Brand Retro with Cyberdogz Mike Brevik

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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In this milestone episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, we're thrilled to celebrate our 100th episode with none other than Spencer Shaw, Founder and CEO of Podkick. Join us as we take a reflective journey through the evolution of the Brand Retro Podcast, exploring the highs, the lessons learned, and the intricate details that have shaped our show. 
Spencer shares his insights on podcasting, growth, and the power of storytelling as we delve into what it takes to maintain a successful podcast series. We also unpack the Brand Retro Mindset, discussing the core principles and strategies that have guided us through 100 episodes. 
This special episode is not just a celebration but a deep dive into the craft of podcasting and a heartfelt thank you to our listeners for their continued support. 
Tune in to discover behind-the-scenes stories, pivotal moments, and the future vision of the Brand Retro Podcast as we step into the next hundred episodes.
Who’s the Guest?
Spencer Shaw, the Founder and CEO of PodKick Media, is a forward-thinking entrepreneur deeply rooted in the podcasting industry. With a keen eye for innovation and a strong belief in the power of storytelling, Spencer established PodKick Media to help creators and businesses amplify their voices and reach global audiences. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a premier podcast production service known for its high-quality content and strategic approach to audience engagement. Spencer's vision extends beyond production; he is committed to leveraging technology to enhance podcast accessibility and integration across diverse platforms. His expertise and passion for digital media have made him a respected leader and influencer in the podcasting community.
Highlights
02:03 The challenge and evolution of finding a podcast's voice.
03:16 Reflecting on surprising elements in podcasting.
07:26 The authenticity of podcasting over traditional writing.
08:23 The importance of nostalgia in branding.
14:39 The cyclical nature of marketing trends.
16:14 Creating scarcity and special experiences in a business context.
20:08 Unique brand collaborations and storytelling.
22:43 The impact of being open to unconventional branding ideas.
28:14 Overcoming the fear to try new branding ideas.
31:34 The importance of taking risks and personal examples.
35:39 Working with clients resistant to change and the power of new approaches.
39:52 How to make companies realize the importance of the experience factor.
42:31 The role of nostalgia and relationship in modern branding.
45:48 Convincing a client to embrace podcasting and unique branding avenues.
49:37 The importance of being that encouraging influence for clients.
 
Episode Resources
Connect with Mike Brevik: www.brandretro.com http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/ mike@cyberdogzmarketing.com   Connect with Spencer Shaw www.podkick.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerdshaw 
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