We Built This Brand

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  • 5.0 (7)
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We Built This Brand

We Built This Brand explores the origins, evolution, and impact of brands through conversations with entrepreneurs, CEOs, and marketing experts. Hosted by Chris Hill, the podcast offers insights into brand development, storytelling, and strategies for growth. Each episode provides actionable takeaways, highlighting challenges, lessons learned, and diverse career paths. With a focus on authenticity and reputation, it’s a valuable resource for anyone passionate about branding and business.

  1. Going Down the Rabbit Hole with Greg Bellinger

    2D AGO

    Going Down the Rabbit Hole with Greg Bellinger

    Are you ready to go down the rabbit hole? In this episode, Chris Hill chats with Greg Bellinger, the Co-Founder and CEO of White Rabbit Group. Greg’s been honing his craft since high school. Teaching himself to code and build websites in college, he’s now a successful entrepreneur who’s worked with folks like FedEx, Instacart, and even The Game Awards. Greg and Chris discuss the origins and growth of his development of White Rabbit, and why they focus on hiring full-time employees and maintaining a strong company culture. If you have that DIY mentality, Greg’s story is sure to inspire you to continue working towards your goals and build your own brand! Show Highlights (0:00) Intro(1:58) Greg's background prior to White Rabbit Group (5:00) What led Greg to founding White Rabbit(6:55) Why White Rabbit was intent on hiring full-time employees(10:28) How Greg and his partner started White Rabbit Group(13:08) Greg's moment of validation for White Rabbit's development(17:58) What’s behind the White Rabbit Group name?(19:57) Launch your podcast with HumblePod!(20:37) The magic of technology and working for The Game Awards(22:19) Handling The Game Award with headless development(27:35) Other work White Rabbit has done over the years(28:36) What's top of mind for Greg in 2025(32:57) What brand does Greg admire right now?(38:42) Where you can find more from Greg and White Rabbit Group About Greg Bellinger Greg Bellinger is the Co-Founder and CEO of White Rabbit Group, a web and mobile development agency with a fully in-house team of nearly 100 employees across three countries. His passion for technology began in childhood, leading him to hand-code his first websites in 2008. In 2016, he co-founded White Rabbit Group, building it into a trusted development partner for world-class agencies and creatives. Under his leadership, the company has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality digital solutions while fostering a close culture of technical experts. Links White Rabbit Group: https://whiterabbit.group/White Rabbit Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/white-rabbit-group-inc/Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-bellinger/Greg’s weekly newsletter: https://the-weekly.beehiiv.com/Start a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/

    38 min
  2. Shopping While Watching with Eitan Koter

    MAR 19

    Shopping While Watching with Eitan Koter

    Why go to the store when you can buy from the comfort of your couch? In this episode, Chris chats with Eitan Koter, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi, a trailblazing company in video technology and e-commerce solutions. Eitan shares his journey from video compression to founding Vimmi and explains how his business helps brands monetize video content. Chris and Eitan also discuss the reason you’d bootstrap your company, the convergence of media and commerce, and the role of AI in the future of video marketing. Whether you're an entrepreneur or marketing professional, this episode will help you see that you should be thinking of harnessing the power of video for business growth. Show Highlights (0:00) Intro(1:42) Eitan's background and the origins of Vimmi(5:01) What inspired Eitan to launch Vimmi(8:07) The bootstrapping behind Vimmi(12:40) The moment of validation for Vimmi(16:26) Who is Vimmi's primary target customer?(23:37) Launch your podcast with HumblePod!(24:19) How Vimmi navigates the differences in social media platforms(27:13) Chris's livestream fails and how to be authentic with your product/content(31:45) Why we make impulse purchases(34:10) Eitan's thoughts on the future of video and e-commerce(41:03) Where you can find more from Eitan and Vimmi About Eitan Koter Eitan Koter is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Vimmi, a leading video commerce SaaS company providing multi-channel shoppable video and live shopping solutions to brands and retailers. With two decades of experience in startups and public companies, including a NASDAQ IPO, Eitan is a thought leader in video commerce, digital marketing, social commerce, and startup bootstrapping. He frequently speaks about futuristic immersive digital experiences and the convergence of media and commerce. As the host of the "Mastering eCommerce Marketing" podcast, he interviews brands, retailers, industry leaders and tech companies, sharing his thought leadership in video and e-commerce, drawing on his extensive industry experience. Links Vimmi: https://vimmi.net/Eitan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eitankoter/We Built This Brand - “Finding the Empathy in Data with Ian Baer”: https://www.webuiltthisbrand.com/37Start a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/

    43 min
  3. Providing Service Through Speaking with Israel Duran

    MAR 12

    Providing Service Through Speaking with Israel Duran

    How do you use your voice? In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris is joined by Israel Duran, an expert in public speaking, to discuss the transformative power of effective communication. Israel shares his journey from a background in cybersecurity to becoming a renowned speaker, driven by a life-altering car accident. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, Israel breaks down his "Service of Speaking" framework and emphasizes the importance of having a clear message, authentic brand, and impactful presence. The conversation also highlights the significance of utilizing platforms like podcasts to refine and broadcast one's message, ultimately helping entrepreneurs and leaders elevate their brands and achieve greater success. Show Highlights (0:00) Intro(1:53) Israel's background prior to the Service of Speaking(2:55) The car accident that changed Israel's life(6:59) How Israel got started in public speaking(9:43) Ways Israel landed his first speaking gigs(11:32) What Israel provides through the Service of Speaking(13:50) Treating a podcast as a stage(18:32) Dan Kennedy and No B.S. Marketing To the Affluent(20:05) Launch your podcast with HumblePod!(21:20) How does Service of Speaking work?(22:50) Why Israel thinks speaking is the highest level of service(25:39) Israel's tips for branding as a public speaker(29:57) The moment of validation for Israel with Service of Speaking(35:25) What's Israel’s favorite brand right now?(37:19) Where you can find more from Israel About Israel Duran Israel Duran is in high demand as a business growth partner, speaker, and trainer, where he focuses on empowering his students, clients and partners in the areas of business, money and speaking. As an inspirational speaker, Israel has empowered thousands of purpose-driven entrepreneurs all over the world. His vision is to help Purpose-Driven Leaders leverage their expertise and knowledge to create and scale profitable businesses that impact individuals, businesses, and the world. Links Isarel’s website: israelduran.comNo B.S. Marketing To the Affluent: https://www.amazon.com/No-B-S-Marketing-Affluent-Prisoners/dp/1599181819Start a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/

    39 min
  4. Finding the Empathy in Data with Ian Baer

    MAR 5

    Finding the Empathy in Data with Ian Baer

    When doing marketing research, you need to remember that there are people behind the data. If anyone understands this, it’s Ian Baer, Founder and CEO of Sooth. During his conversation with Chris, Ian shares his opinions on the evolving landscape of marketing, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection and storytelling in an era where consumers make faster decisions with less information. They also discuss Ian's journey and why brands need to master the art of connecting emotionally with the audience. If you’re in the industry and feel like you’re stagnating, Ian’s outlook provides a fresh perspective that will help allow you to adapt to today’s industry needs. Show Highlights (0:00) Intro(2:02) How Ian started his career(5:02) Why you should think through the emotional component of marketing(9:26) Why marketers are struggling to remain effective in today's landscape(11:16) Chris's journey into fly fishing and how it relates to the state of marketing(15:57) The history of Sooth(17:56) How brands can become empathetic with data(23:03) Launch your podcast with HumblePod!(23:44) Pulling in behavioral habits during marketing research(26:40) Are today's marketing investments worth the money?(29:35) B2B marketing and the move towards permission-based campaigns(33:12) Ian's first moment of validation with Sooth(40:21) What's Ian's favorite brand right now?(45:04) Where you can find more from Ian About Ian Baer Ian Baer, Founder and Chief Soothsayer, has been solving marketing’s greatest challenges for over three decades. He has spent his career helping major brands achieve extraordinary success and challenger brands box above their weight class in leadership roles with Publicis Groupe, TBWA, Rapp, Deutsch and others, and was named to Campaign US’ Digital 40 Over 40. A prominent thought leader all aspects of marketing, Ian has spoken at conferences for the 4A’s, the DMA, PMA, OMMA, ITVT, Ad Age, and Adweek among others. He has appeared on NewsNation, Fox and numerous podcasts discussing trends in consumer behavior. In addition to founding sooth in 2023, Ian is the brand storytelling practice lead for Kestrel Consultants and sits on the Ithaca College Customer Experience Board. Links Sooth: https://www.soothbetold.com/Ian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianbaer/“The New Science of Customer Emotions”:https://hbr.org/2015/11/the-new-science-of-customer-emotionsStart a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/

    46 min
  5. Giving Campaigns Some Extra Charge with Michelle Fischer

    FEB 26

    Giving Campaigns Some Extra Charge with Michelle Fischer

    A good marketing campaign can help a brand charge forward. Chris sits down with Michelle Fischer, Group Creative Director at Battery. As a full-service creative and media advertising agency, Battery has worked with a who’s who of clients, and you’ve seen their work with The LA Clippers, Netflix, and PUBG. Michelle walks us through Battery's unique storytelling approach to branding while touching on a childhood favorite of Chris’s, the (Mighty) Anaheim Ducks. So strap in if you’re looking for a way to get cinematic with your advertising (or want a quick lesson in “farmcore“). Show Highlights (0:00) Intro(1:38) Michelle's career background(4:04) Why Michelle chose to become a Creative Director over copywriting(6:04) Getting led to Battery(10:02) Who does Battery work with(11:34) The meaning behind Battery's name(14:26) Breaking down Battery's model(17:39) Working with the Anaheim Ducks on a rebrand(21:29) Infusing hometown pride into the Anaheim Ducks rebrand(23:42) Launch your podcast with HumblePod!(24:22) Handling the rebranding campaign(27:32) Helping Land O'Lakes reclaim "farm core"(31:54) What's important to Michelle in the marketing world right now(33:35) What Michelle thinks the future of advertising looks like(35:53) What brand does Michelle admire the most right now?(41:55) Where you can find more from Michelle and Battery About Michelle Fischer Michelle Fischer is an LA-based Creative Director and Writer. She strives to create work that's unexpected, emotional, and culturally relevant. She has 17+ years of experience in crafting stories, building brands, designing interactive experiences, winning business, and leading projects for world's top companies such as Google, Hulu, 72andSunny, Deutsch, Venables Bell & Partners, AKQA, Y&R, and Duncan Channon. When she’s not working, Michelle is still learning—whether it’s trying to raise a little human, nerding out on podcasts, traveling out of her comfort zone, or attempting the Marie Kondo method. Links Battery: https://www.batteryagency.com/Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-fischer-5683804/Start a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/

    43 min
  6. Taking Risks and Going Big with Shannon Harris

    FEB 19

    Taking Risks and Going Big with Shannon Harris

    You wanna go Big? In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris sits down with Shannon Harris, the Executive Creative Director at Big Com. Her career highlights include working on campaigns for everyone from Google Fiber to Bayer. Born, raised, and working in the Cotton State, Shannon and Big Com recently launched the SEEK AL​ campaign, highlighting her lifelong home. During their chat, Shannon and Chris explore why creative design thinking and taking risks are important when brand building. Speaking of creativity, did you also know that marketing is “advanced make believe?”  Listen to our conversation with Shannon to find out how. Show Highlights (0:00) Intro(1:21) Shannon’s career background(5:11) Where does “Big Com” come from?(7:09) How Shannon's daughter helps keep her inspired professionally(10:25) How Big Com takes risks to get big brands noticed(12:58) Reflecting on Millennials' lifetime of unprecedented times(15:30) Big Com's work with the state of Alabama(17:53) Shannon's process behind her design thinking(21:01) Launch your podcast with HumblePod!(21:43) Using graphic design skills in an advertising space(25:54) The art of carefully addressing feedback with your clients(28:20) Why you shouldn't put seagulls in someone else's painting(30:24) The reason We Built This Brand exists(32:29) What's Shannon looking forward to in 2025(33:21) What brand does Shannon admire the most right now?(39:21) Where you can find more from Shannon and Big ComAbout Shannon Harris Shannon Harris is the Executive Creative Director at Big Com, leading award-winning creative and crafting brand identities across industry verticals including tech, healthcare, retail, economic development, and CPG, among others. Shannon has partnered, and driven results with Google Fiber, Texas Children’s Hospital, FedEx, UAB Callahan Eye, DoorDash, Taziki’s, Moore’s Marinades, and Bayer Properties. As a founding chairperson of Big Com’s Culture Club, as well as its mentorship program, Big Growth, she also remains invested in creating opportunities for growth and development across the agency. She’s cracked the code on how to market everything from retail to healthcare, rewiring the way our clients think about their audiences and creating iconic campaigns Links Big Com: bigcom.comShannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonharris-cd/Start a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/

    40 min
  7. J-Birds of a Feather with Jess Curtis

    FEB 12

    J-Birds of a Feather with Jess Curtis

    What’s a bird to you? To answer that oddly philosophical question, Chris sits down with Jess Curtis, the founder of J-Bird Digital Design. If you’ve ever visited the beautiful HumblePod website, you have Jess to thank for it! On this episode, you’ll get to learn about Jess's creative approach to web development and the importance of fluidity when collaborating in digital branding. Jess also believes in giving back to artists, and she explains why she makes a focused effort to highlight and empower them with J-Bird. Speaking of our avian friends, you’ll even learn how Chris's childhood obsession with chickens led him to a career in podcasting. By the time you finish this episode, you’ll be able to identify what a bird is to you (jaybird, chicken, or otherwise). Show Highlights (0:00) Intro(1:36) How Chris met Jess(3:08) The history behind J-Bird(4:40) Why the "J-Bird" name(8:47) Chris's love for chickens and calling local radio stations(11:06) Empowering artists by asking, "What is a bird to you?”(13:00) What does J-Bird do(15:16) Challenges and successes Jess has seen with J-Bird(23:14) Jess’s moment of validation with J-Bird(26:39) What Jess is looking forward to in 2025(29:46) What brand does Jess admire right now?(32:03) Where you can find more from Jess and J-Bird About Jess Curtis Jess Curtis is the founder of J-Bird - Empowering small businesses, makers, and entrepreneurs to strengthen their digital presence and marketing efforts through strategic digital marketing solutions. From vision casting workshops for entrepreneurs embarking on their journey to Google My Business setup/optimization, SEO Optimized Landing Pages, Analytics, and eCommerce builds, J-Bird is dedicated to nurturing growth every step of the way through creativity and collaboration. When she’s not sipping matcha in a cozy coffee shop, you'll find her enthusiastically networking within her creative community or exploring the inspiring world of Art Museums & Galleries. Links J-Bird Digital Design: https://jbirddigitaldesigns.com/J-Bird on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbirddigitaldesign/Start a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/

    34 min
  8. Boldly Hitting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with Katie Peninger

    JAN 29

    Boldly Hitting the Kentucky Bourbon Trail with Katie Peninger

    It’s time to hit the Kentucky Bourbon Trail! On this episode of "We Built This Brand," Chris sits down with Katie Peninger, VP Account Service at Lewis Communications. While her career started on the creative side, the collaborative culture at Lewis allows her to still be involved in the creative process, just in a different way. Chris and Katie also break down Lewis’s incredible work on celebrating the Kentucky Bourbon Trail's 25th Anniversary. From the website redesign to a 26-hour global livestream, Katie and her team have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. They also get to bond over their experiences working with their respective AMA chapters. So kick back, grab a glass, and listen as we distill some vital marketing insights in this episode. Show Highlights (0:00) Intro(1:29) Katie's path to working with Lewis Communications(3:48) What Katie does as VP of Account Service(5:01) The culture at Lewis Communications(7:27) How Lewis helps businesses and leaders make "bold marketing decisions”(8:52) Working with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail(12:08) What went into the Kentucky Bourbon Trail's 25th Anniversary project(13:45) Chris's experience with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail(15:47) Redesigning the Bourbon Trail's website and helping people better experience The Trail(23:19) Tackling a 26 hour bourbon livestream(26:56) What's ahead for Katie and Lewis Communications in 2025(27:28) What it's like working with AMA Nashville(29:27) What brand does she admire the most?(32:08) Where you can find more from Katie and Lewis Communications About Katie Peninger Katie is VP Account Service at Lewis Communications with 22 years of marketing and advertising experience coupled with a background in design and art direction spanning 10 years. Her experience includes senior client contact and strategy on local, regional and national accounts ranging in size from start-ups to national organizations investing over $50 million annually in marketing initiatives. Katie works with cross-functional teams comprised of research, strategy, digital, creative and media specialists to achieve client business goals across a range of categories. She continually works across all levels of client teams (including C-suite and Board of Directors) to collaborate, communicate and ultimately report on results of initiatives based on business goals. At Lewis, Kaite is also responsible for growth and development of the account team which also includes recruiting, hiring, training and managing. Links: Lewis Communication’s website: https://www.lewiscommunications.com/ Katie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiepeninger/

    33 min
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7 Ratings

About

We Built This Brand explores the origins, evolution, and impact of brands through conversations with entrepreneurs, CEOs, and marketing experts. Hosted by Chris Hill, the podcast offers insights into brand development, storytelling, and strategies for growth. Each episode provides actionable takeaways, highlighting challenges, lessons learned, and diverse career paths. With a focus on authenticity and reputation, it’s a valuable resource for anyone passionate about branding and business.

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