Behind The Brand

Moxie Creative
  • 5.0 (6)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Behind the Brand, a podcast for small business owners, solopreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to start strong, stand out, and stay bold. Hosted by the powerhouse marketers behind Moxie Creative, this podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and grow a memorable brand. With over 30 years of experience helping businesses grow, we share bold moves, real-life client transformations, and actionable lessons you can apply to your own business. Hear directly from our clients as we peel back the layers of their brands to reveal the bold decisions that helped them overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and stay ahead of the curve. We’re here to inspire you to think big, take risks, and be bold. Let’s get started—your next big idea is just a listen-away. Stay connected with us! Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative www.moxiecreative.com

  1. 5D AGO

    How to Rebrand a Legacy Business Without Losing Loyal Customers with Jake Neu from Legacy Upfitters

    Takeaways Rebranding a legacy business is as much about customer education as it is design.Leaving a franchise can unlock pricing freedom, product flexibility, and stronger customization.Start your rebrand early—there are always more details than you expect (signage, print, photos, vendor assets).Family businesses thrive when roles are clear and compromise is built into decision-making.Team culture matters: pay fairly, avoid micromanagement, and treat employees like people.Jake Neu joins Taylor and Mo to share the 25-year journey of what’s now Legacy Upfitters—from a spray-on bedliner shop to a full-service vehicle customization destination. Jake breaks down why the company chose to step away from a franchise brand, how they handled the rebrand rollout, and what surprised them most: the community’s strong support for a locally owned, independent identity. He also shares lessons on working with family, building a strong team, and why clear goals are the key to long-term growth. Key Topics Covered: Legacy Upfitters’ origin story and expansion beyond bedlinersWhy they outgrew their franchise model and what independence changedRebranding challenges: customer perceptions, product assumptions, and communicationThe “hidden checklist” of a rebrand (signs, billboards, print, interior assets)Family business dynamics and decision-making with polar-opposite leadership stylesHiring, retention, and creating a culture that keeps great employeesRapid-fire advice: goals, respect, communication, and long-term relationshipsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative Website: www.moxiecreative.com

    29 min

  2. FEB 18

    Why Podcasting Works for Small Businesses in 2026

    Takeaways Podcasting isn’t “too saturated”—your lived experience and stories are what make your show stand out.Most podcasts quit because creators underestimate the behind-the-scenes work; consistency is the real secret.Milestones matter: many shows drop off after episode 7, and reaching episode 20 often signals long-term success.A podcast builds trust before the sales call, helping prospects feel connected and confident in working with you.You don’t need a big studio—start with what you have, and consider a 10-min micro-podcast to build momentum.Podcast producer Abbey Graves returns to Behind the Brand to talk with Taylor from Moxie Creative about why podcasting is still a smart marketing move heading into 2026—especially for small businesses and local brands. They unpack the myth of “oversaturation,” the real reason most podcasts fail, and what it takes to create a sustainable show that supports your business goals. They also discuss how podcasting builds familiarity with prospective clients, why video matters for repurposing, and how even short-form “micro-podcasting” can be a powerful (and budget-friendly) place to start. Key Topics Covered: The current podcasting landscape and why adding video supports repurposingWhy podcasts fail (and the behind-the-scenes work most people don’t expect)The episode 7 and episode 20 milestones for podcast consistencyPodcasting as a marketing tool: social clips, blogs, newsletters, website SEOUsing podcasting to build trust and connection with prospective clientsStarting small: micro-podcasts and creating with whatever gear you have Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative Website: www.moxiecreative.com

    22 min

  3. FEB 11

    From Letterpress to Leadership: Mary Bruno on Craft, Community, and Creativity

    Takeaways You don’t need a linear path to build a successful businessDiversifying income creates creative freedomCommunity is the foundation of sustainable entrepreneurshipIn this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Kelly sit down with Mary Bruno, the owner of Bruno Press, a letterpress and print studio known for its unique craft, storytelling, and community involvement. Mary shares her unconventional journey into entrepreneurship, detailing how she transformed her father's print shop into a thriving creative hub after his sudden passing. She discusses her ventures into greeting cards, print parties, workshops, and community building, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of running a creative-based business. Mary's story highlights the importance of embracing one's true self, exploring diverse paths, and the critical role of community support in achieving business success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mary Bruno's Journey 01:04 Meet the Hosts and Guest 01:49 Mary Bruno's Background and Early Career 03:12 Embracing the Craft of Printing 10:20 The Turning Point: Greeting Cards 15:38 Expanding Beyond Cards 17:37 Reflecting on Past Collaborations 18:04 Art Shows and Workshops 18:41 Diversifying the Business 20:01 The Impact of Print Parties 22:25 Financial Realities of Being an Artist 28:19 Community and Business Growth 32:41 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 34:03 Final Thoughts and Farewell Key Topics Covered: Turning personal loss into purposeMaking a living as an artistDiversifying creative revenue streamsBuilding community-driven brandsLetting go of the “starving artist” mindsetYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative Website: www.moxiecreative.com

    35 min

  4. FEB 4

    Authentic Branding vs. AI Design: What’s Working in 2026

    Takeaways Trends are tools, not rules — use what works, skip what doesn’t.Collaboration across design styles creates standout brand work.Bold typography, flash photography, and “perfectly imperfect” visuals are trending in 2026.Summary of the Episode In this episode of Behind the Brand, host Taylor chats with the full design team at Moxie Creative — Michael, Mo, Tyler, and Brittany — to unpack the creative trends that actually matter in 2026. From typography to AI pushback, from personal style to team collaboration, this candid roundtable reveals how designers think about what's relevant, not just what’s popular. The result is an honest, inspiring look into the minds behind the visuals. Key Topics Covered: How each designer at Moxie defines their style (or doesn’t)Why collaboration is the key to better brandingWhat trends they’re seeing — and avoiding — in 2026Using imperfection and nostalgia to stand out in an AI-saturated marketThe role of authenticity in design, photography, and videoReal-world inspiration sources: Pinterest, Instagram, Behance, and moreYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative Website: www.moxiecreative.com

    30 min

  5. JAN 28

    Behind the Brand, Again: Liz Fiedler Mergen's Year of Transformation

    Pre-Order Liz's book "Flowers Bloom Anyway": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 In this powerful episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with returning guest Liz Fiedler Mergen—entrepreneur, flower farmer, podcast host, and newly published author—to discuss what’s changed in her business and life since she first appeared on the show. Liz, the founder of Sunny Mary Meadow, shares how she scaled her brand from a flower cart to a multi-stream business that includes event space rentals, a retail floral shop, a wedding floral design service, and even a flower farm management app. She opens up about launching the Bloom Room, building her retail space The Pharmacy, and navigating zoning challenges—all while writing and releasing her memoir. Whether you’re a small business owner, a creative entrepreneur, or someone who dreams of turning your passion into a scalable business, this episode is packed with honest insights on brand growth, sustainable scaling, community connection, and building something meaningful from the ground up. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back to Behind the Brand 00:36 Catching Up with Liz Fiedler Mergen 01:20 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey 02:36 Liz's Business Expansion 07:02 The Bloom Room and Event Space 10:08 Challenges and Community Impact 12:31 New Ventures and Future Plans 20:30 Launching the Farmers to Florist App 21:13 The Realities of Flower Farming 21:56 Pivoting the Podcast and Business 23:33 Developing a New Software Tool 28:25 Writing and Publishing a Memoir 42:48 Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative Website: www.moxiecreative.com

    46 min

  6. JAN 21

    Why Your Business Goals Don’t Need to Start on January 1

    New Year’s resolutions get a bad rap — and honestly, sometimes they deserve it. They’re often too big, too vague, and built on unrealistic expectations that disappear by February. In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative talk honestly about how they actually approach goal-setting inside a growing creative agency and why intention matters more than arbitrary dates. They dive into the difference between resolutions and real goals, discuss choosing a “word of the year” like efficiency and wellness, and explain how small systems can create massive improvements in both work and life. From meal planning and personal health to agency growth, budgeting, and team workflow, this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what sustainable growth actually looks like. Taylor and Kelly also unpack how Moxie sets business goals, why financial targets are only one part of the picture, and how team goals often emerge organically through better systems, communication, and scheduling. They share honest stories about growing pains, losing a major client, adapting to change, and why progress — not perfection — is the real metric. If you’re a business owner, creative, or entrepreneur who feels burned out by traditional goal-setting culture, this episode will give you a refreshing, realistic framework for building momentum at any time of year, not just January. Perfect for: Small business owners, agency owners, creatives, solopreneurs, and anyone trying to grow a business without burning out. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative Website: www.moxiecreative.com

    23 min

  7. JAN 14

    From Orchard to Icon: How Milk and Honey Ciders Built a Beloved Brand

    In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Isabella sit down with Peter Gillitzer one-third of the ownership team at Milk and Honey Cider. They explore the origins of the cidery, starting from a production facility in 2011 to becoming a beloved community hub and creative space in St. Joseph, Minnesota by 2017. The discussion covers their successful Summer Music series, how they manage to keep the business community-focused, and their commitment to innovative yet intentional brand growth. Peter also shares stories about the partnerships they've built, the evolving craft beverage market, and lessons learned along the way. The episode provides deep insights into balancing vision and customer needs, and the journey of building a brand that has become a regional favorite. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Behind the Brand 00:44 Meet the Hosts and Guest 01:05 Peter Gillitzer's Journey with Milk and Honey 01:47 The Origins of Milk and Honey Cider 02:59 The Cidery and Its Community Impact 04:10 The Inspiration Behind Cider 06:59 The Founders' Backgrounds and Early Days 10:46 The Summer Music Series 14:06 Music and Venue Setup 14:27 Booking Artists and Riders 15:31 Challenges and Successes 16:38 Family-Friendly Events 17:31 Expanding the Orchard Experience 17:52 Trivia and Community Events 18:44 Comedy and Other Shows 19:29 Supporting Local Businesses 20:12 Weddings at the Orchard 21:36 Craft Beverage Industry Trends 25:03 Lessons and Advice 27:23 Conclusion and Thanks Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative Website: www.moxiecreative.com

    28 min

  8. JAN 7

    The Power of Print in Your Marketing Strategy

    In this episode of 'Behind the Brand,' hosts Taylor, Mo and Brittany from Moxie Creative, discuss the evolving world of print design. They explore the fundamentals of layout, typography, color, and spacing, while sharing insights on common mistakes businesses often make. With anecdotes from their careers and tips on making print materials impactful, this episode emphasizes why print still holds a crucial place in marketing strategies. They also highlight favorite projects and lessons learned, proving that print is far from dead. 00:00 The Evolution of Print 00:36 Meet the Hosts 01:24 Introducing Brittany: The Layout Queen 02:49 Brittany's Career Journey 04:55 Mo's Print Background 07:13 Design Techniques and Challenges 13:07 Starting Out in the Industry 13:31 Favorite Print Projects 15:05 Challenges in Print Design 17:50 Print Design Mistakes and Lessons 22:09 The Value of Print in a Digital World 23:32 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative Website: www.moxiecreative.com

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Behind the Brand, a podcast for small business owners, solopreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to start strong, stand out, and stay bold. Hosted by the powerhouse marketers behind Moxie Creative, this podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and grow a memorable brand. With over 30 years of experience helping businesses grow, we share bold moves, real-life client transformations, and actionable lessons you can apply to your own business. Hear directly from our clients as we peel back the layers of their brands to reveal the bold decisions that helped them overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and stay ahead of the curve. We’re here to inspire you to think big, take risks, and be bold. Let’s get started—your next big idea is just a listen-away. Stay connected with us! Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative Instagram https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/ Behance https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative www.moxiecreative.com

Information

  • Creator
    Moxie Creative
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Moxie Creative 2025
  • Show Website
    Behind The Brand