Becky Smith has been a great friend to and a tireless worker for the OOH industry. Insider was very curious to see what her next step would be. We wish her well as she branches out on her own.
Becky, I understand you have an announcement to make?
I’m excited to share the launch of Behind the Board.
Over the years working closely with independent operators, I really fell in love with this industry and especially the people in it. Many of these companies are built one board at a time by owners who handle sales, land, relationships, and everything in between. What I kept seeing was not a lack of drive or opportunity, but a lack of time.
As companies grow, owners often find their days filled with emails, posting questions, billing follow ups, artwork coordination, and advertiser communication. They spend more time reacting than building. Behind the Board was created to step into that operational gap so operators can focus again on growth, customers, and the parts of the business they actually enjoy.
What made you decide to start Behind the Board?
After nearly a decade in the industry, I realized the conversations I valued most were always the same ones. Owners would call when they were overwhelmed or stuck, not because they didn’t know the business, but because they were trying to do every role at once.
I began to see a pattern. Independent operators are excellent entrepreneurs and relationship builders, but as their companies grow, the operational workload grows faster than expected. Many are too large to manage alone but not large enough to justify hiring a full internal team.
I saw a specific need and wanted to build something designed to solve it.
Why should an operator consider working with Behind the Board?
Independent operators are very good at building locations and relationships. What becomes difficult is managing the constant coordination that comes after the sale.
Behind the Board functions as an outsourced operations partner. I handle advertiser coordination, artwork and posting communication, digital scheduling, invoicing, reporting, and vendor communication. The goal is simple: provide operators with the structure and support of a larger company while allowing them to remain the face of their own business.
When operational pressure is reduced, owners gain time to sell, pursue new locations, and even step away when needed, knowing their business continues to run smoothly.
You had some other opportunities. Why did you choose supporting billboard operators?
I had the chance to pursue several directions within the industry, but I realized what mattered most to me was helping operators themselves succeed.
Throughout my career I was often the person owners called when they needed perspective, resources, or simply someone who understood their challenges. Supporting operators allows me to contribute to many businesses at once and help independent companies continue to thrive.
Are you already open for business?
Yes. Behind the Board is currently accepting clients nationwide. I am intentionally starting as a high touch service so each company receives personal support tailored to how they operate.
If I am interested in learning more, what should I do?
The best first step is simply a conversation. Every operator’s situation is different, and sometimes that conversation alone is helpful.
More information is available at behindtheboard.io or by emailing Becky@behindtheboard.io to schedule a call.
To receive a free morning newsletter with each day’s Billboard insider articles email info@billboardinsider.com with the word “Subscribe” in the title. Our newsletter is free and we don’t sell our subscriber list.
Paid Advertisement
