The Brand Herald

Landon Wade
  • 4.0 (4)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to The Brand Herald podcast: where leaders explore how great brands are built.Join Landon Wade, Owner of Goodson Clothing & Supply Co., as he interviews business leaders and marketing experts to learn about the successes and failures of building great brands. To connect with Landon or the Goodson team, visit: www.goodsonsupplyco.com. 

  1. Chad Churchman with Hyland Insurance

    MAR 2

    Chad Churchman with Hyland Insurance

    On this episode of The Brand Herald, Landon sits down with Chad Churchman of Hyland Insurance to discuss the intersection of professional branding and community. Transitioning from a decade in digital marketing at Journeys to the insurance world, Chad shares how he helped shape Hyland’s internal culture.  We explore the "Hyland way"—a philosophy built on educating rather than selling, and the simple act of answering the phone. It’s a grounded look at how a 40-year-old family business maintains its relevance by staying human in a digital age. The conversation shifts to the practical mechanics of brand building, from managing email signatures for 40+ employees to the value of quality promotional items. Chad emphasizes that whether it’s a sideline presence at a Louisville City FC match or internal team apparel, the goal is always utility and longevity.  We’ve found that Hyland’s commitment to "putting their money where their mouth is"—by purchasing quality gear for their team—creates an organic brand advocacy. It’s a reminder that in a crowded market, consistency and character are the only real differentiators. Chapters: 01:00: Chad’s ranking as a semi-pro pinball player and his first-place finishes. 02:05: A brief history of Hyland Insurance, the 40-year-old, family-owned Louisville company. 04:04: Chad’s transition from digital marketing at Journeys to finding a home at Hyland. 08:25: The first 90 days of consolidating internal marketing and creating visual consistency. 12:20: Why "Educate, Don't Sell" and answering the phone are Hyland’s secret weapons. 18:22: A candid look at the complexities of managing email signatures across departments. 21:54: Strategic partnerships with Bellarmine University and Louisville City FC. 26:48: Why Hyland invests in their team’s clothing to build internal pride. 36:19: Tips for owners hiring their first marketing leader and the importance of being realistic with expectations. Resources: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-churchman/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/hyland-insurance-services/  https://hylandins.net/

    36 min
  2. Klaus Schlimm with Countryman Coatings

    FEB 2

    Klaus Schlimm with Countryman Coatings

    On this episode of The Brand Herald, Landon welcomes back his first-ever repeat guest, Klaus Schlimm. Klaus, formerly the VP of Marketing at Progressive Materials, has stepped into a new role as the President of Countryman Coatings. The conversation explores Klaus's transition from the commercial roofing world to the DIY and residential market, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of building a brand from the ground up. The discussion focuses heavily on the importance of authentic brand building and customer education. Klaus shares his vision for Countryman Coatings not just as a product manufacturer, but as a "roof coating encyclopedia" that provides DIYers with the resources and customer service they need to succeed. From the role of high-quality merch in building reputation to the strategy of "bending the brand" to stand out at trade shows, this episode offers practical insights for any entrepreneur looking to cultivate a loyal community and an enduring brand. Chapters 00:02 Landon introduces Klaus Schlimm, the first repeat guest. 02:28 Klaus discusses his background in sales and marketing. 04:10 Transitioning to the role of President at Countryman Coatings. 05:40 Understanding the niche market of residential roof coatings. 09:53 Building an "encyclopedia" of resources for DIY customers. 11:44 The story and values behind the Countryman brand. 12:39 Why high-quality merch is vital for brand reputation. 17:32 Standing out at trade shows by "bending the brand". 24:47 Shifting from commercial to consumer-focused digital marketing strategies. 27:19 Klaus’s advice for entrepreneurs starting a new venture. Resources: Klaus Schlimm LinkedIn Countryman Coatings LinkedIn

    30 min
  3. Chris Nation with Mirazon

    12/29/2025

    Chris Nation with Mirazon

    On this episode of The Brand Herald, Landon talks with Chris Nation from Mirazon, a local managed IT services company that’s been helping businesses for 25 years. If you missed the episode with Leah Weisman a few years ago on the sales side, this one is a bit different. Chris is the Marketing Manager at Mirazon who focuses on brand awareness and PR, which he breaks down into two very simple "Rs": Relationships and Reputation. Drawing on his background as an English major and his deep involvement in the Louisville community, Chris shares why the way you talk about your business matters just as much as the work you do. Chris takes the mystery out of PR, explaining that it isn't just about writing press releases. It’s actually about building trust so that when the media or your customers talk about you, they have something good to say. He gives some great, down-to-earth advice for smaller brands: focus on doing excellent work first so you have a great story to tell, then take the time to go meet people to get to know them and build a network. Landon and Chris also talk about why looking professional isn't about being stuffy, but about being consistent. At Mirazon, they use high-quality branded clothing to make sure their engineers feel like a team when they walk into a client's office. Chris sums up their approach with a value we really love at Goodson: "expertise without arrogance". It’s all about making the complex easy to understand and treating people like partners instead of another ticket. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to PR and Reputation Management 04:47 Chris Nation's Background and Journey into PR 09:21 Defining Public Relations: Misconceptions and Realities 14:07 The Role of Relationships in PR 18:59 Understanding Mirazon: Services and Client Relationships 23:33 The Intersection of PR and Marketing at Mirazon 28:22 Advice for Building PR Networks and Reputation 33:05 The Importance of Quality in Branding and Promotional Items Resources: https://www.mirazon.com/  Mirazon LinkedIn Chris Nation LinkedIn

    35 min
  4. Mallory Fagan with Kenmark Eyewear

    11/24/2025

    Mallory Fagan with Kenmark Eyewear

    Landon Wade sits down with Mallory Fagan of Kenmark Eyewear to unpack the creative strategy behind one of the country's most respected names in the eyewear industry. Fresh off the significant news of Kenmark's acquisition by XyloWare, Mallory shares the story of a successful, 50-year-old business that has managed to stand out in a highly competitive niche.  The conversation dives into the delicate balance of building the Kenmark brand while serving as a crucial design partner for major licensed collections like Vera Wang, Lilly Pulitzer, and Original Penguin, all while maintaining strict brand guidelines. Mallory's path into branding and design began with a simple, intuitive draw to the creative world. She highlights the complex dynamics of leading an in-house marketing team that must adhere to multiple sets of corporate rules—those for Kenmark itself, and those dictated by their licensed partners.  Kenmark’s success, however, is rooted in an old-fashioned focus on the customer and product quality. Mallory explains that their customers—independent optical shops across the U.S. choose them because Kenmark offers a high-quality product and a one-stop shop portfolio of both licensed and house brands. This efficient approach, coupled with an "incredibly friendly and southern" customer service team, maximizes the limited time their clients have. Landon and Mallory touch on the tangible side of branding, covering how Kenmark uses promotional items to support its sales force. Mallory shares a story about one of their most effective giveaways: a flexible PD stick (pupillary distance ruler). This item, which opticians use daily, is a perfect example of tying the brand to a highly useful, repeated customer experience—a subtle, yet powerful, daily touchpoint. We also explore Kenmark's investment in 3D printing to rapidly prototype frames for their house brands, dramatically reducing the time it takes to move from design to production. Finally, they end by discussing the recent acquisition. Mallory sees this as a positive, strategic step where Kenmark's focus on independent opticians is complemented by ZyloWare's strength in retail, creating a "good fit" and a strong American eyewear company. The principles that guide Kenmark’s internal team remain the same for those building any brand: success starts with a deep understanding of the customer. Her advice for new marketers is to begin every project with a mood board that captures the customer’s visual interests and preferences, ensuring that all creative decisions speak directly to the audience. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Kenmark Eyewear Acquisition 02:46 Mallory Fagan's Journey into Branding and Design 05:30 Understanding Kenmark Eyewear's Business Model 08:25 The Role of 3D Printing in Eyewear Production 11:08 Brand Building at Kenmark Eyewear 14:08 Tools and Technology in Marketing 17:03 Branded Clothing and Promotional Items 19:48 Customer Relationships and Brand Loyalty 22:41 Future Plans for Kenmark Eyewear 25:20 Advice for Young Marketers Resources: https://www.kenmarkeyewear.com/US/  Kenmark Eyewear LinkedIn Mallory Fagan LinkedIn

    29 min
  5. Scott Bruzek with Bruzek IQ

    10/27/2025

    Scott Bruzek with Bruzek IQ

    This month on The Brand Herald, Landon sits down with Scott Bruzek, the mind behind Bruzek IQ. They dive into why traditional business strategies often falter and how Bruzek IQ helps leaders move past fear to turn uncertainty into opportunity. Scott and Landon kick things off by exploring what it truly means for an organization to be resilient. Bruzek IQ doesn't deal in corporate platitudes; they’re in the business of measuring that resilience, offering a necessary gauge that many businesses are operating without. In a world where change is the only constant—or as Scott says, "Everything is a cycle"—he shares the mission of his firm: to help organizations stop merely surviving and start thriving by preparing for the inevitable future disruptions and focusing on business strategy. Moving to the heart of the matter, Scott offers a dose of old-fashioned wisdom: "Business is about people." He reminds us that effective leadership isn't just about spreadsheets and market share; it requires a genuine commitment to emotional intelligence and human connection. He highlights how first impressions matter and why being authentically human in professional relationships isn’t a soft skill—it’s the cornerstone of credibility and successful branding. This is where you learn why leaders need to focus on cultivating strong, future-ready teams. The conversation wraps up with Scott stressing that navigating the future requires continuous improvement and a strategic focus on leadership development. He challenges the notion that business success is purely transactional, arguing that building positive relationships ultimately enhances the bottom line. It’s a prime lesson in focusing on what truly matters, both professionally and personally, as he leaves us with a potent final thought on human relationships: "The world needs hope." Enjoy the episode! Chapters: 00:00 Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity 00:00 Developing Tools for Business Readiness 00:16 Introduction to Scott Bruzek and Bruzek IQ 06:56 The Mission of Bruzek IQ 13:45 Understanding the Unique Approach of Bruzek IQ 19:55 Branding and Its Importance in Business 26:44 The Role of People in Business Success 33:26 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Relationships Resources: Scott Bruzek Linkedin LinkedIn (Bruzek IQ) https://bruzekiq.com/

    35 min
  6. Rachel Major with Service Metal Products

    09/29/2025

    Rachel Major with Service Metal Products

    This month on The Brand Herald, Landon sits down with Rachel Major, the HR Project Manager at Service Metal Products, for a conversation as unique as it is insightful. They dive into how Rachel’s background in government and intelligence has surprisingly prepared her for the world of HR and marketing. Landon and Rachel start with a humorous look at the pitfalls of AI, sharing a story about how ChatGPT inaccurately identified Rachel as the "president" of her company. This serves as a cautionary tale: while AI is a powerful tool, it's not a substitute for human nuance. Rachel shares how Service Metal, a third-generation family business and a leading B2B distributor of pipes, valves, and fittings (PVF), has built a company culture through a focus on internal branding. Their core values—“trust in every connection” and “easier and faster”—aren’t just slogans; they are woven into daily conversations and behaviors. Rachel highlights the vital role of branded clothing and promotional items in enhancing the employee experience. Rather than being just a uniform, these items are a way for employees to express their pride and commitment. The focus is on offering high-quality, desirable gear that employees want to wear, even on their own time.  This strong culture also aids in recruitment efforts, as the company often fills positions by leveraging its existing team’s network. Landon and Rachel conclude with a discussion on the critical balance between transactional relationships and relational ones. Service Metal has mastered this by developing a proprietary e-commerce portal that makes transactions “easier and faster” while ensuring customers can always connect with a person when they need to. It's a prime example of using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection and trust. Enjoy! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and AI Misconceptions 02:52 Transitioning from Government to Private Sector 05:37 Understanding Service Metal Products 08:30 The Importance of Internal Branding 11:19 Company Values and Culture 14:08 Navigating Industry Challenges 16:54 Recruitment Strategies and Customer Acquisition 19:49 The Role of Branded Clothing 22:35 Balancing Transactional and Relational Business 25:37 Conclusion and Future Outlook Resources: Rachel Major LinkedIn LinkedIn (Service Metal Products) https://servicemetal.net/

    35 min
  7. Jordan Clemons with Greater Louisville Inc.

    08/25/2025

    Jordan Clemons with Greater Louisville Inc.

    In this episode of The Brand Herald, Landon Wade chats with Jordan Clemons, Senior Director of Investor Development at Greater Louisville Inc. Their conversation explores the power of relationships and the importance of authentic personal branding. Jordan recounts his career path from a financial advisor to his current role at GLI, highlighting how building connections was crucial to his professional development. He explains that his journey was not about traditional business strategies, but about intentionally cultivating a network and being open to opportunities.  They emphasize that successful personal branding is rooted in genuine communication. Jordan explains that his effective presence on LinkedIn comes from being an authentic person with a story to tell, rather than a corporate mouthpiece. He and Landon agree that for any organization to succeed, it must focus on building community through authentic storytelling. This human-centered approach creates a connection that is often missing from more traditional, impersonal marketing efforts.  The episode also highlights the valuable resources and initiatives that GLI offers to the business community. Jordan discusses programs like the Live In Lou campaign and the City Champs training, which are designed to help newcomers and businesses connect and integrate into the city. He advises listeners to be willing to put themselves in uncomfortable situations and to trust that good things will happen if they are persistent. Enjoy! Chapters: 00:00 The Power of Networking 05:49 Building Relationships in a Big Small Town 11:40 Transitioning Careers: From Financial Advisor to GLI 18:13 Leveraging LinkedIn for Personal Branding 19:01 The Journey Begins: From Financial Advisor to Networking Expert 19:57 Harnessing LinkedIn: Strategies for Networking Success 21:51 Authenticity in Branding: Connecting People and Businesses 25:44 Building Community: The Role of Storytelling in Networking 29:15 Maximizing Networking Opportunities: The GLI Experience 31:43 Advice for the Next Generation: Embracing Uncertainty and Action Resources: Jordan Clemons LinkedIn LinkedIn (Greater Louisville Inc) https://www.greaterlouisville.com/

    36 min
  8. Heather Priddy with Stonemont Financial

    07/28/2025

    Heather Priddy with Stonemont Financial

    In this episode of The Brand Herald, Landon Wade chats with Heather Priddy, Marketing Coordinator at Stonemont Financial. They discussed the complexities of their business and her role in bringing their brand to life. Heather explains that Stonemont Financial primarily focuses on industrial real estate development. This involves acquiring raw land, developing it, and constructing large-scale industrial buildings—from 50,000 to 500,000 square feet—for warehousing or other purposes, often seen alongside interstates.  Heather's role as Marketing Coordinator involves a comprehensive approach to brand awareness. Since she started, a key focus has been to get Stonemont's name and projects out to the public, utilizing press releases, media alerts, groundbreakings, and broker events. She emphasizes that Stonemont aims to present a consistent, familiar, and sophisticated brand that aligns with the high-quality industrial buildings they construct. This commitment to quality extends to their promotional items, ensuring that branded merchandise is not only high-end when appropriate but also useful and meaningful to the recipients. A significant aspect of Stonemont's operations, as highlighted by Heather, is the power of relationships and internal culture. She notes that human connections continue to drive much of their business, leading to multiple deals with the same partners over long periods. Internally, Stonemont fosters a vibrant company culture through initiatives like a social committee, a mentorship program (Stonemont Success), and a volunteer committee (Stonemont Supports). These programs ensure employees feel connected and appreciated, reflecting an understanding that creating an engaging internal environment is critical in today's competitive talent landscape. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Stonemont and Its Operations 03:59 Heather's Background and Career Journey 08:09 The Role of Marketing in Real Estate 12:06 Company Culture and Internal Engagement 14:06 Project Highlights and Marketing Strategies 14:49 The Value of Practical Merchandise 17:50 Strategic Marketing and Project Promotion 20:19 Leasing Market Insights 24:04 Advice for Young Marketers Resources: Heather Priddy LinkedIn LinkedIn (Stonemont Financial) https://stonemontfinancial.com/

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Brand Herald podcast: where leaders explore how great brands are built.Join Landon Wade, Owner of Goodson Clothing & Supply Co., as he interviews business leaders and marketing experts to learn about the successes and failures of building great brands. To connect with Landon or the Goodson team, visit: www.goodsonsupplyco.com. 

Information

  • Creator
    Landon Wade
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Brand Herald
  • Show Website
    The Brand Herald