David Carroll

Founder and CEO of Dope Marketing

Headshot of David Carroll from DOPE Marketing

David Carroll, also publicly known as Dave Carroll, is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dope Marketing. Based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area of Minnesota, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the marketing technology (MarTech) sector. His core expertise lies in the automation of direct mail, data-driven marketing strategies tailored for home service industries, sophisticated audience targeting, and marketing list management.

Carroll’s professional mission is to “MAKE DIRECT MAIL SIMPLE” by leveraging technology to eliminate traditional barriers such as high costs, complexity, and minimum order requirements. At 38 years of age, he is also a father to five children, a personal detail he often shares when discussing the balance between entrepreneurship and family life.

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David Carroll
David Carroll

Notable Achievements & Recognition

  • Recognized in the Inc. 5000 list in 2024 and 2025 for rapid growth and innovation
  • Featured by leading media outlets including Forbes, LA Weekly, Chicago Tribune and Inc Magazine
  • Trusted by major brands like Ashley Furniture, Nike and the Golden State Warriors as well as thousands of local contractors
  • Pioneer of print‑marketing tech with an open API, custom storefronts, handwriting machines and the Neighborhood Blitz tool

Dope Conversations Podcast

Dope Conversations is David Carroll’s unfiltered podcast, where he and his guests dive deep into the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and life. Each episode shares real stories about building DOPE Marketing, overcoming challenges, and innovating with data‑driven direct mail. Tune in for candid insights, lessons learned, and inspiration to grow your own business.

Podcast appearances by Dave Carroll

  • Inside the Funnel – “Inside the Funnel with Guest Dave Carroll” – May 2023.
    Summary: In this episode of Victor Rancor’s Inside the Funnel podcast, Dave Carroll describes how guerrilla‑style marketing tactics like yard signs and door hangers help home‑service businesses compete locally and generate leads without relying on digital ads.

  • Lighting for Profits – “Ep #164 – Dave Carroll – Building DOPE Marketing Success” – Sept 17 2024.
    Summary: Host Ryan Lee interviews Dave Carroll about exiting his home‑service business and starting Dope Marketing. Carroll explains that he launched Dope to help companies grow through direct mail and traditional marketing and notes that his work has been featured in Forbes, LA Weekly and Inc. Magazine.

  • Skid Steer Nation Podcast – “Dave Carroll: Elevate Your Business with Dope Marketing Strategies” – Jun 19 2024.
    Summary: Dave Carroll sits down with host Ryan Deemer to discuss blending traditional and digital marketing. The episode highlights the enduring value of guerrilla tactics (yard signs and door‑hangers), the importance of targeted digital ads and strategies for building strong customer relationships. Carroll also shares practical tips—such as offering simple entry‑level services to get on a customer’s property—to help business owners grow.

  • Restoration Domination – “Ep 005 – Profitable Marketing for Contractors w/ David Carroll” – 2023.
    Summary: On this episode of Restoration Domination, Dave Carroll discusses the return‑on‑investment of direct mail, the importance of marketing intimacy and why multiple touch‑points matter. He also reflects on lessons learned from both new‑ and old‑school marketing and recounts his journey from felony conviction to business success.

  • The Untrapped Podcast – “UPGRADE Entrepreneur Mindset with David Carroll of DOPE Marketing” – Apr 20 2023.
    Summary: Keith Kalfas hosts Dave Carroll to talk about recession‑proof marketing strategies. Carroll explains how to find your business “super‑power,” why consistent branding is essential and how to allocate time wisely between business and personal life. He emphasizes that entrepreneurs should “touch fewer people more” to build stronger connections.

  • Roofing Podcast: Hook Better Leads – “2025 Big Goals, Wellness, and Personal Challenges w/ Dave Carroll” – Jan 21 2025.
    Summary: In this episode from Hook Agency, Dave Carroll discusses wellness routines, exercise, masterminds, work–life balance and the “attention economy” for home‑service businesses. The show notes highlight that he advocates setting small, attainable goals to reach larger objectives.

  • Hook Agency (blog/podcast) – “Make Direct Mail Simple with Dope Marketing” – Nov 18 2023.
    Summary: Hook Agency’s team interviews Dave Carroll in the Dope Marketing studio. He explains how Dope Marketing uses homeowner data—such as home value and square footage—to customize direct‑mail campaigns, provides on‑demand print services for yard signs, door‑hangers and flyers and recommends integrating canvassing tools like Lead Scout and Sales Rabbit. Carroll also emphasizes diversification and maintaining a strong online presence to stay resilient during market changes.

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