The VBG Brief

VBG Creative Agency
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Real talk from the team behind the work. Each week, we unpack what it means to build trust through marketing, with quick insights, client stories, and behind-the-scenes conversations from the VBG Creative team. Strategy meets storytelling—in 10 minutes or less.

  1. The VBG Brief Episode #14: Nonprofit Growth Is Intentional: A Conversation with Andy Gray of Catalyst for Harmony

    10/03/2025

    The VBG Brief Episode #14: Nonprofit Growth Is Intentional: A Conversation with Andy Gray of Catalyst for Harmony

    Todd and Wels sit down in the Twin Cities with longtime friend and collaborator Andy Gray, Executive Director of Catalyst for Harmony. From a heart attack the morning after announcing his transition to launch Catalyst, to building discipleship-centered cohorts and national Sankofa trips, Andy shares why nonprofit growth has to be intentional—rooted in vision, paced with patience, and supported by systems, brand, and storytelling. We also unpack VBG’s role in helping Catalyst translate mission into media, including documentary work from Sankofa journeys. What You’ll Learn Why “build slow, build strong” beats quick wins for nonprofit impact How to stand up a new nonprofit: board, legal, finance, site, and fundraising platform The power of discipleship-driven formation over one-off events Why Sankofa trips create lasting empathy and multi-ethnic ministry momentum Practical advice for leaders: align vision with infrastructure and generational skill sets How brand, video, and web help unlock grants, partnerships, and community trust Highlights & Timestamps 00:01 – Cold open and on-location intro from the Twin Cities 03:30 – Andy’s story: engineering, pastoring, then launching Catalyst for Harmony 07:12 – The moment that sparked action: Philando Castile, presence, and pastoral care 13:51 – 2020–2022: calling crystallizes, paperwork, launch—then recovery after a heart attack 23:08 – Starting a nonprofit: articles, board, payroll, website, and why details matter 28:05 – Visionaries need operators: pace yourself for five-year outcomes 31:12 – Generational collaboration: pairing mission with modern media and systems 36:42 – National Sankofa initiative, and the Flourishing Together Cohort model 40:15 – What’s next: more cohorts, a larger national trip, deeper church partnerships

    34 min

  2. 08/13/2025

    The VBG Brief Episode Episode 13: Rebuilding Vision

    In this episode, the hosts welcome Dr. Caleb St. Jean, an optometrist, and owner of Eyes On Central in St. Petersburg, Florida. They discuss his journey into optometry, the innovations he is bringing to his practice, and the challenges of running a small business in a competitive market. Dr. St. Jean shares his personal story of how his mother's experience with glaucoma inspired his passion for eye care. The conversation also touches on community engagement, marketing strategies, and the importance of faith and resilience in overcoming setbacks. Dr. St. Jean emphasizes the need for representation in the field of optometry and shares his vision for the future of his practice. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:45 The Journey of Eyes On Central 05:45 Innovations in Optometry 08:31 Personal Passion for Vision Care 11:32 Business Challenges and Opportunities 14:26 Community Engagement and Marketing 19:57 Unexpected Health Insights 21:18 Community Collaboration in Business 22:29 Faith and Business Resilience 25:30 Future Visions for Eyes on Central 27:25 Navigating Setbacks as an Entrepreneur 30:18 Connecting with the Community

    33 min
  3. The VBG Brief Episode 12: Meet The Intern

    07/25/2025

    The VBG Brief Episode 12: Meet The Intern

    This week on The VBG Brief, we’re welcoming Elijah, our Q3 Business Development Intern. Hear his story, learn what he’s focused on, and why this internship is about more than just experience—it’s about building something that lasts. Whether you're a founder or fellow student, you'll walk away with insight into how we approach business development at VBG.

    23 min
  4. The VBG Brief Episode 11: Age vs Expertise featuring our Newest Member of the Team Member

    07/18/2025

    The VBG Brief Episode 11: Age vs Expertise featuring our Newest Member of the Team Member

    This week on The VBG Brief, we welcome our new CMO, Gernise Gregoire, and dive into a conversation that challenges the status quo: what makes someone an expert? Is it age? Time in the game? Or results? From overcoming bias to building credibility as a young leader, we’re unpacking the real definition of expertise—and what it means for creative professionals today.

    43 min
  5. The VBG Brief Episode 10: From Systems to Success – How We Built Creative Momentum in Q2

    07/11/2025

    The VBG Brief Episode 10: From Systems to Success – How We Built Creative Momentum in Q2

    In Episode 10 of The VBG Brief, the team sits down to reflect on Q2—from new creative breakthroughs to the systems behind their campaigns. Todd, Wels, and Al walk through their Sankofa video project, how they helped raise $54K for a nonprofit client, and why Q3 is all about working smarter. If you’re a small business, startup, or nonprofit leader, this is a raw and tactical breakdown of what it looks like to build creative momentum with strategy and clarity.

    32 min
  6. The VBG Brief Episode 9: Why Video Still Wins: Strategy, Storytelling, and the Human Touch

    07/04/2025

    The VBG Brief Episode 9: Why Video Still Wins: Strategy, Storytelling, and the Human Touch

    In Episode 9 of The VBG Brief, Todd, Wels, and Al break down why video is still the most powerful tool in marketing, especially in the AI era. They reflect on the team’s work with The Encouraging Place and share how storytelling drives real revenue. They also give insight into their creative process, what separates good content from effective content, and why knowing your ICP is mission-critical.

    30 min
  7. The VBG Brief Episode 8: MUT Goals with Pastor Phillip Walker

    06/27/2025

    The VBG Brief Episode 8: MUT Goals with Pastor Phillip Walker

    Building Community with Vision: A Conversation with Pastor Phillip Walker In this episode, Pastor Phillip Walker shares how his personal story, entrepreneurial heart, and spiritual leadership intersect to drive real change in Southeast Raleigh. From launching affordable housing through Summit at Sawyer to coining the idea of “MUTT Goals” (Measured, Unattainable, and Transformational), Pastor Walker unpacks what it looks like for churches, especially small ones, to lead boldly in community development. We talk about legacy, storytelling, faith, and the future of Raleigh. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests 01:52 Pastor Walker's Background and Journey 06:18 Vision Behind Summit at Sawyer 11:59 Importance of Telling the Story 14:46 Understanding Mutt Goals 26:08 Future Vision for Raleigh and Community Engagement Keywords Pastor Walker, community empowerment, affordable housing, Mutt goals, church vision, economic development, Raleigh, podcast, storytelling, faith-based initiatives

    28 min
  8. The VBG Brief Episode 7: Wels & Todd

    06/20/2025

    The VBG Brief Episode 7: Wels & Todd

    Summary In this episode, Todd and Wels reflect on their journey as business partners, discussing their five-year milestone, the evolution of their website, and the origins of their partnership. They delve into the challenges they faced while starting their organization, Rev7.9, aimed at addressing social issues and fostering understanding within their community. The conversation highlights their growth, the lessons learned, and their aspirations for the future. In this conversation, Wels and Todd reflect on the journey of Rev7.9, discussing its origins, evolution, and the foundational values that drive their mission. They share experiences from live events, partnerships, and the challenges of creative growth, while also looking forward to future goals and projects. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 03:06 Reflecting on Five Years of Business 05:57 Website Evolution and Branding 08:51 The Origin of Their Partnership 11:57 Rev7.9 and Social Impact Initiatives 14:57 Challenges and Growth in Business 18:02 Looking Ahead and Future Plans 18:30 The Birth of Rev 7.9 22:03 The Evolution of Rev7.9 24:35 Foundational Values and Mission 26:36 Partnerships and Collaborations 30:08 Creative Growth and Challenges 34:54 Reflecting on Achievements and Future Goals Keywords podcast, business, partnership, branding, social impact, website design, entrepreneurship, Rev7.9, growth, challenges, Rev7.9, marketing journey, live events, partnerships, nonprofit, creative growth, mission-driven, videography, collaboration, business evolution

    33 min
See All (14)

About

Real talk from the team behind the work. Each week, we unpack what it means to build trust through marketing, with quick insights, client stories, and behind-the-scenes conversations from the VBG Creative team. Strategy meets storytelling—in 10 minutes or less.

Information

  • Creator
    VBG Creative Agency
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © VBG Creative Agency
  • Show Website
    The VBG Brief