Explore every episode of the podcast We Built This Brand
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| From Side Hustle to Strategy with Becky Owen | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:59:27 | |
What does it really take to turn creator passion into a sustainable business? In this episode of We Built this Brand, Becky Owen breaks down the reality behind the creator economy, from pricing your worth and avoiding burnout to why AI isn’t a strategy (and never should be). We explore how creators can build long-term influence without launching a brand, the danger of “AI-for-AI’s-sake,” and why nostalgia, instinct, and human creativity still matter more than ever. A must-listen for creators, marketers, and brand builders navigating what’s next. Show Highlights: (00:32) Meet Becky Owen: Career Highlights (02:26) Becky's Journey in Creative Marketing (06:05) The Birth of 5 2 9 (10:25) Challenges and Insights in the Creator Economy (28:54) Creators Gaining Equity and Influence (30:29) The Evolution of Podcasting with Humble Pod (31:10) Insights from Muse Volume Two Study (32:13) AI's Impact on Marketing and Creativity (44:14) Practical Guidance for Using AI Responsibly Start a podcast with HumblePod! https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/ Sign up for our newsletter! | |||
| Marketing With Boundaries: Social Media, Mental Health & Authenticity with Halee Sprinkle | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:43:36 | |
Join Chris as he sits down with Halee Sprinkle, founder of Check Yourself Marketing, to explore the human side of social media. From the very origins of “social media” to the challenges of maintaining mental health in a digital world, Halee shares hard-earned insights on entrepreneurship, authenticity, AI, and community-driven marketing strategies that actually deliver results. Whether you’re a small business owner or a seasoned marketing professional, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to show up authentically online. Show Highlights (02:09) Haley's Journey: From Army Nurse to Marketing Professional (03:26) The Birth of Check Yourself Marketing (03:30) The Aha Moment: Identifying a Market Need (04:41) Naming the Business: The Story Behind Check Yourself (08:10) Challenges and Failures in Entrepreneurship (10:49) Pivoting During the Pandemic (13:27) Mental Health and Social Media: A Personal Perspective (15:33) Dealing with Trolls and Negative Feedback (20:50) Teaching and Content Creation (27:46) The Role of AI in Marketing (37:55) The Power of Content Creation (41:29) Upcoming Events and Classes (42:49) Final Thoughts and Connections Links: Start a podcast with HumblePod! https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/ | |||
| LA Trip Ep. 2: Building a Media Brand with AI and Innovation featuring C. Craig Patterson | 10 Oct 2025 | 00:16:54 | |
In this episode of We Built This Brand, host Chris Hill and co-host Adhrucia Apana sit down with filmmaker and entrepreneur C. Craig Patterson, founder of Everyday Mischief, to explore the intersection of AI, filmmaking, and media innovation. Discover how cutting-edge tools like virtual production stages and clean AI models are transforming the creative process, from concept to screen. Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or tech enthusiast, this conversation offers insight into building a powerful media brand, using artificial intelligence in film, and staying ahead of the curve in today’s fast-changing entertainment industry.
(00:00) Introduction and Hosts (00:31) Guest Introduction: Craig Patterson (00:50) Building a Media Brand (01:44) Technology and Innovation in Filmmaking (04:20) AI and Filmmaking: The Asteria Partnership (09:43) Everyday Mischief: The Brand Story (12:02) Challenges and Strategies in Media Branding (15:08) Conclusion and Final Thoughts About C. Craig Patterson: Craig has collaborated with organizations such as Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Carnegie Hall, bringing powerful, socially conscious narratives to life. Known for his bold creative vision and technical mastery, he continues to push the boundaries of modern filmmaking and media innovation. | |||
| LA Trip Ep. 1: Troy Palmquist on Authenticity and the Future of Real Estate | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:23:34 | |
In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris Hill and co-host Adhrucia Apana sit down in Los Angeles with realtor, author, and speaker Troy Palmquist. Troy shares his 23-year journey in real estate, from accidentally landing his first job at 20 to building multiple brokerages and helping shape the future of real estate tech. After a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Troy found new purpose in helping others grow their businesses with authenticity and intention. Show Highlights: (01:08) Troy Palmquist's Journey into Real Estate (02:58) Overcoming Challenges and Shifting Focus (05:10) The Role of Technology in Real Estate (09:28) Advice for Real Estate Agents (17:29) Marketing Strategies and Authenticity (20:11) Final Thoughts and Brand Admiration About Troy: | |||
| How Iconic Campaigns Shape Culture with James Bray | 27 Aug 2025 | 00:50:30 | |
Join Chris as he sits down with James, Executive Creative Director at Arnold, to explore the art of building unforgettable brands. Inspired at 14 by a single Nike ad, James went on to shape work at legendary agencies like DDB, Fallon, and Goodby Silverstein. In this episode, he shares the philosophy behind Arnold’s bold “Brilliantly Boring” campaign for PNC Bank, why the riskiest move a brand can make is being forgettable, and the lessons he’s learned from leading and mentoring creative teams across some of the industry’s most iconic accounts.
(1:38) James' Creative Journey (3:45) The Power of a Commercial (6:17) Finding Truth in Creativity (7:50) The Role of Jealousy in Inspiration (12:05) Building a Competitive Creative Team (16:34) Progressive's Cultural Impact (26:19) Brilliantly Boring: PNC's Brand Transformation (43:45) AI as a Creative Tool | |||
| Beyond the Buzzword of Storytelling with Greg Logan | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:40:17 | |
On this episode we sit down with Greg Logan, an award-winning creative director turned reality TV creator, to explore why so many brands talk about “storytelling” but rarely know how to do it. From his early days at Leo Burnett to founding Narrativity, Greg reveals how he fuses Hollywood’s proven storytelling formulas with brand strategy to transform businesses into loved brands. Packed with insider anecdotes, practical frameworks, and eye-opening case studies, this episode will change how you think about branding and the stories you tell.
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| How Life’s Setbacks Built a Better Entrepreneur with Joshua Kopac | 30 Jul 2025 | 00:42:46 | |
In this episode of We Built This Brand, Joshua Kopac shares his unique journey, starting with being expelled from high school at 13 for hacking and building a million-dollar business by 16. After a life-changing car accident, he shifted his mindset and approach. Now the founder of Be Kept Up, a digital marketing agency focused on affiliate marketing, Joshua talks about the power of adaptability, building systems, and how AI is transforming business. His story is one of resilience, gratitude, and preparing for the future.
(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome Links: | |||
| The Serendipitous Path to Brand Strategy with Patrick Collins | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:55:20 | |
While many strategists study business, Patrick Collins studied people, and it made all the difference. He turned his unconventional background in gender studies and his experience growing up in a large family into a superpower for understanding what makes people tick, and what makes brands stick. In this episode, Chris explores Patrick's journey from academic outsider to agency partner at Someoddiplot, proving that the best strategists don't follow rulebooks. Chris and Patrick discuss real brand wins: discovering customer love letters that turned Darn Tough socks into an emotional powerhouse, bridging generational gaps at Lollapalooza with DIY zine culture, and why the most successful rebrands often reflect evolution, not revolution. Patrick reveals the secret sauce behind authentic brand strategy: getting close enough to touch the product, hearing the stories, and building trust from founders and CEOs, down to the design team.
(03:00) The "Kimmy Gibbler" approach to getting hired (14:14) What Someoddpilot is and their unique Chicago roots (18:33) The Darn Tough sock campaign and connecting a product warranty to emotional customer stories (30:36) Rebranding Lollapalooza using zine culture to bridge generations (37:55) The contrast between Lollapalooza's revolution and Kimberly-Clark's evolution (48:00) The trend of "quiet luxury meets chaos" in modern branding (52:59) Why SSENSE is one of Patrick's favorite brands right now
SomeOddPilot on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/someoddpilot Patrick Collins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-collins-0b04204b/ Start a podcast with HumblePod! https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/ | |||
| Beyond The Vegas Strip With Arnie DiGeorge | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:37:01 | |
What happens when a creative team is given permission to break every rule in tourism marketing? You get one of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history. In this episode, Chris sits down with Arnie DiGeorge, Executive Vice President and “New Agency Animal” at R&R Partners, the agency behind Las Vegas’s legendary “What Happens Here, Stays Here” campaign. For 29 years, Arnie has helped transform Vegas from a tourist stop into a global cultural brand rooted in fantasy, freedom, and emotional truth. Chris and Arnie explore the significance of emotional marketing, how to tap into universal desires, and the power of giving people permission to be someone else, if only for a weekend. From controversial billboards and internal politics to crisis messaging during Vegas’s darkest hours, Arnie shares what it really takes to build a brand that endures.
(03:20) 29 years at R&R + the agency's mysterious name (06:07) The origin of “What Happens Here, Stays Here” (09:21) Why emotional truth is essential to brand storytelling (12:17) Pitching bold ideas and winning over Vegas stakeholders (15:24) Selling a fantasy, not just a location (18:57) Vegas as a sports capital: Knights, Raiders, F1, and beyond (26:20) Branding through crisis (29:12) What's next for Vegas (31:41) Arnie's favorite brand: Nathan Fielder (35:29) Where to connect with Arnie + final thoughts
R&R Partners: https://www.rrpartners.com/ Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority: https://www.lvcva.com/ Visit Las Vegas: https://www.visitlasvegas.com/ Connect with Arnie DiGeorge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arnie-digeorge-02541a3/ The Rehearsal (Nathan Fielder): Available on HBO Max Start a podcast with HumblePod! https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/
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| Leading The Sales Rebellion with Dale Dupree | 04 Jun 2025 | 01:13:21 | |
Are you ready to join The Rebellion? On this episode, Chris talks to Dale Dupree. You may know him as The Copier Warrior, but today, he’s the Founder and leader of The Sales Rebellion. To say that Dale thinks outside of the box would be an understatement. Once the lead singer of his own band, Dale brings the Metalcore mentality to his sales. Chris and Dale break down his disruptive approach to transforming the sales landscape. He also gives us a peek behind the curtain on evolution and the core principles of The Sales Rebellion. Chris and Dale also highlight the importance of finding joy (and why it’s totally different from happiness). Do you want to shake up the sales Empire in its Totality? Listen to this episode now to join The Rebellion.
About Dale Dupree Dale Dupree a.k.a. The Copier Warrior a.k.a. The Leader of the Sales Rebellion is an accomplished sales professional and entrepreneur. After rising to the top of the Business Technology sector and being recognized as a top-performing individual contributor by major manufactures, Dale Dupree started the Sales Rebellion and brings his outreach methods to Sales Rebels everywhere. Dale has a servant's heart, a visionary outlook, and shows up every day ready to #ChangeTheGame. Links
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| Why Creativity in Marketing Sounds Fun with Alex Gangi | 21 May 2025 | 00:45:12 | |
An all-new episode of We Built This Brand? Sounds Fun! Chris talks with Alex Gangi, Partner, COO, and Head of Production at Sounds Fun, a creative studio known for its embrace of innovative marketing strategies. Alex shares how his passion for film morphed into leading production at a top agency with top-tier clients. Highlights in his career so far include the Coca-Cola Creations campaign and Lenovo's Make Space initiative. Chris and Alex also examine what goes into merging technology and storytelling, the challenges and joys of working with emerging tech like AI and AR, and the creative process behind bringing unique marketing campaigns to life. Who knew staying ahead of the curve in marketing could sound so fun? Show Highlights
About Alex Gangi Links
https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/
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| Shooting for Stars & Solving Problems with Lizz Behler | 07 May 2025 | 00:48:34 | |
Nothing inspires imagination quite like a spaceship. On this episode, Chris talks with Lizz Behler, the Senior Vice President of Brand and Offerings at SPCSHP. Lizz opens up about her background and how it led her on the journey to helping rebrand the former Big Spaceship (and why the new name has no vowels). As a big fan of creative problem-solving, she shares how she uses it as a tool to work with clients and as a way to foster growth within her own teams. Lizz also tells us her philosophy on social media and how most people are getting it wrong in today’s marketing climate. So strap in, prepare for liftoff, and spend the next 45 minutes hearing insights that are out of this world! Show Highlights
Lizz is charged with taking clients to fresh, strategically sound places to drive business impact, which earned her key positions at Huge, IPG Mediabrands, Global Team Blue, Campbell Ewald and Big Spaceship. She started in the business as a Digital Art Director, graduated from the College of Creative Studies, which has placed creative problem solving at the core of her work.
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| The Stories That Shaped Our Year | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:40:43 | |
As we close out the year, We Built This Brand takes a step back to reflect on the conversations that defined it. This special year-end recap revisits the moments, ideas, and voices that shaped our understanding of what it really takes to build something meaningful. From honest conversations about creativity, ambition, and identity to stories of culture, community, and brands that endure, this episode highlights the human side of brand building. Across these conversations, one theme kept surfacing: joy. Not the polished, performative kind, but the kind that fuels the work, carries us through uncertainty, and keeps the process honest and human, even in a world of constant change and emerging technology. As we head into a new year, this episode is a reminder of why we build, who we build with, and the stories we’re creating along the way. Thanks for being part of We Built This Brand Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction: Finding Joy in the Journey (01:06) The Human Side of Brand Building (03:25) Reframing Value: The Story of Pre-Loved Rings (06:03) Creative Problem Solving and Identity (09:11) Rebranding the Anaheim Ducks: A Case Study (20:13) Exploring the True Meaning of Joy (22:06) The Impact of 'What Happens Here, Stays Here' Campaign (25:33) The Beloved Darn Tough Socks Campaign (32:44) The Phenomenon of K-Pop Demon Hunters (35:46) Reflections on AI and Creativity Links: | |||
| Breaking the Stigma Around Breaking it Off with For Richer Jewelry | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:36:30 | |
For some people, it’s very hard to hold on to sentimental jewelry from former relationships. In some cases, it’s even harder to let those pieces go if they finally decide to sell them. On this episode, Chris is joined by Brittany Lacey and Stephanie Burset, the founders of For Richer Jewelry. The pair takes a unique approach to reselling jewelry, marketing the value of 'pre-loved' engagement rings. Their business is helping to revolutionize the industry by empowering consumers to buy and sell jewelry on their own terms. Throughout the interview, you’ll hear about their triumphs of starting a business without a traditional storefront, the importance of consumer research, and their vision for the future of For Richer Jewelry. Not only was this a gem of a discussion, but it also provides some valuable lessons for anyone interested in sustainable business practices.
About For Richer Jewelry Stephanie Burset and Brittany Lacey met in 2019 working on the brand management team at a direct-to-consumer start-up in Nashville, TN. They each have more than a decade of consumer goods and brand management experience. Their strong brand backgrounds have led them to consider consumer pain points in everything they experience. When faced with the challenge of how to re-sell wedding jewelry, they used their GM-mindset backgrounds to found For Richer, an online jewelry resale platform which strives to take the stigma out of reselling wedding and engagement rings.
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| Leadership Behind the Brand with Sunny Bonnell | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:48:29 | |
What’s your brand’s vision? Does your brand even have a vision? In this enlightening episode, Chris chats with Sunny Bonnell, CEO and Co-Founder of Motto, for an engaging discussion on visionary leadership and brand culture. Sunny shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, which began with a bold leap out of vet school and into the world of branding with just $250. Throughout their conversation, Sunny emphasizes the critical role of aligning brand vision and culture within organizations and discusses how effective leadership can nurture innovation and employee empowerment. Through recounting pivotal moments in her career, Sunny provides valuable lessons for any aspiring leader looking to make a significant impact. By the end of this interview, you know how to execute the vision of your brand and company as a whole. Show Highlights
About Sunny Bonnell Sunny Bonnell is a visionary leadership and brand expert and the visionary Co-founder and CEO of Motto®, a strategic brand transformation agency helping the world's most innovative companies advance into their next era, and the bestselling author of the Rare Breed, A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different and the forthcoming book, The Little Book of Big Ideas. Sunny was recognized with the prestigious 2024 Thinkers50 Radar Award, in partnership with Deloitte, spotlighting her as a seminal thinker whose ideas are shaping the future of business. Her strategic insight and creative prowess have benefited an impressive roster of clients including Virgin, Google, Microsoft, Minnesota Vikings, NFL, Hershey’s, Legendary Digital, Disney, Twentieth Century Fox, Klaviyo, Andela, Goodnotes, Hopscotch, Hello Alice, and many more. SWAGGER named her a ‘Visionary Brand Icon’ and has graced lists such as Top 30 Global Gurus in Brand, GDUSA's Top 25 People to Watch, and the Webby Awards. Sunny is also an internationally acclaimed keynote speaker for organizations like MasterCard, Microsoft, Dale Carnegie, Fast Company Innovation Festival, Inc., and Inspiring Workplaces. Links
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| Going Down the Rabbit Hole with Greg Bellinger | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:37:57 | |
Are you ready to go down the rabbit hole? In this episode, Chris Hill chats with Greg Bellinger, the Co-Founder and CEO of White Rabbit Group. Greg’s been honing his craft since high school. Teaching himself to code and build websites in college, he’s now a successful entrepreneur who’s worked with folks like FedEx, Instacart, and even The Game Awards. Greg and Chris discuss the origins and growth of his development of White Rabbit, and why they focus on hiring full-time employees and maintaining a strong company culture. If you have that DIY mentality, Greg’s story is sure to inspire you to continue working towards your goals and build your own brand!
Greg Bellinger is the Co-Founder and CEO of White Rabbit Group, a web and mobile development agency with a fully in-house team of nearly 100 employees across three countries. His passion for technology began in childhood, leading him to hand-code his first websites in 2008. In 2016, he co-founded White Rabbit Group, building it into a trusted development partner for world-class agencies and creatives. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality digital solutions while fostering a close culture of technical experts.
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| Shopping While Watching with Eitan Koter | 19 Mar 2025 | 00:43:16 | |
Why go to the store when you can buy from the comfort of your couch? In this episode, Chris chats with Eitan Koter, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi, a trailblazing company in video technology and e-commerce solutions. Eitan shares his journey from video compression to founding Vimmi and explains how his business helps brands monetize video content. Chris and Eitan also discuss the reason you’d bootstrap your company, the convergence of media and commerce, and the role of AI in the future of video marketing. Whether you're an entrepreneur or marketing professional, this episode will help you see that you should be thinking of harnessing the power of video for business growth. Show Highlights
About Eitan Koter Eitan Koter is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi, a leading video commerce SaaS company providing multi-channel shoppable video and live shopping solutions to brands and retailers. With two decades of experience in startups and public companies, including a NASDAQ IPO, Eitan is a thought leader in video commerce, digital marketing, social commerce, and startup bootstrapping. He frequently speaks about futuristic immersive digital experiences and the convergence of media and commerce. As the host of the "Mastering eCommerce Marketing" podcast, he interviews brands, retailers, industry leaders and tech companies, sharing his thought leadership in video and e-commerce, drawing on his extensive industry experience. Links
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| Providing Service Through Speaking with Israel Duran | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:38:30 | |
How do you use your voice? In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris is joined by Israel Duran, an expert in public speaking, to discuss the transformative power of effective communication. Israel shares his journey from a background in cybersecurity to becoming a renowned speaker, driven by a life-altering car accident. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, Israel breaks down his "Service of Speaking" framework and emphasizes the importance of having a clear message, authentic brand, and impactful presence. The conversation also highlights the significance of utilizing platforms like podcasts to refine and broadcast one's message, ultimately helping entrepreneurs and leaders elevate their brands and achieve greater success. Show Highlights
About Israel Duran Israel Duran is in high demand as a business growth partner, speaker, and trainer, where he focuses on empowering his students, clients and partners in the areas of business, money and speaking. As an inspirational speaker, Israel has empowered thousands of purpose-driven entrepreneurs all over the world. His vision is to help Purpose-Driven Leaders leverage their expertise and knowledge to create and scale profitable businesses that impact individuals, businesses, and the world. Links
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| Finding the Empathy in Data with Ian Baer | 05 Mar 2025 | 00:46:27 | |
When doing marketing research, you need to remember that there are people behind the data. If anyone understands this, it’s Ian Baer, Founder and CEO of Sooth. During his conversation with Chris, Ian shares his opinions on the evolving landscape of marketing, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and storytelling in an era where consumers make faster decisions with less information. They also discuss Ian's journey and why brands need to master the art of connecting emotionally with the audience. If you’re in the industry and feel like you’re stagnating, Ian’s outlook provides a fresh perspective that will help allow you to adapt to today’s industry needs. Show Highlights
About Ian Baer Ian Baer, Founder and Chief Soothsayer, has been solving marketing’s greatest challenges for over three decades. He has spent his career helping major brands achieve extraordinary success and challenger brands box above their weight class in leadership roles with Publicis Groupe, TBWA, Rapp, Deutsch and others, and was named to Campaign US’ Digital 40 Over 40.
Links
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| Giving Campaigns Some Extra Charge with Michelle Fischer | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:43:02 | |
A good marketing campaign can help a brand charge forward. Chris sits down with Michelle Fischer, Group Creative Director at Battery. As a full-service creative and media advertising agency, Battery has worked with a who’s who of clients, and you’ve seen their work with The LA Clippers, Netflix, and PUBG. Michelle walks us through Battery's unique storytelling approach to branding while touching on a childhood favorite of Chris’s, the (Mighty) Anaheim Ducks. So strap in if you’re looking for a way to get cinematic with your advertising (or want a quick lesson in “farmcore“). Show Highlights
About Michelle Fischer Michelle Fischer is an LA-based Creative Director and Writer. She strives to create work that's unexpected, emotional, and culturally relevant. She has 17+ years of experience in crafting stories, building brands, designing interactive experiences, winning business, and leading projects for world's top companies such as Google, Hulu, 72andSunny, Deutsch, Venables Bell & Partners, AKQA, Y&R, and Duncan Channon. When she’s not working, Michelle is still learning—whether it’s trying to raise a little human, nerding out on podcasts, traveling out of her comfort zone, or attempting the Marie Kondo method. Links
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| Taking Risks and Going Big with Shannon Harris | 19 Feb 2025 | 00:40:28 | |
You wanna go Big? In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris sits down with Shannon Harris, the Executive Creative Director at Big Com. Her career highlights include working on campaigns for everyone from Google Fiber to Bayer. Born, raised, and working in the Cotton State, Shannon and Big Com recently launched the SEEK AL campaign, highlighting her lifelong home. During their chat, Shannon and Chris explore why creative design thinking and taking risks are important when brand building. Speaking of creativity, did you also know that marketing is “advanced make believe?” Listen to our conversation with Shannon to find out how.
About Shannon Harris Shannon Harris is the Executive Creative Director at Big Com, leading award-winning creative and crafting brand identities across industry verticals including tech, healthcare, retail, economic development, and CPG, among others. Shannon has partnered, and driven results with Google Fiber, Texas Children’s Hospital, FedEx, UAB Callahan Eye, DoorDash, Taziki’s, Moore’s Marinades, and Bayer Properties. As a founding chairperson of Big Com’s Culture Club, as well as its mentorship program, Big Growth, she also remains invested in creating opportunities for growth and development across the agency. She’s cracked the code on how to market everything from retail to healthcare, rewiring the way our clients think about their audiences and creating iconic campaigns Links
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| J-Birds of a Feather with Jess Curtis | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:34:03 | |
What’s a bird to you? To answer that oddly philosophical question, Chris sits down with Jess Curtis, the founder of J-Bird Digital Design. If you’ve ever visited the beautiful HumblePod website, you have Jess to thank for it! On this episode, you’ll get to learn about Jess's creative approach to web development and the importance of fluidity when collaborating in digital branding. Jess also believes in giving back to artists, and she explains why she makes a focused effort to highlight and empower them with J-Bird. Speaking of our avian friends, you’ll even learn how Chris's childhood obsession with chickens led him to a career in podcasting. By the time you finish this episode, you’ll be able to identify what a bird is to you (jaybird, chicken, or otherwise). Show Highlights
About Jess Curtis Jess Curtis is the founder of J-Bird - Empowering small businesses, makers, and entrepreneurs to strengthen their digital presence and marketing efforts through strategic digital marketing solutions. From vision casting workshops for entrepreneurs embarking on their journey to Google My Business setup/optimization, SEO Optimized Landing Pages, Analytics, and eCommerce builds, J-Bird is dedicated to nurturing growth every step of the way through creativity and collaboration. When she’s not sipping matcha in a cozy coffee shop, you'll find her enthusiastically networking within her creative community or exploring the inspiring world of Art Museums & Galleries. Links
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| Boldly Hitting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with Katie Peninger | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:33:03 | |
It’s time to hit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! On this episode of "We Built This Brand," Chris sits down with Katie Peninger, VP Account Service at Lewis Communications. While her career started on the creative side, the collaborative culture at Lewis allows her to still be involved in the creative process, just in a different way. Chris and Katie also break down Lewis’s incredible work on celebrating the Kentucky Bourbon Trail's 25th Anniversary. From the website redesign to a 26-hour global livestream, Katie and her team have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. They also get to bond over their experiences working with their respective AMA chapters. So kick back, grab a glass, and listen as we distill some vital marketing insights in this episode.
About Katie Peninger Katie is VP Account Service at Lewis Communications with 22 years of marketing and advertising experience coupled with a background in design and art direction spanning 10 years. Her experience includes senior client contact and strategy on local, regional and national accounts ranging in size from start-ups to national organizations investing over $50 million annually in marketing initiatives. Katie works with cross-functional teams comprised of research, strategy, digital, creative and media specialists to achieve client business goals across a range of categories. She continually works across all levels of client teams (including C-suite and Board of Directors) to collaborate, communicate and ultimately report on results of initiatives based on business goals. At Lewis, Kaite is also responsible for growth and development of the account team which also includes recruiting, hiring, training and managing. Links: Lewis Communication’s website: https://www.lewiscommunications.com/ Katie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiepeninger/ | |||
| From Likes to Loyalty: Vince Wang on the Future of Influencer Marketing for Restaurants | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:26:22 | |
In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris chats with Vince Wang, Chief Marketing Officer at Mustard Love, the platform helping restaurants connect with local influencers and track real ROI. Vince shares how data-driven marketing and startup experience shaped his approach to influencer campaigns that actually drive business results. A must-listen for marketers, restaurant owners, and creators looking to turn influence into measurable impact. Show Highlights: (01:25) Vince's Journey into Marketing (02:09) First Role and Performance Marketing (03:51) Joining Mustard Love (04:28) The Evolution of Mustard Love (05:14) Why the Name Mustard Love? (06:08) What is Mustard Love? (07:39) Influencer Strategy and Success Stories (08:20) Micro-Influencers and Local Impact (11:52) Automating Influencer Campaigns (18:50) Future of Influencer Marketing Links: Start a podcast with HumblePod! https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/ | |||
| How a MAYOR Serves the People with Megan Brittain | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:41:35 | |
In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris goes to THE MAYOR. Well, one of them at least. He sits down with Megan Brittain, Director of Account Management at THE MAYOR, to discuss her journey from her early career beginnings in Texas to her significant role at the upstart agency. Megan and THE MAYOR have played a major role in campaigns for brands like Famous Footwear and Consumer Cellular. She also dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of building an agency while managing personal life, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive space for working parents. Tune in to learn about the passion and dedication behind THE MAYOR's success and Megan's insights on leading with authenticity and strategic vision. Show Highlights
About Megan Brittain Before THE MAYOR, she spent 15 years in Austin, New York and Nashville at GSD&M, Ogilvy and GS&F helping lead brands like Popeyes, IKEA and Marshalls. Her approach to account management is to create a candid space where everyone can speak honestly and directly in pursuit of the best work. She is a tiny human fueled by coffee, tacos and her fellow tiny humans at home. Links: THE MAYOR’s website: https://themayor.com/ THE MAYOR’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/themayor/ THE MAYOR’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themayornashville/ | |||
| Making Advertising a Kindor Space with Glen Hilzinger | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:39:44 | |
The world of advertising can use a little more kindness and candor. On this episode, Chris is joined by Glen Hilzinger, the Chief Creative Officer at Luquire. Glen is recognized as one of the top copywriters in the world, and he shares his journey from art school to leading an award-winning creative team. Chris and Glen go into his transition from graphic design to copywriting, his impactful campaigns, and why Luquire promotes a culture of "Kindor.” Show Highlights
About Glen Hilzinger Links: Glen’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenhilzinger/ Glen’s email: ghilzinger@luquire.com Luquire’s website: luquire.com | |||
| Brewing Awesome Online Content with Aditi Rajvanshi | 20 Nov 2024 | 01:11:28 | |
20 years ago, YouTube changed the internet forever. One woman was there to see the platform evolve. On this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris is joined by Aditi Rajvanshi, Head of Strategy for Portal A and a renowned expert in the content creation industry. Aditi shares her fascinating journey from growing YouTube’s presence in India to starting Brewing Awesome, which supports small-to-medium creators. They also discuss the changing landscape of content creation, the significance of community-building, and the evolving role of platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Show Highlights
About Aditi Rajvanshi Aditi works with content creators, publishers and brands to help them build and execute their digital content strategy. She has close to 10 years of experience partnering with YouTube content creators across lifestyle, education, How-To, comedy, kids and beauty categories to build and grow their audience across platforms. Aditi is passionate about building audiences and believes that we can change the way we entertain and educate this generation and next by nurturing a diverse set of voices in her industry. Links: Portal A’s website: https://www.portal-a.com/ Portal A’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portal_a Aditi’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aditirajvanshi/ Aditi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adi_rajvanshi/ Aditi’s email: aditi@brewingawesome.com | |||
| Creatively Winging it With Nick Adams | 06 Nov 2024 | 00:17:37 | |
It’s a viral sensation, all thanks to people being put on hold. Nick Adams is a versatile copywriter and the brains behind the renowned Pizza Hut chicken wing song. He started his journey in the mailroom at GSD&M, but his persistence and creativity led him to become a writer, crafting memorable campaigns and even winning prestigious awards. On this episode, Chris delves into Nick's unique creative process, his comedic style, and his thoughts on current trends in branding and marketing. They also explore his passion for comedy and desire to make impactful, humorous content in the advertising world. Tune in to hear about Nick’s fascinating career and the creative minds behind some of your favorite ad campaigns. Show Highlights
About Nick Adams He love chips, salsa and going to bed at a decent hour. His current hobbies include changing diapers and surviving wake windows, but he prefers bikes and basketball when he has the time. Links: Nicks website: https://www.bignickcreative.com/ | |||
| Tapping into the Fountain of Youth with Clint Runge | 23 Oct 2024 | 00:35:42 | |
Appealing to your audience is the name of the game in marketing, but what do you do when they’re critical and hard to reach? Enter Clint Runge, the CEO and Co-Founder of Archrival. For decades now, Clint has had his finger on the pulse of what young adults want out of their products. On this episode of We Built This Brand, Clint walks us through Archrival’s growing pains as a small business founded straight out of college, to becoming a marketing juggernaut synonymous with tapping into youth culture. Whether it’s taking the (Red) Bull by the horns or remixing Spotify’s ad campaigns, Clint has the insights to stand, deliver, and reach those kids. Show Highlights
About Clint Runge With a never-say-die work ethic, Clint’s passion for the business has been recognized over the past two decades with as many awards as he’s had all-nighters. Archrival is an Ad Age Small Agency of the Year Award Winner and has made the Inc 5000 list. With two decades spent reaching young adults, Clint brings a unique, relatable view on the State of Youth Culture as a regular speaker on Gen Z at conferences and events. Topics include identity, world view, relationships, consumerism, creativity, adulting, pandemic-ing and loyalty. He’s also a frequent Rock Paper Scissors competitor and welcomes your challenge. Links: Archrvial’s website: https://archrival.com/ Archrival’s newsletter: https://archrival.com/insights Clint’s website: https://clintrunge.com/ Clint’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clintrunge/ | |||
| Outsmarting Brand Behemoths with Dustin Artz | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:48:42 | |
The world of advertising and marketing is all about standing out, and Dustin Artz is helping spearhead innovative campaigns for noteworthy brands. As a co-founder at Familiar Creatures, he’s dedicated his career to outsmarting the industry’s brand behemoths. On this episode of We Built This Brand, Dustin shares some of the “secret sauce” with Chris about what goes into making his agency stick out. From dumping mayonnaise on college football coaches, to encouraging people to feel good on their fitness journeys, you’ll learn the “Artz” behind some of advertising’s biggest moments in recent years. Show Highlights
About Dustin Artz He considers himself a maker—someone who can not only think at a high brand level but also execute to finish by art directing, writing, designing, retouching and/or editing. Links: Familiar Creature’s website: https://www.familiarcreatures.com/ | |||
| Finding Your Intuition with Bonnie Casamassima | 25 Sep 2024 | 00:27:39 | |
Do you listen to that feeling in your gut? The that tells you right from wrong and what you should do next? It’s what we call your “intuition,” and Bonnie Casamassima thinks it should help be your guiding light through life. Coming from a corporate background, Bonnie found herself at the intersection of stress and internal understanding. One day, she had a breakthrough while deep in meditation, revealing her true calling in life - Intuition By Nature. On this episode of We Built This Brand, Bonnie and Chris talk about her business and what it means to listen to yourself. If you’ve ever had a difficult time following through on your own intuition, Bonnie’s work and research will help you reach that understanding. Show Highlights
About Bonnie Casamassima She’s dedicated to nurturing people’s joy-driven lives through fostering our innate intuitive connection. Bonnie worked for the past decade+ in the corporate world, as an academic research professor and consultant to corporations. Years ago Bonnie started receiving visual “pictures” during meditation, and now, each day she just keeps listening to what felt aligned deeply within her and followed her heart. So far, it’s led Bonnie to pursue trainings to hone her intuitive abilities and support others in tuning into theirs. Links: Intuitive By Nature’s website: https://www.intuitivebynature.com Intuitive By Nature Podcast: https://www.intuitivebynature.com/podcast Intuitive By Nature’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_by_nature/ | |||
| Turning Brands into Fandoms with Maggie Walsh | 11 Sep 2024 | 00:44:16 | |
Everyone has their own favorite brands, but have you ever considered that you’re a “fan” of those products? Maggie Walsh thinks that you should. Having recently wrapped up a social media campaign for Peacock centered around the 2024 Paris Olympics, Maggie is no stranger to working with household names. As the Head of Strategy for the marketing agency GLOW, she’s tasked herself with helping clients and consumers reconsider our relationships with our go-to goods and media. In this episode, you’ll hear how Maggie’s background in the music industry shaped her approach to marketing. Coming from a world where authenticity can be “do or die” for artists, she brings that perspective to our conversation when it comes to working with major brands. Show Highlights
About Maggie Walsh Some of Maggie’s many clients have included Captain Morgan, Oreo, and A&E. Links: Maggie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monstermaggs/ Maggie’s Twitter: https://x.com/monstermaggs Maggie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monstermaggs/ GLOW’s website: https://weareglow.com/ | |||
| Wearing TenHats with Brian Strong | 28 Aug 2024 | 00:29:20 | |
CEOs wear many hats, and that’s especially true in the world of IT. So, it’s pretty appropriate Brian Strong heads up TenHats - an IT and data center firm in Knoxville, Tennessee. The name isn’t just eye-catching, it reflects the wide variety of services the business provides to its customers. In this episode, Brian recounts how the company landed on its current name during a rebranding effort. He and Chris also discuss their shared backgrounds in telecom, and they even delve into local conspiracy theories surrounding Knoxville’s communication buildings. Show Highlights
About Brian Strong: Before joining the team, Brian gained extensive management and sales experience working at nationwide MSP and IaaS firms in the Knoxville region. Brian was the top salesperson at Claris Networks when he decided to leave and found his own company, Vendor Registry, which he sold in 2020. In 2003, Brian graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a BS in Finance. In his free time, Brian enjoys playing in a local soccer league and spending time with his family. Links:
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| Mama Bear Money Management with Erin Reece | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:30:49 | |
With a love of crunching numbers from a young age, Erin Reece always knew her future lay in finance. She spent more than a decade at corporate and public accounting firms until Erin realized it was time for a change. After seeing and experiencing the churn and burn nature of the field, she knew it was time to make a difference. Instead of letting corporate burnout get the better of her, Erin regrouped and founded Bear Financial Solutions. In this discussion, you’ll hear her break down the experience of facing a lawsuit during the early days of the business, learn about the knowledge she’s gained after five years of running Bear Financial Solutions, and revisit the moment she realized financial therapy is her calling in life. Show Highlights
About Erin Reece: Erin has worked with CEOs, Founders, VPs, multi-million-dollar companies, and mom-and-pop shops all across the country. Her dream when she built Bear Financial was to be able to meet with any business owner, at any level and help them achieve all of their financial goals.
Erin believes that everyone deserves a personal relationship with their accountant. She goes above and beyond to ensure every client feels at home, fully supported, and ready to tackle and accomplish every financial goal. Links:
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| LA Trip Ep. 8 Leading with Authenticity: Building Brands That Shape Culture | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:33:03 | |
We’re wrapping up our LA interview series with a bang. Thai Randolph and Katie Soo join Chris Hill and Adhrucia Apana to talk brand leadership, creative growth, and what it really takes to stay ahead in a fast-changing world. Show Highlights: (00:47)Meet the Guests: Katie Sue and Ty Randolph (01:19) Ty Randolph's Career Journey (02:55) Katie Sue's Career Highlights (07:15) Brand Building Insights from Katie Sue (09:06) Advice for Aspiring Brand Builders (14:07) Challenges in Brand Building (22:12) Navigating Community Feedback (27:46) Favorite Brands and Influences (29:46) Discussion on K-Pop Demon Hunters (32:55) Conclusion and Final Thoughts | |||
| Chasing the Numbers with Trent Anderson | 31 Jul 2024 | 00:40:48 | |
In this episode of "We Built This Brand," you’ll hear from Trent Anderson, the Head of Growth and Strategy at Podchaser. Trent and Chris discuss the origins and key features of Podchaser, emphasizing its role as a vital data aggregator and discovery tool in the industry. Together, they delve into the importance of entering podcasting with the right intentions, the significance of Podchaser's Power Score, and what lies ahead for the company. If you’ve ever wanted to know what goes into crunching the numbers for your favorite podcast, this is the episode for you! Show Highlights
About Trent Anderson: Links:
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| Authentically Marketing Yourself with Rob Bunch | 24 Jul 2024 | 00:41:00 | |
You would never know it based on his successes, but Rob Bunch didn’t begin his career in the world of marketing. In this episode of We Built This Brand, Rob takes us through his professional journey. From working finance in Florida, to nestling into the mountains of East Tennessee, he shares the winding road that made him a Senior Executive at The Leverage Group. Joins us as Rob talks about the importance of being authentic in business, the external impact of your company’s culture, and how it sometimes takes a little “push” to help guide your customers. Show Highlights:
About Rob: Rob is a Senior Executive at the Leverage Group who excels through dedication and commitment to his team, clients, and projects. He knows how to develop a creative concept from vision to final delivery. Links:
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| Finding Your Own Definition of Success with Erika Biddix | 10 Jul 2024 | 00:31:03 | |
Erika Biddix began her professional journey the traditional way, following the path of a promising student to a corporate job. In this episode of We Built This Brand, we learn how she found her true calling at a corporate meeting planners’ conference where she was inspired to help other women discover their purpose. This led to the creation of Aught—a coworking space that evolved into a thriving community for female entrepreneurs. Erika shares the challenges of starting Aught and how their mission has grown beyond coworking spaces to fostering a supportive virtual community. She shares her vision a future where Aught inspires cultural change, empowering women to redefine their possibilities and break free from longstanding boundaries. Show Highlights:
About Erika: Erika Biddix is the founder of Aught, a dynamic company dedicated to fostering a supportive community for female entrepreneurs. Erika is passionate about transforming lives and local communities through the power of female entrepreneurship. Her mission is to help women redefine what entrepreneurship, success, and boundaries mean for themselves, their businesses, and their families. Links Referenced
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| Rebranding for the Better with Paul Sponcia | 29 May 2024 | 00:43:53 | |
Rebranding your business can be an exciting process where you reorient it into something greater than before. However, change isn’t always easy. Paul Sponcia of the IT Company knows a thing or two about change and the growing pains it can bring. In this episode, we learn the story of how he transformed CSK Technologies into The IT Company, including the reasons for the rebrand, the rebranding process, and the growth that followed. Show Highlights (3:50) Paul’s background in the IT services industry and rebranding (5:34) The importance of giving your new brand a good name (9:02) Paul’s experience using rebranding to take a company to the next level of delivery and type of customer the served (11:45) How Paul came up with the name “The IT Company” (15:57) How rebranding a company changed the services, products, technical aspects, and even the culture of the business (23:32) The moment Paul realized the business was moving the way he wanted it to (33:20) Part of brand building is attracting and retaining talent About Paul Paul Sponcia is currently the principal and CEO of the IT Company. He has a robust background in technology and telecommunications, marked by his success in developing prominent IT service brands in East Tennessee. Sponcia’s extensive experience underscores his expertise and leadership in the tech industry. Paul’s notable achievements include the successful development of Claris Networks, showcasing his talent in building reputable IT brands. He went on to join the IT Company in 2010. Then known as CSK Technologies, he spearheaded a major rebranding initiative that transformed CSK into the IT powerhouse that it is today. Links Referenced
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| Building Winning Marketing Strategies with Lori Asbury | 15 May 2024 | 00:52:37 | |
Lori Asbury, founder and CEO of CMOco, joins Chris to explore her exciting career and entrepreneurial journey. Lori shares her journey from a journalist to a seasoned marketing executive at HGTV and, eventually, to launching her successful marketing agency. She discusses the nuances of building a business in a highly competitive industry, her strategies for embracing digital marketing innovations, and the challenges and rewards of rebranding her company. Lori also shares how CMOco has helped local businesses and large organizations like the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and LCUB navigate complex marketing landscapes. Tune in for an episode packed with valuable lessons on resilience, strategic marketing, and the transformative power of digital technology in today’s business world. Show Highlights: (02:28) - Lori’s background and what made her start CMOco (05:42) - Lori’s experience moving to Knoxville and working at HGTV (09:11) - Lori shares losing her job at HGTV and starting CMOco (11:05) - The moment of validation for CMOco (13:53) - CMOco’s diverse clientele and their impact (17:45) - Examples of CMOco’s diverse clientele and their impact (22:21) - The growth and evolution of CMOco over 14 years (32:57) - CMOco’s recent rebranding strategies and the rationale behind it (34:54) - The advancements in digital advertising and its benefits (44:17) - Exploring AI's role in modern marketing strategies (48:37) - Lori shares her favorite brand (51:30) - Closing remarks and where to find Lori About Lori: Lori Asbury is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in senior-level management and strategic brand development, notably growing billion-dollar brands like HGTV, Fox Television Stations, Inc., and CBS Television Stations, Inc. With expertise in crafting and executing comprehensive marketing, digital marketing, advertising, and public relations campaigns, Lori effectively enhances business operations and develops new revenue-generating brand extensions. She holds an MBA from Cornell University and a BA in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma. Passionate about equestrian sports, Lori enjoys competing in horse shows and is a devoted fan of Oklahoma University sports.
CMOco: https://cmoco.com/lori-asbury/
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| Fighting For The Small Guy In The Marketing World With Mal Alder | 01 May 2024 | 00:28:11 | |
Mal Alder, the founder of Alder & Co., shares her journey in assisting small businesses and nonprofit organizations to thrive with creative marketing strategies. She recounts her work with clients like King's Family Distillery in Sevierville, detailing how she enhances their online visibility. Chris and Mal explore the day-to-day realities of managing a marketing firm, including their approach to fostering a vibrant and innovative office culture. Concluding the episode, Mal highlights the importance of authenticity in marketing, prioritizing genuine engagement over mere profit. She also provides a sneak peek into the exciting future developments at Alder & Co.
(00:00) - An Introduction to the Episode and Alder & Co. (01:58) - Alder & Co.’s founding, and their focus on small businesses and nonprofits. (03:21) - The story of working with King's Family Distillery and how Alder & Co. helped them (05:17) - Mal recounts the “865 Strong” project, which helped combat food insecurity and won the team its first Addy Award. (08:50) - Mal reflects on her "oh sh*t" moment. (11:05) - Alder & Co.'s client-focused approach to brand strategy (16:21) - The origin of Alder & Co.'s name and branding, family influences, and design choices. (19:57) - Maintaining a skilled team and the personal side of business leadership. (21:37) - Future outlook for Alder & Co. (22:41) - Mal shares her admiration for the brand Liquid Death (26:54) - Closing thoughts and where to find Mal About Mal Mal Alder is the founder of Alder & Co., an accomplished digital marketing professional specializing in various strategies to increase online presence and brand visibility. Her expertise includes social media management, content marketing, SEO, web development, Google Ads, and graphic design. Recognized with industry awards, Mal is dedicated to crafting effective marketing solutions that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses and nonprofits, ensuring they achieve measurable results and meaningful impact in their communities. Links Referenced
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| Transforming Spaces To Transform Lives With Kelsey Miller | 17 Apr 2024 | 00:24:11 | |
In this fun episode of We Built This Brand, we chat with Kelsey Miller, the founder of 'Klosets by Kelsey.' Kelsey shares how she turned her passion for organizing and styling from a hobby into her full-time job. She explains the incredible physical and emotional benefits of having a neat and tidy space, highlighting how organization can transform our lives. To make her services accessible to a broad audience, Kelsey offers special packages tailored to fit everyone's needs. Additionally, she provides details about her upcoming online course, her active involvement in the Knoxville community, and her current favorite brand! Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Kelsey Miller, Owner Of Klosets by Kelsey (02:09) Kelsey shares why she started her organizing business and her background in fashion merchandising (04:02) How Kelsey transitioned her idea from a side project to a full-fledged business (06:32) The moment Of Validation for Kelsey’s business (07:45) Services offered by Klosets by Kelsey, including personal and interior styling (09:47) Kelsey's target market and Kloset by Kelsey’s evolution into a lifestyle brand (13:22) Kelsey's involvement with local nonprofits and the importance of giving back (15:50) Kelsey's thoughts on personal branding and styling (18:19) Explaining What capsule wardrobing and its benefits for daily dressing (19:01) Upcoming projects for Klosets by Kelsey, including a virtual course (21:04) Kelsey's favorite brands and how they align with her business and personal life (22:48) Closing remarks and where to find Kelsey online
Klosets by Kelsey Website: https://www.klosetsbykelsey.com/ Kloset by Kelsey’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klosetsbykelseym Kelsey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-alexandra-miller/ Kelsey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klosetsbykelsey/ | |||
| Building Brands, Buzz, and Besties with Taylar Fetzner | 03 Apr 2024 | 01:18:26 | |
In this episode, Taylar Fetzner, co-host of the Creeps and Crimes Podcast, opens up about her journey with her best friend, Morgan Mounts, from sharing a fascination for spooky stories, conspiracies, and true crime to launching a successful podcast. Taylar delves into her show's beginnings, the power of a single TikTok video in attracting a vast audience, and the evolution of her podcast's appearance to mirror their authentic selves, ensuring a genuine connection with their audience. Taylar unveils insights into the podcast's business aspects, emphasizing the importance of financial wisdom and creative pauses to maintain innovation. Additionally, she expresses her respect for the strategic branding of Taylor Swift and Alex Cooper and her visions for elevating her podcast to greater heights. About Taylar Fetzner : Taylar Fetzner is a University of Tennessee alum with a BA in Communication, whose diverse career has spanned music, sports, and now, podcasting. Alongside her college roommate and best friend Morgan Mounts, she co-founded the "Creeps and Crimes'' Podcast in 2020, diving deep into the worlds of the paranormal, conspiracy theories, and true crime cases—all from the comfort of their couch. Taylar's journey in podcasting has not only marked significant growth as a business owner and researcher but also deepened her passion for victims' rights, ensuring their stories are told and heard well. Her ambitious spirit, fueled by a rich entrepreneurial background and a commitment to authenticity, drives the podcast's success with listeners. Show Highlights (00:00:00) Introduction to the episode (00:02:02) How Creeps and Crimes All Began (00:13:15) Taylar recounts the moment her TikTok video went viral (00:15:34) Transitioning from a darker theme to a more authentic reflection of their personalities (00:26:10) The Importance of Growth and Listener Relationships (00:28:36) Maintaining Authenticity in Branding (00:40:48) Taylar’s Journey into monetizing the podcast, working with networks, and having an agent. (00:53:03) The importance of taking breaks for creative and personal growth (01:06:39) Taylar and Chris discuss their favorite brands (01:16:04) Closing remarks & How to Connect with Taylar Links Referenced:
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| Building Brands That Resonate & Transform with Victory Harbin | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:36:20 | |
We’re joined by Victory Harbin, the creative force behind The Social Brand in this episode of WBTB. Victory takes us through her journey from art student to marketing expert, sharing the story of her business's natural growth and her passion for purposeful branding and building genuine human connections. Victory opens up about the lessons she learned from trying to scale her business too quickly during the pandemic and underscores the importance of our well-being in achieving true success. We also explore the impact of using artificial intelligence in marketing, as Victory offers her perspective on leveraging technology while maintaining the human element in business strategies.
Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction (01:23) Victory's Entrepreneurship Journey (03:09) The Origin of The Social Brand (05:26) Philosophy on Human Connection in Branding (07:13) Turning Brands into Verbs (10:15) The Social Brands Strategy-first marketing approach (19:53) Lessons learned from Scaling The Social Brand During The Pandemic (22:07) The value of Choosing Sustainable Growth and Simplicity In Business (31:01) Impact of AI on Modern Marketing (32:55) Victory's Current Favorite Brands and Why (34:44) How to connect with Victory Links Referenced: The Social Brand Website: https://thesocialbrandtn.com/ Victory’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victory-harbin/ | |||
| Grinding Your Way To Success: The U Brew Story with Andrew Ellis | 06 Mar 2024 | 00:43:16 | |
Andrew Ellis, the founder of U Brew Coffee Company, sits down with Chris to discuss his entrepreneurial leap into the coffee business. From the origins of U Brew to Andrew's vision for a coffee community, this episode illuminates the struggles and triumphs of starting a coffee business. Chris and Andrew then embark on an immersive coffee cupping session, giving listeners a taste of U Brew's commitment to their craft and community.
Andrew Ellis is a passionate advocate for specialty coffee and the founder of U Brew Coffee Company. After cutting alcohol from his routine, Andrew discovered a vast opportunity to introduce the craft of specialty coffee to those unfamiliar with it. His mission is to travel the nation, building a community centered around small and micro-roasters, and to bring a diverse array of roasts under one roof. Andrew aims to ignite a passion for coffee in others, one mug at a time, inviting everyone to "Take Control of Your Cup" and experience coffee like never before
(00:00) Introduction (02:12) Inspiration Behind U Brew (05:04) The Story Behind U Brew's Name and Branding (9:50) Validating the U Brew Business Model (12:21) Introduction to Coffee Cupping (18:48) Expanding U Brew's Product Line (22:20) Coffee connoisseurs & Andres vision for U Brew (28:40) The Coffee Cupping Session (38:44) Andrew's Current Favorite Brand and Why (42:36) Closing Remarks
U Brew Co Website:https://www.ubrewcoffeeco.com/home U Brew TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thatubrewdude U Brew Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ubrewcoffeeco U Brew Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ubrewcoffee/ | |||
| LA Trip Ep. 7 Inside Curiosity Entertainment with Adhrucia Apana & Charles Allen | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:24:19 | |
Host Chris Hill talks with Adhrucia Apana and Charles Allen, co-founders of Curiosity Entertainment and Storyteller Publishing, about building brands through authentic storytelling. They explore why story is still king, how authenticity drives community, and what it takes to grow a creative brand in the age of AI. Listen now to discover how they’re putting artists first and reshaping the future of storytelling. Show Highlights: (01:05) Arusha's Journey into Film and TV (02:14) The Birth of Curiosity Entertainment (03:21) Understanding the Business of Storytelling (05:01) Charles' Background and Partnership (06:00) Combining Publishing and Film (07:32) The Future of Storytelling and Community Building (14:03) The Role of Personal Branding (17:44) Challenges and Opportunities in Marketing (20:33) Final Thoughts and Brand Inspirations | |||
| Building Viral Success with Mat Micheli | 01 Feb 2024 | 00:43:48 | |
Dive into the fascinating world of digital innovation with Mat Micheli, co-founder and co-CEO of Viral Nation. This episode takes you on a journey from Viral Nation's roots in 2014 to its emergence as a global leader in digital and social innovation. Mat recounts his entrepreneurial ventures with Joe Gagliese, detailing their shift from a liquidation business to the forefront of social media and influencer marketing.
Mat Micheli, a dynamic entrepreneur and Co-CEO of Viral Nation, has transformed the company from an influencer marketing agency into a global digital and social innovation group since its inception in 2014. Under his leadership, Viral Nation has flourished, working with thousands of influencers and major brands like Anheuser-Busch and The Coca-Cola Company. His expertise in athlete influencer marketing and social technologies has earned him features in Business Insider, Forbes, and Vox, as well as the prestigious EY Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award in 2019.
(00:00) Introduction to Mat Michelli and the formation of Viral Nation. (02:20) The story of Mat's early entrepreneurial efforts and how a chance encounter with Joe Galease at university sparked the creation of Viral Nation. (08:20) The expansion of Viral Nation (16:00) Viral Nation's approach to selecting influencers, with a special emphasis on the power of niche markets. (22:45) Viral Nation's support for creators, incorporation monetization strategies and content distribution. (36:32): The Role of AI in the Creator Ecosystem (40:28) Mat's admiration for innovative brands like Fanatics and ESPN, and their successful integration into the cultural mainstream. (43:53) Closing remarks and contact information Links Referenced: ‣ Viral Nation: https://viralnation.com/ | |||
| Mastering the Art of Building Websites with Alex Melen | 18 Jan 2024 | 00:47:52 | |
Embark on a journey of digital transformation with Alex Melen, one of the masterminds behind Smart Sites. In this episode, Alex sheds light on the art of building a powerful personal brand, the intricacies of nurturing a thriving business in the tech-centric marketplace, and his innovative strategies that are shaping the future of digital marketing. Listen in as he offers a blend of insightful experiences and groundbreaking ideas, making this episode a treasure trove for entrepreneurs and marketers eager to understand the future of digital marketing.
Meet Alex Melen, the dynamic Co-CEO and CFO of SmartSites, an influential player in the digital media realm with a career spanning over a decade. Alex is the visionary founder of T35 Hosting, a pioneering free web hosting service from the late 1990s. His expertise expanded while leading digital analytics for Walmart at Starcom MediaVest Group. Alex's entrepreneurial flair has earned him widespread recognition. He's been featured in prestigious publications like BusinessWeek and Forbes. Celebrated as one of America's top young entrepreneurs, Young Biz Magazine listed him as #19 in the U.S. His academic journey at Babson College, renowned for entrepreneurship, concluded with honors and the esteemed Babson Student Business Initiative Award. Alex's story is one of innovation, foresight, and remarkable achievements, making him an exciting guest on "We Built This Brand," where he shares his insights into the evolution and success of digital enterprises. Highlighted Timestamps from the Podcast (00:00) Intro: Chris Hill introduces the episode of "We Built This Brand" featuring Alex Melen, founder of Smart Sites. (01:10) The Birth of Smart Sites: Alex Melen describes the premier of Smart Sites and its early days, highlighting bringing digital solutions to small, medium sized business who don't have access. (07:45) The Personal Branding Journey: Alex delves into the importance of personal branding and how it has played a pivotal role in his career and Smart Sites' success. (9:20) Navigating Entrepreneurial Challenges: A light-hearted moment where Alex humorously recounts the unexpected challenges he faced in his entrepreneurial journey. (13:50) Leveraging Tech Innovations: Insightful discussion on how Alex and Smart Sites have utilized technological advancements to stay ahead in the digital marketing industry. (18:35) Building a Digital Empire: Alex discusses the strategies and decisions that were instrumental in scaling Smart Sites into a digital marketing powerhouse. Navigating the challenges and finding what’s right for your business. (22:10) Future of Digital Marketing: Alex provides his thoughts on the future trends in digital marketing and how businesses need to adapt. (34:00) Writing a book to streamline your thoughts: Alex discusses the impact and learning experiences from publishing his book. (47:45) Closing Remarks: Chris and Alex wrap up the episode with final thoughts and where listeners can find more information about Smart Sites and Alex Melen.
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| Building Brands as a White Label Agency with Ozzy Garner | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:34:51 | |
In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris introduces Ozzy Garner, the founder of Advirtis. Ozzy shares his startup journey, from launching his business during the pandemic to celebrating crucial milestones like finding the talent. He emphasizes the importance of learning time management skills, finding work-life balance as an entrepreneur, and his plans for the future of Advirtis. This engaging conversation offers insights into building a brand as a bootstrapped business, the value of specializing as a white-label marketing agency, and optimistic perspectives on the role of AI in the marketing industry. Show Notes (01:21) Chris introduces Ozzy, and Ozzy explains how he started Advirtis during the pandemic (04:22) How Ozzy has found work-life balance as the founder and CEO of a start-up (08:44) The choices Ozzy made in the early days of Advirtis to launch his business completely bootstrapped (14:41) Why Ozzy celebrated finding the right talent for his business (16:45) Chris and Ozzy discuss the importance of celebrating wins as a business and Ozzy shares a recent, interesting win at Advirtis (17:58) The reasons Ozzy started Advirtis and how he looks to serve his clients (21:22) Where the name Advirtis came from and Ozzy’s thought process behind the origins of the brand (22:33) Why Ozzy chose to specialize as a white-label marketing agency (27:04) Ozzy’s thoughts on AI and up-and-coming technologies in the marketing industry (29:37) Ozzy’s plans for the future of Advirtis (30:41) The brand that Ozzy is loving right now Links:
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| Brand-Building Mindset for Agency Success with Kelly Fletcher | 25 Oct 2023 | 01:00:52 | |
Kelly Fletcher is the owner of Fletcher Marketing PR, an agency that has worked with brands of all sizes, from local businesses to Fortune 500 companies. On this episode of We Built This Brand, Kelly shares why she feels business is personal, and the mindset that she’s built to overcome the setbacks and challenges of building an agency from scratch. Chris and Kelly explore how the skills for building a brand and building a business differ, and Kelly shares why it was important to her to focus on selling the value of her team’s expertise rather than their time, as well as the importance of always looking forward towards new technologies and opportunities to maintain a constant edge above the competition.
(00:00) Intro (01:35) Chris introduces Kelly, and she explains how she got her start in PR and Marketing (05:14) How Kelly relates her performing arts background to her success as an entrepreneur (06:20) Kelly and Chris discuss maintaining a healthy mindset as an entrepreneur (18:10) Kelly’s early career (23:49) Kelly describes how her PR skills and business skills differed (28:30) The steps that Kelly took to set herself up for success when starting her own agency (34:17) How Kelly keeps her agency forward-looking and moving in the right direction (37:17) Why Kelly shifted from selling time to intellectual capital (41:30) Kelly on the skepticism needed when evaluating agencies (47:22) What the future of Fletcher Communications looks like (54:10) Why Kelly can’t stand influencer marketing (56:32) Kelly’s favorite brands right now (59:17) Where you can find out more about Kelly, her podcast Ms. InterPReted, and Fletcher Marketing PR
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