Shows
Retained TrustFrom Niche to Growth: A Path to Agency ExpansionIn this episode of Retained Trust, host Karl Hughes sits down with entrepreneur and agency expert Sam Shepler, founder of Testimonial Hero, to explore the ins and outs of building, scaling, and acquiring service-based businesses. Sam shares his journey from running a generalist video agency to selling it, launching a productized service, and now expanding through strategic acquisitions. Karl and Sam break down the power of productized services, how acquisitions can unlock new growth, and the challenges of integrating new businesses into an existing agency. They also discuss how to say no to custom projects, balancing specialization with expansion...
2025-03-0448 min
The Focused Advisor PodcastSam Shepler: Testimonials Work So Well They Were Banned.Sam Shepler is the CEO at Testimonial Hero. CONTACT US TODAY:Independent Financial Advisor MarketingWebsite: https://ifamktg.comEmail: ryan@ifamktg.comPhone: (973) 738 - 9308FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565896600772LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ifamktg/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifa_mktg/
2025-02-2720 min
Pro Serv Podcast by Collective 54Episode 204 - Fuel Your Firm’s Growth: Mastering the Art of Strategic AcquisitionsAcquisitions can be a game-changer for scaling your business, providing access to new markets, capabilities, and talent. However, making the right acquisition requires a clear strategy and a founder’s perspective on what drives success.
Join Sam Shepler, Founder of Testimonial Hero, as he shares his journey of leveraging acquisitions to accelerate growth. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify opportunities that align with your vision, navigate the acquisition process, and unlock synergies that enhance your business. Whether you're exploring acquisitions for the first time or refining your approach, this session will provide actionable insights from a fo...
2025-02-0715 min
B2B Revenue LeadersBuilding and selling a seven-figure agency | Joel Klettke & Jen Enns (Case Study Buddy)In this episode, Sam Shepler, CEO of Testimonial Hero, steps in for Dustin and he’s joined by Joel Klettke and Jen Enns, Founders of Case Study Buddy (acquired by Testimonial Hero in March 2024). They delve into the founding story and growth of Case Study Buddy, discuss the importance of customer storytelling, and share valuable tips from their experience as entrepreneurs. They also discuss overcoming early challenges, the significance of investing in quality talent, and strategic tips for creating impactful customer stories.
If you have any questions or thoughts, you can reach out to Joel and Jen thr...
2024-07-0940 min
The Deep Specialization™ PodcastGrowth Through Strategic Acquisitions w/ Sam Shepler "Acquiring a service you want to offer helps your company leapfrog years of trial and error. " – Sam Shepler, Founder of Testimonial HeroWe welcome back Sam Shepler, Founder of Testimonial Hero, a global video testimonial company that helps B2B SaaS companies close more deals through customer stories. After a quick recap on what Testimonial Hero does (listen to episode 55 for part one), Corey and Sam get into the topic of acquisitions. Testimonial Hero recently acquired a company named Case Study Buddy that, just as the name suggests, provides written customer content like case studies.
2024-04-1746 minThe Deep Specialization™ PodcastGrowth Through Strategic Acquisitions w/ Sam Shepler "Acquiring a service you want to offer helps your company leapfrog years of trial and error. " – Sam Shepler, Founder of Testimonial HeroWe welcome back Sam Shepler, Founder of Testimonial Hero, a global video testimonial company that helps B2B SaaS companies close more deals through customer stories. After a quick recap on what Testimonial Hero does (listen to episode 55 for part one), Corey and Sam get into the topic of acquisitions. Testimonial Hero recently acquired a company named Case Study Buddy that, just as the name suggests, provides written customer content like case studies.
2024-04-1746 min
Play It SmartSam Shepler at Testimonial HeroAlexej interviews Sam Shepler, the founder of Testimonial Hero, a company specializing in creating impactful video testimonials for SaaS and professional services firms. They delve deep into the significance of social proof in today's business world and discuss the unique value video testimonials bring to the table. Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey from starting a video production agency to creating Testimonial Hero, which is now a multi-million dollar business. During their conversation, they also explore the importance of focusing on your ideal customer persona, choosing the right verticals, and valuing trust as a key factor in customer acquisition and...
2024-04-0246 min
Agency LifeThe Must-Have Forecast Model to Grow Your Agency w/ Garrett MehrguthToday he runs an agency doing $25MM in ARR with around 150 employees. But–as the story usually goes–this success didn’t come overnight & started with much more humble beginnings. From not getting paid by one of his first clients to gaining traction with small monthly retainers on Fiverr to now running a successful performance marketing agency for SaaS companies, Garrett Mehrguth, CEO of Directive, has learned a forecasting model that’s allowed him to scale his agency well beyond those humble beginnings.In today’s conversation, he shares:The 2 part financial forecasting model you need to...
2024-03-2148 min
The Deep Specialization™ PodcastProductizing Social Proof w/ Sam Shepler "It was a lot of brute force, cold outreach, going direct to people.” – Sam SheplerWhat every agency founder knows about starting up shop, is that the reality of growth in the early days comes from simply pounding the pavement, putting in the hours, and hustling your way to success. Today’s guest, Sam Shepler, did just that when he founded Testimonial Hero, a global video testimonial company that helps B2B SaaS companies close more deals through video testimonials. Founded in 2017, Sam bootstrapped his now 7-figure business from the start, maintaining control all the way.
2024-02-2151 minThe Deep Specialization™ PodcastProductizing Social Proof w/ Sam Shepler "It was a lot of brute force, cold outreach, going direct to people.” – Sam SheplerWhat every agency founder knows about starting up shop, is that the reality of growth in the early days comes from simply pounding the pavement, putting in the hours, and hustling your way to success. Today’s guest, Sam Shepler, did just that when he founded Testimonial Hero, a global video testimonial company that helps B2B SaaS companies close more deals through video testimonials. Founded in 2017, Sam bootstrapped his now 7-figure business from the start, maintaining control all the way.
2024-02-2151 minB2B Revenue LeadersSocial Proof Doesn’t Work Anymore | Sam Shepler (Testimonial Hero)This week, Dustin chats with Sam Shepler, CEO at Testimonial Hero, about the shift from traditional social proof to social proof 2.0 in the B2B buying process. The discussion highlights how shifts in buyer behavior have led to a change in how sellers adapt their marketing strategies. They shed light on the importance of trust and proof points throughout the buyer journey and the need for strategic depth in social proof. Finally, they share insights on the importance of making customer evidence a strategic initiative and discipline, and the benefits of a video-first strategy for creating impactful content.
2023-12-1933 min
Agency LifeThe 3 Benefits of Productizing Your Services w/ Sam SheplerShould you productize your services?Does a productized service business completely differ from the standard agency model?Can both models co-exist within the same business?These are all questions we answer in today's conversation with Sam Shepler, CEO of Testimonial Hero. He transitioned from leading a full-service video production agency to founding a productized service business in 2018. In this episode, Sam shares the 3 specific benefits of productizing your services--and the potential pitfalls to look out for.Sam's team has some good successes to learn from, hitting Number 342 on the In...
2023-10-0550 min
Product Market FitEp22 Mashup: What is product market fit? How to gather feedback from customers? And launching on Product Hunt — Product Market Fit podcastSince I'm off celebrating Passover, instead of releasing a new interview today, I present to you a mashup of key insights from past episodes on several recurring topics, including:
Product market fit — what it is, how it's measured, and how you know if you have it.
Talking to customers and collecting user feedback.
How launching on Product Hunt has gone for several of the startups featured so far on the podcast.
If you're new to the pod, hopefully, this is a good entry point and encourages you to go back and listen to these fantastic interviews. But ev...
2023-04-1244 minB2B Revenue LeadersShifting to a Strategic Video Testimonial Mindset | Sam Shepler (Testimonial Hero)Sam Shepler, Founder and CEO of Testimonial Hero, joins Dustin on this week's episode to discuss how the buyer journey is changing and why only using late-stage peer evidence isn't enough to close a deal anymore. They explain how prospects are seeking social proof earlier in the process, why you need the right peer evidence at the right time, and how to think about using testimonial videos strategically.
If you want to shoot Sam a question or give him a follow to see more tidbits on customer stories and video testimonials, you can connect...
2023-04-1127 min
The Insurance Growth LabDemystifying entrepreneurship, working “on” the business, and productizing a service business with Sam Shelper (CEO at Testimonial Hero)In this episode, Callan's guest is Sam Shepler, CEO at Testimonial Hero. Before Testimonial Hero, Sam founded and sold Skyscope. Join them as they discuss the importance of core values and how to start working “on” the business.
2023-01-2637 min
Product Market FitEp4: The Power of Customer Storytelling; w/ Sam Shepler, founder & CEO, TestimonialHero — Product Market Fit podcastI’m excited to share my interview with Sam Shepler, founder and CEO of TestimonialHero. I got to work with Sam last year to support his company’s growth efforts and was impressed with Sam’s laser focus on the customer and his methodical way of thinking and executing. Because his business is a tech-enabled service but nearly all his customers are SaaS I thought he would have unique insights on the differences between the two. We also talk about the importance of video, customer storytelling, and finding the right acquisition channels for your business. I really enjoyed this conver...
2022-12-2131 min
All About The CustomerHow B2B Buyer Journeys Are Changing and How Content Can Keep UpSam Shepler, CEO of Testimonial Hero, believes the B2B buyer journey has changed. More than ever, prospects want to self-serve, not be led by a salesperson. So how can our content adapt?In this episode, Sam dives into this new buyer’s journey, how snackable and candid content can serve our prospects, and the power of video testimonials.
2022-12-0230 min
B2B Revenue LeadersWhy you need a unified revenue team | Sam Shepler (CEO, Testimonial Hero)Everyone talks about marketing and sales alignment but when the two teams stay siloed with different goals and incentivized for different outcomes...alignment doesn't happen. Sam Shepler, CEO of Testimonial Hero, discusses why you need a unified revenue team, why it's important to consider the DNA mix between sales and marketing for your core executive hires, and the process he went through as a CEO in learning that MQLs are not predictive of business success.
2022-10-1433 min
The Shopify Growth ShowA Productized Service Roundtable with 5 CEOs (#94)Jim is joined by 4 impressive thought leaders in the productized services space to really break down and demystify this lucrative business sector. Members of the roundtable include John Doherty, CEO of Editor Ninja: Sam Shepler, CEO of Testimonial Hero: Karl L Hughes, CEO of Draft Dev: and Joel Klettke, CEO of CaseStudyBuddy. TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY’S EPISODEWhat is a productized serviceHow far should you niche downWait, how do you pronounce niche?How do determine when to expand the nicheHow to price services outShould you be flexible with your service?Training sales teamsHow to get bu...
2022-09-191h 01
Out of the WoodsGeoarbitrage & bootstrapping w/ Testimonial Hero CEO Sam Shepler - Out of the Woods Ep 6Michael sits down with Sam Shepler, the founder and CEO of Testimonial Hero, a B2B customer video company that helps create world-class video testimonials incredibly easily so revenue teams can build trust and credibility faster and accelerate the buyer journey, with both on-site videography (zero travel fees globally) and 100% remote video testimonial options.
300+ B2B marketing leaders at Google, UiPath, Medallia, InsightSquared, and many others use Testimonial Hero to easily create customer videos that build trust and with new prospects, communicate value with credibility, accelerate the buyer journey, and ultimately drive more revenue.
2022-09-121h 02
The Shopify Growth ShowStarting a Launchpad Business with Sam Shepler (#78)Jim is joined by Sam Shepler the CEO of TestimonialHero. Sam and Jim chat about Launchpad businesses and discuss how and why entrepreneurs should seriously consider creating one instead of shooting for the moon right away.TOPICS DISCUSSED IN TODAY’S EPISODE The benefits of an agency for quick money Strategically targeting larger partners for a growing business Specifics on how to sell your business How to scale a productized service Niching your strengths Best Practices for cold outreach Launchpad business vs Lifestyle business Resources:Sam SheplerTestimonial HeroProductize and ScaleJim Huffman websiteJim's TwitterGro...
2022-05-3042 min
Working SessionsThe Case Against Selling Subscription ServicesIn this episode, we start by talking about a recent post from TestimonialHero's Sam Shepler, in which he suggests that selling subscription services isn't always the "no-brainer" that it's made out to be. John and I share our thoughts on the matter, considering both of our companies current sell subscription offerings.As always, we also provide updates on Castaway and EditorNinja, which include...Year-to-date revenue updatesNew service offerings (bundled word count and personal branding)New team members (editors, video editors, and editorial leads)The need for better project management "plumbing"Sound interesting? You should give...
2022-05-2545 min
Productize PodcastIntroducing the new owner of ProductizeExciting news! The Productize brand has been acquired by long-time Productize community-member, Sam Shepler 🎉 In this episode, you’ll hear Brian and Sam talk openly...
2022-02-1746 min
The Productize PodcastIntroducing the new owner of ProductizeExciting news! The Productize brand has been acquired by long-time Productize community-member, Sam Shepler
2022-02-1746 min
State of Customer Storytelling013: Sam Shepler - Answering the Top Questions About Customer VideosFor this solo episode, I'll answer some of the common questions I ask our guests on the show. It will be a shorter episode where we get straight to the point about why customer stories are so effective in B2B sales and marketing, and how you can make great customer videos.
2022-02-0720 min
Think Like an OwnerSam Shepler - Video Testimonials for Growing Companies - Ep.100My guest on this episode is Sam Shepler. Sam is the founder of Testimonial Hero, a company he bootstrapped that helps companies create more effective video customer testimonials. Sam and I spend much of the episode talking about how to create great testimonials for your company and what the driving reasons are for using video over text or other mediums. In addition to being focused on a really interesting part of a sales process, Testimonial Hero itself is an interesting case study at what a bootstrap services company grows into overtime. Over the course of...
2022-01-2535 min
Ditching HourlySam Shepler - Productized TestimonialsSam Shepler, founder of Testimonial Hero, joined me on Ditching Hourly for a wide ranging discussion about the moving parts of productized services. Links We MentionedSam's TwitterTestimonial HeroHaute StockRange by David Epstein
----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?...
2021-12-1457 min
Mission Matters Marketing with Adam TorresSam Shepler Wants To Help Companies Grow Faster by Building Customers’ TrustSam Shepler, the Founder & CEO of Testimonial Hero, was interviewed on Mission Matters Marketing Podcast by Adam Torres. Sam Shepler says competitors may be able to copy your product, but they can’t do the same with your customers’ stories.Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.Apply to be interviewed by Adam on our podcast:https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/Visit our website:https://missionmatters.com/More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://link...
2021-11-2935 minState of Customer Storytelling001: Sam Shepler - Supercharge Sales and Revenue Using Customer StoriesSam Shepler is the founder and CEO of Testimonial Hero. Testimonial Hero helps businesses close sales deals 40% faster and recruit the best talent for their teams. Testimonial Hero captures world-class customer stories that build trust faster and take your marketing to the next level.
In this episode, we talk about using customer stories in your marketing strategy. Sam shares why increasing trust with your customers makes every part of your job as a marketer easier. Sam explains how video testimonials are one of the fastest ways to increase trust and help you close the deal. We also talk about why...
2021-11-0857 min
Marketing Routines3 - Sam Shepler, CEO at Testimonial HeroSam Shepler is the CEO of Testimonial Hero, which is a B2B customer video and remote testimonial video company.
We wanted to have Sam on Marketing Routines because he’s running the #1 Ranked B2B video company in the world. We want to know how he's reached that level of success and I think one of the best ways to do that is by finding out what he does daily and weekly to make progress. In this episode, we’re covering the day by day, week by week routines, and tasks and tools that Sam uses so y...
2021-05-2817 min
The Business of Sales PodcastThe Business of Sales - Episode #65, Sam SheplerDo you have VIDEO testimonials? Testimonial Hero is on the way to help you. Sam Shepler is the CEO of Testimonial Hero and our guest this week. Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey and how Testimonial videos are easy and can help you in your business.
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2021-05-2017 min
Predictable Prospecting's PodcastEpisode 160: The Testimonial Process - Sam SheplerWord of mouth recommendation has always been an important part of sales. Testimonials are vital. So of course, if you can find a way to leverage customer testimonials in your sales process, you can sell more effectively and close faster. Sam Shepler's company helps you do just that. Sam is the founder and CEO of Testimonial Hero, and in today's episode, you'll learn more about that company and what they do. Listen in to learn why Sam decided to start Testimonial Hero, why video testimonials are so important, and what the Testimonial Hero process is like. Episode H...
2021-04-1333 min
Ok Boomer Teach me SalesBuilding Trust and Credibility from peers with Testimonial Hero CEO, Sam SheplerSam shows how testimonials can help your prospects overcome their QFD's. Questions, Fears, and Doubts. Using video testimonials.
Testimonial Hero is a streamlined B2B video testimonial creation service with both on-site videography (zero travel fees globally) and 100% remote video testimonial options.
⚡ Their mission is to help B2B marketing leaders SUPERCHARGE their marketing programs--through the voice of the customer. ⚡
Find out more at:
testimonialhero.com/remote-video-testimonials
Interested in speaking with us about having the Team here at "Ok Boomer Teach me Sales" work with your sales team...
2021-03-2245 min
Limitless: A Sales and Marketing PodcastEp 61: How to Close Deals 40% Faster with Customer Videos (with Sam Shepler, Founder and CEO at Testimonial Hero)Hey Limitless Listener,
Limitless brings you another interesting episode. This time around it is all about customer testimonials.
Sam Shepler, Founder and CEO of Testimonial Hero, is in the house to share his knowledge and insightful views on how businesses can take full advantage of customer testimonials to scale better.
The highlights of the episode are here:
• Customer Testimonials - Where should you use them (and where you should not).
• Micro-cuts and Objection Crushers - Everything you should know.
• How to give the perfect structure to your testimonials?
• Testimonials as social proof - How to leverage it on social media?
• Tips to co...
2021-03-0333 min
Predictable B2B Success9 proven ways to create a successful customer-driven marketing strategyIn this episode, Sam Shepler, a filmmaker turned entrepreneur with 9 years of experience in B2B video marketing and the CEO of Testimonial Hero shares proven ways to create a successful customer-driven marketing strategy. Insights he shares include:
What is a customer-driven marketing strategyHow to use feedback to improve your offeringWhat is the best way to identify customers that really speak to your product or serviceHow Sam recommends we prioritize and invest our limited time and energy into our best customersA customer-driven marketing strategy requires customer stories but what are the best ways to craft and edit them...
2021-02-2341 min
Sales BabbleHow to Grow Sales with Video Testamonials with Sam SheplerHow to Grow Sales with Video Testamonials with Sam Shepler
2021-02-1632 min
Outbound Sales LiftClose Deals Faster w/ B2B Customer Video w/ Sam Shepler#33: Listen as Sam Shepler, CEO & Founder at Testimonial Hero, details the importance of using customer video and testimonials throughout the buyer's journey to accelerate your revenue engine. We talk about the different types of customer video you can create, creating customer video remotely, unexpected ways to use testimonials and the voice of the customer, and more!
2021-02-0222 min
The Lean B2B PodcastTestimonial Hero Founder Sam Shepler on Building and Scaling a Service Business in B2BTestimonial Hero founder Sam Shepler shares thoughts on service vs product businesses and how to go about scaling a service business today.
2021-01-1238 min
StrategyCastEpisode 344: How To Create Powerful Video Testimonials with Sam Shepler of Testimonial Hero“There is way more social proof when a customer is willing to put their face on camera.” Listen & Learn: The 15 ultimate, battle-tested, and magical questions to ask during a customer testimonial interview. How to create world-class storytelling and establish trust with your customers faster. The authenticity that video provides to potential customers to encourage a buying decision. How to navigate the fine line between authenticity and very high quality. Sam Shepler is a filmmaker turned entrepreneur with nine years of experience in B2B video marketing. Sam founded his first company, Skyscope (a B2B v...
2020-12-1523 min
B2B Growth Think TankSam Shepler: The Ultimate Conversion Trigger For Your B2B Business?What if there was a way to combine developing a deep client understanding, while at the same time reduce friction in the sales process and drive more revenue, by utilizing what can only be described as the ultimate conversion trigger for your business? Sounds good right? Well my guest today Sam Shepler is going to show you a system where your clients essentially sell for you, using engaging social proof that converts prospects into paid customers. Sam is a serial entrepreneur in the video marketing space, and currently the founder & CEO of Testimonial...
2020-11-0542 min
YouTube Marketing PodcastHow To Make A B2B Testimonial Video With Sam Shepler of TestimonialHeroSam Shepler of TestimonialHero focuses on helping B2B marketers and business owners with their testimonials, which is such a huge benefit to businesses. On the show today Sam will give some tips on how testimonial videos can help your sales and marketing campaigns.GUEST: Sam Shepler of TestimonialHero | LinkedIn | Get "The 15 Ultimate B2B Video Testimonial Questions"(top of page) | How B2B Testimonial Videos Can Help Your Marketing and Sales Campaigns Exceed Expectations | Twitter | LinkedInHOSTS: The Video Marketing Value Podcast is hosted by:- Dane Golden of VidiUp.tv and VidTarget.i...
2020-11-0435 min
VidAction Podcast - For Growing YouTube Channels, Video Creators, and Video Marketing TipsHow To Make A B2B Testimonial Video With Sam Shepler of TestimonialHeroSam Shepler of TestimonialHero focuses on helping B2B marketers and business owners with their testimonials, which is such a huge benefit to businesses. On the show today Sam will give some tips on how testimonial videos can help your sales and marketing campaigns.GUEST: Sam Shepler of TestimonialHero | LinkedIn | Get "The 15 Ultimate B2B Video Testimonial Questions"(top of page) | How B2B Testimonial Videos Can Help Your Marketing and Sales Campaigns Exceed Expectations | Twitter | LinkedInHOSTS: The Video Marketing Value Podcast is hosted by:- Dane Golden
2020-11-0435 min
Mission Matters Marketing with Adam TorresBenefits of Video Testimonials for Your Business with Sam SheplerVideo testimonials can be the difference between connecting with your audience or not. In this episode, Adam Torres and Sam Shepler, Founder and CEO at Testimonial Hero, explore the benefits of video testimonials. Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.Apply to be interviewed by Adam on our podcast:https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/Visit our website:https://missionmatters.com/More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia L...
2020-09-1013 min
The Productize Podcast[77] A localized video service...sold everywhereIn this interview I talk to Sam Shepler of Testimonial Hero, a video production service. They create high quality testimonial videos for B2B software companies anywhere in the world with zero travel fees.Sam walks us through how he built up a network of videographers so that he can bring in a local production team without having to travel himself. He then explains how he productized not only his service, but how they onboard new freelancers. When a project gets booked in a new location they can have a new videographer up and running before the...
2020-05-201h 02
Dear Video004 Why A Testimonials Is Your Best Piece of Content with Sam Shepler of Testimonial HeroSam Shepler and his team at Testimonial Hero have figured out how to make amazing, high-quality video testimonials from almost anywhere in the world. And Sam believes that your next video testimonial is going to be your best piece of content, even if it's a simple DIY video.
Links:
Testimonial Hero
Sam on LinkedIn
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2020-04-1525 min