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. 4d ago

    How to Choose Promotional Products People Actually Want to Keep

    Check out Betsy's work: https://www.onbrandpromo.com/ Takeaways Promotional products work best when they're chosen around your specific audience and budget, not picked at random off a catalog.Custom branding rarely costs significantly more than a stock item. The real investment is time, so plan ahead.Always ask for a sample before committing to an order. A vendor who won't send one is telling you something.Betsy built On Brand Promo entirely through referrals and community relationships, without ever paying for advertising.Buyers are shifting toward fewer, higher-quality promotional items instead of ordering cheap products in bulk.Speaking up when something goes wrong gives a good vendor the chance to fix it. Staying quiet just means you're stuck with it.Summary of the episode Taylor and Kelly sit down with Betsy Maurer, owner of On Brand Promo, a Central Minnesota promotional products distributor she's run as a solopreneur for the past five years, on top of thirteen years working in the industry. Betsy walks through how her business started small under a different name, Betsy Branding, and how she landed on a name and identity that reflected what she actually believed in rather than her own name. The conversation moves into the practical side of promotional products: why custom branding usually costs about the same as a stock item once you plan for lead time, why samples matter before any order goes out, and why buyers are increasingly choosing fewer, better items over cheap products in bulk. Betsy shares real examples from working with Moxie directly, including a sock order gone right and a mixed-up shipment that got handled fast because the client spoke up. Betsy also gets candid about running a business around five kids, working a part-time job two days a week just to get out of the house, and building a client base entirely through referrals and community involvement without ever running an ad. The episode closes with her rapid-fire answers on the advice that still sticks with her most: it's okay to say "I don't know," and the best way through fear is to do it afraid anyway. Key Topics Covered: Rebranding from Betsy Branding to On Brand PromoHow to choose promotional products your audience will actually useThe good, better, best model for presenting product optionsWhy custom branded merch doesn't have to cost moreThe importance of requesting samples before orderingSourcing promotional products from Minnesota-based suppliersGrowing a solopreneur business entirely through referralsBalancing business ownership with raising five kidsCommunity involvement as a long-term business strategyWebsite: www.moxiecreative.com

  2. Jul 15

    The Hidden Consulting Work Your Marketing Agency Is Doing (That You Never See)

    Takeaways Great marketing starts with strategy, not creative. Every design decision, campaign, and recommendation at Moxie Creative is built on a foundation of research, competitive analysis, and business consulting — most of which clients never see.Design is not decoration. It is communication. From billboard copy to website layout, design choices are strategic decisions that directly affect whether your marketing converts.You don't have to have it all figured out to reach out. Moxie works with businesses of every size and stage, from pre-launch to full rebrand, and the first conversation is always free.When most people think about Moxie Creative, they think about the creative: the brands, websites, social media content, video, and campaigns that win awards and turn heads. But in this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly pull back the curtain on the side of the business that makes all of that creative possible: the consultancy. Kelly, who has been doing marketing consultancy for over 32 years, walks through what it actually means to be a strategic marketing partner rather than just a vendor. The difference, she explains, is what happens before any creative work begins. At Moxie, that means digging into a client's business goals, auditing their existing marketing, doing competitive research, and building a plan — not just taking an order and delivering a logo. The conversation gets practical fast. Taylor and Kelly share real client examples, including a business owner who built his own website, got compliments on it, and didn't understand why the photos of his high-end work weren't translating into high-end leads. Kelly walks through the difference between messaging and delivery — and why switching channels doesn't fix a strategy problem. They also talk about why the DIY marketing boom, while democratizing access, often leaves businesses with marketing that looks fine but doesn't perform. The hosts are honest about the harder parts of the job too: telling clients things they don't want to hear, navigating the tension between what a client wants and what will actually work, and the reality that some clients can't be saved from themselves. But at the end of the day, Kelly and Taylor are clear: their job is to make clients look good, give them unbiased outside perspective, and build marketing that works as a system, not a collection of disconnected tactics. And if someone just needs to talk through their options? The first conversation costs nothing. Key Topics Covered: What marketing consultancy actually means — and how it differs from project managementThe hidden research and strategy work that happens before any creative beginsWhy design is strategy, not decorationReal examples of what "presenting information well" actually does for a businessThe difference between messaging and delivery — and why tactics fail when strategy is missingWhy DIY marketing tools don't replicate agency expertiseHow Moxie gives unbiased, outside perspective to improve what's working and fix what isn'tWorking with clients in phases when budget doesn't allow everything at onceWhy Moxie is a strategic partner, not just a vendorWhat to expect from your first conversation with Moxie Creative — and why you should reach outWebsite: www.moxiecreative.com

  3. Jul 8

    Behind the Brand: How Big Brothers Big Sisters Turns Two Hours a Month Into a Lifelong Impact

    Takeaways Being a Big costs nothing and asks for very little: just two hours a month, no financial commitment required.A 30-year study from the national Big Brothers Big Sisters office and the Treasury Department found that mentored kids close the socioeconomic gap by two-thirds and often out-earn their Bigs as adults.You don't need a special skill set to mentor a child. You just need to show up and let them come along with your regular life.Taylor and Kelly sit down with Kristen Hannon, advancement director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, to talk about a career change most people don't see coming: 21 years in banking, followed by a full pivot into nonprofit leadership. Kristen walks through how a life coach's simple question, "what do you want to do," sent her down a six month decision process that ended with her running fundraising, recruitment, and community partnerships for one of the region's most recognized youth mentoring organizations. The conversation breaks down what an advancement director actually does day to day: managing a database associate and grant writer, running board and committee meetings, chasing sponsorships, and reframing fundraising as what it really is, sales. Kristen is candid about the parts of the job most people never think about, like the fact that BBBS never asks a Big to spend a dime, or that the organization currently has more than 140 kids fully approved and waiting for a match. Listeners get a full rundown of the different ways to volunteer: community-based matches, the Bigs on Campus program at three local colleges, site-based matches inside schools, and "site-based plus," which lets Bigs and Littles connect at outside events too. Kristen also busts the most common myths keeping people from signing up, spending money, lack of qualifications, and being "too old," and shares the statistic that stops the room every time: mentored kids close the socioeconomic gap by two-thirds. The episode closes on a personal note, with Kristen sharing what it meant to lose her father just two months into her new job and how differently that moment was handled at a nonprofit versus a traditional corporate employer. She also previews two upcoming events, a golf tournament on August 31st and a brand new concert fundraiser, Sweet Sounds for a Big Cause, replacing the organization's former gala. Key Topics Covered: Kristen Hannon's career transition from 21 years in banking to nonprofit advancement directorWhat an advancement director's day-to-day actually looks likeWhy fundraising is sales, and why that's not a bad thingThe "time, talent, and treasure" framework for giving backTypes of Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship: community-based, Bigs on Campus, site-based, and site-based plusCommon misconceptions about becoming a Big (money, time, qualifications, age)The 30-year study linking youth mentorship to closing the socioeconomic gapCentral Minnesota's five-county service area and the ongoing need for male volunteersOther ways to get involved beyond becoming a Big: committees, in-kind work, event donationsUpcoming Big Brothers Big Sisters events: the August 31st golf tournament and Sweet Sounds for a Big Cause concert on September 17thWebsite: www.moxiecreative.com

  4. Jul 1

    Year Three Reflections: The Wins, the Growing Pains, and What Comes Next for Moxie Creative

    Takeaways Sustainable growth isn't always linear. Year three for Moxie Creative brought more challenges than year two, and Kelly says that working harder for the next client has actually made it more fun, not less.Communicating the value of senior creative expertise is one of the hardest things an agency can do. The work is better because the people know better, and finding the language to say that clearly is its own strategic goal.Consistency is a competitive advantage. Moxie has published Behind the Brand for over a year and 67+ episodes, and they credit external accountability (hi, Abbey) as a big reason they haven't quit.Moxie Creative just turned three, and Taylor, Kelly, and Creative Director Michael Nelson sat down to do what most agency owners never make time for: reflect. This episode covers the honest version of year three, not the highlight reel. Kelly describes it as a year of coming up for air after year two's breakneck pace, a stretch that forced them to finally look at their internal processes, update a website they'd let go untouched for a full year, and think seriously about what they actually want the business to be. Michael's evolution into the Creative Director role is a quiet thread through the whole conversation. He doesn't frame it as a promotion or a power shift. He calls it a natural alignment, and Taylor and Kelly back that up, describing how the team gravitates to him not because he demands it but because the structure now gives him the permission and the platform to do what he's always done. Kelly gets into something she's been chewing on: Moxie competes with agencies that have a fraction of their experience, and the proposals look the same on paper. Her goal for year four is to build a consulting arm that actually articulates what 30+ years of combined creative leadership brings to the table, going beyond the deliverable to the strategy, the intuition, and the nuance that AI tools and Canva templates simply can't replicate. The episode closes with team dynamics, Addy wins, a very enthusiastic pitch for a Gen X social media reel, and the kind of warm, honest chemistry that has kept this podcast going for over a year. If you want to know what it looks like to run a creative business with integrity, intention, and a solid dose of humor, this is the episode. Key Topics Covered: Celebrating Moxie Creative's three-year anniversaryHonest reflections on year three: slower growth, harder work, and what that taught themMichael Nelson's growth into the Creative Director role and what that looks like day to dayTeam expansion: how Tyler and Macky came on board and changed the agency's capacityWinning Addy awards in new categories, including photography and videoYoutube: 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

  5. Jun 24

    From Biology Lab to Wedding Photographer: Kiarra Stommes' Entrepreneurial Journey

    Takeaways Turning a creative passion into a full-time business requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.Success in photography is about much more than taking photos. Client communication, marketing, editing, and systems matter just as much.Community and networking can create opportunities that would never happen otherwise.Creative entrepreneurs often work far beyond traditional business hours.Growth comes from continually learning, evolving, and improving your craft.In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly sit down with Kiarra Stommes, owner of Kiarra Rae Photography, to discuss her journey from studying biology and working in a laboratory to building a successful photography business. Kiarra shares how a camera purchase with her brother unexpectedly opened the door to a career in photography after her cousin invited her to assist with client sessions and weddings. What started as a hobby quickly became a side business, eventually growing into a full-time career. The conversation explores the realities of entrepreneurship, including managing clients, marketing, editing, systems, and balancing the many responsibilities that come with running a creative business. Kiarra also discusses her documentary-style photography approach, the importance of authentic client relationships, and why she values community over competition. Whether you're a photographer, creative professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights into building a business around something you genuinely love. Key Topics Covered: Kiarra's transition from biology graduate to photographerLearning photography through mentorshipBuilding Kiarra Rae PhotographyGoing from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurWedding photography and client experienceDocumentary-style photographyManaging business operations behind the scenesSetting boundaries as a business ownerThe importance of networking and referralsCommunity versus competition in creative industriesLessons learned from entrepreneurshipGrowth, mentorship, and continuous learningYoutube: 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

  6. Jun 17

    Why Q4 Winners Are Actually Decided in July

    Download the Checklist: https://moxiecreative.com/blog/why-q4-winners-make-their-moves-in-july/ Takeaways Q4 success doesn't start in October — it starts in summer. Businesses that wait until fall to launch campaigns, redesign websites, or start digital ads are setting themselves up for missed opportunities and under-optimized results.Digital marketing takes time to work. Ads need weeks to optimize, websites take two to four months to build, and competitive research doesn't happen overnight. The earlier you start, the stronger your results.Summer is the perfect window to audit the first half of your year — what worked, what didn't, and what you never got around to. A clear mid-year review sets you up for a focused, momentum-building second half.Summary of the episode Every fall, businesses panic. Leads dry up, the year is almost over, and suddenly everyone wants a new website, a digital ad campaign, and a full rebrand — by January 1st. In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly of Moxie Creative break down why that Q4 scramble is almost always avoidable, and why the businesses that consistently crush the fourth quarter started planning months earlier than you'd expect. The conversation starts with a very Minnesota observation: business owners check out in the summer. They go to the cabin, they soak up the short warm season, and marketing gets pushed to the back burner. But while you're on vacation, your marketing can't be. Taylor and Kelly explain that by the time September rolls around, there simply isn't enough runway to launch and optimize a campaign that will produce real results before the year ends. Kelly walks through the practical timeline. Digital ad campaigns need two to three months to gather data and optimize. Websites take four months or more from start to launch. If your goal is to be visible and converting in October, you need to be in conversations with your agency in June or July — not Labor Day. The team at Moxie Creative isn't just order-takers; they do competitive analysis, strategy, and consultation before a single ad goes live. That process takes time, and it's the process that makes the difference. The episode closes with a concrete action step: Moxie has published a free mid-year checklist at moxiecreative.com that walks you through reviewing what worked in the first half of the year and identifying your one or two biggest priorities for the second half. You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to start. Key Topics Covered: Why Q4 marketing success is determined in the summer, not the fallThe real timeline for digital ad campaigns, website builds, and brand initiativesHow the "summer slowdown" mentality hurts small business marketing resultsWhat it means to work with a full-service agency vs. an order-takerHow to use a mid-year marketing audit to set priorities for Q3 and Q4Moxie Creative's free mid-year marketing checklist and how to use itWhy starting before you know exactly what you want still puts you ahead Website: www.moxiecreative.com

  7. Jun 10

    Why Finding the Right Career Fit Changes Everything with Laura Hartog of Bad Habit Brewing

    Takeaways Career alignment matters more than staying comfortableGrowth often starts when you allow yourself to explore changeStrong businesses survive by staying connected to communityWhat happens when the career path you've spent years building no longer feels right? In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly sit down with Laura Hartog, Managing Director of Bad Habit Brewing Company, to discuss career pivots, burnout, leadership, workplace culture, and building businesses centered around community. Laura shares how she transitioned from a long career in marketing and education into brewery leadership, what pushed her to make a difficult career change, and how finding the right fit professionally transformed both her work and personal life. The conversation also dives into what makes Bad Habit Brewing successful in an increasingly competitive craft beverage market, why community matters more than product alone, and what modern leadership really looks like. Key Topics Covered: Career pivots and recognizing misalignmentBurnout and protecting your mental healthLeadership lessons from managing teamsBuilding businesses around communityMarketing and branding in craft beverage industriesHow Bad Habit Brewing is evolving in a changing marketCreating company cultures people genuinely loveYoutube: 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

  8. Jun 3

    What Really Happens When You Hire a Marketing Agency

    Takeaways Why free discovery meetings are critical to building better marketing strategiesHow great agencies uncover what clients actually need versus what they think they needWhy trust and communication are the foundation of successful client partnershipsWhen people think about marketing agencies, they often picture logos, websites, social media posts, and creative campaigns. But behind every creative decision is something much bigger: strategy. In this episode, Taylor and Kelly pull back the curtain on what actually happens when someone reaches out to work with a marketing agency. From discovery calls and first meetings to proposals and long-term partnerships, they explain why great marketing starts with understanding people, business goals, and solving the right problems. They also tackle common misconceptions about agencies, explain why pricing is rarely one-size-fits-all, and share what small business owners should really expect when exploring a marketing partnership. Key Topics Covered: What happens during a first marketing agency meetingWhy agencies need strategy before quoting pricingCommon misconceptions about agency partnershipsWhy trust matters more than tacticsThe proposal and onboarding processHow agencies uncover what businesses actually need 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

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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
    75
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Moxie Creative 2025
  • Show Website
    Behind The Brand