AJ Werkheiser, founder of Local Forward, Stanhope NJ

Local growth should be visible—and measurable.

Local Forward helps small businesses across Northern New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania get more value from the Google searches already happening around them. I manage the details that influence visibility, trust, and action: accurate profile information, weekly updates, a steady review strategy, and a clear monthly report.

Meet AJ

I'm AJ Werkheiser, and I live right here in Stanhope, New Jersey. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and spent some time in New York City. That time taught me what I love most: small towns and the people who keep them running.

I love seeing the little guy win. I have deep respect for owners who show up every day, take the risk, and do the hard work, usually without the time to also become marketing experts. That's where I come in.

My job is to make sure the people searching nearby can find you, trust you, and choose you. I'll be in your corner, handle the details, and help your business grow further than you thought possible.

Our mission

Help the best local businesses win on Google, so the shops doing great work are the ones customers find first.

What I stand for

  • Winners help winners. I work with owners who care about their craft, and I win when you win.

  • Earn it. Real reviews and real results. No fake reviews and no shortcuts that put your profile at risk.

  • Stay local. I live here, I show up in person, and I pick up the phone.

  • Show the proof. Every month you see exactly what changed: calls, clicks, direction requests and where you rank.

Let's see how your business shows up.

Tell me about your business and within 1 business day I'll send you a free Visibility Snapshot as a short PDF: where you rank on Google Maps, how your reviews compare to nearby competitors, and the fixes I'd make first. As one of my Founding 25, I'll make those fixes for you free. Prefer a video walkthrough? Just ask. No pressure and no generic sales pitch.