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Titre
Date
Durée
Exercising Creativity - Inside the Red Dot Auction and the Legacy of Chuck Jones
06 Mar 2026
00:25:36
EPISODE SUMMARY
In this energizing episode of Brand Retro, Mike Brevik sits down with returning guests Craig Kausen and Ben Olson to unpack the story and impact behind the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity's 16th Annual Red Dot Fundraising Event.
What began as a simple idea, artists donating 12x12 works to raise funds, has evolved into a nationally recognized celebration of imagination, nostalgia, and community impact. This year marks a major shift: for the first time, the artists' stories will stand alongside their work, adding deeper meaning to every piece.
Craig shares the philosophy behind the Center's mission, rooted in Chuck Jones' belief that imagination is more powerful than knowledge, while Ben brings firsthand perspective on how Red Dot sparked his own journey from fan to board member to regional creativity leader.
They explore:
Why creativity isn't limited to art, it fuels science, business, engineering, and leadership
How a simple exercise (like drawing three circles) can unlock confidence in adults and children alike
The generational power of Looney Tunes nostalgia
Why Red Dot is "the most fun fundraiser you'll ever attend"
How the Center has now impacted over one million people across 18 states
And why exercising creativity is more important than ever in the age of AI
Hosted at the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center in Irvine, Red Dot blends vintage cars, classic animation, live art, and silent auctions into a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates both legacy and possibility.
Whether you attend in person or bid online, this episode is a reminder that creativity isn't a luxury, it's a muscle. And when you exercise it, incredible things happen.
Because sometimes all it takes is three circles… and someone who believes YOU CAN.
Creativity education Chuck Jones legacy Red Dot Auction Creative thinking Art fundraising events Nonprofit creativity programs Looney Tunes legacy Creative confidence Art and community impact Creativity and innovation Imagination in education Creative development programs Art philanthropy Intergenerational creativity Creative leadership Art auction fundraiser Creative expression programs Imagination vs knowledge
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
00:00–01:02 - Craig Kausen introduces his connection to Chuck Jones and the Center for Creativity 01:02–02:20 - Origins of the Red Dot Auction and anonymous art concept 02:20–03:39 - Why artist stories are now included alongside artwork 03:39–04:42 - The philosophy behind the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity 04:42–05:56 - Imagination vs knowledge: lessons from Einstein and Newton 05:56–06:46 - Event details and how audiences can participate 06:46–08:16 - The unique venue and immersive experience of the auction 08:16–09:29 - How Red Dot transformed artist and community relationships 09:29–10:29 - Creativity beyond art: science, engineering, and storytelling 10:29–12:20 - Overcoming self-doubt through creative exercises 12:20–14:07 - How small creative wins build confidence in adults and children 14:07–15:45 - Expanding creativity programs nationwide and community impact 15:45–17:15 - Creativity's importance in the age of AI and automation 17:15–18:43 - Nostalgia as a bridge between generations 18:43–20:24 - What attendees can expect from the Red Dot experience 20:24–22:30 - Live art, films, food, and immersive creative environments 22:30–24:10 - Silent auction dynamics and online participation 24:10–25:28 - Final invitation and ways to support creativity programs
In this Brand Retro episode, Lindsey Coffey shares how brands can build eco-friendly branding and sustainability marketing without greenwashing. We cover ethical consumerism, transparency, and how EcoBranders helps businesses create real environmental impact while staying profitable.
Who's the Guest? Lindsey Coffey, an acclaimed model and Miss Earth 2020, has leveraged her extensive experience in the fashion industry to champion environmental sustainability and ethical consumerism. With over a decade in modeling, Lindsey has gained a profound understanding of the inner workings of fashion marketing and consumer behavior, insights she now applies in her advocacy for eco-friendly practices. As the Head of Community Engagement & Impact Awareness at EcoBranders, Lindsey works to elevate environmental consciousness within the business sector and among consumers, promoting sustainable business practices that do not sacrifice profitability. Her commitment to environmental activism and her unique blend of industry experience make her a leading voice in integrating eco-consciousness with brand identity, aiming to inspire businesses and individuals alike to make mindful and impactful choices.
Highlights 00:19 - The importance of eco-friendly branding. 01:02 - Lindsey's background and journey in the fashion industry. 02:43 - Lindsey's shift towards environmental activism. 04:31 - Intersection of eco-consciousness and brand identity. 05:28 - Example of EcoBranders. 07:10 - Challenges and benefits of transparency in eco branding. 09:04 - Addressing imposter syndrome in eco-conscious branding. 10:50 - Greenwashing: A significant issue. 14:00 - Importance of transparency for credibility. 17:40 - Discussion on carbon offsets and company responsibility. 19:55 - EU regulations on green claims. 21:53 - Examples of brands doing specific eco-friendly actions correctly. 25:37 - Emphasizing honesty in eco-conscious branding for credibility. 29:20 - The importance of eco-friendly choices and educating consumers.
Agency Branding, Creativity & Team Culture with Josh Sullivan (Fried Design) | Brand Retro Ep. 105
11 Jun 2024
00:22:45
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik sits down with Josh Sullivan, Executive Creative Director and founder of Fried Design Company. To talk about brand strategy, creative leadership, and building memorable brands. Josh shares lessons from agency life on balancing fun with serious business, strengthening team culture, and using creativity to craft brand stories that resonate.
Who's the Guest? Josh Sullivan is the Executive Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and the visionary founder of the Fried Design Company, an agency renowned for its creative ingenuity and bold approaches to branding. With a career that blends design, strategy, and leadership, Josh has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional branding to create distinctive and impactful brand identities.
Under his guidance, Fried Design Company has earned a reputation for being both award-winning and sometimes infamous, standing out in a crowded marketplace with its unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking. Josh's work is characterized by a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological components of branding, which he leverages to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Highlights 00:28 - Josh's journey: From home office to Fried Design. 02:03 - Fried's creative focus: Highly regulated industries. 04:51 - Creativity within confines: Pushing limits in design. 06:01 - Importance of brand strategy in design. 06:56 - Client reactions to bold creative work. 07:58 - Presenting and selling impactful work. 08:31 - Building Fried Design's internal brand. 12:04 - Involvement of team in brand development. 13:02 - Significance of team culture and collaboration. 14:56 - Business growth strategy: Staying small but effective. 19:02 - Young creatives and developing a unique style. 20:36 - Importance of client and collaborator relationships.
Listen in as Mike and Cyberdogz writer, Katie Jenison, discuss the logic and thought process of finding those points of inspiration that connect to either the person or the brand. And how that inspiration can feed your motivation and keep you on the track of creating and maintaining something unique to your brand. Prepare to think differently!
Highlights
People that inspire Mike - 1:29
Why he finds some people inspirational - 2:43
Talking about Steve Jobs - 6:06
Finding something that is unique to you - 8:12
Surround yourself with people that think the same as you - 8:42
In this episode, Mike discusses one of his company sizzle words (Next Level) and the process of identifying what (tools) you have to work with from a marketing perspective and the process of figuring out how to make the most of those tools.
Highlights
Talking about sizzle words - 0:28
Two sizzle words for Mike - 1:22
Trying to be the best - 2:28
We have to do more, have a next level mindset - 4:33
Mike and Cyberdogz writer, Katie Jenison, discuss some of the main points of building a successful blog and as always, how to approach this process in a way that makes YOUR brand unique.
Highlights
Why blogs are great - 1:53
The importance of creating value and content - 3:43
You want your message to be received - 4:55
You need to have a plan - 8:31
The importance of your social marketing - 11:20
Spending time generating content - 13:52
Finding your voice and content - 19:13
What's the process? - 20:44
Finding the best keywords and phrases - 26:00
Why emails are great - 28:27
Figuring out your goal - 29:38
Being authentic when you are writing the content - 33:35
Mike and Cyberdogz writer, Katie Jenison, discuss some of the main points and differences of personal branding versus corporate branding, and when a personal brand is necessary.
Highlights
What a personal brand is - 1:41
A personal brand and a corporate brand - 1:53
Being in the right place and time - 2:38
Why do you want to build a personal brand - 5:56
Defining your target audience - 9:00
What to do to create a personal brand - 11:24
Different reasons to build a personal brand - 18:53
The producer of Brand Retro (Spencer Shaw) takes another stab at flushing out the deeper meaning and some inspirational stories behind DogDayz Apparel. Second time's a charm!
Highlights
Wanting to create t-shirts and do something fun - 2:37
Marisa Jackels returns to the Brand Retro Podcast to interview Mike for an upcoming blog story on DogDayz Apparel. They decided to hit record so they can share the backstory behind this story and purpose-filled brand.
Highlights
A passion project - 0:17
The concept's story - 1:44
When it all started - 3:33
Creating an apparel line - 4:19
Shirts from special places - 15:06
Having a retro mindset - 17:01
The real story behind the DogDayz Apparel idea - 20:32
Michaela Schell returns to discuss the difficult decision and logic behind protecting her brand, the vision, and the business mindset behind cancelling this 2020 event.
Cyberdogz and 5 Core Questions in Crisis with Marisa Jackels
02 Jun 2020
00:32:13
Cyberdogz welcomes content developer Marisa Jackels to the show to interview Mike on the history of Cyberdogz, PLUS how Cyberdogz is helping customers sustain and navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
Highlights
The crisis around the pandemic - 0:45
Mike's story with Cyberdogz - 1:00
Mike's first job - 2:54
What to do to support clients - 5:20
Wanting to be smart and strategic - 7:00
Do not panic! - 7:39
People want confidence - 10:08
Figuring out a new way to keep your business afloat - 16:00
What to do in a time of crisis - 17:37
Focusing on the strengths and not the weaknesses - 22:19
Being a better business owner during the pandemic - 25:00
Brand Spotlight: Blueprint Process with Tammi Brannan
26 May 2020
00:21:07
This "Brand Spotlight" episode is an outstanding interview with Blueprint Process founder and business coach Tammi Brannan. Mike and Tammi talk about why having a coach throughout the process of building your brand and business is key to uncovering the why behind it all.
Marketing Audits, Data-Driven Strategy & Campaign Analysis with Gracie Clemens | Brand Retro Ep. 104
04 Jun 2024
00:19:59
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Gracie Clemens, CEO and founder of SGC Marketing, about marketing audits and data-driven strategy. Gracie explains how audit processes uncover hidden opportunities in campaigns, why systematic evaluation improves decision-making, and how stronger analysis leads to more effective marketing performance.
Who's the Guest? Gracie Clemens is the CEO and Founder of SGC Marketing, a company renowned for its strategic and data-driven approach to marketing. With a career spanning over a decade in the marketing industry, Gracie has established herself as a leader in utilizing data to drive decision-making and optimize marketing strategies. Her expertise encompasses a broad range of marketing disciplines, including digital marketing, customer analytics, and targeted campaign management.
Under her leadership, SGC Marketing has become synonymous with success, helping businesses of all sizes to enhance their market presence and achieve significant growth. Gracie's approach involves a deep dive into data analysis and a rigorous audit process, ensuring that every marketing strategy is not only creatively inspired but also grounded in empirical evidence.
Highlights 02:54 - Results-Driven Strategy – Example from XPrize 05:39 - Importance of Continual Testing and Auditing 09:11 - Integrating Brand into Marketing Strategy 11:03 - Gracie's Passion for Data and Creative Approach 18:59 - Storytelling in Marketing – The Yellow Dress Story 21:03 - Purpose-Driven Content and Emotional Connection 23:31 - Using Storytelling to Break Through Algorithms
This "Brand Spotlight" episode is an outstanding interview with Dash & White founder Kelsey Rasco. Mike and Kelsey talk about the journey from this chaotic idea and/or loose concept, to wrangling in all the details, making this idea come alive, to now Dash & White the brand and retail destination in Fargo.
Highlights
Kelsey's business story - 0:58
Mike and Kelsey working together - 2:20
Kelsey's background - 3:30
Having a brand that speaks for you - 3:57
The branding as the most important thing - 4:26
The biggest waste of money - 8:13
What is a brand brief? - 10:09
The journey of Dash & White - 16:04
Social media growing by the day - 22:32
Brand lovers - 26:01
Being authentic vs. sharing your entire life - 28:21
Brand Spotlight: Limitless Network Marketing with Michaela Schell
12 May 2020
00:49:06
This "Brand Spotlight" episode is an outstanding interview with Limitless founder, Michaela Schell. We talked about the journey from this chaotic idea and/or loose concept, to wrangling in all the details, making this idea come alive, to now Limitless the brand and the mission behind it all.
Highlights
Michaela's business and brand - 0:35
Marketing companies - 1:51
Networking companies and how they work - 3:15
The idea of building a brand - 3:53
When everything started - 7:00
How to make the first step - 11:21
The best piece of advice for listeners - 15:01
Formulating ideas for your brand - 19:09
Always think of your intention - 24:56
The Limitless Brand - 26:19
What step to take next - 28:39
What we can learn about Limitless - 29:40
A story about Limitless - 32:54
The idea of the podcast - 35:12
Think about what is right for your brand - 36:00
Forcing a company to rebrand - 38:31
Paying attention to other brands that you like - 44:33
Jenna Redden and Mike (founder of Cyberdogz) talk about Mike's love for Air Jordans, the Sneakerhead mindset and its connection to branding, and how this mindset translates to business.
Highlights
The sneakerhead mindset - 0:25
The backstory - 0:34
Mike's favorite sneaker - 1:18
A huge Jordan fan - 2:43
When he bought his first Jordans - 3:23
Having a collection of Jordans - 5:37
The number of shoes that Mike has - 9:57
What a brand can do - 13:15
Being a brand lover - 14:01
A top performance shoe - 17:16
Iconic commercials that you'll never forget - 20:44
Welcome to the Brand Retro Podcast hosted by Mike Brevik, founder of Cyberdogz. Listen in to get a brief explanation of the Brand Retro mindset and the mission and format behind this podcast in its pursuit to disrupt the marketing industry and get you thinking a little differently about branding.
Highlights
About Brand Retro and Mike Brevik's background - 0:15
What is Cyberdogz? - 0:42
The Retro mindset - 1:50
Love your brand and be excited about it - 4:02
Collaboration to help businesses find a place for themselves - 5:12
Conversations about the marketing mindset inside of well known companies. Mike Brevik, founder of Cyberdogz shares how innovative brands are collaborating with outside consultants to create game changing products, campaigns and ideas.
B2B Lead Generation & Sales Strategy with Dan Englander (Sales Schema) | Brand Retro Ep. 103
28 May 2024
00:18:04
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Dan Englander, founder of Sales Schema, about B2B sales strategy, lead generation, and building a reliable outbound prospecting system for agencies and service businesses. Dan breaks down the sales cycle, shares proven outreach approaches, and explains how a strong sales "schema" creates repeatable growth.
Who's the Guest? Dan Englander is the CEO and Founder of Sales Schema, a distinguished consultancy that specializes in helping agencies and B2B service companies establish and refine their lead generation systems through targeted outreach. Since launching Sales Schema in 2014, Dan has successfully guided the company in facilitating over 10,000 prospect relationships for more than 100 organizations, demonstrating a robust track record of elevating client outreach and sales capabilities.
An expert in sales strategy and business development, Dan's approach combines deep industry knowledge with practical, data-driven techniques to create scalable sales processes. His expertise has made him a sought-after advisor for companies looking to navigate the complex landscape of B2B sales and marketing.
Prior to founding Sales Schema, Dan honed his skills in various sales and marketing roles, developing a keen understanding of the challenges faced by service-based businesses in building effective sales teams and strategies. His passion for innovation and commitment to delivering measurable results have established him as a leader in the field, dedicated to helping businesses achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Highlights 01:11 - Tackling the trust recession. 01:49 - Derisking relationships in sales. 02:55 - 80% sorting, 20% persuading. 04:47 - Importance of consistent outreach. 05:56 - Understanding sales turn time. 07:09 - First step: clarity in target problem and audience. 09:38 - Building a repeatable new business system. 11:02 - Effective use of outbound marketing. 12:14 - Avoiding the silver bullet fallacy. 14:10 - Predictability vs. Guarantee in sales. 15:25 - Tinkering and bottlenecks in sales processes.
Buyer's Journey, Customer Motivation & Business Transparency with Chris Troka | Brand Retro Ep. 102
21 May 2024
00:21:42
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Chris Troka—entrepreneur, DJ, and founder of Focused-Biz—about the buyer's journey, customer motivation, and the power of transparency in business. Chris shares practical lessons on reducing friction in sales and onboarding, improving communication, and building trust so customer relationships last.
Who's the Guest? Chris Troka, entrepreneur, DJ, and founder of Focused-Biz, is a seasoned entrepreneur and business innovator with over ten years of expertise in creating, enhancing, and propelling businesses forward. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge in utilizing cutting-edge digital tools such as AI, automation, CRM, and social media to optimize business operations and marketing strategies. Chris holds certifications from HubSpot and Google in inbound marketing, social media, and Google My Business, and earned his Marketing Degree in 2021.
Highlights 00:19 - Discussing the buyer's journey 01:01 - Importance of reducing friction in the buyer's journey 03:30 - Example of DJ business failures and subsequent learnings 04:39 - Building relationships over making hard sells 06:00 - The balance in the sales and onboarding process 09:50 - Recommendations and guiding clients, not giving too many options 12:00 - Client feedback process and ongoing communication 13:20 - Protecting yourself against client dissatisfaction 17:56 - The necessity of "hearing" clients for successful projects 23:39 - Advice for entrepreneurs: start by building relationships and taking action 25:45 - Importance of saying no to potential clients that aren't a good fit 32:59 - Niche specialization and focusing on profitable areas
Graphic Design, Creativity & Visual Storytelling with James Martin | Brand Retro Ep. 101
07 May 2024
00:43:33
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with James Martin—founder of Made By James and Baby Giant Design Co., and Creative Partner at Lincoln Design—about graphic design, creativity, and visual storytelling. James shares his design process, how personal interests shape style, and why sketching, experimentation, and inspiration matter for building standout creative work.
Who's the Guest? James Martin is a distinguished graphic designer and creative entrepreneur, renowned for his expertise in branding and visual storytelling. As the founder of Made By James and Baby Giant Design Co., and serving as a Creative Partner at Lincoln Design, James has consistently pushed the boundaries of design. His work is characterized by a unique blend of bold creativity and meticulous execution, making him a standout figure in the design community. Through his companies, James provides innovative design solutions that empower brands to express their identities vividly and memorably. His commitment to excellence and a deep passion for the craft have earned him recognition and respect among peers and clients alike.
Highlights 01:10 - Challenges of finding design inspiration pre-social media. 02:19 - Transition from blend designer to incorporating personal style. 05:14 - Leveraging a background in art within the design process. 09:09 - The value of sketching in connecting to the essence of creation. 13:44 - Influencing work with personal interests and subcultures. 17:02 - Personal evolution becoming a recognized style in design. 22:55 - The power of social media to inspire and educate in design. 24:01 - From unknown designer to partner at Lincoln Design Co. through social media. 26:26 - The risk of over-niching and staying adaptable in design work. 28:22 - Embracing personal projects without monetary expectations. 34:25 - Sharing freely on social media to foster community and help others.
In this milestone Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik celebrates the 100th episode with Spencer Shaw, founder and CEO of PodKick, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on podcast growth and storytelling. They reflect on lessons learned, finding a podcast's voice, and what it takes to build a consistent show over the long haul.
Who's the Guest? Spencer Shaw, the Founder and CEO of PodKick Media, is a forward-thinking entrepreneur deeply rooted in the podcasting industry. With a keen eye for innovation and a strong belief in the power of storytelling, Spencer established PodKick Media to help creators and businesses amplify their voices and reach global audiences. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a premier podcast production service known for its high-quality content and strategic approach to audience engagement. Spencer's vision extends beyond production; he is committed to leveraging technology to enhance podcast accessibility and integration across diverse platforms. His expertise and passion for digital media have made him a respected leader and influencer in the podcasting community.
Highlights 02:03 The challenge and evolution of finding a podcast's voice. 03:16 Reflecting on surprising elements in podcasting. 07:26 The authenticity of podcasting over traditional writing. 08:23 The importance of nostalgia in branding. 14:39 The cyclical nature of marketing trends. 16:14 Creating scarcity and special experiences in a business context. 20:08 Unique brand collaborations and storytelling. 22:43 The impact of being open to unconventional branding ideas. 28:14 Overcoming the fear to try new branding ideas. 31:34 The importance of taking risks and personal examples. 35:39 Working with clients resistant to change and the power of new approaches. 39:52 How to make companies realize the importance of the experience factor. 42:31 The role of nostalgia and relationship in modern branding. 45:48 Convincing a client to embrace podcasting and unique branding avenues. 49:37 The importance of being that encouraging influence for clients.
Authentic Branding & Brand Storytelling with Emma Donovan (Dapper) | Brand Retro Ep. 99
26 Mar 2024
00:25:56
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Emma Donovan, co-founder and brand strategist at Dapper, about authentic branding and building a brand that reflects the people behind it. Emma shares insights on brand identity, values, and storytelling—from concept to execution—and why authenticity creates stronger connection and long-term brand trust.
Who's the Guest? Emma Donovan is a dynamic professional with over 15 years of expertise in brand strategy, content writing, and entrepreneurship. Her keen eye for identifying unique opportunities has been a cornerstone of her entrepreneurial journey, demonstrated by her ventures across diverse and innovative projects. In 2010, she launched a pop-up backpackers' hostel for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, showcasing her ability to tap into timely opportunities with creativity and flair. By 2014, Emma had co-founded Yellow Door Collective, a marketing and events agency, further solidifying her role as a versatile entrepreneur. Her latest venture, Dapper, co-founded in March 2021, serves as a brand studio with a keen focus on the human experience in brand development.
Highlights 03:11 Emma's company's values: To cultivate joy which should come from an authentic energy 06:05 Dapper's offerings: A six-month process based on self-discovery and personal branding and a three-month online course on global accessibility 09:33 Why having a compelling story adds value to the brand and underlines the difficulty, but importance, of finding a singular brand tone in companies with multiple co-founders 13:31 How important it is to give clients breathing space and time to reflect 18:47 Why some clients are reluctant to "buy in" 20:47 Learning from successful influencers and adapting the lessons to your personal journey, to gain an advantage and create their brand from an authentic place. 22:38 The importance of breaking down advice and applying only what is beneficial to avoid disrupting the business 23:26 Why not being able to apply all sections of an advice does not discredit the source, but rather, it just might not apply to your particular circumstance at the time 24:46 Brand comes before marketing and setting the foundation right would make everything else fall in place
LinkedIn Strategy: Profile Optimization & Networking with Scott Aaron | Brand Retro Ep. 98
19 Mar 2024
00:25:35
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik sits down with Scott Aaron—LinkedIn expert, podcast host, and bestselling author—to break down how to succeed on LinkedIn. Scott shares actionable strategies for LinkedIn profile optimization, networking, messaging, and building meaningful professional relationships that support personal branding and business growth.
Who's the Guest? Scott Aaron is a highly acclaimed LinkedIn expert, engaging podcast host, and best-selling author, renowned for his deep understanding of networking and personal branding in the digital age. With a career dedicated to helping individuals and businesses harness the power of LinkedIn, Scott has developed a reputation for crafting effective strategies that drive success on the platform. His work focuses on teaching clients how to authentically connect, generate leads, and build meaningful professional relationships.
Beyond his expertise in LinkedIn, Scott is a gifted communicator, sharing his insights and experiences through his popular podcast and various speaking engagements. His best-selling books serve as invaluable resources for those looking to elevate their online presence and networking capabilities. Scott's approach combines practical advice, actionable strategies, and a genuine passion for empowering others to achieve their professional goals.
Highlights 00:30 Unrealistic expectations of instant results in using LinkedIn 03:54 Tips from Scott about the importance of using SEO efficiently in the LinkedIn profile for more visibility 07:43 Framework for crafting the perfect message on LinkedIn in three steps 13:07 Setting realistic expectations and identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) for success on LinkedIn 16:03 Importance of tracking KPIs 19:36 How individuals on LinkedIn should position themselves more organically and authentically rather than being overly polished or robotic 21:31 How to overcome fear of the unknown and tackle the challenges head on for business growth 23:06 Using native uploads for higher engagement and utilizing tools like Opus.pro for breaking down longer videos into short clips 24:46 Where to know more about Scott
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Behdad Jamshidi ("Bee"), the marketing leader behind CJAM, about customer insights, consumer behavior, and building smarter marketing strategies. Behdad shares how CJAM helps brands connect with the right marketing partners through a streamlined vetting process—and why understanding market dynamics is key to better customer engagement.
Who's the Guest? Meet Behdad Jamshidi, affectionately known as Bee, the innovative mind behind CJAM Marketing. With a passion for bridging the gap between brands and their ideal marketing partners, Behdad has revolutionized the way businesses connect with marketing agencies. At the heart of CJAM Network, Behdad stands as a steadfast ally, ensuring that every partnership is a perfect synergy of skills, experience, and mutual goals.
Behdad's journey to founding CJAM was sparked by his own challenges in finding qualified marketing partners. Frustrated by the endless search and unfulfilled promises of high-priced agencies, he leveraged his background as an engineer within large enterprise businesses, where efficiency and precision are paramount. This experience fueled his commitment to developing a solution that eradicates the inefficiencies of traditional agency searches.
CJAM's inception was driven by Behdad's vision to streamline the vetting process, cutting through the noise to connect brands with marketing partners that not only talk the talk but walk the walk. His engineering mindset applied to marketing has led to the creation of a rigorous vetting process, ensuring that the CJAM Partner Network is a collection of over 80 marketing professionals excelling in PPC, digital marketing, design, development, SEO, copywriting, and more.
Highlights 03:37 The importance of focusing on core competencies 08:36 The need for marketing consistency and perseverance 12:13 The significance of setting aside a marketing budget and sticking with it 17:57 Role that CJM Marketing plays in finding the right marketing partner for businesses 19:33 Handling the onboarding process for the clients 21:13 Importance of guiding clients through the business journey to build trust 23:03 The uncertainty of the modern marketing landscape and the need for constant adjustment 26:13 The unpredictability of SEO and Google's constant changes 28:10 Value of being comfortable with uncertainty in business 29:31 How changes in marketing channels like Google affect all businesses, large and small 31:43 Best places to find and know more about Behdad and CJAM
Marketing Trends, Strategy & Adapting to Change with Sacha Awwa | Brand Retro Ep. 96
05 Mar 2024
00:27:39
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik sits down with Sacha Awwa, founder of Sacha Awwa Marketing Group, to discuss marketing strategy and how to adapt as the industry changes. Sacha shares practical guidance on staying current with trends, tools, and tactics—so your marketing remains effective, relevant, and ahead of the curve.
Who's the Guest? Sacha Awwa stands at the forefront of marketing innovation with over twenty years of experience, crafting winning strategies for startups, small enterprises, and midsize organizations. As the creative force behind Sacha Awwa Marketing Group, she embodies the essence of leadership in driving business growth and fostering innovation across varied market landscapes. Sacha's unparalleled ability to develop bespoke marketing solutions tailored to the unique needs of businesses across different scales and industries positions her as a pivotal figure for the Brand Retro Podcast audience.
Her extensive knowledge base and successful track record in navigating the complexities of market dynamics and consumer engagement equip her with the insights necessary to empower our listeners. Sacha's adeptness in steering companies towards their strategic goals through adaptive and forward-thinking marketing strategies resonates with our podcast's commitment to delivering practical guidance and inspirational success narratives.
Featuring Sacha Awwa on the Brand Retro Podcast not only aligns with our objective to provide actionable insights but also enriches our content with strategic acumen, hands-on advice, and motivational stories from her illustrious career. Her participation is set to offer a compelling mix of expertise, innovative tactics, and enlightening experiences, making her a captivating and invaluable guest for those looking to excel in the ever-changing world of marketing.
Highlights 00:56 Big changes in Sacha's career 01:53 The importance of cutting through the noise to start navigating the complexities of marketing 06:34 The three-prong process for approaching a company's brand 12:07 Struggles that startups face in finding product-market fit 17:02 One year as a milestone for clients to gain confidence and understanding of their business strategy 19:19 The importance of understanding analytics and data in marketing 22:39 The value of being able to break down and teach data analytics to others. 24:21 Sacha's early career as a graphic designer and the disconnect between those designing and those pitching the work 24:55 Navigating the subjective aspect of design work vs the objectivity of data analytics 25:46 The importance of effective communication as a fundamental skill in marketing 26:11 Where you can find out more about Sacha and her marketing agency
From Motion Graphics to Dental Marketing Entrepreneur | Luke Infinger | Ep. 113
17 Sep 2024
00:33:18
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Luke Infinger, founder of HIP Creative, about building a niche marketing agency for orthodontic and dental practices. Luke shares his path from motion graphics and high-profile production work to entrepreneurship, and breaks down the mindset, positioning, and relationship-based growth that helped him scale a specialized creative business.
Who's the Guest? Luke Infinger is the founder of HIP Creative, an agency specializing in the orthodontic and dental space. He began his career with a deep interest in the arts, developing skills in painting, drawing, and music from a young age. Luke studied motion graphics at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and initially worked in post-production in New York, where he participated in high-profile projects like the season three promo for "Game of Thrones." However, he found the environment stifling creatively and limiting in terms of income potential. Disillusioned with the pressures and limitations of his job, Luke returned to Pensacola, Florida, where he transitioned into starting his own agency. This move allowed him to blend his creative talents with entrepreneurship, focusing on long-term client relationships and strategic business growth within the specialized niche of orthodontics and dentistry.
Highlights 04:34 - Big opportunity at a New York motion design shop. 05:49 - Becoming disillusioned with the industry. 10:03 - Discovering broader applications of creativity. 11:48 - From miserable job to entrepreneurial success. 13:05 - Creativity beyond design—a new perspective. 14:45 - Idea execution—much harder than it seems. 15:47 - Importance of detachment for creativity. 20:00 - Education systems evolving rapidly. 23:07 - Hard truth—most people remain average due to conditioning. 25:30 - Navigating the fine line between ideas and hard work. 28:40 - Internet success—easier said than done. 30:50 - Real mentors are often invisible success stories. 32:15 - Chasing average in small-town mentality. 35:20 - Merging ideas and hard work for true success.
SEO Strategy, Myths & What Works Now with Jason Berkowitz | Brand Retro Ep. 95
27 Feb 2024
00:25:37
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Jason Berkowitz, SEO Director and founder of Break The Web, about modern SEO strategy and the real dynamics of search today. Jason debunks common SEO myths, explains what matters most in the next 12 months, and shares how SEO should align with branding and marketing to build a cohesive online presence.
Who's the Guest? Jason Berkowitz brings a decade of expertise and innovation to the search marketing world. His journey began in 2009 as the Owner of Hyper Web Marketing, where he first delved into the intricacies of online marketing. By 2010, Jason had embraced the challenges of SEO and affiliate marketing, honing his skills as a self-employed Internet Marketer. His ambition and passion for the field led him to establish SEO Services New York in 2013, where he took on the role of SEO Director, steering the company towards new heights with his visionary approach.
In 2016, Jason embarked on a new venture, founding Break The Web. As both Founder and SEO Director, he has been pivotal in crafting bespoke strategies that elevate clients' online presence. Through Break The Web, Jason continues to redefine SEO practices, ensuring that businesses not only get noticed but thrive in the digital landscape. His leadership and innovative strategies have made him a respected figure in the search marketing industry, dedicated to delivering results and driving success.
Highlights 00:49 The landscape of SEO in the next 12 months 03:34 The importance of brand in SEO and how it fits into overall marketing approaches 06:23 What Break The Web is and how Jason started it 10:31 How Social Media play a big picture in SEO 13:09 Challenges of SEO, especially when bound by fickle and often-changing algorithms 16:23 How to explain SEO to clients and how to make them understand the importance of it despite the challenges and uncertainties 20:21 Going over the initial hump in the first phase of SEO implementation and how the results can significantly increase afterward 23:14 Indirect competition factor in SEO 24:09 The need for full alignment between the expectations of the client and the SEO provider 24:52 How to reach out to Jason Berkowitz
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Social Media Strategy, Intentional Marketing & Engagement with Hannah Balliet | Brand Retro Ep. 94
20 Feb 2024
00:43:17
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Hannah Balliet of Ugly Mug Marketing about social media strategy and what actually drives results beyond surface-level engagement. Hannah shares how intentional, purpose-driven social media helps brands understand platform dynamics, audience behavior, and build predictable marketing systems that generate leads and sales.
Who's the Guest? Hannah Balliet is the passionate and purposeful leader of the Social Media Department at Ugly Mug Marketing. Over the past 4 years, Hannah has grown her department by over 340%, and has worked alongside hundreds of small business owners and entrepreneurs as they navigate the ever-changing digital marketing landscape.
Her key focus is helping businesses build predictable marketing systems that consistently produce leads and sales. From private clients to social media masterclasses, Hannah brings her expertise and energy as she teaches clients how to use social media to scale their business, generate leads and achieve RESULTS.
Highlights 03:18 Hannah's new role as the director of communications, which included developing a cohesive strategy aligned to the companies' needs 07:22 Stepping into the role for the Ugly Mug Marketing 13:13 How intention and strategy are key elements in social media marketing, and how these aspects are continually adjusted for optimal results 15:22 Why you should have a solid strategy in social media marketing 17:01 The importance of realizing that businesses can have multiple customer avatars 19:28 Identifying the primary platform where your audience is and focusing your resources there 23:46 Different payoffs from various investments 26:34 Importance of creating success and then the challenge of replicating it in a constantly changing marketing environment 29:38 How vanity metrics like total followers or likes do not necessarily equate to business success 34:01 Investigating bad reviews to improve overall business services, as it is all part of the customer experience 37:56 The 'natural progression' of a customer journey from being strangers to becoming friends, customers, and eventually evangelists for the business 41:02 The value of delivering quality after the sales process, and living up to the promise made to the customer
Simple Marketing Strategy & Clear Messaging with Ben Guttmann | Brand Retro Ep. 93
13 Feb 2024
00:24:56
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Ben Guttmann about simple marketing strategy and how clear messaging strengthens brand connection. Ben shares practical principles from his work "Simply Put," showing how simplifying complex ideas helps brands resonate, communicate value, and stand out with clarity.
Who's the Guest? Ben Guttmann is a marketing entrepreneur and educator who has helped hundreds of clients, ranging from the NFL to Nobel Laureates, from I Love NY to #1 New York Times best-selling authors. He is co-founder of Digital Natives Group, which has worked with more than 60 authors. Since 2014, he has taught at Baruch College and has been a full time community leader in New York City, active in Long Island City Partnership, Queens Economic Development Corporation, Queens Community Board and Queens Tech Night.
Highlights 00:35 The messages behind Ben's book, 'Simply Put' 01:01 The process of communication in different roles 04:31 Ease of complicating messages and its effects 10:34 The singular nature of the word 'priority' 20:02 The idea of using the universal 'reset button' mindset for business purposes 21:28 Building relationships just by reaching out to people one looks up to 23:16 The worst-case scenarios of 'asking' and its impacts 23:47 Introduction to Ben Gutman's website
Luxury Branding on a Budget: Positioning & Design with Justine Pogroske | Brand Retro Ep. 92
05 Dec 2023
00:28:01
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Justine Pogroske of Million Dollar Branders about luxury branding, premium brand perception, and smart positioning—without a million-dollar budget. They share practical strategies for high-end design, clear messaging, and brand strategy that helps startups and established businesses look and feel "premium" without overspending.
Who's the Guest? Justine Pogroske has worked for global advertising agencies such as Ogilvy and Mather, M&C Saatchi. Her unique ability to optimize her client's ROI is rooted in reliable methods and Key Performance Indicators to meet every target point. Her years of corporate experience and unwavering dedication to her craft has equipped her with essential skills to successfully navigate the corridors of the international marketplace. Whether on Main Street or in the Metaverse, you can find Justine engaged in cutting-edge projects ranging from NFTs, Future Fashion-tech, Digital marketing via the Internet-of-things and augmented reality. After years of working with top global agencies, global change makers, leading entrepreneurs, celebrities, thought leaders and Fortune 500 companies, Justine has cultivated a passion for building legacy brands that impact and inspire for generations to come.
Highlights 00:57 Justine's initial professional experience in publishing and how she felt the need to move from laying out other people's copy to producing her own creative work 05:08 The two key problems in the current competitive market of agencies and creators 09:09 What is the Million Dollar Branders 15:23 Justine's process of developing her business and brand vision 18:34 Her process towards making businesses stand out by going against the grain and flipping conventional wisdom 21:43 Using the power of a brand as your visual negotiations tool 23:19 Why you should choose customers over your competition and the danger of just seeking an agency to "do the work" 25:09 Role of creativity in leaving a legacy brand
Starting a Podcast, Authenticity & Building a Personal Brand | Robert Ingalls (LawPods) | Brand Retro Ep. 91
28 Nov 2023
00:28:56
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Robert Ingalls, founder of LawPods (LAWPODS), about starting a podcast, authenticity, and building a brand that resonates. They discuss taking the leap, finding your unique voice, crafting a clear value proposition, and connecting with an audience through truth-driven storytelling.
Who's the Guest? Robert Ingalls is a recovering attorney, professional speaker, and the founder of LawPods, one of the first podcast production agencies for law firms. At LawPods, Robert and his team help some of the premier law firms in the world launch and grow branded podcasts that build relationships and drive revenue.
Highlights 00:22 Robert discusses his journey from being a lawyer to starting LawPods. 01:33 Robert talks about finding a niche in law podcasting. 04:33 Robert talks about the growth of his business beyond expectations. 08:30 Individual uniqueness is discussed as an advantage in podcasting. 12:01 Robert talks about his approach to helping his clients with podcasting. 17:04 Robert uses the website analogy to explain the value of unique content in podcasting. 20:00 Reflection on the evolving nature of podcasting and contest dynamics. 21:17 Reinforcement that a podcast should be valuable, not perfect. 22:24 An emphasis on the value of producing quality content rather than focusing on overproduction. 23:07 Advice on the necessity of defining the purpose of the podcast and its scope. 24:19 Suggestion to develop a strategic approach to podcast content for more effective lead nurturing. 26:04 The value of networking through podcasting is highlighted. 26:44 Encouragement to start podcasting despite any initial fears or reservations.
AI in Marketing Strategy, Personalization & Ethics with Joshua Lisec | Brand Retro Ep. 90
07 Nov 2023
00:19:41
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Joshua Lisec about artificial intelligence (AI) and what it means for marketing strategy, personalization, and business growth. They explore AI's potential to predict market trends, improve customer experiences, and reshape industries—plus ethical considerations and practical ways to leverage AI for competitive advantage.
Who's the Guest? Joshua Lisec is a seasoned ghostwriter and trusted authority on content creation, bringing a wealth of expertise in crafting compelling narratives for industry leaders and influencers. With a portfolio that includes best-selling books and high-impact articles, his talent lies in giving a powerful voice to the unique visions of his clients. Joshua's work is underpinned by his in-depth understanding of the written word and his ability to adapt to the diverse voices and styles required across various genres and platforms. His experience with artificial intelligence in content generation positions him at the intersection of traditional writing finesse and modern technological advancements, making him a sought-after expert for those looking to elevate their content strategy in the digital age.
Highlights 01:12 Joshua's concerns surrounding AI and authorship 02:39 The demand for AI consultants who can help businesses integrate AI into their workflows 06:02 Their experiences applying AI as a tool to accelerate the creative process in writing website content, blog content, and taglines 06:24 How he uses AI as a brainstorming partner and a tool to break writer's block 7:44 Ways businesses have started replacing human tasks with AI 11:01 How the new technology implementations often cause a generational divide in acceptance and application 14:55 Joshua's minimal use of AI in his ghostwriting business 16:51 His viewpoint on AI as a time-saving tool and mentions other similar tools, like Zapier
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik and Spencer Shaw break down the 80/20 principle (Pareto Principle) and how it applies to marketing strategy and business decision-making. They discuss focus, tradeoffs, risk vs reward, and how identifying the "20%" that drives results helps brands sharpen strategy and outperform competitors.
Highlights 02:05 The distractions brought by the evolution of technology, especially in business 04:22 How Cyberdogz' secret sauce involves focusing on clients' needs and advancing the success of clients as a primary aim 11:05 Description of the 80-20 rule applied in operating Cyberdogz 17:18 The importance of having a vision, realistic expectations, perseverance, and the readiness to make changes as a way to success 22:14 How they apply the 80-20 rule with clients 22:49 Extracting the clients' unique aspects to help them outperform their competitors, identifying this special characteristic as crucial to the marketing plan 24:00 The importance of reaching the 20% uniqueness which serves as the secret sauce to success
Fearless Marketing Thinking & Bold Strategy with Mike Ozan | Brand Retro Ep. 88
10 Oct 2023
00:28:38
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Mike Ozan about fearless thinking in marketing and how bold strategy can create better outcomes for clients. They discuss challenging the status quo, clear client communication, storytelling in advertising, and where AI helps (and falls short) in creating effective ad copy.
Highlights
How Mike's agency approach their own market and clients now
TWIST Creative's involvement in enhancing their community, working with local neighborhood businesses and cultural assets
The importance of appreciating and understanding the history of a company
The importance of clear communication with the clients and managing their expectations throughout the process.
Present efficiency of AI in creating accurate advertising copy
Storytelling in advertising
How the current AI falls short in achieving storytelling
The speed at which AI is developing and impacting the industry
Marketing Trends, Personalization & Strategy with Bob Knorpp | Brand Retro Ep. 87
03 Oct 2023
00:23:24
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik sits down with marketing leader Bob Knorpp to discuss marketing trends, industry shifts, and what's changing in digital strategy. They cover mobile behavior, personalization, balancing creativity with data-driven decisions, and why intentional decision-making matters for modern marketing campaigns.
Highlights 01:46 The major shifts in the industry 03:26 Role of mobile devices in changing the marketing industry 07:08 The opportunity for mass personalization in marketing through AI 10:47 Balance between creativity and data-driven decisions in marketing strategy 16:10 The challenges of client expectations for quick results without adequate strategy or patience for the process 19:30 The core elements of any marketing strategy 20:47 The importance of intentional decision-making in executing a campaign 22:01 Where to catch Bob and learn more about him
Data-Driven Brand Storytelling & Empathy Marketing with Sarah Panus | Brand Retro Ep. 86
13 Dec 2022
00:38:44
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Sarah Panus of Kindred Speak about data-driven brand storytelling and how empathy makes marketing more effective. Sarah explains her F.E.D. method (focus, empathy, data), how intentional storytelling can drive ROI, and how brands can connect more deeply with audiences using both insight and emotion.
Who's The Guest? Sarah Panus helps content marketers use brand storytelling to attract upper-funnel leads that drive lower-funnel results.
Using her signature F.E.D. method, she helps marketing professionals think like Editorial Directors to humanize their brands and create winning brand storytelling strategies.
Highlights
What does data-driven brand storytelling mean? - 0:32
How empathy filters work. - 5:34
Four different types of empathy filters. - 6:27
Intentional storytelling in business. - 12:03
Importance of SEO. - 17:20
Benefits of brand storytelling. - 24:54
The difference between brand overnight and brand over time. - 25:29
Email as a power tool. - 28:42
Being intentional in your marketing strategy. - 30:42
Red Wing Shoe Company's unique take on marketing. - 33:11
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Zahra Karsan—Wall Street Journal bestselling author and peak performance coach—about the neuroscience of high performance, human behavior, and leadership. Zahra shares practical coaching strategies to overcome mental blocks, improve self-awareness, and build stronger teams for lasting personal and professional success.
Additionally, we would like to introduce you to the Life Block Quiz, which is designed to help individuals identify the obstacles that may be hindering their happiness and success. Use promo code REWIRE20@ and receive a 20% discount on the Life Block Quiz, the book and coaching sessions.
Who's the Guest? Zahra Karsan is a seasoned peak performance coach, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and speaker who has made significant strides in the fields of neuroscience and positive psychology. Her career began in management consulting, where she excelled in fostering centers of excellence and delivering successful results across various high-stakes projects. Zahra's profound interest in human behavior and organizational success led her to work closely with C-level executives and their management teams, aiming to optimize performance and enhance team cohesion.
Her approach integrates deep insights into human psychology with practical coaching techniques, focusing on overcoming subconscious barriers to success and mastering self-awareness. Zahra is passionate about helping individuals and corporate clients unlock their full potential by understanding and harnessing their innate capabilities. Through her books and the innovative Life Block Quiz, Zahra provides tools for individuals to explore their personal and professional lives, encouraging them to define and achieve their unique definitions of success. She is a proponent of lifelong learning and believes that everyone can benefit from the insights and clarity provided by professional coaching.
Highlights 01:28 - Stress, survival instincts, and success. 04:00 - Entrepreneurs and self-awareness. 05:20 - Loneliness and the entrepreneurial journey. 06:23 - Coaching and successful results. 11:30 - The Lifeblock Quiz and its purpose. 16:15 - The importance of realistic business planning. 17:39 - Honesty and transparency with clients. 20:47 - Alignment between life values and business. 22:09 - Benefits and impact of having a coach.
Leadership Skills, Tools & Leading by Example with Randy Hall | Brand Retro Ep. 85
06 Dec 2022
00:38:37
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with leadership coach Randy Hall of 4th Gear Consulting and Leadership Gym about leadership development and what actually makes someone a great leader. They discuss leadership as a set of tools and repeatable systems, why leading by example matters, and practical ways to help people perform at their best in work and life.
Who's The Guest? Randy Hall is the founder of the Leadership Gym and the CEO, founder, and principal of 4th Gear Consulting. He is passionate about developing a greater impact on the economy, communities, and lives of people.
Randy has worked for and with organizations and groups to bring out more of their potential. He was the former Senior Vice President of Learning and Leadership Development at Bank of America and Global Director of Learning and Development at Pfizer. Before taking on leadership roles, he led his own teams and worked on sales.
Highlights
How to take leadership and apply that to your business. - 1:00
Leading by example. - 6:45
Switching from being a follower to a leader. - 10:30
Different ways that leaders and non-leaders are treated in a workplace. - 11:00
Understanding why others don't want to be leaders. - 14:31
The different sides of leadership. - 15:00
Building a culture of people adapting to your leadership style. - 18:27
Applying leadership to your different aspects of life. - 22:48
Experiences working with leaders in a workplace. - 29:21
Where to start? - 30:56
The Proactive vs. Reactive leadership approach. - 38:08
Holiday Ecommerce Marketing, Kickstarter & Shopify with Khierstyn Ross | Brand Retro Ep. 84
22 Nov 2022
00:28:17
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Khierstyn Ross—founder of LaunchandScale.com—about ecommerce holiday marketing and online retail strategy. Khierstyn shares last-minute holiday marketing tips, how to create personalized shopping experiences, and how brands can use Kickstarter and Shopify (plus lessons from Etsy and Amazon) to launch and scale.
Who's The Guest? Khierstyn Ross helps early-stage eCommerce brands launch and scale their brands using Kickstarter and Shopify. They've helped launch and scale multiple 7-figure brands such as Jamstack.io, Aberlite.com, CeresChill.com, and many others.
Highlights
How Khierstyn helps brands during the holiday season. - 0:40
Tips for last-minute Thanksgiving marketing. - 4:00
Helping clients who are marketing and selling to their audience for the first time. - 7:29
Leveraging, identifying, and using what you have instead of being in a place where you can't deliver. - 10:48
The benefits of creating a personalized shopping experience for customers. - 12:17
Difference between selling and buying in Etsy and Amazon. - 13:03
Advice to clients who are finding the balance between where to put their resources and where to put their marketing efforts. - 14:12
Kickstarter is a tool to help their business get off the ground. - 18:29
How to be successful on Kickstarter? - 20:25
The connection between Kickstarter and Shopify. - 23:23
Why people or brands are doing crowdfunding campaigns? - 26:09
Where to find information about Khierstyn Ross and why people should find out more about them. - 27:14
War Photography, Storytelling & Conflict Journalism with Michael Christopher Brown | Brand Retro Ep. 83
18 Oct 2022
00:26:29
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik sits down with photographer and photojournalist Michael Christopher Brown to discuss war photography and documenting conflict through a lens. Michael shares stories from his career, including his documentation of the 2011 Libyan Civil War and his monograph Libyan Sugar, plus the challenges and unforgettable experiences that shape a photographer's work.
Who's The Guest? Michael Christopher Brown is an American photographer known for his documentation of the 2011 Libyan Civil War and the resulting monograph, Libyan Sugar published in 2016. He was also featured in the HBO Special Witness: A World In Conflict Through A Lens and got published by esteemed media such as The New York Times Magazine and National Geographic.
Highlights
How Michael got his start in photography
Unlike others: How he immersed himself in the culture which reflects in his photos
The challenges of being a photographer
What his unforgettable experiences are as a photographer
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with revenue growth strategist and author Darrell Amy about revenue growth strategy, metrics, and aligning sales and marketing. Darrell breaks down the "Revenue Growth Engine," how to measure and understand the numbers, and practical systems businesses can use to drive sustainable revenue growth.
Who's The Guest? Darrell Amy is a professional speaker, author, and growth architect with more than 25 years of experience working with hundreds of companies and training thousands of sales professionals. He helps generous people and organizations create strategies and systems to grow revenue.
Highlights
How revenue plays a big part in a business and why you should start aligning it to your marketing efforts.
Effective ways on how you can drive revenue growth in your business.
What is the Revenue Growth Engine and how does it work?
The role of metrics in a business and how you can start understanding it
The processes highlighted in the Revenue Growth Engine book
Check These Out! TEXT "Revenue" to 21000 for a FREE signed copy of Revenue Growth Engine, Free Resources, etc.! Get the book, Revenue Growth Engine, now!
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Purpose-Driven Branding & Creative Entrepreneurship with Natalie Johnson | Brand Retro Ep. 81
27 Jul 2022
00:22:30
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Natalie Johnson, founder of Impackedful Creative, about purpose-driven branding and building a creative business that makes an impact. Natalie shares how she found her niche, how she helps clients stand out through branding, and how her business blends creativity with giving back.
Highlights
What Natalie Johnson's creative journey: How she identified what niche to offer to clients and how she found her own path
How having a creative foundation brought her business to life
How you can create value in the market
What Natalie sees in her clients in terms of branding and how they want their brands to be represented
How you can balance the "we" and the "me" from a business owner standpoint
How she finds balance when it comes to working on her niche
Working with clients: What her process is like to help them stand out
What her vision is for Impackedful
Where to find Natalie and get more information about Impackedful
Brand Strategy, Authentic Branding & Packaging Design with Siena Dexter | Brand Retro Ep. 80
28 Jun 2022
00:30:01
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Siena Dexter, Director of Brand Strategy and Associate Partner at SmashBrand, about brand strategy, authentic branding, and packaging design. They discuss how brand discovery works, the role of logo and copywriting in branding, and what brands should keep in mind when building a packaging strategy that stands out.
Highlights
Who Siena Dexter is: What her role is
What's the difference between their branding strategy and their approach to food packaging
What branding strategies should brands keep in mind
Is it a more organic discovery process or is it more digital?
What is the logo's purpose in branding
Copywriting is the biggest unsung hero of branding
What sets other brands from others when it comes to branding and copywriting
How to spot and immerse yourself into different brands
What Smash Brand is about and where to find more information about it
How far are they going in the process of branding and packaging
Red Dot Art Auction Fundraiser (Chuck Jones Center for Creativity) | Brand Retro Ep. 79
15 Jun 2022
00:11:31
In this Brand Retro episode, we spotlight the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity's Annual Red Dot Art Auction—an art fundraiser featuring original works donated by artists for bidding and support. We cover what the Red Dot Art Auction is, the mission behind it, and how people can participate and get involved.
Highlights
What the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity is centered on
The different programs that the Chuck Jones Center for
Creativity is promoting
What is the Red Dot Art Auction: The mission and the purpose behind it
How can people get involved and participate in the auctions
What is the easiest way to get information about the Red Dot Art Auction
Brand Evolution, Customer Focus & Product Innovation at Milwaukee Tool | Pete Carlson | Brand Retro Ep. 78
09 Jun 2022
00:21:09
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Pete Carlson from Milwaukee Tool about brand evolution, customer dedication in the trades, and what it takes to build a "next level" brand. They discuss innovation, productivity and durability, and why relationships and customer experience play a major role in how Milwaukee continues to evolve.
Highlights
Branding perspective approach as a brand
People wanting the convenience of picking up the tool and being able to what they need to do at an efficient rate
What Milwaukee is doing to evolve their brand
How they fit into the equation as the brand continues to evolve
How Milwaukee categorizes or prioritizes the importance of relationships in what they do
Brand Messaging, Authentic Branding & Creating Value with Kate Dileo | Brand Retro Ep. 77
31 May 2022
00:25:05
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Kate Dileo about creating value with your brand through authentic branding and clear brand messaging. They discuss brand narrative, differentiation, and the core components of brand messaging—plus why solid branding helps a message resonate with the right audience and supports revenue growth.
Highlights
Evoking sense of nostalgia: the heart of great branding
Why own an authentic brand that sparks inspiration
Writing a straightforward and crisp brand narrative
Sticking out of the sea of sameness from your competitors
Building a Motorcycle Brand: Design, Inspiration & Visual Identity (Part 2) | Janus Motorcycles | Brand Retro Ep. 76
24 May 2022
00:18:44
In this Brand Retro episode (Part 2), Mike continues the conversation with the Janus Motorcycles team about building a retro-inspired motorcycle brand. They discuss the different bike styles and the inspiration behind them, the story behind the name "Janus," how they shape the visual identity of the company, and what's next for the brand.
Highlights
The different styles of bike that Janus Motorcycles have and what's the inspiration behind them
What the reason is behind the name "Janus"
How they get to the visual piece of how they want to represent the company
Healthcare Branding & Personal Brand Strategy with Howie Chan | Brand Retro Ep. 111
10 Sep 2024
00:28:37
In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Howie Chan, a former scientist turned branding expert, about healthcare branding, brand perception, and career pivots into marketing strategy. Howie shares lessons from moving from stem cell research to the healthcare sector, plus insights from Legend Letters on building a personal brand that aligns with your values and creates lasting impact.
Who's the Guest? Howie Chan is the visionary behind Legend Letters, an initiative aimed at inspiring individuals to pursue their own versions of a legendary life through strategic branding and personal development. Formerly a scientist specializing in stem cell research, Howie's career trajectory shifted dramatically as he delved into the corporate world, eventually finding his passion in marketing and branding within the healthcare industry. His experience spans significant roles, from product marketing to agency leadership, where he honed his skills in brand strategy working with startups and Fortune 500 companies alike.
Howie's transition from the structured environment of a med device company to the dynamic realm of marketing agencies equipped him with a deep understanding of how to build compelling brands that resonate with specific audiences. His philosophy centers on the belief that personal and corporate branding should seamlessly align with one's authentic self, enhancing the inherent values and mission of the individual or company.
With Legend Letters, Howie combines his extensive marketing expertise with personal insights to help others understand the power of branding not just as a business tool, but as a transformative personal journey. His work encourages professionals to invest in their personal brands to achieve recognition and success in their respective fields. Through his upcoming podcast and ongoing newsletter, Howie continues to share stories and strategies that empower individuals to take charge of their narrative and make impactful contributions to their communities and industries.
Highlights 01:10 - Howie's transition from corporate life to branding 02:15 - Initial career in science and marketing shift 03:50 - Experience in product marketing vs. agency work 05:21 - Key roles within healthcare industry marketing 08:30 - The pivotal moment of early career crisis at an agency 12:45 - Transition to personal branding and entrepreneurship 17:20 - The concept of personal branding and reputation 22:10 - Brand misperceptions in the business world 24:50 - Branding as a decision-making shortcut 28:10 - Value of personal brand attributes 32:30 - Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome 36:05 - Start of Legend Letters after a health scare 40:10 - Encouragement for entrepreneurs and brand building