theirs, were from big retail chains, or otherwise.. felt like trash and were directly discarded.

So I started The Marion Local Direct. A postcard, shared by multiple local businesses here in Ocala, with zero competition against one another. A collection of products and services showcased BY members of this community, FOR members of this community. With the recipiant’s eyes on the promotion the moment they pull it out of their mailbox. No competition, no big retail, no franchises, and no national chains.