How can today’s middle-market businesses accelerate their performance and achieve growth ambitions? The answers fall within the application of AI, data, and digital innovation. This is according to Claude Zdanow, CEO of Onar Holding Corporation (OTCQB: ONAR), a next-generation, technology-first network of marketing and creative services agencies.
Digital Journal spoke with Zdanow about his strategies for business success.
Digital Journal: Can you provide a brief background on ONAR?
Claude Zdanow: ONAR is a marketing technology company and agency network built specifically for middle-market businesses that are ready to grow. We sit in a unique space that’s not quite a traditional agency and not just a SaaS platform, but something in between. Our model blends strategic services, AI-driven insights, and scalable execution to give companies the tools and support they need to scale quickly and smartly.
We were founded by a team of entrepreneurs, technologists, and marketers who’ve been in the trenches and saw a gap in the market. ONAR delivers enterprise-level marketing without the significant cost that typically comes with big agencies or large in-house teams. Everything we do is rooted in partnership, performance, and personalization, because we know that no two companies scale the same way.
DJ: How are you leveraging AI and advanced technologies in your solutions?
Zdanow: At ONAR, AI isn’t just a buzzword, it’s part of our DNA. From day one, we built it into the core and backbone of our platform and processes. We use AI and machine learning in many areas of our business, from segmenting audiences and predicting behavior to optimizing creative and tracking performance in real time. It helps us and our clients move faster, work smarter, and achieve better results.
We are also firm believers in AI amplifying human talent, not being a replacement for people. We view AI as a true force multiplier, helping us automate repetitive tasks, so our team can focus on high-impact, strategic work. Because we’re constantly experimenting and iterating, we’re able to stay ahead of the curve and ensure our clients do too. For us, AI isn’t just a feature; it’s a driving force that makes our marketing smarter, more efficient, and ultimately more human.
DJ: Why is ONAR specifically focused on middle-market companies?
Zdanow: At ONAR, we’ve been in the shoes of middle-market companies. Middle-market companies are in one of the most exciting yet demanding phases of growth. They need to scale quickly, perform under pressure, and often do more with less. While they’re too large for DIY marketing tools, they’re too lean to rely on massive agency teams. That’s where ONAR comes in and fills the gap.
We designed our model specifically for this segment: fast-moving, flexible, and focused on delivering results. Middle-market leaders are builders who need partners that can keep pace with their needs, not over-engineered solutions or slow-moving firms. They want agility and expertise, which is exactly what we provide.
These companies are a very important element of the economy, but they often face a challenge: they need sophisticated solutions but lack the resources for enterprise-level agency relationships. ONAR bridges that gap by combining top-tier strategic thinking with the agility, transparency, and cost-efficiency that middle-market businesses need. Our clients aren’t just looking for a vendor, they want a partner who truly understands their stage and speed.
ONAR is purpose-built for the middle market, where innovation meets hustle. Having built businesses from the ground up, we know that these companies need nimble, high-touch support, not complex, overcomplicated solutions. We provide deep expertise and enterprise-grade capabilities without red tape, moving at their speed, speaking their language, and staying deeply invested in their success.
DJ: What is ONAR Labs and how is it cultivating innovation?
Zdanow: ONAR Labs is where we push boundaries. It’s our in-house innovation hub where we experiment with emerging tech, build new tools, and co-create ideas with our clients. Whether we’re developing custom GPT-powered solutions or piloting new customer journey frameworks, ONAR Labs helps keep us and our clients on the cutting edge of technology.
However, ONAR Labs isn’t just a team or a place. It’s a key part of our culture. We believe innovation should be baked into everything we do. ONAR Labs is a cornerstone of our approach, encouraging curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the entire team.
We firmly believe that innovation shouldn’t be confined to a department, but rather a mindset that fuels everything we do. Some of our best ideas have come from simply rolling up our sleeves and asking, “What if we tried this?” It’s not about perfection; it’s about staying curious, taking risks, and always moving forward.
DJ: What are some trends you are expecting to emerge in the marketing technology industry in the next few years?
Zdanow: We’re seeing a big shift in how marketing, sales, and product teams work together, and AI is really helping to connect those dots. Over the next few years, personalization is going to go far beyond just sending the right email at the right time. We’re talking about creating full customer experiences that actually feel tailored to each individual, across every touchpoint.
Another trend we’re watching closely is the move toward more flexible, modular tech stacks. Instead of relying on one giant, do-it-all platform, companies are piecing together the tools that work best for them, kind of like building your own marketing toolkit.
At the same time, as AI becomes a bigger part of how decisions are made, things like transparency and data ethics are going to be more important than ever. And while tech is advancing fast, we believe human creativity will always be at the heart of great marketing. The companies that win will be the ones that treat AI as a teammate, not a threat, and brands who are willing to keep experimenting and evolving.
