Brand Retro with Cyberdogz Mike Brevik

In this inspiring episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, we are joined by Jacob Cass, the esteemed branding and design expert from the Just Branding Podcast and the creative force behind Just Creative. Together, we delve into the intricacies of navigating a successful career in branding and design, exploring Jacob's own professional journey and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Jacob shares his experiences working with big brands, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of collaborating on large-scale projects. We also discuss the various stages of a career in design, from starting out and finding your niche to scaling your influence and managing significant client relationships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of advancing in the competitive fields of branding and design, enriched with Jacob Cass’s firsthand experiences and seasoned perspectives. Join us for a deep dive into the career journey of one of the industry’s leading figures.
Who’s the Guest?
Jacob Cass is a highly respected branding and design expert, renowned for his comprehensive approach to creative strategy and visual communication. As the founder of Just Creative, Jacob has built a platform that serves as a vital resource for insights into branding, design, and creativity. He is also the host of the Just Branding Podcast, where he explores these themes in depth with other leading figures in the industry.
Highlights
03:10 - Disinterest in sciences and early explorations in Photoshop.
04:22 - Operation of moonlighting as Just Creative.
04:50 - Transition from high school to visual communication degree.
06:36 - Early blogging and its impact on learning.
07:52 - Move to New York and getting headhunted by an agency.
08:50 - Early career work with brands like Disney, Nike, and Red Bull.
10:33 - Learning design principles through job experiences.
11:50 - Unique access to Disney's database and its impact.
13:25 - Advice on balancing working for a company while running a side business.
14:58 - Discussing the value of learning both from working at an agency and independently.
19:47 - Importance of ongoing learning and self-teaching.
20:37 - Experimenting with new business ventures and digital trends.
22:23 - Balancing profit-driven projects with passion projects.
23:31 - Fun in the industry and maintaining creative fire.
Episode Resources
Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with Jacob Cass https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobcass/  
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In this vibrant episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, we sit down with Josh Sullivan, the Executive Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and Designer behind the acclaimed and sometimes infamous Fried Design Company. Josh shares his adventures and challenges as an agency owner, diving into the exhilarating world of branding and the importance of infusing fun into business, creativity, and teamwork. Throughout our conversation, Josh reveals how maintaining a playful approach to serious business can foster innovation, strengthen team dynamics, and create memorable brands that resonate deeply with audiences. From navigating the pressures of agency life to unleashing the full potential of creative collaboration, this episode is packed with insightful anecdotes and practical advice for anyone looking to spice up their business practices with creativity and fun. Join us as Josh Sullivan unpacks the secrets to making work enjoyable while delivering award-winning results at the helm of the Fried Design Company.
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.
Episode Resources
Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with Josh Sullivan https://www.frieddesign.co/ https://www.instagram.com/frieddesignco/ https://www.facebook.com/frieddesignco https://www.linkedin.com/company/frieddesignco/  
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In this enlightening episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, we welcome Gracie Clemens, CEO & Founder of SGC Marketing, to explore the transformative world of marketing through the lens of data and strategy. Gracie dives deep into the power of the audit process, a critical tool that uncovers hidden opportunities and challenges within marketing campaigns. She shares her extensive expertise on how rigorous data analysis can lead to more informed strategic decisions, significantly boosting marketing effectiveness. Throughout our discussion, Gracie emphasizes the value of systematic evaluations and how they can revolutionize a company's approach to marketing. Whether you’re a marketing professional looking to sharpen your skills or a business owner seeking to leverage data for better results, this episode provides essential insights into making the most of your marketing efforts through the disciplined power of auditing. Join us as Gracie Clemens unveils the secrets to mastering marketing strategies that deliver.
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
Episode Resources
Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with Gracie Clemens https://www.gracieclemens.com/ styledbygracieclemens@gmail.com  
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In this insightful episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, we're joined by Dan Englander, CEO and Founder of Sales Schema, a consultancy that has revolutionized how agencies and B2B service companies approach lead generation. Dan discusses the intricacies of the sales cycle, sharing powerful client stories and the transformative effects of implementing a solid sales strategy or 'schema.' With Sales Schema's track record of building over 10,000 prospect relationships for more than 100 organizations since 2014, Dan brings a wealth of knowledge and proven strategies to the table. Whether you're looking to refine your sales approach or build a reliable lead generation system through targeted outreach, this episode offers valuable insights into creating lasting business growth. Tune in to learn how you can enhance your sales process and drive success with expert advice from a leading figure in the industry.
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.
Episode Resources
Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with Dan Englander https://www.salesschema.com/  
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In this enlightening episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, we're excited to welcome Chris Troka, entrepreneur, DJ, and founder of Focused-Biz, as we dive deep into the buyer's journey and explore the power of transparency in business. Chris brings a wealth of experience and unique insights, sharing captivating client stories and essential strategies for understanding customer motivations. We cover everything from A to Z, discussing the crucial steps for starting and growing your own business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world wisdom. Join us as Chris Troka reveals how clear communication and honest interactions can transform your business approach and lead to lasting success.
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
Episode Resources
Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with Chris Troka https://focused-biz.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-troka-3a093058/  
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In this rockstar episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, we're joined by the incredibly talented James Martin, founder of Made By James and Baby Giant Design Co., and Creative Partner at Lincoln Design. Dive into the thrilling world of design with us as James shares his unique creative journey and the innovative approaches that have cemented his status as a design legend. This episode is jam-packed with cool insights, from James's philosophy on creativity to the processes that drive his iconic projects. Whether you’re a budding designer, a seasoned creative, or simply a fan of exceptional design, this conversation offers a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. Join us as James Martin breaks down the elements that make great design and shares stories from his illustrious career, providing listeners with invaluable lessons from the forefront of the design world.
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.
 
Episode Resources
Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with James Martin https://themadebyjames.com/ https://www.lincolndesignco.com/about https://linktr.ee/madebyjames  
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