By Regina LoBiondo
Matthew Berman, a Queens native, found his way to New Orleans by way of Tulane University in August 2005. Just days after he had moved onto campus, he and his classmates were forced to evacuate for Hurricane Katrina. Four months later, Berman returned, eager to pick up where he had left off and leave his own mark on New Orleans.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Berman volunteered in the Ninth Ward, rebuilding homes and giving back to the community. Living in New Orleans during that time of recovery was a unique experience that filled him with hope and passion for his new hometown. He wanted to rebuild the city not only in a physical capacity, but provide opportunity to those who reside there.
Berman began his career working at ad agencies in both New Orleans and New York City. He worked on campaigns for Hennessy, Heineken, and eventually developed notable social media and brand ambassador campaigns for Fireball Whisky and Firefly Vodka — taking the liquor brands to new and undeveloped markets.
In 2011, Berman decided it was time to start his own venture and founded Ember Networks, a digital marketing agency based in New Orleans, servicing clients around the country. Originally working from his Lower Garden District apartment, Berman built Ember Networks to be a success.
Within the first year, Berman was representing a dozen clients, building client websites and running digital marketing campaigns for a slew of NOLA-based businesses. Over the years, he added clients from all over the country. Ember grew, specializing in everything from web development to social media marketing to video production and beyond, featuring clients such as Broadway Stages, Juan’s Flying Burrito and Alerion Aviation, among others.
In 2018, he started Emerald Digital, a joint venture with longtime friend and Tulane classmate Warren H. Cohn and his New York City-based public relations firm, HeraldPR. The agency operates out of two offices — one in New Orleans, and the other in Manhattan.
Berman credits his successes to a marriage of his NYC roots and NOLA creativity.
“New Orleans is a magical city. It’s a place where people live outside the box and creativity thrives. Mix that up with some NYC hustle and you have a recipe for getting things done. Ideas come and go, but success is found in the execution.” Visit https://emerald.digital/.
