Shows
The Growth FireBuilding Brand Value in Legal Marketing With Danielle PaigeDanielle Paige is the Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Nixon Peabody LLP, an American Lawyer top-100 law firm with 16 offices worldwide. Danielle leads the firm’s brand strategy, utilizing marketing automation and data-driven insights to enhance client engagement and drive growth. With over 20 years of executive experience in marketing, she has held leadership roles at major communication agencies, like MSLGroup and FleishmanHillard. An award-winning marketing executive, Danielle is a former member of Fast Company Executive Board and an OnCon Icon Awards 2024 Top 10 Marketer. In this episode… Marketing in the legal industry often carries a repu...
2025-03-1029 minThe Growth FireBuilding a Bold Brand: Breaking Industry Barriers With Bret BlakelyBret Blakely is the President and Co-founder of OnCore Golf, a company recognized for its innovative golf ball technology. With a background in marketing and business development, Bret has transformed OnCore from a startup into a leader in golf innovation. Under his guidance, the company has introduced advanced core technologies and embedded sensor capabilities, challenging established industry norms. In this episode… Breaking into a market dominated by billion-dollar brands is a daunting challenge, especially when your product challenges the status quo. Many startups struggle to gain credibility, often facing resistance from industry gatekeepers and skepticism fr...
2025-03-0331 minThe Growth FireTransforming Healthcare Marketing With Michelle BarbeauMichelle Barbeau is the Chief Revenue Officer at eHealth, Inc., which simplifies healthcare enrollment by offering online tools and expert support to help Americans compare insurance plans and affordable coverage. Michelle has led business transformations at eHealth, including helping the company win the Modern Healthcare and Ad Age Healthcare Marketing Impact Award for Integrated Campaign. Michelle's prior roles include shaping marketing strategies at AbleTo, leading member engagement at UnitedHealth Group, and building iconic brands like Yoplait and Pillsbury at General Mills. In this episode… While technological innovations are revolutionizing patient care and management, they are als...
2024-11-2923 minThe Growth FireUnlocking Leadership Potential With Paul MathewsPaul Mathews is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Sunnova, a leading provider of renewable energy solutions and technology. Paul previously served as EVP of Service and Supply Chain, driving significant operational efficiencies and cost reductions. With a 19-year career span, including his previous role as President of Engineering at UPS, he has led companies through strategic growth and technical advancements. In this episode… Strategic career pivots can lead to groundbreaking leadership roles, improving problem-solving and cross-functional experience. How can you strategically navigate opportunities within a large organization to hone a versatile sk...
2024-11-0429 minThe Growth FireStrategies for Niche Growth With George LambropoulosGeorge Lambropoulos is the Marketing Coordinator at The Police Credit Union Ltd, a nonprofit banking company in Toronto that provides financial solutions to police officers and their families. He has significantly revamped the marketing program at the credit union, utilizing innovative strategies to increase membership and enhance customer engagement. As an advocate for building a strong brand identity through exclusivity, George focuses on creating meaningful connections within the policing community. In this episode… Rebranding and revising marketing strategies can seem daunting, especially when overhauling an established brand. When a solid brand requires a fresh approach, wh...
2024-10-2828 minThe Growth FireMastering Personalized Customer Experiences With David EdelmanDavid Edelman serves as an Executive Advisor through his company, Edelman Advisory Services, where he helps C-suite executives in large enterprises shape their strategic direction, build their teams, and become digitally agile. A thought leader in marketing and personalization, his career spans over three decades, including serving as CMO at Aetna. Recognized by Forbes as one of the most influential CMOs globally and by Adweek as one of the Top 20 Marketing and Technology Executives, David has gained over 1.1 million followers for his insights on digital marketing and customer strategy. He also co-authored the book Personalized Customer Strategy in the...
2024-10-1832 minThe Growth FireA Compilation of Top Takeaways From The Growth Fire PodcastKevin Hourigan is the President of Spinutech, a full-service website design and digital marketing agency dedicated to developing customized and data-driven digital marketing solutions. Before merging his business with his business partner’s, Kevin founded Bayshore Solutions, which he operated for over two decades, delivering websites and custom web applications to thousands of clients in over 54 countries. When Kevin is not leading his digital agency, he spends his time boating, skiing, golfing, and enjoying other outdoor activities. In this episode… The modern business landscape is dynamic, with success often depending on visionary leaders who can navi...
2024-08-2612 minThe Growth FireFrom Chaos to Order: How To Automate WorkflowsAlane Boyd is the Founder of Workday Ninja, which helps companies implement software to manage their operations effectively. A serial entrepreneur with a knack for operational excellence, Alane grew her social media marketing agency to 600 active clients and sold it in 2018. With expertise in operations, sales, marketing, and tech, she has exited two SaaS companies, designating herself as an impact-driven leader. She is also the CEO of Arvo, an AI-powered sales tool, and the Co-founder and President of BGBO Co, which helps businesses leverage technology to simplify workflows. In this episode… The daily grind of ma...
2024-08-0727 minThe Growth FireNavigating Digital Transformation in Banking With Lisa ShimLisa Shim is the Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Technology and Innovation at BankUnited, a national bank headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida. Lisa ‘s role encompasses technology, treasury solutions, marketing, operations, and corporate strategy. With an impressive career since joining BankUnited in 2009, she has played a crucial role in the bank's digital transformation journey and M&A strategies. Her background includes experience at Merrill Lynch and the retail bank division of Countrywide Bank. Lisa is recognized for her collaborative leadership style and commitment to continuous learning. In this episode… The shifting landscape of digi...
2024-07-2928 minThe Growth FireThe $99 Hearing Aid Revolution With Ishan PatelIshan Patel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Audien Hearing, the leading brand for over-the-counter hearing aids. Born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona, Ishan dropped out of college to pursue his entrepreneurial passion in the health and product service sectors. Through dedication and innovative sales strategies, he turned Audien Hearing into the highest-volume-selling OTC hearing aid brand in the world. With a commitment to affordability and customer needs, Ishan disrupted the hearing aid industry by partnering with Walmart to offer cost-effective solutions. A groundbreaking entrepreneur, he has been nominated for Ernst and Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award.
2024-06-1828 minThe Growth FireBlazing New Paths in Gaming and Fashion With Greg SelkoeGreg Selkoe is the Co-founder and CEO of XSET, an esports lifestyle gaming brand. Renowned for his pioneering contributions to e-commerce, entertainment, and esports, he previously founded the Boston streetwear company Karmaloop, driving it to over a billion in lifetime revenue. He also served as the President of FaZe Clan, boosting its revenue to $400 million before exiting. An alumnus of Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and Y Combinator, Greg has been honored as Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, one of Goldman Sachs’ 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, and a Summit Series Top 35 Entrepreneurs under 35. In this...
2024-06-1028 minThe Growth FireUnmasking Limitless Leadership With Rick TorrisonRick Torrison is a transformational leader and growth catalyst with over 25 years of experience in personal growth and team building. As a certified Executive Director of The John Maxwell Team, he is qualified to facilitate, speak, train, and coach individuals and groups in leadership development, professional skills, and personal growth. Additionally, Rick specializes in communication and conflict resolution training as a DISC facilitator and trainer. In January 2024, Rick published his first book, Born Limitless, which draws on his experiences of self-discovery and growth, empowering readers to crush limiting beliefs that hold them back. In this episode… H...
2024-05-2239 minThe Growth FireMitigating the Legal Risks of AI Content With Sharon ToerekSharon Toerek is the Owner and Founder of Toerek Law, where she dedicates her practice to advising independent marketing and creative services agencies on protecting and monetizing their intellectual capital. A marketing law attorney with extensive experience in copyright, trademark, and content protection, Sharon offers strategic counsel on licensing, brand protection, social media, and advertising compliance. She is a sought-after speaker at top industry events, including INBOUND, Content Marketing World, and MAGNET Global Agency Network, empowering professionals to recognize legal risks and uphold their rights. Recognized for her contributions, Sharon was inducted into The American Advertising Federation (A...
2024-05-0637 minThe Growth FireMarketing and Leadership Insights With Julia FitzgeraldJulia Fitzgerald is a seasoned marketing executive, board advisor, and author with over 20 years of experience in branding, digital transformation, and marketing strategies. Her expertise has consistently driven growth across various sectors, having served as the CMO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, the American Lung Association, and The AZEK Company, and as the Chief Digital Engagement Officer at Sears Holdings. A renowned public speaker on marketing and leadership, Julia is the author of Midsize, which shares success stories and strategies for marketing midsize firms. In this episode… Leadership and marketing are intertwined disciplines that play crucial roles in...
2024-04-2929 minThe Growth FireValue-Added Marketing and Sales Growth With Laura WalmsleyLaura Walmsley is the Chief Commercial Officer of Personify Health, the industry’s first personalized health platform delivering health plan administration, wellbeing solutions, and comprehensive health navigation. In this position, Laura spearheads the company’s commercial go-to-market strategy, with responsibility for all client-facing teams. With 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and account management, Laura has held executive roles at Fortune 500 and mid-market companies, deploying game-changing solutions. She thrives on growth and is passionate about empowering others. In this episode… For forward-thinking brands, providing value to customers is central to delivering quality products and services. It req...
2024-04-0139 min
The Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastFrom Merger to Mastery: Transforming Into a Comprehensive Digital PartnerKevin Hourigan is the President of Spinutech, a full-service website design and digital marketing agency dedicated to developing customized and data-driven digital marketing solutions. Before merging his business with his current business partner, Kevin founded Bayshore Solutions, which he operated for over two decades. He's been an active YPO member for over 12 years and serves as its Digital Marketing and Media Network Forum Officer. In 2023, Kevin launched The Growth Fire Podcast, a business growth-focused medium where top business leaders share their experiences and insights. When Kevin is not leading his digital agency, he spends his time boating, s...
2024-03-2746 minThe Growth FireSales Strategies, Insights, and Innovations With Lisa MartinLisa Martin is the Chief Revenue Officer at 8x8, a company that unifies customer engagement and communications across organizations with a single, all-in-one platform. In this role, Lisa drives and maximizes revenue growth, oversees sales strategies, and manages a global team. With a robust sales background in the technology and communication sectors, she has consistently delivered double-digit year-over-year growth by leading global teams effectively. Lisa's tenure as VP of Flex North America, Willow, and Genesys showcases her ability to navigate complex market landscapes and drive impactful results. In this episode… Effective sales strategies are the li...
2024-03-2527 minThe Growth FireA Dive Into Transparency and Client AdvocacyJason Mandel is the Founder and CEO of Mandel Family Office, a firm dedicated to providing comprehensive financial services to high-net-worth individuals and families. As a Wall Street insider and private financial advisor, he has held senior positions at the LeFrak Organization, D.E. Shaw, and Cantor Fitzgerald. Jason has over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience in financial services and risk management. Additionally, he is the President of Caretrust Financial and the author of DEMAND TRANSPARENCY: Stop Wall Street Greed and Rising Taxes From Destroying Your Wealth. In this episode… As the wealth management industry undergoes a...
2024-03-1830 minThe Growth FireHow Personal and Professional Growth Yields SuccessDean Mavrikos is the Channel Growth Manager at Kentico, a fully integrated digital experience platform (DXP). He started at the company as a Business Development Representative before becoming the Director of Business Development for North America, where he led hiring and training initiatives for a team of business development representatives. In 2023, Dean assumed the role of Channel Growth Manager, where he supports a diverse range of implementation partners throughout North America. Alongside his role at Kentico, Dean is actively involved in various industry initiatives and endeavors. In this episode… In competitive sales, success hin...
2024-03-0430 minThe Growth FireEmpowering Women and Redefining RepresentationChristine Guilfoyle is the President of SEEHER, a platform committed to enhancing the representation of women and girls in the global marketing and media ecosystem. With a focus on achieving gender equality and fostering business growth, Christine leads initiatives to ensure accurate portrayals of women in media, promoting diversity and inclusion. With experience in leadership roles at prominent media brands, Christine has been recognized by leading publications, including Folio magazine, which named her one of the top women in media. Before joining SEEHER, she served as Senior Advisor to the CEO of CoveyClub.com, a community empowering women to...
2024-02-1244 min
B.E.A.M.Podcasting and Digital Marketing 101 with Kevin HouriganOn this week’s episode, Matt talks to Kevin Hourigan, President of Spinutech, LLC and host of The Growth Fire podcast! The two of them discuss their decision to start a podcast and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. They also examine the state of marketing these days and how brands are evolving with the emerging digital and virtual space. If you’re interested in starting a podcast for your business, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Learn more about the podcast and Super League here: https://www.superleague.com/beam-podcast
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2024-01-1848 minThe Growth FireThe Metaverse: The Next Hot Trend for Large BrandsAnn Hand is the Chairman and CEO of Super League Gaming, a NASDAQ publicly traded company and global leader in the gaming metaverse on platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. Before joining Super League, Ann was the CEO of Project Frog, a company specializing in wholesale building materials to streamline design and construction processes. Ann has garnered many accolades, including the Forbes 50 Over 50 Award and being named Ad Age Leading Women of 2022, 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs, and the 10 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs by Fortune magazine. In this episode… The metaverse is a collaborative, immersive vi...
2023-11-2741 minThe Growth FireCredit Unions | More Than Just a Lending InstitutionDana Karzan is the Chief Marketing Officer at VyStar Credit Union, a member-owned cooperative providing financial products and services such as investments, insurance, retirement planning, and financial counseling. At VyStar, Dana leads branding, marketing, advertising, social media, and community engagement. She has 20-plus years of experience in banking and fintech, with rich expertise in marketing, product management, and brand strategy. Before Vystar, Dana held leadership roles at Facebook, Citibank, Wells Fargo, GE, Lloyds TSB, and US Bank. Her ingenuity in leadership earned her the 2022 OnCon Icon Top 50 Marketer Award, which recognizes top marketers worldwide. In addition to h...
2023-11-0631 minThe Growth FireStrategies for a Successful Company RebrandJoel Swanson is the VP of Marketing at Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, a Minnesota-based financial cooperative offering full-service personal and business banking products. At Affinity Plus, Joel leads all marketing, public relations, and community initiatives. During his five-year tenure, he and his team have implemented a brand refresh responsible for the credit union’s record growth. Before joining Affinity Plus, Joel offered his leadership talents at UnitedHealth Group, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Bethel University, and Education Minnesota. In this episode… Differentiation is critical to company success because it helps focus on a ma...
2023-10-2339 minThe Growth FireDriving Top and Bottom Lines Through Effective LeadershipScott K. Edinger is the Founder of Edinger Consulting, where he helps worldwide Fortune 50 CEOs and executive leaders develop leadership strategies to drive top and bottom-line results. Scott is also a published author, having penned over 100 articles for prominent publications like Forbes and the Harvard Business Review. He’s written three books, including The Growth Leader: Strategies to Drive the Top and Bottom Lines, set to be released in October 2023, and in 2015, he co-authored the best-selling book The Hidden Leader: Discover and Develop Greatness Within Your Company. In this episode… For many businesses, the ability to s...
2023-10-2333 minThe Growth FireCreating a Positive and Productive Work CultureJune Archer is known as the Puzzle Maker because of her ability to analyze and solve complex business problems across various industries. She is a former C-suite leader and business builder of global brands, including the Walt Disney Company, Sesame Workshop, Godiva Chocolatier, and NEST Fragrances. In her spare time, June lends her talents to organizations such as the American Marketing Association, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the Princeton University Alumni Network. June is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Princeton University Store. June Archer is known as the Puzzle Maker...
2023-10-1140 minThe Growth FireCast Vision and Execute Goals With EOSRoss Gibbs is a Coach, Expert Implementer, and Speaker at EOS Worldwide, where he creates simplified processes to help organizations improve their business models to achieve success. His business coaching career launched after a successful profession in sales and marketing. Ross is a serial entrepreneur who has successfully owned and exited four companies, including a consulting firm and a boxing gym. Beyond his leadership efforts, Ross enjoys staying physically active. In this episode… If your business has plateaued and you’re struggling to find motivation, programs and resources are available to help you take your busi...
2023-09-2734 minThe Growth FireGrowing a Successful Business Leveraging Previous MistakesJon Morris is the Founder and CEO of Ramsay Innovations, helping businesses quickly scale through financial education and strategic funds allocations. Before joining Ramsay Innovations, Jon founded Rise Interactive, a full-service internet marketing agency — growing it from a $10,000 bootstrap business to one of the largest independent digital agencies. Beyond his leadership responsibilities, Jon is an Advisor for Fiscal Advocate and was an Advisory Board Member at Pixability for nearly five years. In this episode… Failure is inevitable when growing a business. What distinguishes successful business owners is their ability to learn from previous mistakes. Jo...
2023-09-2031 minThe Growth FireWhy Fear is a Formula for Success With Jon TsourakisJon Tsourakis is the Co-owner, President, and Chief Revenue Officer at Oyova, an agency offering integrated digital solutions such as app development, web design, and marketing to create efficient processes for company growth. Jon is a serial entrepreneur and marketing strategist whose continual study of brand identity, business communications, buyer behavior, sales conversion, and various digital marketing techniques, keeps him astute to industry standards. His resume includes executive positions with digital agencies, including Innersight dZine Studio, REVOLT, and the Digital Mastermind Group, and his sales and leadership expertise led him to roles as Marketing Director and President for Astrum...
2023-09-0633 minThe Growth FireLeading From the Front While Learning From Your Employees With Scott PriceScott Price is the Founder and CEO of A-LIGN, a technology-enabled security and compliance engine that mitigates cybersecurity risks. Scott has over 20 years of leadership experience, having held executive positions at Arthur Andersen and SAS 70 Solutions. His dedication to leadership has earned him industry awards and nominations, such as Accounting Today’s 2016 Managing Partner Elite and Ernst & Young 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year Florida Award finalist. Scott also volunteers for nonprofits, including the Junior League and Humane Society of Tampa Bay. In this episode… Career-focused people have definitive goals and a planned timeline to reach a spec...
2023-08-3036 minThe Growth FireHow To Pave a Path in Advertising With Steve Wyatt of Kenneth Cole ProductionsSteve Wyatt is the VP of Marketing and Global Creative Director of Content at Kenneth Cole Productions, an American fashion house founded in 1982. He celebrates 20 years with the company, working across all labels, product categories, communication channels, and global territories. Additionally, he has contributed to the brand’s social impact initiatives for organizations such as The Mental Health Coalition, The Foundation for AIDS Research, Help USA, and the Human Rights Campaign. A gifted writer across various mediums, his works have been featured in The American Bystander, Point in Case, Two Fifty One, The Haven, and MuddyUm. Steve’s also a humor w...
2023-08-2342 minThe Growth FireHow Peer Groups Influence Career and Personal Development With Matthew ConnorMatthew Connor, Founder and CEO of CyberLynx, began his programming career at 12 while working as a coder for his father’s company. His passion led him to develop his own company, which focuses on offering premium IT services — specializing in protecting growing businesses from ransomware. CyberLynx, previously known as Your IT Department, continues to provide cybersecurity and professional IT and support services for expanding companies. Matthew is on a mission to assist business leaders in increasing their profitability using cutting-edge technology. He served in the US Army for 17 years as a human intelligence officer and received his bach...
2023-08-1634 minThe Growth FireHow Leaders Help Cultivate Opportunities for Success With Media Publisher Bridgette BelloBridgette Bello is the CEO and Publisher of Tampa Bay Business & Wealth, a magazine examining the lives of Tampa Bay’s most accomplished business leaders. Under her tenure, TBBW has been awarded two Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association. Bridgette is a media professional with over 30 years of experience. Before joining TBBW, she was the President and Publisher of the Tampa Bay Business Journal for 11 years — and the first woman publisher in the newspaper’s 40-year history. Bridgette’s further accomplishments include her roles as a previous Governor Appointed Vice Chair for the St. Petersburg College board of trustees...
2023-08-0944 minThe Growth FireHow Different Leadership Styles Affect Company Morale With Hugh CampbellHugh Campbell is the President of AC4S Technologies, a hybrid cloud company providing technology solutions such as IT network management, data migrations, and hardware and software solutions. Hugh has experience in planning, designing, and implementing large-scale telecommunications networks for commercial and government sectors. Prior to starting AC4S, he held executive leadership roles at Intermedia Communications and Accelacom. Hugh is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and spent 10 years on active duty as a Communications Officer in the US Army. In this episode… Most of us have heard the te...
2023-08-0240 minThe Growth FireProviding Staffing Solutions in a Post-Pandemic Workforce With Carrie CharlesCarrie Charles is the Co-founder and CEO of Broadstaff, a staffing firm providing workforce solutions in the energy, technology, and telecommunications sectors. Under Carrie’s tutelage, the firm was recognized in 2022 by Inc. Magazine and Tampa Bay Business Journal as one of the fastest-growing companies. Her additional accolades include the 2021 Tampa Bay CEO of the Year and Tampa Bay Businesswoman of the Year awards. She’s a keynote speaker and thought leader in diversity, women in tech, and workforce development. Carrie’s also the host of the 5G Talent Talk podcast, where she offers tech leaders strategic hiring methods for at...
2023-07-1931 minThe Growth FireDiscussing Digital Trends Coming in 2023 With Kevin HouriganKevin Hourigan is the President of Spinutech, a full-service website design and digital marketing agency dedicated to developing customized and data-driven digital marketing solutions. Before merging his business with his current business partner, Kevin founded Bayshore Solutions, which he operated for over two decades. When Kevin is not leading his digital agency, he spends his time boating, skiing, golfing, and enjoying other outdoor activities. In this episode… In previous years, new digital trends gained traction with certainty. But as we head into 2023, many companies are taking precautionary measures. Why are companies hesitant to embrace new di...
2023-07-1213 minThe Growth FireLiving With Intent and Passion With Dwayne AllenDwayne Allen is the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Unisys, a global technology solutions company devoted to helping its customers reach innovative breakthroughs via intellectual property, patents, and strategic planning. Dwayne has exercised his expertise in digital transformation in various fields including healthcare, financial services, government, manufacturing, and hospitality. Additionally, he is an active member of the George Washington University Leadership Advisory Council, and sits on the Cross Country Healthcare board of directors. Dwayne formerly served on the board of directors for KPIT, an India-based technology and engineering company. In this episode… En...
2023-07-0539 minThe Growth FireFrom Bank Executive to Business Owner: Risking it All for a Happier Lifestyle With Jamie HardenJamie Harden is the CEO and President of Creative Sign Designs, a company specializing in the production of architectural design solutions by providing consultation, design, project management, fabrication, and installation services. Before his CEO tenure, Jamie held executive leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Bank of America and Vice President of Nations Bank/NCNB, where he achieved a Six Sigma Green Belt. Jamie is also actively involved in the community through YPO, the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. In this episode… If you’ve contemplated pivoting to entr...
2023-06-2835 minThe Growth FireBoats Gone Wild: The Inspirational Story of How Billy Pavlock Grew His Maritime Digital AgencyBoating enthusiast Billy Pavlock is the Founder and CEO of Nautical Network, a contemporary global creative and media outlet helping maritime companies create brand awareness to increase business growth. Billy was introduced to the boating industry after opening a car and detailing business upon graduating college. Passionate about the maritime industry and marketing, Billy’s niche business has reached over 2M followers on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. In this episode… Have you ever envisioned a concept, but the people in your inner circle doubted you? Did the experience prevent you from following your dreams, or d...
2023-06-2138 minThe Growth FireBranding and Marketing Tips for ScalingGeorge Spowart is the Chief Marketing Officer at Red Rover, a moving and storage solutions company more affordable and convenient than traditional options. He directs all marketing and sales activities, including brand strategy, creative development, media planning/buying, website, call center, and public relations. George’s skill for developing strong working relationships has contributed to his experience growing brands through strategy, implementing innovative tactics, and building high-performing marketing teams. Prior to Red Rover, he was the CMO at The Perfect Workout and PODS (Portable on Demand Storage). In this episode… Do you feel like you have...
2023-06-0732 minThe Growth FireCreating Strategies for Business GrowthShelia Reed is the Business Engagement and Strategy Lead at Ameritas, a mutual-based organization offering insurance, financial services, and employee benefits. As an experienced sales and marketing leader in both the financial and healthcare industry, Shelia helps companies identify brand strategies that leverage the most growth. She was chosen as a finalist for the Chief Marketer of the Year award due to the impact she’s had on the marketing industry. In this episode… Both private and public growth companies are diligent and responsible with corporate funding. The real challenge for private equity partners is the...
2023-05-1726 minThe Growth FireThe Golden Nuggets of a Thriving Family-Owned Jewelry StoreSteve Weintraub is the Founder and CEO of Gold & Diamond Source, a family-owned fine gold and diamond jewelry store. Steve was introduced to the jewelry business by a friend from high school and began making gold-plated seashells. In 1983, they built a 10,000-square-foot building and Steve began producing fine jewelry. After joining forces with his wife Julie, Steve’s business grew from a small jewelry store to one of the most successful standalone family operations in the US. Julie Weintraub is the Vice President of Gold & Diamond Source. She is also the President and Founder of Julie Weintraub’s Ha...
2023-05-1030 min
The Growth FireFrom Party Promoter to Agency LeaderChristian Banach is the Principal and Chief Growth Officer at Christian Banach LLC, a business development growth agency helping clients in the marketing and technology industry achieve six and seven-figure opportunities. Christian is a lifelong marketer who discovered his passion in high school while working in experiential marketing and concert promotions with brands including Lady Gaga and Pitbull. Those opportunities led him to grow his current company Christian Banach LLC. In this episode… Are you someone who’s had a passion and dreamt of a specific career path only to realize it’s not meant to be...
2023-04-2632 minThe Growth FireThe Journey to Becoming a Better LeaderMary Harris is the Vice President of Marketing at SRS Real Estate Partners, a firm building upon its retail foundation to provide commercial real estate solutions to tenants, owners, and investors. Mary is a results-oriented marketing executive skilled in client and business development, quantitative analysis, negotiations, strategic planning, and branding. Before her years in the commercial real estate industry, Mary served as head of marketing at BankUnited, responsible for the bank’s corporate communications, advertising, and public relations. In this episode… Are you in a leadership position? What can you do to lead your team bett...
2023-04-1931 minThe Growth FireTurning a Childhood Passion Into a Leading Digital Marketing AgencyKevin Hourigan is the President of Spinutech, a full-service website design and digital marketing agency dedicated to developing customized and data-driven digital marketing solutions. Before merging his business with his current business partner, Kevin founded Bayshore Solutions, which he operated for over two decades. When Kevin is not leading his digital agency, he spends his time boating, skiing, golfing, and enjoying other outdoor activities. In this episode… As the adage goes, find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Many people struggle to realize their passions, let alon...
2023-04-1216 minThe Growth FireIncrease Your Organic Reach Through Social Media MarketingMatthew (Matt) Brown is the President and CEO of ThumbStopper, a technology solution created for brands to boost content traction on social media and search networks at the local level. A serial entrepreneur since the mid-1990s, Matt remains active in digital media markets and SaaS companies. His 20-plus years as an entrepreneur have sharpened his skills in team development, B2B integration, business management, and mergers and acquisitions. Matt is also the President of Trucks.com, which has the vision to help revolutionize how enthusiasts find the perfect truck, SUV, or van. In this episode… ...
2023-04-0530 minThe Growth FireScaling in the Health and Wellness IndustryEd Buckley is the CEO of FitOn, formerly known as Peerfit, the largest health and wellness platform on a mission to empower individuals to live healthy lifestyles by providing instant access to a variety of workout programs taught by top-of-the-line fitness professionals and celebrities. Noticing gaps in health and wellness, Ed’s passion for problem-solving allowed him opportunities to work with talented teams in the industry. His experience leveraging advanced data methods, identifying new market solutions, and building and launching effective solutions will add value to any team. In this episode… Are you wanting to vent...
2023-03-2932 minThe Growth FireIntrepid Powerboats — Leading the Boatbuilding IndustryKen Clinton is the President of Intrepid Powerboats, the leading boatbuilder focusing on innovative designs, superior performance, and safety. Ken began his career in the marine industry immediately after graduating high school, working as a machinist manufacturing submarines for the U.S. Navy. In 1991, he was hired by Intrepid to work on the assembly line and continued to move up the ranks. Driven by his passion for the marine industry, Ken’s hands-on management style has been described as truly unique for his position in the marine industry. Ken received his degree in business administration an...
2023-03-2434 minThe Growth FireMelissa Massa, VP of Sales for Lenovo Cloud Service ProvidersMelissa Massa is the Vice President of Sales at Lenovo, a multinational technology company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and marketing consumer electronics, personal computers, software, business solutions, and related services. She is an experienced sales executive with ten years of leading global and US sales teams in IT hardware, software, and services. Melissa is a trusted voice in the industry due to her in-depth knowledge of cloud providers and business transformation. She was nominated for the Women in IT Award in Silicon Valley, given the Hero Award by her CEO at Lenovo, and was a finalist for the Top 50...
2023-03-1526 minThe Growth FireHow To Thrive in the Insurance IndustryBob Murphy is the Chief Revenue Officer at Patra Corporation, the leading provider of technology-enabled services for the insurance industry. Patra powers insurance processes by optimizing the application of people and technology, supporting insurance organizations as they sell, deliver, and manage policies and customers through the PatraOne platform. Bob leads all sales, marketing, and strategic initiatives to help scale Patra's business, develop new technologies, and continue to provide top-level service to Patra's customers. Prior to Patra, Bob served as the CRO for Cloud Lending Solutions and held numerous positions in the financial and technical services industry. In...
2023-03-0732 min
INspired INsider Podcast[Top Agency Series] Navigating a Merger and Becoming an End-to-End Digital Partner With Kevin Hourigan of SpinutechKevin Hourigan is the President of Spinutech, an agency that develops customized and data-driven digital marketing solutions. Before merging his business with his partner's, Kevin founded Bayshore Solutions in 1996 and ran it for over two decades, delivering websites and custom web applications to thousands of clients in over 54 countries. Kevin led Bayshore Solutions through growth and change to become a leading end-to-end digital agency that is Spinutech. Outside the office, Kevin enjoys hitting the open water on his boat, playing a round of golf, skiing, and just about any outdoor activity. In this episode… O...
2022-07-2647 min
The Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastPage One or You Don't PayKevin Roy, Co-founder of GreenBananaSEO based in Beverly, Massachusetts Kevin Roy is the Co-founder of GreenBananaSEO, a full-stack digital ad agency, best known for search engine optimization but also providing paid media, Google AdWords, Facebook, and programmatic display services. Over the years the team has developed a number of internal systems to keep up with the work, including 24x7 online ordering system that funnels agency orders to his team and creates a workflow. Kevin says the agency always has more web development work than it can "keep up with" but over the past 15 years, it has always been a "...
2022-05-0530 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastFast-track Facebook Sales AccelerationKevin Urrutia is Founder of Voy Media, a "growth marketing agency" focused on helping marketing executives grow their online businesses – but not from the "ground up." Voy Media does not help companies that want to get started in online marketing, build clients' businesses, or act as any client's marketing team. Instead, the focus is on scaling successful client companies and taking them to the next level, moving them from 6 to 7 to 8 figures in monthly sales . . . and doing it fast. These clients already know what they need to do to build a business and they're doing it. They al...
2021-11-2230 min
Second Bite PodcastSuccessfully Executing a Merger with Kevin Hourigan, President and CEO of SpinutechKevin Hourigan is the President and CEO of Spinutech, a full-service internet strategy company that specializes in custom web design and marketing solutions to clients around the globe. Kevin is also the Digital Marketing and Media Chairman for the Southeastern United States and Caribbean chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization and was a Judge for the Web Marketing Association's WebAward Competition for four years. In this episode… Are you in the process of merging your company? What about completing a large transaction or business deal? How can you successfully execute a deal with a third pa...
2021-06-1238 min
The ClimbEp #69 - Mergers, EOS, and more with Kevin HouriganEp #69 - Mergers, EOS, and more with Kevin Hourigan - Jon and David speak with Kevin Hourigan of Spinutech about his previous merger, EOS, and how to scale your business into the next level. Join us for another Digital Masterminds Production!
2021-05-201h 17
JEFF STERNS CONNECTED THROUGH CARSKevin Hourigan: LESSONS FROM A CAR FAMILY AND TIME IN THE BUSINESS/ DOT COM BUBBLE/ CEO OF THE YEAR!00:00 You can't be from the Tampa Bay area and not know who Kevin Hourigan is 00:03 Suzuki Samurai 2:06 280ZX 2:07 Kevin has a company called Bayshore solutions. 3:48 He's been recognized by so many entities for his leadership. 5:40 leader of the Year by Tampa Chamber of Commerce, technology leader of the Year; Tampa Bay technology forum, marketer of the Year; Tampa Bay American advertising Federation, the ultimate CEO. His speaking engagements had him along other brands like Google, Facebook, Carnival Cruise Lines, General Motors, and keynote at the US Chamber of Commerce. 6:18 recently merged with another company to become one of the...
2021-04-2836 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastPerformance-Driven Compensation Drives . . . PerformancePhil Case, now Chief Client Officer, joined Max Connect Marketing after running an agency for nine years – one that consistently lost clients to this highly performance-based digital agency. One key to Max Connect's success is that 90 percent of its 47 employees are compensated based on the performance of the campaigns it runs. At Phil's previous agency, the sales team would work 6 months to close a new client and then hand the client over to the digital team. The digital team would complain about the extra time they had to spend running the campaign without that effort generating any more financial co...
2021-02-2533 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastTraveling on the Client JourneyOmi Diaz-Cooper is CEO at Diaz & Cooper Advertising, a digital "growth agency" that focuses on developing tight strategic plans and transforming client websites into top-performing salespeople. Omi says that websites are no longer "set it and forget it"—they are "living things that need to be producing" for clients. Since Covid, even companies that used to have "catalog" websites have found the need to proactively nurture prospects along the customer value journey. Engaging and locking-in relationships with customers before they are ready to purchase is essential. People may start out merely seeking information. Providing great content and th...
2021-02-1831 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastBalancing Priorities for a Higher PurposeFor 15 years, Leah Norton, Managing Partner at Fishhook, has been leading this communications team which focuses on "getting out the message" for churches and faith-based ministries. Leah had left her previous agency to stay home and raise her young daughters. She started working part-time at Fishhook, coming on board to build out the founder's ideas and work on long-term client relationships. Last March, with her girls in their teens and in the midst of the pandemic, she bought out the founding partner, Evan McBroom, and brought in a new partner, Shayla Kenworthy In this interview, Leah explains...
2021-02-1131 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastA Communications Trifecta for Entrepreneurial StartupsWaylon Tate is Principal at J. Waylon & Associates, a full spectrum PR and marketing agency that provides traditional public relations, digital outreach, and advertising services, mostly for startups. He and two of his friends with their own companies have created what Waylon refers to as a "communications trifecta," with the ability to collectively and collaboratively meet every need an entrepreneurial startup might have. Web development, graphics, and photography? The client works with Waylon's friend Tracy at Critical Launch. Printed material? The client may work with Waylon & Associate's inhouse printshop or with Waylon's friend Mikey at PrintRunner. Although...
2021-02-0430 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastCelebrate Your CustomersJoel Matthew, Founder and CEO at Fortress Consulting, started his company after his experience selling advertising at CBS radio and television. When he "could not make the sale" because the companies he approached did not want to drive prospects to their poorly-designed websites, he took action. Joel figured he could solve their problem (and his) by finding creative agencies to build content and great technical website and app developers to get out their messages. When he could not find that marriage of creative and technical in one organization, Joel founded Fortress Consulting to "bridge the gap." Fortress...
2021-01-2830 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastDigital on TapIn 2006, Carlos's fiancée (now his wife) was approached by a client to do SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and PPC (Pay Per Click). Carlos got into the agency in 2008 when the economy "tanked" and the funding for the startup where he worked dried up. From 2008 forward, the agency has been "tapped" on a regular basis by traditional (radio, print, TV) agencies needing digital services for their clients. Bloom works with a variety of different industries – retail, B2B, government agencies, and some non-profits. Hospitality, which is big in British Columbia, is currently challenged because of the pandemic. Over the yea...
2021-01-2129 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastMarketing CybersecurityIn 2009, Yoel Israel, founder at WadiDigital, Israel's leading full service digital agency, was pursuing his MBA at Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, Israel. A friend sat down with him for a cup of coffee and said, "Dude, you've got to get on Twitter." Yoel fell in love with it, set his university up on Twitter (which brought in some international students), and got a scholarship for the effort He graduated and returned to his job at Xerox in his hometown – Philadelphia – and ran a social media management side gig (Facebook and Twitter) for small businesses. When he discovered the Face...
2021-01-1429 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastLeveraging Technical and Societal DisruptionTodd Marks is Founder and CEO at Mindgrub, an agency, consultancy, and support company that designs technology for people to transform businesses, creates enterprise mobile apps and web applications, provides digital marketing, and "unlocks human potential." Winning Inc. 5000's Design/Development Firm of the year five years in a row might suggest that this is a notable tech firm. Yes, but this same company has also won the American Marketing Associations Marketing Excellence Award for Best Branding Campaign. How does this all fit together? A "high school math and computer science teacher" turned technologist, Todd collaborated with...
2021-01-0733 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastKeys to a #1 RankingJohn Kriney, is Founder and President at OptFirst Internet Marketing, a Google Certified Partner (2010) that specializes in full-service online marketing campaigns and website, app, and landing page development. Campaign expertise includes customized search engine optimization; Google Ads search, video, display and shopping campaigns; cross-platform remarketing; E-commerce marketing; Facebook and Instagram ads for lead generation, sales, or brand building purposes; LinkedIn ads; and combinations of all of that. In 2003-2004, John started selling after-market auto customization products in Los Angeles, CA; ranked his business first in searches for body kits and parts, and generated up to $3.5 million a...
2020-12-1733 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastCreating Cohesive, Crazy Value for E-commerce BrandsLucas DiPietrantonio is CEO and co-founder of Darkroom, a 3-year-old creative e-commerce growth agency that launches new brands to market and grows existing brands to maturity through four robust and specialized verticals: branding, technology, video production, and growth marketing Darkroom often serves as an incubator and marketing partner for companies so new they don't have a brand, a visual identity, or a tech stack. "But we are selective," Lucas explains. A typical client company profile would be a consumer-facing, consumer-packaged-goods (CPG) brand with a strong founding team and enough raised capital or the ability to bootstrap that...
2020-12-1030 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastHow to Make your Market-leading Competition . . . HistoryRahul Raj is founder and CMO of 5&Vine, a fractional CMO and marketing agency that identifies industry incumbents' vulnerabilities, market changes, and technological opportunities to enable startup brands to challenge and overtake established brands. The agency focuses on challenger brands that have both economic and social goals, e.g., increasing financial literacy, addressing discrimination, or making organic food more accessible to the masses. Before starting 5&Vine, Raj worked at a Canadian thermostat startup, Ecobee. The big-name competitors, Honeywell and Nest, owned the market. Their vulnerability: single location thermostats did not address the comfort of people...
2020-12-0333 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastRedefining Social: A Thousand True FansJohn Lawson, Chief Executive Officer at Colder Ice Media, started in e-commerce in 2000 on eBay. He claims that people talked about business in Ebay chat rooms, making it "the first social commerce platform" before there was such a term. At the time, John sold bandanas, and was pestered by constant customer questions for information on "how to fold a bandana." So, he made a video and tracked ten thousand sales – not ten thousand dollars in sales – from that single video listing. Today's digital/social media was not the beginning of social commerce. John says, "No matt...
2020-11-1933 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastCultivating the Gap between Marketing and SalesJames Kwon is Founder and CEO of Figmints Digital Creative Marketing, a 20-person, full-service, multi-seven-figure digital marketing agency that specializes in accelerating leads to sales. The company utilizes SalesAmp, which James describes as "business development representative as a service." SalesAmp came under the Figmint's "umbrella" when James and April Williams, now Fitmints President, merged their two companies. (The way these two companies "came together" is described in a short video on Fitmints' website's About page.) Eight years ago, when James discovered that his first chosen career in culinary arts did not provide him with sufficient creative opportunities...
2020-11-1233 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastFrom Strategic Digital Hyperfocus to Infinite TrafficDavid Sonn is the Founder and President of Arc Intermedia, a HubSpot certified, digital only agency that focuses on "customer acquisition using digital strategies and digital tactics." David ran a web development company for 13 years but found that he and his partner had become "production monkeys," delivering a commodity and competing with offshore developers. "You never want to sell or have to build a model based on price," he says. Ten years ago, when people started requesting Search Engine Optimization, David found his niche. Intrigued by the ability to precisely measure results, he founded Arc...
2020-11-0530 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastCommunication, Connection, Consistency, CurationRachel Wilson Thibodeaux is Founder, Brand Strategist, and Professional Speaker at SWAG Strategy Solutions a boutique consultancy that helps clients design unique brands to "better position their offers" and market them at least twice as effectively as they were in the past. Clients include women entrepreneurs, as well as service providers and experts, people Rachel says want to make a big impact and income. Building blocks of what Rachel connotes as "brand curation" include: Asking clients, "What do you most want to be known for?" Identifying the audience, even down to the one person who will...
2020-10-2931 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastSearch Domination StrategiesJay Taylor is the Managing Director of Leverage, an award-winning digital marketing agency and Certified Google Partner. Leverage partners with its client brands to help them dominate their market with custom-tailored, location-based digital marketing strategies and concentrates on verticals in legal, healthcare, real estate and construction. The goal is to position a client company at the top in terms of search visibility and digital presence for each of a client's geographic locations and practice areas. Key to this effort is utilizing a "hybrid strategy," embedding websites with obvious search terms and then including other less competitive, highly...
2020-10-2231 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastLeverage Process, Integrate Apps, Automate ProfitJohn Saunders, Founder of 5Four Digital, honed his SEO, SEM, and PPC digital marketing skills when he started his career working for an agency that provided dealership-level marketing services for automobile manufacturers. When John figured out that he wanted to use his skills for different kinds of projects and a more diverse clientele (SMBs, tech-startups), he started his own company. Today, 5Four focuses on brand identity (logo design and brand guidelines), and website design and development on Shopify, Webflow, and WordPress platforms. In this interview, John explains how to build automated linkages that will increase customer engagement...
2020-10-1530 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastA Video FocusIan Garlic is CEO at authenticWEB. He started his career in marketing about 15 years ago as a consultant for one of the world's largest information companies – back when good video production required hiring high-end, expensive, technically-savvy videographers. When Google purchased its video competitor, YouTube ten years ago, Ian saw opportunity, left the information company, and started authenticWEB. As a video marketing agency, authenticWEB crafts journey-stage-specific, people-story videos designed to reach "the right customers at the right time." The goal: to engage potential customers with emotionally riveting content to "earn their love." For each client, the agency develops 10 to...
2020-10-0830 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastBuilding a Successful Sales ProcessJustin Seibert is President at Direct Online Marketing, an agency that focuses on and excels at – direct online marketing – to move clients' ROIs in a positive direction. In this interview, Justin describes the process of developing strategies to drive quality traffic to its clients, converting that traffic into leads, and sending leads through to generate sales. Justin says the process of vetting potential clients is "very long." Some of what the agency looks for to get a good fit: Medium-sized businesses provide the greatest opportunity to make an impact. Smaller businesses will not be able to get benefits comm...
2020-10-0129 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastCultural Segmentation: How to Transcend TranslationTwenty-nine years ago, Alvaro Psevoznik, CEO of DM Agency, was a 19-year-old Argentinian law student, designing flyers for hospitality clients in exchange for admissions into nightclubs. Alvaro found himself frustrated with Argentinian politics – which is plagued with fiscal instability, political corruption, de-motivational handouts for a large percentage of the (unemployed) citizenry, and a cycle of massive financial crises every 5 or 10 years. Alvaro's experience was, no matter how hard one worked and saved, bank accounts could disappear overnight. This constant uproar, Alvaro says, makes it hard for people in South American countries to plan and work toward a future. ...
2020-09-2431 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastMarketing a Menu for Restaurant SuccessMelissa Libby, owner of Melissa Libby & Associates (MLA), started her career in hospitality. Today, her friends call her the Restaurant Whisperer In this interview, Melissa talks about the challenges restaurants have faced in the face of Covid-19, the changes yet to come, and the lessons she has learned in her 27 years of restaurant marketing. In recent months, MLA has helped its clients pivot to curbside delivery, takeout, and/or to serving different retail markets. Some of the adaptations? Restaurants have: Started low-overhead ghost kitchens/pop-ups that provide different menus from what is available in brick-and-mortar restaurants...
2020-09-1731 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastFour Core Audiences: Your Email, the Lookalike Email, Your Web, and the Lookalike WebChris Carr, President and CEO of Farotech, started his agency 19 years ago as a web development company, moved into SEO, and then transitioned to what Chris calls conversion science. Today, Chris says, his agency builds integrated systems that generate leads, nurture leads into clients, and then convert clients into brand ambassadors who refer new clients to the brand. Chris says that most companies spend a majority of their time and effort generating leads – and then alternating between generating leads and reacting to the results. He emphasizes that businesses can't depend on a single marketing platform. A properly de...
2020-09-1028 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastStoryBrand the Client as Epic HeroJay Owen, Founder and CEO at Design Extensions, started building basic websites at age 17. He worked for a number of years as a "solopreneur," hiring contractors as needed, and, as a company, made as much as six figures. When the economy collapsed in 2008, Jay's business was still doing well. He looked around. People were losing jobs. Things were in crisis. Idea? He'd create a full-time job for somebody. His StoryBrand Certified Agency and HubSpot Goal Partner has been in business and growing for over 20 years. Today, Design Extensions employs about 20 people, a great size because Jay has...
2020-09-0730 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastProfit Strategy for a CrisisKevin Hourigan is President and CEO of Bayshore Solutions, a digital agency that started in 1996 as a branch of a managed services provider – a 3-member team building and maintaining client networks. Two years later? Thirty employees. Decades ago, one of the Kevin's engineers developed a company website and asked 100 of the company's clients if they would be interested in a 3-page website for $500. Client responses were either "What's a website?" or "We'll never need one of those." One client agreed to give it a try. That $500 website cost $5,000 to build, but two years later, in 1998, clients came be...
2020-08-2731 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastHow to Build Community & Make Great Marketing AccessibleErik Huberman is Founder and CEO of Hawke Media, an agency serving as "an outsourced CMO-level expert" which, Eric says, "puts client success ahead of our own." The agency's "SWOT team" identifies "holes" in a client's marketing program and provides a "comprehensive à la carte menu of services and month-to-month contracts" to address those needs in a timely manner. Month-to-month works, Erik says, because the idea of signing a long-term contract with someone you have just met is like getting married to someone you've never even dated." When the agency started 6-1/2 years ago, the scope of services w...
2020-08-2031 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastTik-Tok and Other Profitable Opportunities at the Bleeding EdgeDavid Azar is Founder and CEO of Outsmart Labs, a digital marketing agency focused on riding new trends and platforms to drive more traffic, more visibility, and more online conversions. His agency works with clients to build a 360 strategy to drive those conversions in sales, traffic, and newsletter signups. David says, "Digital marketing changes so fast that it's about whoever adapts faster and whoever finds the opportunities in the market." The agency provides traditional digital marketing services -- Google strategies, Facebook, traditional social media strategies – but likes the advantage of being an "early adopter" of the newest tr...
2020-08-1329 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastContent Marketing: What's Your Story?Bonnie Mauldin, Founder and Managing Director for The Mauldin Group, left a career in medicine to start a general, full-service digital marketing agency, helping any client who knocked on the door. Today, The Mauldin Group provides professional web design, internet marketing, and business development training to clients in "healthcare, construction, manufacturing, senior living, and education." Bonnie feels these industries are less regulated than others, like finance. Less regulation means her team can create marketing content and "freely share information, education, and entertainment online in a way that's fun and productive." Mauldin team members (all lovers of stories...
2020-08-0629 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastPerfecting PersonasJustin Ramb is President and Sandra Marshal, VP of Client Services, at Bigeye, a full-service B2B and B2C agency that focuses on audiences, creative work, media and analytics, and data. Understand audience: Use primary and secondary research to discover who they are, where they consume media, what they look like, and what triggers them to convert Develop marketing personas that match two or three target audience personas Test strategies against those personas to ensure activities align with objectives B2B: Use current customer data to develop lookalike audience and personas based on existing data...
2020-07-3028 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastBridging the Gap for Big Market EnterprisesJustin Gray is CEO and Founder of LeadMD, a performance marketing consultancy. The agency concentrates on achieving tangible, holistic business goals – defining a buyer, launching a product, increasing revenue – to produce bottom-line impacts, rather than focusing on middle-process goals such as website or cost-per lead-optimization. Most of LeadMD's over 3,500 clients are B2B and B2C considered-purchase organizations – big market enterprises of $100 million and up. A "considered purchase" is a complex buying decision, fraught with emotional and financial risks and potential rewards – one that requires extensive pre-purchase research and evaluation. In B2B, this space might include software...
2020-07-0233 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastMarketing Wellness: When Food is Medicine and Movement is LifeAlana Sandel, Chief Experience Officer of the agency, Marketing for Wellness, has a deep passion for helping people "to be well." Her personal health struggles inspired her to create her agency, which focuses on quality of life, healthy foods, and fitness. "better-for-you products" – "to build brands for a better tomorrow" – especially brands with solutions for people with chronic health problems. Alana notes that 60% of our population suffers from chronic health issues. COVID-19 is dangerous, but even more of a threat to people with diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and other ongoing health issues. Marketing for Wellness work...
2020-06-2529 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastPR Surround Sound and Taking Clients to the Light Bulb MomentTara Murphy owns 360 Media, an entertainment, lifestyle, and hospitality agency that focuses on public relations, event planning, and digital marketing. In the last couple of years, the agency has expanded into hotel work and commercial real estate. 360 Media will have been in business 25 years as of next January. In this interview, Tara describes how her agency utilizes a variety of complementary narratives, images, and quotes layered on different platforms (social, email, print TV) to build a "big picture" storyline and cadence a client's message. Tara explains that a lot of companies have ineffective PR because they fail...
2020-06-1832 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastFocus Faster, Leverage SuccessIn 2007, after nearly a decade of experience in numbers-focused direct-response marketing, Matt Weber used a business broker to buy a small jack-of-all trades agency that provided sales training, traditional media marketing, and a small bit of web development. Over time, that agency became ROAR! Internet Marketing, where Matt is now President. The agency's forte today? Measurable actions. In this interview, Matt explains what a buyer can expect from a business broker, how to select one, broker limitations, and a broker's role in facilitating business acquisitions. He warns that it will be challenging to evaluate transactional opportunities in...
2020-06-1130 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastA Million-Brand Mission in a Post-Covid WorldAs a bestselling author and keynote speaker, Deb Gabor, CEO and Founder of Sol Marketing, has, herself, become a "brand." She defines Sol Marketing as a brand-driven, strategy-led marketing firm in the business of creating irrational loyalty. Irrational loyalty means people are indelibly bonded to a brand. When Deb talks about her agency, she does not list the provided services: she feels marketing services have become commoditized. Instead, she presents a passionate vision of what the future could be. She tells people she is on a million-brand mission – to impact a million brands in her career. She be...
2020-06-0433 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastChanging Behaviors to Improve Public HealthJeff Jordan is President and Executive Creative Director of Rescue: The Behavior Change Agency. Rescue offers a broad range of marketing services for government agencies (public health departments, state and federal agencies) and non-profits seeking to promote positive changes in public health related behaviors. Jeff started his agency when, as a high school student, he volunteered for his local health department's youth-targeted anti-tobacco program. He transitioned from volunteer to contractor, tweaked the anti-tobacco program to approach teens in an innovative way, and grew the agency through "a lot of referrals." He opened his first office while he...
2020-05-2829 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastWhy KPIs Don't Work . . . and What DoesKeith Perhac is the Founder of SegMetrics, a once-upon-a-time marketing agency that pivoted from marketing services to a suite of analytical and reporting products. Today SegMetrics builds and refines digital testing and tracking tools that provide marketers with critical information on where "leads come from, how they act, and how much a marketing program is really worth." In this interview, Keith explains that KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) tell a company if it is doing something better or worse than at some time in the past. However, KPIs are about averages – they do not explain what is wrong or...
2020-05-2134 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastClient Tech Education, Deep Data Study, and Micro-Testing: a Formula to Boost Business in Uncertain TimesBrian Lawson and his brother left their jobs in engineering, IT, and software development to found WebMO (Web Marketing Optimizer), a digital marketing agency. From the beginning, they focused on optimizing organic visibility/SEO and doing Google search ads, not just studying digital marketing tactics, strategies, and analysis, but digging into the "behind the scenes" mechanics. Today, WebMO is heavily data-driven, does everything digital marketing, and serves a large number of diverse and predominantly small-businesses nationwide. WebMO's "super-detailed" understanding of Google Analytics, conversion tracking, visitor engagement metrics, and the conversion heuristic enables the agency to fully understand...
2020-05-1431 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastLet Ego Go: Be Honest, Transparent, and Try Not to PretendTy Largo is Owner and Creative Director at Awe Collective, a full-service agency providing branding, advertising, public relations, digital strategy, content marketing, social media, video and photography services to diverse industries across the US. Sometimes the agency does (awe) inspiring work. Currently, in the face of Covid-19, the whole agency has shifted to "show up for clients in a different way." Ty has been on phone calls, comforting clients crying about having to cut shifts. He has written emotionally difficult letters communicating a client's "hard messages" to their staff, vendors, and/or guests. He feels this kind...
2020-05-1230 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastHow to Win in an Economic Downturn: Increase Advertising – AND – Modulate Tonality, be Authentic, and be HelpfulDave Nobs is the Managing Director and Chief Growth Officer at Lavidge, a highly awarded, employee-owned, full-service advertising agency with ever broadening horizons. Lavidge started in traditional advertising in 1982, then added public relations in the 90s, digital marketing in the 2000s, and multicultural marketing about 5 years ago. A couple years later, the agency broke down the walls between what had been its divisional siloes. Subject matter experts now look at the totality of a client's issues holistically. Dave notes that the agency's work focuses on projects that meet client-specific and industry-specific benchmarks, most commonly tracked through brand...
2020-05-0733 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership Podcast2020 Forecast: Phenomenal GrowthJon Boles is the Founder and CEO of Avintiv Media Avintiv Media, an award-winning boutique digital marketing agency that focuses on branding, web design, and digital marketing content creation, syndication, and search engine optimization. Starting as a full service agency 4 years ago, running ads, Facebook ads, and working with celebrities and influencers in the influencer marketing niche. The agency withdrew from advertising and social media when they determined the uncontrollable volatility compromised the value add of those services. What that left was what they were passionate about anyway: branding, web design, and digital marketing – key pieces of every brand's li...
2020-05-0530 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastCan your Infrastructure Support 10X Sales Growth?Anthony Sarandrea is the founder of Siteflood, a high-revenue agency offering website design, search engine optimization, paid social, paid search management, and analytics and tracking to select clients. Siteflood's primary focus is on paid media, fast results, and a trackable ROI. Originally, a boutique agency with select clients paying a monthly retainer, Siteflood has added a "partnership model," where Siteflood's income from a client is tied directly the number of leads it generates or the client's sales numbers. As these clients grow, the agency's incentivization grows. This model has enabled Siteflood to scale quickly without needing to...
2020-04-3029 minThe Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastThe Podcaster Who Gets BIG THINGS DoneEspree Devora, got tagged as "the Girl Who Gets it Done." Later, when a friend observed her enthusiasm in tackling a number of business tasks for Tony Hsieh, then head of Zappos. Her passion for content creation began when she was in the 6th grade and her father gave her a video camera. She filmed hundreds of sequences featuring "extreme" sports (skateboarding, motocross) and built the first online action sports social network. In 2012, she attempted to start "We are LA Tech," featuring local startup founders. She shot 12-episodes, but her enterprise partner refused to edit the material. Dead end.
2020-04-2837 min
The Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastHeating Up the Market for Consumer Packaged GoodsGreg Keating is Agency Operations Manager and Business Development Lead at Hangar12, a fully remote, digital marketing agency that has been in Greg's family in one form or another for 3 generations, and transitioned from brick-and-mortar to fully remote in 2015. After a college internship his father arranged at what is today Hangar12 (No, thank you!), Greg started his career in production supply chain management, doing supply chain and marketing analytics, and "proving himself" in massive companies (Coca-Cola and Ecolab). His father, Kevin, again tapped him a few years ago. What to do? Greg's father, Kevin, whose o...
2020-01-0928 min
Martini Mortgage Podcastan interview with Brian HouriganBrian Hourigan is the featured guest of the episode 28 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast. Kevin Martini is not just the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast…he is also the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist of the Martini Mortgage Group which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Episode 28 is a priceless candid conversation with a real estate professional that has been helping families in the Triangle of North Carolina since 2006: Brian Hourigan with Choice Residential Real Estate ( http://www.choiceresidential.com/ ). Brian has built not just a real estate practice that is based on relat...
2018-11-0635 min
The Marketing Agency Leadership PodcastHell-bent on New and Cutting-Edge Marketing and Legitimizing Tomorrow's ParadigmsKevin Planovsky, Principal of Vert Digital in Atlanta, Georgia, discusses how he started his "full stack" mobile- and social-focused marketing consultancy. Keys to Vert Digital's success include: comprehending clients' business models, problems, and KPIs understanding the administrative challenges CMOs face in translating corporate directives to actionable challenges for their marketing organizations and agencies , and bridging the creative/technology gap with data-heavy campaign execution. What motivates Kevin? The thrill of driving change and the opportunity to provide value to clients where others have not. In light of the recent Cambridge Analytica data scandal, he believes the marketing industry...
2018-04-2729 min