The King Tide
We're turning marketing into genuine impact
A Waikato-based marketing team on a mission to help Kiwi businesses turn marketing into the money-making asset it should be.
A rising tide lifts all boats
We're working toward a thriving New Zealand where business success is the norm, Kiwi ingenuity pays off, and employment and wages are high — all because marketing has become every business's greatest asset.
Teach a business to fish
Our mission is to deliver high-impact marketing education and services that enable anyone involved in marketing to turn marketing into the money-making asset it should be.
How we got here
During their combined 30 years experience, Steph Kingsford & Louis Wilks observed the challenges of the marketing industry, and have now made it their mission to fill the gaps and help hardworking Kiwis build the business and lives of their dreams.
Based in the Waikato, working with businesses across New Zealand — from startups and trades to e-commerce and professional services. No fluff, no jargon, just marketing that actually moves the needle.
Our adventure so far
From a university club to a marketing agency changing how Kiwi businesses think about marketing.
University Beginnings
Steph & Louis met at the University of Waikato as President and VP of the largest student club. Both excelled in their studies, with Steph receiving 9x top student awards, Louis managing the Innovation Station, and both teaching undergraduate Marketing & Business.
Developing the Craft
After graduating, Louis joined Manta5 and was responsible for the NZ start-up getting over 790M views on social media and $29m in sales in seven regions with 300 resellers. Steph worked as a Sales & Marketing Strategist supporting three award-winning start-ups, while raising the pair's two young children.
Becoming King Tide
Louis took the leap into freelancing and leveraged his network and reputation to become fully booked week 1. Steph joined him part-time when their youngest son turned 3 and together they grew King Tide from Te Awamutu's local library for the first 12 months before moving to an office on the main street of Kihikihi.
Impact Marketing Era
The pair hired their first epic employee Ella Greenslade, tripled their clients and refined their personal marketing philosophy. The team is now energised and ready to introduce the Impact Marketing era to the world.
Lean and mighty
A small team that punches well above its weight
Louis Wilks
Co-Owner & Head Marketer
Louis is a high-impact, momentum marketer who established his reputation by placing NZ start-up Manta5 on the world stage. His super power is his ability to execute at speed and scale without breaking a sweat.
Steph Kingsford
Co-Owner & Strategist
Steph is a strategist with a sharp eye for the bigger picture and a knack for turning complexity into clarity. Her superpower is foresight — seeing the moves ahead and structuring strategy so execution becomes effortless.
Ella Greenslade
Marketing Coordinator
Ella is a creative force who brings energy and precision to every project. Her superpower is versatility — whether it's crafting content, refining visuals, or pulling campaigns together, she makes impact look easy.
Three ways to accelerate your marketing
Whether you want to learn, delegate, or get targeted help — we have a path that fits.
Master marketing with expert guidance.
Learn the strategies that actually move the needle. Our coaching programme gives you the frameworks, accountability, and expert guidance to turn marketing into your greatest business asset — on your terms.
- 1-on-1 weekly sessions
- Custom strategy playbook
- Slack support between sessions
- 90-day action plan
