Element Three

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Channel • 3 Shows

Management

Management

Updated Monthly
Careers

Careers

Updated Monthly
Marketing

Marketing

Updated Weekly

3D AGO

Inside Marine’s Retail Ecosystem with Freya Olsen

The success of any remarkable boating experience begins not with the engine, but with the dealers who guide the buyer. In this episode, Kyler and John sit down with Freya Olsen, Senior Director of Engagement at the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), to explore how dealers shape the customer experience long before a buyer steps on a boat. After nearly two decades supporting manufacturers through Discover Boating and NMMA, Freya now works directly with dealers, giving her a rare, full-funnel perspective on what truly moves the marine market. Freya shares how consumer expectations, pricing transparency, and category competition shape today’s buyer. She explains why dealer performance has become a defining factor in OEM growth, and how education, certification, and AI tools like Amy are helping retailers serve customers in unpredictable conditions. You’ll hear how MRAA gathers honest dealer feedback, where the ecosystem still experiences friction, and what it takes to create a seamless handoff from awareness to retail. For anyone operating in an OEM, dealer, or B2B2X environment, this conversation surfaces the signals that matter when the market is shifting fast. Key Takeaways: Understand Roles in the Funnel: Knowing when awareness hands off to brand consideration and then to retail improves the customer journeySupport Dealer Education: Practical training for sales, service, and leadership helps new hires transition into the marine industry quicklyTrack Real Dealer Needs: Frequent outreach anchors decisions in actual pain points around staffing, service, and customer retentionTimestamps: (00:00) Meet Freya Olsen (00:54) Why passion keeps people in the marine industry (05:15) Pros and cons of newcomers entering the category (05:57) How pricing transparency builds consumer trust (07:39) Freya's career path across associations and OEMs (09:52) The impact of Discover Boating on market demand (12:35) Competing for attention in a crowded outdoor market (14:50) What Freya learned by shifting focus to retailers (17:13) Why retention starts with the dealer experience (17:25) How MRAA supports dealers with education and tools (19:14) Certification programs that help teams level up (21:31) How advocacy protects access and dealer operations (22:35) What to expect at Dealer Week and why it matters (25:35) Market uncertainty and preparing for unpredictable demand (27:05) Freya's next six months: engaging and supporting members (28:58) The role of AI and how dealers are using Amy (34:01) What Freya is excited about for next year

3d ago

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42 min
11/12/2025

How Great Dane Built a Network Lasting Generations with Noah Thomas

What does it take to build a dealer network that lasts generations? In this episode, Kyler and John talk with Noah Thomas, Director of Marketing at Great Dane, about how the 125-year-old trailer manufacturer continues to strengthen relationships across its dealer community and grow in a shifting market. Noah explains how Great Dane’s heritage of quality and resilience continues to shape its strategy today, from restoring a 1953 trailer to celebrating the brand’s long-standing partnerships. He shares how his team supports dealers through programs like buygreatdane.com, new digital enablement tools, and initiatives that maintain open and consistent communication across the network. This is a look inside a brand that wins by standing behind the people who represent it every day. Key Takeaways: Dealer Relationships Fuel Growth: Great Dane strengthens loyalty through long-term partnerships, open communication, and shared success across its national network.Heritage Shapes Strategy: A 125-year foundation of quality and resilience continues to guide innovation, brand consistency, and market confidence through every cycle.Digital Enablement Elevates Dealers: Programs like buygreatdane.com and Champ’s Spot connect data, marketing, and training to drive measurable results at the local level.Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Noah Thomas (01:42) Inside Great Dane’s 125-year legacy of resilience (02:58) Navigating freight market shifts and customer confidence (04:54) Celebrating 125 years with a 1953 trailer revival (06:23) Why small product details create lifetime brand value (09:21) Turning customer stories into marketing proof points (10:24) How Great Dane supports its exclusive dealer network (12:57) Listening to dealers to guide marketing priorities (14:55) Building buygreatdane.com to drive digital sales leads (16:56) Empowering dealers with Champ’s Spot sales tools (18:54) Expanding into last-mile delivery with truck bodies (19:44) FleetPulse telematics and data-driven product insights (21:58) Cross-selling strategies with fleets and truck dealers (26:16) Rebranding Great Dane and protecting an iconic logo (30:57) Lessons from Noah’s Peace Corps experience in Vanuatu

11/12/2025

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34 min
09/25/2024

Bridging 180 Years of Tradition and Modern Marketing at Case IH with Marisa Riley

How can modern marketing strategies transform traditional agriculture industry? In this episode, John and Kyler sit down with Marisa Riley, Director of Marketing at Case IH North America, to explore the intricacies of marketing in agriculture. Marisa shares her insights on building a high-performing marketing team, leveraging technology to support farmers and dealers, and navigating the challenges of a historical brand in a rapidly evolving market. Listen to learn valuable insights on aligning bold marketing initiatives with brand values, integrating advanced technologies into agriculture, and supporting a diverse dealer network to drive business success. Key Takeaways: Build Collaborative Teams: Focus on creating a collaborative environment with strong leadership and high-performing teams to drive marketing success. Align Marketing with Brand Values: Ensure that innovative marketing initiatives stay true to the brand’s core values to maintain authenticity and trust. Leverage Technology: Utilize advanced tools and systems to enhance customer experience, streamline processes, and gather valuable data for informed decision-making. Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Marissa (03:17) Case IH adapting to post-COVID changes (08:55) Balancing legacy with innovation (12:30) Testing and iterating with the target audience’s input (17:02) Integrating marketing early in product development (19:41) Focusing on technology for growth (30:06) Shifting marketing budgets according to market cycles (36:30) Customer-centric approach in marketing (38:19) Key advice for new commercial marketing leaders

09/25/2024

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40 min
10/15/2025

Scaling a Global Marine Franchise Network with Cecil Cohn

What happens when you treat boat clubs like hospitality instead of ownership? In this episode, Kyler and John sit down with Cecil Cohn, President of Freedom Boat Club, to explore how a subscription-based boating model is unlocking a whole new category of customers and redefining the marine industry along the way. Backed by Brunswick, Freedom Boat Club is creating access and loyalty in a traditionally high-barrier space. Cecil shares the strategy behind scaling to 400+ locations worldwide, how digital tools like their mobile app are driving member retention, and why investing in hospitality and experience at the local level makes all the difference. You’ll also learn how their franchise network drives national growth and why OEMs and dealers alike can benefit from Freedom’s data-driven approach to customer engagement. This is a conversation about what it takes to grow an ecosystem from the ground up. Key Takeaways: Subscription Boating Reaches New Customers: Freedom Boat Club attracts a completely different audience—over 90% of members had no intention of buying a boat, proving the power of alternative access models.Retention Is Built on Experience: With nearly 90% annual member retention, Freedom shows that consistency, hospitality, and localized service are key to long-term loyalty.Digital Tools Drive Engagement: By focusing on mobile-first functionality and ease of reservations, Freedom encourages more frequent trips, which directly impact member satisfaction and retention.Timestamps:(00:00) Meet Cecil Cohn(01:31) Freedom Boat Club’s unique position in the marine ecosystem(02:32) Why subscription boating attracts non-owners(04:18) Retention rates and member loyalty benchmarks(05:50) Strategy built on scale and experience(07:23) The network effect of 600,000+ annual boat trips(08:34) How reciprocal access works across global locations(09:51) Balancing member growth and market expansion(11:21) Franchise vs. corporate-owned club dynamics(14:01) How member enthusiasm drives franchise sales(15:46) Digital transformation and the power of the mobile app(18:17) Enhancing member experiences through new activities(21:47) Lessons OEMs can learn from subscription engagement(26:37) Using data and research to inform strategy(34:20) Competing with top consumer brands on NPS(43:54) What’s next: doubling down on digital and community

10/15/2025

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44 min
05/24/2023

Overcoming Perfectionism with Courtney Bills

Struggling with perfectionism? Sometimes, success doesn’t come from avoiding failure, but instead having permission to fail. On this week’s episode of 1,000 Stories, Courtney Bills, CEO of Tactive, joins Joe and Reid to talk about her drive to take on challenges. She shares her struggles with perfectionism, how it’s OK to ask for help and permission from others, being a badass leader, and more. Courtney’s experiences with dealing with internalized pressure and taking on challenges outside your comfort zone can inspire you to reach your full potential. She explains that it’s important to take a step back and realize what’s your true motivation in life. In this episode, you’ll learn: There’s nothing wrong with relying on a support system of people you trust to push you through your challenges in your personal and professional life. Your physical and mental health are connected; taking care of one improves the other. Success in business is more than about the money. It’s about ensuring employees are enjoying what they do. To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories Resources: Tactive https://www.tactive.cc LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-bills-b3a4159/

05/24/2023

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1 hr
11/08/2023

A Guide to Navigating New Markets with Tim Leman

Challenges and opportunities. It’s the inherent balance that comes with entering new markets. You’ll overcome one and encounter the other. But what is most important is how you navigate through both. Tim Leman, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Gibson Insurance, joins Reid and Joe to share the key to entering, navigating, and growing within new markets. With Gibson Insurance going from a regional to a national firm, Tim talks about the importance of focusing on navigating leadership transitions, building a supportive culture and community, and how to balance performance and avoid burnout. In this episode, you’ll learn: Leadership is one of the most important factors to nail when entering a new market. Being aligned with your team is just as important as being aligned with the market needs. Entering into a new market takes time. Patience is critical to your long-term success. Jump into the Conversation: [04:02] How Gibson Insurance Works [05:05] Introducing Tim Leman [06:41] How Do Businesses Consider Hiring New Talent in New Markets? [08:25] Hiring Up and Coming Talent [13:56] Lessons from Past Market Entry Failures [16:43] Encouraging Honesty in Work [18:06] Creating a New Team Selling Model [20:42] Assessing New Market Data [24:54] Ad Break [26:00] Matching Ideal Customers with Ideal Producers [29:20] Balancing Replication and Individualization [31:16] Bridging Belief Gaps in New Hires [34:15] Tim’s Early-Career Changes [36:16] The Challenges of Balancing Burnout [38:43] Leading by Example [40:41] Calculating the Cost of Perfection [43:00] How Greg Downs Helped Tim [44:12] Synthesizing Themes [45:36] The Value of Patience for Leaders [48:04] Post-show Debriefing To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories Resources: Follow Tim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timleman/ Listen to 1,000 Stories with John Gough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdT9lhy2MpA

11/08/2023

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55 min
10/25/2023

Investing in the Right Leaders with Adam Ringo

Business acquisition isn’t just about considering the assets you’ll gain but also the leader you’ll work with. Can you work with them long-term? Are your values aligned? A leader’s identity and personality can often complicate your plans, whether you’re looking to buy a business or even partner with one. Understanding and respecting the different types of leaders will help you navigate these scenarios more productively. In this episode, Adam Ringo, Managing Partner at Watercourse Investments, shares valuable insights about identity, leadership, and more. In this episode, you’ll learn: Impact can’t happen without sustainable growth. Leadership buckets to understand different leaders. Relationships are your most important currency. Jump into the Conversation: [04:15] Introducing Adam Ringo [05:51] Understanding Radical Simplification [07:58] Is Making Money a Bad Goal? [08:56] Ownership and Stewardship [10:48] What Makes a Good Leader to Invest In? [12:49] Why Leaders Sell Their Business [14:08] Dealing with Leaders Who Want to Stay [15:14] How Identity Complicates Acquisitions [16:31] Finding Chemistry, Capacity, and Calling [18:33] Managing Leaders Shifting Identities [20:04] Why It’s “Lonely at the Top” [21:09] Feedback Loops for Leaders [22:35] Ad Break [23:41] Visionary and Integrator Leaders [24:13] What is an EOS? [25:31] Frameworks for Bucketing Leaders [26:42] What is Chemistry, Capacity, and Calling? [27:22] Frameworks for Bucketing Leaders (Con’t) [28:23] Understanding Leaders’ Strengths [31:08] Traits of an Entrepreneur [35:14] The Reality of Loving the Process [37:11] Tips for Letting Go of the Outcome [40:26] Relationships are Your Currency [42:30] Post-show Debriefing To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories Resources: Follow Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ringo-955b0820/ Listen to 1,000 Stories with Johnathan Gough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdT9lhy2MpA

10/25/2023

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47 min
09/27/2023

How to Define Your Identity with Mark Caswell

There’s no question what you do affects how you think about yourself. What happens when you realize your role for years no longer fits? For Mark Caswell, that means stepping down as CEO of Resultant and discovering he’s more than a title. Mark Caswell is now a board member at Resultant but is still learning more about his identity. He joins host Joe Mills on 1,000 Stories to talk about transitioning and bringing in a new CEO, how it impacts his identity, and where he goes next. In this episode, you’ll learn: How your role doesn’t have to define you. People rely on you as a leader, so taking care of yourself is essential. Understanding how to grow a business sustainably includes your mental and physical health. To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories Resources: Follow Mark: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markocaswell/ I Am a 10 Regardless of What Happens with Brian Kavicky by the Scared Confident podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/56bREzreM0u3ov0IHTA8lC

09/27/2023

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53 min
06/07/2023

Working with Passion with Paul Ashley

How big of a role does passion play in your career? In your life? Sometimes, it can move you to do unconventional things. One of them is to step down from a leadership role at your company. That’s what Paul Ashley did. Paul Ashley, VP & Consultant at NPS and Adjunct Professor at Butler University, joins Joe and Reid in this episode of the 1,000 Stories podcast to share his passions, from teaching to being a sommelier. He talks about his love of learning being the connecting thread in his life, following passions, being a parent, and more. Paul’s enthusiasm for his passions teaches you to be more self-aware of where your unique interests and strengths can better serve your company. In this episode, you’ll learn: Have patience with your passion. When you’re twenty-something and still unsure of what to pursue in life, don’t rush into anything until you’re sure it’s right for you. Lessons on pursuing your passion and setting an example for your children. Your passions make you more interesting, helping you connect with others far more. To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ashley-cebs/ NFP: https://www.nfp.com/firstperson

06/07/2023

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45 min
12/06/2023

The Best Way To Filter Advice with Tiffany Sauder

There’s never been more expert advice accessible to leaders than there is today. A quick search online and you’ll find tips from countless resources on how you can navigate your particular leadership or business problem. Everyone has something to say. But the catch is: Who should you follow? Tiffany Sauder, CEO of Element Three, sits down with Joe Mills on this episode of 1,000 Stories to share her perspectives on how she’s able to openly receive feedback and advice, and confidently discern whether or not to follow it. In this episode, you’ll learn: How looking at whether or not the outcomes someone achieved aligns with what you want is a great indicator of whether you should follow their advice or not. How achieving small wins is a clue you’re heading in the right direction. What you believe is what you create. Jump into the Conversation: [05:25] Introducing Tiffany Sauder [07:00] Wisdom Exposure in Your Early 20s [09:46] Dealing with Long-Term Feedback Loops [11:50] Standing Behind Open-Book Financials [14:52] Committing to Big Changes [17:21] Considering Who’s Giving Advice [20:39] Doing the Best You Can [23:36] Reid Insert: Listen to Brian Kavicky [24:07] Separating Your Business and Personal Identity [25:28] Short-Term Bets for Long-Term Goals [29:48] Ad break [30:54] Following What Speaks to Your Soul [33:56] Choosing Your Reality [37:16] Deciding to Be Excellent [38:42] Being the Best [39:46] Reid Insert: What is DISC? [40:22] Being Yourself to Help Others Better [43:33] Comfort in Being Wrong [46:24] Post-show Debriefing To claim 10% off of your first month of BetterHelp, use the code 1000STORIES here: https://betterhelp.com/1000stories Resources: Follow Tiffany: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanysauder/ Listen to [Fear Journey] I am pursuing truth with Brian Kavicky on the Scared Confident podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-am-pursuing-truth-with-brian-kavicky/id1555762235?i=1000522488004 Check out The Great Game of Business: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Game-Business-Expanded-Updated/dp/0385348339

12/06/2023

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52 min

Element Three modernizes go-to-market strategies for manufacturers with complex distribution channels.

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Element Three

Top Shows

Inside Marine’s Retail Ecosystem with Freya Olsen

How Great Dane Built a Network Lasting Generations with Noah Thomas

Bridging 180 Years of Tradition and Modern Marketing at Case IH with Marisa Riley

Scaling a Global Marine Franchise Network with Cecil Cohn

Overcoming Perfectionism with Courtney Bills

A Guide to Navigating New Markets with Tim Leman

Investing in the Right Leaders with Adam Ringo

How to Define Your Identity with Mark Caswell

Working with Passion with Paul Ashley

The Best Way To Filter Advice with Tiffany Sauder

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Element Three

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