What We’re Here For

You bring the mission.

We make it clear.


You're leading work that matters.

But you're short on time, stretched on resources, and under pressure to show results.


We help you communicate clearly, so the people you serve understand your impact, and the people you report to see the value.


You don’t need another vendor.

You need a partner who gets the stakes and makes things easier.


We bring:


  • Clear, practical messaging


  • Honest, informed guidance


  • Results you can stand behind


You stay focused on the mission.

We’ll help you make it seen, understood, and supported.

Our Role in Your Mission

We help public-serving organizations deliver clear messages, build strong brands, and run campaigns that get results and earn community trust.

The Impact We Aim For

To be the leading, most trusted partner for public-serving organizations, empowering them to achieve widespread impact and build stronger communities through exceptional communication and strategic engagement.

What Guides Us

Merit

  • We earn trust by delivering work that stands on its own—clear, useful, and built to last.


Education

  • We explain what matters so you can make smart decisions.


Empowerment

  • We build tools and strategies you can own and use.


Community

  • We care about outcomes, not just outputs. People come first.

Certifications

  • PCM®, American Marketing Association
  • State of Ohio Minority Business Enterprise
  • State of Ohio E.D.G.E.
  • Ohio Department of Transportation DBE

Guided by Character, Inspired by Legacy

Thank you for visiting our About page. Statistically, it’s the least visited page on most websites, but you clicked it—making you even more awesome!


I'm DeShawn Scott (D. Lee Scott), and I’m the founder and CEO of The D5 Group.


In February 2014, I founded The D5 Group at my kitchen table, having successfully operated Red Karma and spent over a decade in the nonprofit sector, where I worked to improve the lives and opportunities of youth and adults. I started this company to:


  • Build a good life for my family.
  • Help clients solve their marketing challenges.
  • Take control of my financial destiny.
  • Have a career I love that keeps me on my toes.
  • Create community impact through my skills and relationships.


In 2024, we celebrated 10 years —a milestone I couldn’t have achieved without the love, faith, and unwavering support of my late wife, Erica Scott. Though she is no longer physically with us, Erica remains my rock and guiding flame, inspiring me to build, grow, and strive to do what’s right.


Character defines The D5 Group. My squad and I understand what it takes to follow a dream—the risks, time, energy, and resources required to create something meaningful. That’s part of what sets us apart from our competitors. We’re committed to helping clients achieve results and building long-lasting relationships based on mutual respect and success.


If this resonates with you, I’d love the opportunity to collaborate and help you get to where you want to go.


With Purpose and Grace,


DeShawn Scott

Chief Executive Officer

The D5 Group