Nicholas Desrocher ‘23, M’24, a marketing 3+1 graduate of the Barney School of Business, has taken the lessons he learned in the classroom and turned them into the foundation of his own full-service marketing consultancy.
As the founder and marketing strategist of GroClix LLC, Nicholas helps businesses strengthen their brands by aligning strategy with digital tools like websites, social media, and online advertising. But for him, it’s about more than just marketing.
“GroClix is becoming more than an agency, it’s an ecosystem,” Nicholas explains. “I’m constantly connecting clients with each other to create a network of shared growth. I’ve helped clients boost website traffic by 20 to 40 percent in just three months and grow their social media reach by over 500 percent in a single month. But the most fulfilling part? Knowing I’m making a real difference in real people’s businesses.”
Nicholas credits the University of Hartford with giving him the tools and confidence to turn his ideas into action. “From in-class simulations to the internship requirement, everything was hands-on,” he says. His internship at Nassau Financial proved to be a turning point, sparking his passion for digital strategy.
More than anything, Nicholas values the relationships he built during his time on campus. “My professors didn’t just teach marketing—they taught the value of authenticity and connection, which still guides me today,” he emphasizes. Those relationships, he says, continue to shape his outlook. During his time at UHart, Nicholas also earned notable honors, including the Regents Award and a $10,000 scholarship through the University’s scholarship competition.
Nicholas offers simple advice to current students: “Do something you truly believe in, something that actually helps people. In marketing and entrepreneurship, retention is everything. Focus less on quick wins and more on building trust and long-term relationships. Be honest, own your mistakes, and always do what’s right for the client. That’s how you build something that lasts.”
Looking back, Nicholas says UHart gave him more than an education, it gave him direction. “It laid the foundation for a business that is now helping others succeed—and that’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Nicholas Desrocher ‘23, M’24, Barney School of BusinessUHart wasn’t just about learning concepts, but about learning how to apply them through collaboration, strategy, and communication.