Our Story

    25 Years of Building Communities, Businesses & Brands

    What began as a small publishing and marketing venture has evolved through multiple chapters, each shaped by a commitment to helping organizations grow, connect, and make a greater impact.

    Today, CCM Consulting & Advisory Services draws upon more than two decades of experience in publishing, marketing, communications, events, nonprofit leadership, business development, strategic planning, and organizational growth.

    While the company has evolved over the years, one thing has remained constant: helping organizations tell their stories, strengthen their operations, and create meaningful connections within their communities.

    Our Journey

    A Timeline of Impact

    2001–2005

    Advantage Publishing

    • Started Building Savvy Magazine
    • Launched Building Edge Magazine
    • Launched Commercial Building Edge
    • Published the AGC of Florida Directory
    • Focused on the building industry publications
    • Established foundation in publishing and marketing

    2006–2010

    Expansion of Publishing Portfolio

    • HOME: Living in Greater Gainesville
    • Taste of Greater Gainesville
    • Launched 13 Going on 30
    • Started a web design division (the foundation of our agency work)
    • Growth of advertising and community partnerships

    2011–2015

    Regional Growth & Events

    • Launched Business in Greater Gainesville magazine
    • Guide to Greater Gainesville
    • Published the Guide to Giving
    • Forty Under 40
    • Created the Impact Awards
    • Founded the FIERCE Awards
    • Recognized with 11 Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association

    2016–2020

    Expansion & Recognition

    • Launched Business in the First Coast Magazine
    • Launched HOME: Living in North Georgia Magazine
    • Recognized with 12 Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association
    • Launched True North FL Inc

    2021–2024

    Recognition & Community Impact

    • Launched Guide to Greater Tampa Bay
    • Launched Guide Monthly
    • Relaunched HOME Magazine (digital edition)
    • Launched Costello Communications & Marketing

    2025–Present

    CCM Consulting & Advisory Services

    • Rebranded Costello Communications & Marketing as CCM Consulting & Advisory Services
    • Fractional C-Suite, Strategic Planning and Operational Support for nonprofits, small businesses, and chambers
    • Launched FIERCE Forward
    • Expanded FIERCE to SW Florida

    Impact By The Numbers

    A Legacy You Can Measure

    25+

    Years of experience

    250+

    Published magazines, guides, and special editions

    10+

    Community and business events created or managed

    Hundreds

    Of businesses, nonprofits, and community partners served

    Thousands

    Of business relationships developed throughout Florida

    Millions

    Of impressions generated through publications, events, and marketing

    Brands & Programs We've Built

    A Portfolio of Impact

    Building Savvy
    Building Edge
    Commercial Building Edge
    HOME: Living in Greater Gainesville magazine coverHOME: Living in Greater Gainesville
    Business in Greater Gainesville magazine coverBusiness in Greater Gainesville
    Guide to Greater Gainesville magazine coverGuide to Greater Gainesville
    Guide to Greater Tampa Bay magazine coverGuide to Greater Tampa Bay
    Guide Monthly - Greater Gainesville magazine coverGuide Monthly - Greater Gainesville
    Guide Monthly - Greater Tampa Bay magazine coverGuide Monthly - Greater Tampa Bay
    Taste of Greater Gainesville
    Forty Under 40
    Impact Awards
    FIERCE Awards of Greater Gainesville
    FIERCE Awards SW Florida
    Fierce Forward

    Over the past 25 years, Scott Costello has launched, managed, published, produced, or led numerous publications, events, and recognition programs that have connected businesses, celebrated leaders, and strengthened communities throughout Florida.

    What We Stand For

    Our Values

    Relationships First

    We believe strong organizations are built on strong relationships. Whether working with clients, leadership teams, employees, boards, or community partners, we prioritize trust, communication, collaboration, and authentic connection in everything we do.

    Practical Solutions with Purpose

    We do not believe in one-size-fits-all consulting. CCM provides thoughtful, actionable guidance designed to meet organizations where they are and help them move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

    Leadership Through Service

    Great leadership is about more than strategy. It is about serving people, strengthening culture, empowering teams, and creating environments where organizations and individuals can thrive.

    Flexibility that Meets Real Needs

    Every organization faces unique challenges, opportunities, and resource limitations. We pride ourselves on offering flexible support through fractional leadership, project-based consulting, strategic advising, and customized solutions that align with each client's goals and capacity.

    Community & Mission Matter

    We are passionate about helping organizations create meaningful impact. From nonprofits to small businesses, we understand the importance of mission, reputation, relationships, and community engagement, and we are committed to helping organizations strengthen all four.

    Progress Over Perfection

    Growth is rarely linear. We help organizations navigate change, solve problems, build momentum, and make meaningful progress through practical strategies and collaborative partnership.

    Partnership, Not Just Consulting

    We view ourselves as an extension of the organizations we serve. Our approach is hands-on, responsive, and rooted in genuine partnership because meaningful results happen when people work together.

    Scott Costello, Founder of CCM Advisory

    About the Founder

    Scott Costello

    Founder & CEO

    25+ Years of Experience
    Nonprofit & Business Expert

    Scott Costello is the Founder and CEO of CCM Consulting & Advisory Services and a seasoned community leader with more than two decades of experience advancing economic development, philanthropy, and civic engagement across Florida. Working at the intersection of business and community, he has guided organizations in designing and implementing initiatives that drive sustainable growth and meaningful social impact.

    Scott is widely recognized for forging strong cross‑sector partnerships, aligning diverse stakeholders, and leading teams toward initiatives that create lasting civic and economic value. His work is grounded in helping nonprofits, associations, and small businesses gain clarity, expand capacity, and build momentum to achieve their missions more effectively.

    Follow Scott on LinkedIn

    Learn More About Scott

    Our Team

    Meet the Team

    Heather Parker

    Heather Parker

    Heather is an educator, entrepreneur, and executive leadership consultant who helps organizations strengthen leaders, teams, and workplace culture. As the Founder of HP Consulting, she brings experience in business ownership, education, and nonprofit leadership. Her people-centered approach builds communication, accountability, and strategic direction, helping organizations create lasting change and sustainable success.

    Learn More About Heather
    Danielle O'Conner

    Danielle O'Conner

    Danielle specializes in client and community engagement supported by strong expertise in marketing and media relations. She is known for building visibility, strengthening partnerships, and aligning strategy with measurable outcomes. Danielle brings a people-centered approach that elevates both organizational growth and community impact.

    Learn More About Danielle
    Laureen Young

    Laureen Young

    Laureen is a career editor with a strong passion for clear, meaningful communication. She has worked with Guide to Greater Gainesville, Guide to Greater Tampa Bay and Home: Living in Greater Gainesville Magazine, helping shape stories that connect with readers and highlight the people behind the work.

    Learn More About Laureen
    Betsy Hansen

    Betsy Hansen

    Betsy is known for building cohesive brand strategies that drive growth, strengthen visibility, and create meaningful audience connection. With a foundation in creative direction and communications leadership, she brings a storyteller's perspective to every campaign while grounding decisions in data and performance insights.

    Learn More About Betsy

    How We Work

    Our Process

    A collaborative, practical approach focused on your goals and measurable results - from first conversation to lasting impact.

    CCM's five-step consulting process: Listen & Discover, Assess & Clarify, Plan & Strategize, Implement & Partner, and Measure & Grow.

    At CCM Consulting & Advisory Services, we believe organizations succeed when people, strategy, communication, and culture work together. Our mission is to help organizations build stronger foundations, navigate change with confidence, and create lasting impact in the communities they serve.

    We help organizations move from overwhelmed to organized, from reactive to strategic, and from surviving to thriving.