
Marketing Leadership That Brings Clarity, Focus, and Results
When marketing feels overwhelming, unfocused, or like it’s just not working, you don’t need more noise—you need clarity, leadership, and a plan you can actually follow.
Third Act Marketing offers flexible, part-time marketing leadership to help you prioritize what matters, take action, and get real results—without hiring full-time.
About Third Act Marketing
Hi, I’m Dan Ritzke, Founder of Third Act Marketing.
I’m an independent marketing consultant—not an agency—that offers fractional marketing leadership to small and mid-sized businesses that need strategic direction, consistent execution, and a trusted partner to help things actually get done.
With nearly 20 years of experience across industries like tech, healthcare, education, and finance, I specialize in building clear, effective marketing strategies—and staying involved to make sure they’re implemented the right way.
If you’re trying to grow but don’t have the time, team, or clarity to make marketing work, I can help.
Let’s talk.
Who I Work With
I work with founders and business leaders who feel stuck—and know their marketing isn’t working as well as it should. You don’t need more noise. You need someone to help you focus, make smart decisions, and build real momentum. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re in the right place:
You don’t have a clear, confident story about who you are and why it matters
You’re tired of chasing tactics without a simple, focused marketing plan
You’re working with limited time, budget, or people—and it’s slowing you down
You’re overwhelmed by options and unsure what to prioritize
Your brand feels disconnected from who you really are
Your messaging isn’t landing with the right people
Fractional Marketing Leadership That Delivers Results
If your marketing feels scattered, stalled, or just not working the way it should—you don’t need another plan. You need someone who can lead.
I work with growing businesses that need senior-level marketing guidance—but not a full-time hire. As your fractional Head of Marketing, I help you get focused, lead your team, and drive results.
This isn’t a course, a playbook, or a one-off project. It’s ongoing, hands-on marketing leadership built around your business.
What to Expect When Kicking Off a Project
Step 1: Discover & Diagnose
We’ll define your goals, uncover what’s holding you back, and identify growth opportunities.
Step 2: Develop & Define
I’ll create a tailored strategy—whether that’s a brand foundation, a marketing plan, or ongoing support.
Step 3: Execute & Optimize
With a clear roadmap in place, we’ll bring the strategy to life and adapt as needed.
Step 4: Evaluate & Adjust
We’ll regularly assess what’s working, make smart adjustments, and keep driving progress.
A Few of the Companies I’ve Worked With
What My Clients Say
"At first, I wasn’t sure if a marketing consultant would be a good investment or if we'd find someone who truly understood our needs. But working with Dan has been transformative. He's led key projects that have increased our intakes and greatly improved how we measure marketing performance. Everything feels more streamlined, organized, and clearly defined. Dan always makes us feel like his top priority, and I've recommended Third Act Marketing to several people—and will continue to do so."
Julianne Neely
Founder of Individual and Family Connection
“I’ve worked with Dan for many years across several companies and have come to rely on his expertise. He not only develops solid marketing plans but also thinks outside the box, offering truly strategic solutions to complex problems. And beyond recommending a plan, he has the ability to execute it effectively. It’s rare to find a resource as reliable and innovative as Dan—his insights are invaluable whenever I’m dealing with marketing challenges.”
Anthony Snowell
4x Startup Founder
“In just a few months of working with Dan, we’ve transformed how we approach marketing. We now have clear, measurable goals and tactics that we can test for effectiveness. As a direct result, we've sold out shows and thrown hugely profitable fundraising events. It's a pleasure to work with a marketing consultant who truly knows their stuff—we're operating at a higher level, and our successes no longer feel like luck.”
Mark Yonally
Founder of Chicago Tap Theatre
Not Sure Where to Start?
Here’s how we’ll figure it out—together.
1. Fill out a quick intake form
Tell me a bit about your business, your goals, and what’s been holding you back. This helps me understand where you’re at—and whether I’m the right fit to help.
2. Schedule a FREE strategy call
If it looks like I can help, I’ll follow up and we’ll schedule a time to talk. We’ll dig deeper into your challenges and start mapping out a path forward.
3. Get a tailored plan and start seeing results
After the call, I’ll recommend the best next steps—whether it’s a one-time project, ongoing support, or something in between. If we decide to move forward, we’ll get to work so your marketing feels clear, consistent, and effective.
Got a Quick Question?
Reach out anytime. No spam, no pushy sales tactics—just a helpful response within 1-2 business days.
Third Act Marketing Blog
Let’s Solve Your Marketing Challenges
I would love to help you gain clarity, choose the right strategies, and build an efficient, results-driven marketing process. With a custom plan and expert guidance, you can leave your marketing worries behind and focus on growing your business.