Shows
The Sure Oak PodcastCommunicating with Purpose | Ep. 38In this conversation, Nick and Lasada explore the evolving landscape of communication in the age of AI, emphasizing the importance of clarity, simplicity, and effective messaging. They discuss the C4 communication framework, practical tips for improving communication skills, and the significance of understanding the audience's needs. Lasada shares insights on crafting compelling messages, managing real-time communication, and the necessity of building intimacy with one's message. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by executives in conveying complex ideas and the strategies to overcome them, ultimately aiming to enhance communication effectiveness in various contexts.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction: From Engineer to Communicator02:11 – What Orga...
2026-02-1243 minThe Sure Oak PodcastChatGPT losing to Gemini, Google's Personal Intelligence, AI can fix a broken US Healthcare | Ep. 37In this conversation, Nick, Michael, and Suprit discuss the evolving landscape of AI. They explore the competition between Google and ChatGPT, the innovations from Anthropic, and the future of AI in enterprise settings. The discussion highlights the importance of personalization, workflow optimization, and the challenges of trust and hallucinations in AI systems. Predictions for 2026 focus on the potential for AI to streamline healthcare processes and enhance user experiences, and how the incorporation of ads into LLMs will affect businesses.Chapters: 00:38 Introduction and Updates02:54 AI in Healthcare: The Current Landscape10:43 Google's Personal Intelligence and Its Impact15:52 Anthropic's Role in Healthcare19:43...
2026-01-2858 minThe Sure Oak PodcastB2B Consumer Behavior Researcher Kerry Cunningham of 6sense | Ep. 36B2B marketing is changing fast—and traditional lead-based metrics are no longer enough.In this insightful conversation, Nick sits down with Kerry Cunningham, a leading B2B consumer behavior expert, to break down how modern buyer behavior is reshaping B2B marketing strategies. They explore why leads don’t always equal demand, how buying groups have replaced individual decision-makers, and why intent signals are now more reliable indicators of real purchase readiness.Kerry shares research-backed insights on:The shift from lead-based metrics to buying group engagementWhy many leads fail to represent true buying intentHow economic uncertainty is influencing B2B...
2026-01-2853 minThe Sure Oak PodcastThe Future of Healthcare Marketing is Personal | Ep. 34This conversation explores the evolving landscape of patient acquisition in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of data tracking and personalization in understanding consumer behavior. We discuss how healthcare providers can leverage data to attract prospective patients and the growing trend of individuals seeking personalized healthcare options through LLMs.To connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-fraunfelder/To connect with Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walkerjessica/To schedule a strategy call with Sure Oak: https://sureoak.com/strategy-call
2025-12-0330 minThe Sure Oak PodcastWhy Your Go To Market Strategy is Failing | Ep. 33In this conversation, we discuss the challenges faced by early-stage companies in scaling their sales efforts. We explore the disconnect between sales and marketing, the importance of understanding buyer behavior in the digital age, and the need for effective pipeline management. The discussion also covers the role of founders in transitioning to sales leadership, the importance of hiring the right sales leaders, and the potential benefits of outsourcing sales functions. We emphasize the need for clear metrics and KPIs to measure success and the importance of aligning sales and marketing strategies for better outcomes.Chapters00:30 Introduction to...
2025-11-0527 minThe Sure Oak PodcastEpisode 32 | The Future of Content Creation & SEO in a World with AI and LLMsIs AI killing content marketing? In this episode of the Sure Oak Podcast, Nick and serial entrepreneur Tom Winter break down how AI is reshaping SEO, the role of LLMs, and the vital strategy you need to thrive.They discuss the evolution of search engines, the role of LLMs, and the importance of quality content in the age of AI. Tom emphasizes the need for a structured approach to content creation, leveraging AI tools while maintaining high standards of EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). The conversation also touches on the challenges of AI-generated content and the...
2025-10-0841 minThe Sure Oak PodcastStorytelling & Authenticity to Build Brands That Last | Ep. 31In this conversation, Mack Mitchell, CEO of Campfire.Social shares his journey as a storyteller and chief marketing officer, emphasizing the importance of family, authenticity, and the power of storytelling in marketing. He discusses his experiences in the army, working with leadership experts, and the evolution of his career in digital marketing. The conversation delves into the significance of personal stories in business, the role of faith in entrepreneurship, and the need for genuine connections in a digital world.Chapters00:00 The Journey of a Storyteller06:33 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing13:00 Navigating the Digital Landscape with Authenticity18:54 The Role...
2025-09-2448 minThe Sure Oak PodcastContent & AI-Driven SEO in Healthtech | Ep. 30SummaryIn this conversation, Nick, Leona, and Kyle discuss the evolution of Elation Health, the impact of AI on healthcare and SEO, and the importance of quality content in a rapidly changing digital landscape. They explore the challenges of YMYL content, the role of social media in SEO, and the significance of agency partnerships. The discussion emphasizes the need for a user-driven approach to content creation and the importance of adapting strategies to meet the demands of a competitive market.Kyle Stevens and Leona Rajaee lead organic/SEO marketing at Elation Health...
2025-09-1040 minThe Sure Oak PodcastThe Unspoken Power of Email Marketing: Build Relationships not Lists | Ep. 29In this conversation, Mike Nelson, Founder of Really Good Emails and Head of Growth at BeeFree, shares his extensive experience in email marketing, discussing the evolution of the industry, the importance of owning email lists. He emphasizes the significance of design and relationship building in email marketing, as well as the role of AI in simplifying processes. The discussion also touches on the future of email marketing and the impact of creator communities.Connect with Mike:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelevan/https://beefree.io/https://reallygoodemails.com/
2025-08-2033 minThe Sure Oak PodcastThe AI Browser Wars | Ep. 28 The AI CompanionIn this episode of the Sure Oak podcast, Nick is joined by Michael Sengbusch and Suprit Patel, experts in product management and marketing, to dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of UI/UX in AI. They discuss the following key topics:Key Topics Covered:The impact of Perplexity's new AI browser, Comet, and its potential to challenge industry giants like Google.How AI is evolving to be more than just a tool, becoming a companion to assist in personal and professional tasks. The rise of companion AIs and how they c...
2025-08-1252 min
Agents of Change | B2B Agencies Best PracticesAI vs SEO: The New Rules of Content, Search & VisibilityAI is changing how SEO works—and fast. In this episode of Agents of Change, Danielle O’Neil sits down with Nick Fraunfelder, CEO of Sure Oak, to unpack how AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok, and Gemini are reshaping how we approach content, search, and organic discovery.They explore why traditional SEO tactics are no longer enough, how organic social is now feeding AI models, and what marketers need to know to stay visible in this next phase of digital marketing.👀 Whether you're a CMO, a social media strategist, or a paid ads expert looking to pivot, this conversation offers...
2025-08-0727 minThe Sure Oak PodcastEvolution of SEO to AI SEO with Jeff Tucker of SoFi | Ep. 27SummaryNick Fraunfelder interviews Jeff Tucker, Senior Director of SEO at SoFi, where he shares his unique journey from studying psychology to leading SEO and earned media at SoFi. He discusses the challenges of managing multiple product lines, the evolving landscape of organic search, and the impact of AI on SEO strategies. Tucker emphasizes the importance of authority and trust in the financial services sector and offers insights into future trends in search engines and content generation.To find Jeff Tucker : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdavidtucker/Key Takeaways...
2025-07-2932 minThe Sure Oak PodcastContent Even a Robot Can Love....AI Overviews | Ep. 26In this conversation, Nick and interviews Nicole MacLean of Composely to discuss the evolving landscape of content marketing, particularly in relation to AI and SEO. They explore the importance of creating valuable content that cuts through the noise in a saturated market, the role of human touch in AI-generated content, and the metrics that matter in measuring success. They also highlight common mistakes in content strategy and provide tactical takeaways for effective content creation.TakeawaysContent is not dead; it fuels many aspects of marketing.Cutting through the noise is essential in today's...
2025-07-0142 min
Second Bite PodcastBehind the Scenes: How a "Search Funder" Acquired a Digital AgencyNick Fraunfelder is the Owner and CEO of Sure Oak, a leading SEO agency helping B2B and tech brands grow through search. Since acquiring Sure Oak in 2023, he has led the agency's expansion into AI-powered search optimization. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, private equity, and technology, Nick co-founded Paulus Capital, which helped launch notable restaurants like Superica and The Optimist. In this episode… Acquiring a business through a self-funded search can offer greater autonomy and alignment with personal values but also presents unique challenges. What did a former investor learn when he...
2025-06-2634 min
The Sure Oak PodcastSearchless Marketing for Patient Acquisition | Ep. 25SummaryHost Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak sits with Seth Turnoff, founder of Custom Medical Marketing, to discuss the challenges and strategies in healthcare marketing. He emphasizes the importance of identifying high-value patients, the rise of consumerism in healthcare, and the need for a seamless patient experience. Seth shares insights on leveraging data for targeted marketing, the role of social media, and the impact of AI on marketing efforts. He highlights the significance of building trust with patients and the human element in healthcare marketing.To Contact Seth:https://www...
2025-06-2448 minThe Sure Oak PodcastTips on Local SEO from a Dental Marketing Legend - Ep. 24Summary:In this conversation, Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak sits with Cody Prentice, founder of Elevate DDS, shares his journey from Chicago to Whitefish, Montana, and the inception of his dental marketing agency. He discusses the challenges dentists face in marketing, the importance of effective website design, and the metrics that matter most in measuring success. Cody emphasizes the significance of building relationships with clients and the evolving landscape of SEO, particularly with the rise of AI. He provides practical tips for dentists looking to enhance their local presence and offers insights into budget allocation for marketing...
2025-06-1742 minThe Sure Oak PodcastAI Tried to Blackmail Me and other AI News | Ep. 23 AI CompanionSummaryNick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak leads a panel consisting of Tom Casano of Tamarind Agency, Weaver Ellard of Dodeka Digital, and Michael Sengbusch of Strata Decision Technology. In this conversation, the panel discusses the intersection of AI and marketing, exploring various themes such as the ethical implications of AI, the concept of AI blackmail, the future of advertising, and the challenges posed by walled gardens in digital marketing. They also delve into the role of influencers in the marketing landscape and the sustainability concerns surrounding AI's power consumption. The discussion highlights the rapid evolution of AI...
2025-06-101h 00The Sure Oak PodcastNiche AI Search and SEO Strategies | Ep. 22Nick Fraunfelder CEO of Sure Oak interviews James Charles of E-Impact Marketing. He shares insights into the evolution of his agency, the importance of niching down in marketing, and how AI is reshaping the industry. He discusses his journey from photography to digital marketing, emphasizing the need for understanding client needs, especially in the construction sector. James also defines marketing as a bridge between problems and solutions, highlights the significance of expectation management, and offers advice for small business owners looking to navigate digital marketing effectively.To Contact James:https://www.linkedin...
2025-06-0334 minThe Sure Oak PodcastAI Agent Hacking - LLMs the Next Attack Surface | Ep. 21 AI CompanionIn this conversation, Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak and Alex Thomas Founder of Stealtnet.ai discuss the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, focusing on the emergence of AI agents and their implications for penetration testing and data security. Alex shares insights on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, particularly in SaaS environments, and emphasizes the importance of compliance frameworks and practical cybersecurity measures. He also reflects on his journey as a founder, offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech space.To Contact Alex Thomas:stealthnet.aix.com/ghostlulz1337
2025-05-2737 minThe Sure Oak PodcastEdTech in the Age of AI | Ep. 20Nick Fraunfelder of Sure Oak interviews Dr. Stephen Murphy, COO of Focal Point Education, discussing the intersection of education technology, leadership, and the impact of AI on the education sector. They explore the challenges of managing student data, navigating government contracts, and the importance of authentic leadership in fostering effective teams. The discussion also highlights the evolving role of AI in education and the necessity of maintaining human relationships in a technology-driven world.Takeaways- Focal Point Education focuses on automating data management in education.- Building strong relationships is...
2025-05-2042 minThe Sure Oak PodcastGoogle Search Under Fire and Zuck's War on Advertisers | Ep. 19 A.I. CompanionIn this episode, the hosts, Nick Fraunfelder and Roberto Murphy discuss the evolving landscape of AI with Weaver Ellard of Dodeka Digital and Suprit Patel, focusing on Gemini's AI mode, Google's declining market share, and the implications for advertising and user preferences. They explore the importance of AI personality, the ethical concerns surrounding data usage, and the potential for niche AI tools to thrive in a competitive market. The conversation also touches on the future of AI agents and the challenges posed by security risks, concluding with thoughts on the necessity for companies to adapt to these changes.
2025-05-1349 minThe Sure Oak PodcastAgency Founder, Mark Scrivner, Pushing Digital Boundaries - Ep. 18Nick Fraunfelder sits with Mark Scrivner, founder of Snapshot Interactive, who shares his journey of building a successful digital marketing agency in Nashville. He discusses the evolution of his agency, the importance of mentorship, and how AI is transforming the marketing landscape. Mark emphasizes the need for agencies to adapt to market demands and the significance of building strong client relationships through retainer models. He also highlights the role of AI in enhancing agency operations and the expectations clients have for agencies to leverage new technologies.Visit us at:sureoak.com
2025-05-0644 minThe Sure Oak PodcastA.I. Marketing, a double edged sword | Ep. 17 A.I. CompanionNick and Roberto of Sureoak.com sit with Michael Sengbusch and Suprit Patel, local Atlanta, GA angel technology investors who have deep product backgrounds in martech and data. We discussed the latest news stories in A.I. and it's impact on marketing....the good and bad. Stories we covered:GPT Search's Popularity in Europehttps://techcrunch.com/2025/04/21/chatgpt-search-is-growing-quickly-in-europe-openai-data-suggests/Meta using AI for Child Protectionhttps://techcrunch.com/2025/04/21/instagram-is-using-ai-to-find-teens-lying-about-their-age-and-restricting-their-accounts/ Latest Reasoning Models are Hallucinating Morehttps://techcrunch.com/2025/04/18/openais-new-reasoning-ai-models-hallucinate-more/ WSJ reports on CMO's giving more control to AIhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/marketers-are-putting-more-content-and-qmuality-control-in-the-hands-of-ai-de844638?mod=hp_minor...
2025-04-2949 minThe Sure Oak PodcastA.i. Engagement - Healthcare's Next Wave | Ep. 16SummaryIn this podcast, Suprit Patel, a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor in healthcare IT, shares insights on founding startups, achieving product-market fit, and the impact of AI in healthcare. He discusses his recent startup experience, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the challenges of data privacy. Suprit emphasizes the need for consumer empowerment in health management and the role of proactive AI in enhancing patient engagement. He also explores the future of healthcare technology and the investment landscape.Contact Suprit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suprit-patel-a752914/Contact Sure Oak Digital Marketing: www.sureoak.comRelated Content:https://www.youtube...
2025-04-2237 min
The Sure Oak PodcastAi news for Marketing, SEO and Martech |. Ep 15 Ai CompanionIn this conversation, the Sure Oak team discusses the latest advancements in AI, particularly focusing on ChatGPT 4o's new image generation capabilities and the implications for businesses and copyright. They explore the evolving landscape of SEO and social media, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and user engagement. The discussion also touches on Elon Musk's AI ventures, the potential of Perplexity in the market, and the future of AI in everyday life, including the challenges of regulatory frameworks and market disruption.takeawaysFor more information on our SEO services visit: sureoak.com
2025-04-0836 min
The Sure Oak PodcastNavigating the Future of SEO in an AI World |. Ep 14In this conversation, Michael Sengbusch discusses his journey from software development to digital marketing, particularly in the healthcare sector. He shares insights on how AI is transforming marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and the role of search engines. The discussion also touches on the importance of high-quality content in the age of AI and the future of advertising in a rapidly changing digital landscape. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of digital marketing and SEO in the age of AI. They discuss the importance of authority in content creation, the integration of AI in marketing strategies...
2025-04-0439 min
The Sure Oak PodcastMarketing Lessons from a Startup Founder | Ep 13In this conversation, Kevin Sandlin shares his journey from a chance meeting at a gala to building a successful wireless networking business. He discusses his early career in marketing, the challenges he faced, and how he stumbled upon effective content marketing strategies that led to the creation of a certification program in wireless networking. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement and understanding the target audience in business growth. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolution of their business strategies, particularly focusing on the importance of trade shows, content marketing, and understanding customer pain points. They share...
2025-03-2643 min
The Sure Oak PodcastMindset Matters Featuring Casey Cunningham | Ep 12Join us for an inspiring episode of Mindset Matters featuring Casey Cunningham as she shares her insights on family success. Don't miss this empowering conversation!
2025-03-1235 min
The Sure Oak PodcastEverything you need to know about SEO in 2025Curious about SEO in 2025? In this video, we'll cover everything you need to know about the latest trends and strategies in search engine optimization for the future.
2025-03-0525 min
Content MattersShaping SEO-Driven Marketing with Will Sigsworth, PipedriveIs your SEO strategy ready for the next evolution ofbig shift in search?Kaylee Peterson, Director of SEO at Compose.ly, opens the episode by addressing the growing shift from traditional SEO to Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). She explains how AI-driven tools like ChatGPT and Bard are reshaping search behavior and shares strategies for creating modular, user-friendly content that works for both humans and bots. We’re also joined by Will Sigsworth, Head of SEO at Pipedrive, to demystify how AI, AEO and technical SEO are shaping the future of content marketing. He explains ho...
2025-02-0445 min
The Sure Oak PodcastSTOP Letting Objections Hold You Back From SEO SuccessAre objections holding you back from achieving SEO success? In this video, we'll explore common objections that prevent businesses and individuals from maximizing their online visibility and provide actionable tips to overcome them. From "SEO is too complex" to "I don't have the budget," we'll tackle the most common excuses and show you how to turn them into opportunities for growth. Learn how to build a strong SEO foundation, drive more traffic to your website, and increase conversions. Stop letting objections hold you back and start achieving the SEO success you deserve.
2025-01-1028 min
The Sure Oak PodcastCRO Expert Spills the Beans on Top Conversion Secrets!Meet the expert who's got the secret to converting visitors into customers! In this exclusive interview, we're sitting down with a renowned Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) specialist who's worked with top brands and has a wealth of knowledge to share. From A/B testing and user experience to heat maps and analytics, we're diving into the world of CRO and uncovering the strategies that drive real results. Whether you're a marketing newbie or a seasoned pro, you won't want to miss this opportunity to learn from the best. So sit back, relax, and get ready to take your conversion...
2025-01-0332 min
The Sure Oak Podcast5 Weird Ways to CRUSH Presentation Anxiety for GoodIn this conversation, Cooper Camak discusses the importance of effective workplace communication and how to overcome common challenges such as nervousness and imposter syndrome. He shares insights on understanding different communication styles, the significance of clarity and structure, and how these elements can drive business growth. The discussion emphasizes the need for leaders to serve their audience and create value in client interactions, while also providing frameworks for effective communication.
2024-12-2622 min
The Sure Oak PodcastYouTube Ads WILL DOMINATE in 2025I had the chance to interview Joey Bidner - a Google Ads expert - and we highlighted a strategy that b2b marketing teams can utilize to drive low cost MQLs from YouTube ads. From there, these MQLs can be nurtured so that they can eventually become SQLs. It was a great conversation and I hope you enjoy!
2024-12-1943 min
The Sure Oak PodcastHow to Build a SaaS Website That Converts Like CrazyIn this episode I speak with the one and the only Sam Dunning and we discuss all things SaaS SEO related. In particular, we lay the groundwork for SaaS brands to develop a website that converts like crazy - regardless of your organization's size. I hope you enjoy!
2024-12-1241 min
The Sure Oak PodcastHow To Drive REVENUE From Blogs in 2025Learn how to drive revenue from blogs in 2025 with the latest SEO, PPC, and digital marketing strategies. Stay ahead of the competition and monetize your blog effectively!
2024-12-0534 min
The Sure Oak PodcastHow Sure Oak Started & Where It's At NowIn this episode, you get a chance to hear how Sure Oak began from the founder himself - Tom Casano. Nick and I talk through how Tom started as an Upwork freelancer then quickly identified how larger organizations could benefit from linkbuilding and SEO - and as they say - the rest is history. Hope you enjoy today's episode!
2024-11-2628 min
The Sure Oak PodcastCREATE a Winning B2B SEO Strategy That Drives REAL Results!Want to boost your B2B business with a solid SEO strategy that drives real results? In this video, we'll dive into the key elements of a winning B2B SEO strategy that will help you outrank your competitors, increase your online visibility, and drive more qualified leads to your business. From keyword research to technical optimization, we'll cover it all. Get ready to take your B2B SEO to the next level and start generating real results!
2024-11-2149 min
The Sure Oak PodcastRevenue Marketing: The Future of Digital Marketing ExplainedIn this episode, Nick and Ian discuss the concept of Moneyball and how it relates to digital marketing teams in 2025. They also both dive into how revenue is the singlemost important driver and outcome that all digital marketing campaigns should focus on - not fluffly vanity metrics. Last, they discuss the marketing funnel and what you should measure as a SaaS or B2B financial services company. We hope you enjoy!
2024-10-2930 min
Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk: Podcast for Digital Marketing AgenciesAgency Acquisition Deal Structure: Tips for Buyers & Sellers with Nick Fraunfelder | Ep# 717Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Are you planning to buy an agency as a growth strategy? Or, do you want to make your agency attractive to potential buyers? Today's guest started his agency journey by buying an agency as an exit from his previous career in venture capitalism. He purposely sought out agencies, seeing them as cash flow machines. He looks back on that process and offers some valuable pointers and considerations for agency owners looking to buy or sell an agency in the near future.
2024-07-2434 min