Missing Half

50 Marketing

Rather than being distracted or overwhelmed by new marketing developments, tactics, and technologies, 50 Marketing focuses on studying the strategies that truly produce results in the B2B and manufacturing world, new and old–and we want to share our findings with you. Marketing managers: You're charged with all things digital marketing--there's a lot on your plate. We're here to help you pick the most critical path of priorities among all of the options that are available as you pursue digital transformation.  Learn more about 50 Marketing's experience and playbook, keep up with marketing insights, and sit down with professionals ready to share their own stories.

  1. De-Risking Investments Through Strategic Marketing & GTM Systems | Brian Gustason | Ep 77

    DEC 4

    De-Risking Investments Through Strategic Marketing & GTM Systems | Brian Gustason | Ep 77

    In this episode, Bill talks with Brian Gustason, a growth-focused operator and advisor with deep experience accelerating revenue and EBITDA across lower and middle-market B2B and technology companies. Brian has built a career transforming private equity portfolio companies through disciplined leadership, integrated revenue systems, and clear go-to-market strategy.Together, they explore how today’s private equity landscape has shifted, highlighting why capital efficiency, longer hold periods, and increased competition for higher multiples necessitate a more strategic approach to marketing, sales, and customer success. Brian outlines the patterns he sees across portfolio companies, the risks of founder-led sales, the importance of buyer clarity and differentiation, and how a strong GTM engine both fuels growth and de-risks an investment. This conversation provides practical insights for PE operators, CEOs, and those leading B2B and manufacturing organizations through value creation.Connect with Brian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-gustason/Learn more about Craig Group: https://www.craiggroup.io/Connect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-woods-i/Follow 50 Marketing: https://www.linkedin.com/company/50-marketing/Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more insights from industry experts, and let us know your thoughts below!

    1 hr
  2. How Strategic Marketing Increased Fontus Blue’s Valuation | Chris Miller | Ep 74

    NOV 6

    How Strategic Marketing Increased Fontus Blue’s Valuation | Chris Miller | Ep 74

    This week, Bill is joined by Chris Miller, Ph.D., P.E., Vice President of Digital Services at USALCO and founder of Fontus Blue, a company that transformed the water treatment industry through data-driven optimization software and cloud technology. Chris shares his journey from civil engineering and academia to entrepreneurship, explaining how Fontus Blue evolved from a startup spreadsheet model into a scalable, high-value business that attracted acquisition by USALCO.This episode explores how to move from “pretend mode” to profitable, sustainable growth, the pivotal role of strategic marketing in building enterprise value, and why founders who act like big companies early create better outcomes during due diligence and exit. From EBITDA growth and digital transformation to mentorship, funding, and scaling for private equity buyers, this discussion delivers insights for leaders in B2B, SaaS, and industrial markets who want to build companies that are ready to scale, attract investors, and command higher exit multiples.Learn how investing in marketing early can drive valuation growth, build investor confidence, and turn innovation into lasting equity.Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismillerphdpe/ Learn more about USALCO: http://usalco.com Connect with Bill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-woods-i/Follow 50 Marketing: https://www.linkedin.com/company/50-marketing/Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more insights from industry experts, and let us know your thoughts below!

    1h 6m

About

Rather than being distracted or overwhelmed by new marketing developments, tactics, and technologies, 50 Marketing focuses on studying the strategies that truly produce results in the B2B and manufacturing world, new and old–and we want to share our findings with you. Marketing managers: You're charged with all things digital marketing--there's a lot on your plate. We're here to help you pick the most critical path of priorities among all of the options that are available as you pursue digital transformation.  Learn more about 50 Marketing's experience and playbook, keep up with marketing insights, and sit down with professionals ready to share their own stories.