Proof Point

Stacie Porter Bilger
Proof Point

This is Proof Point podcast where we decode digital success, one click at a time. We share key takeaways fueled by data and insights that your team can implement today to drive growth.

  1. OCT 23

    Behind the Brand: The Proof Digital Journey to Digital Success

    Stacie Porter Bilger is the Founder and President of Proof Digital, a business growth-marketing agency that blends modern marketing tools with traditional sales funnel processes. She spent the first 20 years of her career working with businesses to strategize development and connect them to investors. Before founding Proof Digital, Stacie worked for several Chambers of Commerce and startups like the Indiana Venture Center. Her commitment to leveraging cutting-edge digital tactics has revolutionized business growth strategies, cementing her status as a digital marketing thought leader. In this episode… How did a passion for public finance and economics lead to founding a digital marketing powerhouse? What pivotal moments and strategic insights shaped a leader's path in the ever-evolving marketing world? Performance marketer Stacie Porter Bilger exemplifies the power of strategic pivots in today’s digital landscape. With a background in public finance and political lobbying, Stacie transitioned into digital marketing by leveraging her passion for connecting people and communities. Her approach, grounded in uplifting clients and communities through innovation, connection, and a commitment to positive impact, has fueled Proof Digital’s growth into a digital marketing powerhouse driven by cutting-edge tools like AI and competitive intelligence. Stacie’s journey underscores the importance of adaptability, strategic networking, and staying ahead of market shifts.  Tune in to this episode of the Proof Point podcast as guest host Paul Miller interviews host Stacie Porter Bilger, the Founder and President of Proof Digital, about her digital marketing journey and the founding of Proof Digital. Stacie explores marketing concepts that have stayed constant amid technological shifts, reflects on the role of community engagement in her career trajectory, the integral role of trust in client relationships, and how staying nimble can promote success.

    40 min
  2. OCT 9

    Partner Up: The Key to Memorable Event Activations

    Brian Baker is the Vice President of Highmark TechSystems, a company specializing in modular multilevel decks, architecture, and wall systems for the trade show and events industry. With 25 years of experience, he has served in various creative roles, including designer, strategist, and innovator. Brian’s expertise extends to working with major brands such as Coca-Cola, Home Depot, and FedEx. As a creative thought leader, he leverages his multifaceted background in user-centered design, strategic planning, and music to build targeted brand experiences.  In this episode… What does it take to turn creative chaos into a harmonious campaign and an unforgettable experience for your target audience? Can a blend of creativity, strategy, and collaboration drive innovation in the marketing space?  Brian Baker, an expert in user-centered design and strategic thinking, underscores the pivotal role partnerships play in creating standout event experiences. Drawing from his diverse career, from playing in a band to designing trade show exhibits, Brian reflects on how teamwork and collaboration elevate brand activations. His journey, which began with a degree in industrial design and early work in boat design, led him to the exhibit industry, where he honed his creative leadership and strategic thinking skills. He emphasizes how face-to-face interactions, positive brand touchpoints, and partnerships can help you create impactful marketing experiences. With case studies of innovative booth designs at the Experiential Marketing Summit, Brian illustrates how ethical practices, collaborative efforts, and continuous learning drive exceptional projects, enabling you to deliver memorable brand experiences that resonate with your audience. In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger hosts Brian Baker, Vice President at Highmark TechSystems, to discuss leveraging creativity and strategic partnerships. Brian shares how his eclectic experiences, from aspiring rockstar to industrial design leader, have shaped his approach to marketing and leadership. He dives into the significance of brand experiences, the irreplaceable element of creativity, and the power of well-crafted brand touchpoints in memorable marketing campaigns.

    51 min
  3. SEP 11

    Navigating Challenges: Construction Business Growth in a Competitive Market

    Michael Key is the Founder and President of Owen Key Construction Services (OKCS), which specializes in quality oversight of design and construction to maximize project value. With a decade of experience in the urban mixed project space, Michael began his career at Turner Construction, one of the largest general contractors in the US. He has overseen construction across the country as the former VP of Construction at Milhaus and contributed his expertise as President of the Construction Management Advisory Board for Ball State University, his alma mater. In 2021, Michael launched OKCS in Tampa, Florida, to fill the gap in high-quality, third-party project management. In this episode… Navigating challenges in the construction industry involves much more than managing materials like brick and steel. From managing complex projects to maintaining client satisfaction, quality partnerships and a skilled team are the true cornerstones of thriving in this competitive landscape. As market conditions shift and technology evolves, how can companies meld operational excellence with strategic foresight to build structures and thrive in this space? Michael Key, a seasoned construction professional, highlights how cultivating partnerships with clients, vendors, and stakeholders is essential to long-term success. Trust and reliability build the foundation for lasting relationships, which drive referrals and repeat business. By selectively choosing projects that align with a company's strengths and values, construction businesses can grow sustainably, ensuring their work remains profitable and fulfilling. Additionally, Michael emphasizes the importance of leveraging a digital presence and investing in talent. His experience in the industry underscores how a balance of strategic growth, adaptability to market cycles, and an investment in people can enable construction businesses to thrive even in a challenging environment. In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger interviews Michael Key, the Founder and President of Owen Key Construction Services (OKCS), about navigating the multifaceted construction industry. Michael provides a behind-the-scenes look at managing big-budget construction projects, leveraging digital strategies, attracting the right talent, and the importance of partnerships and maintaining a positive business.

    33 min
  4. AUG 21

    From Production to Promotion: A Manufacturer's Marketing and Business Growth Story

    Krista Schindler is the Marketing Director at Blackburn Manufacturing Company, a worldwide leader in marking flags and other marking products. Krista joined the family business in 2010, advancing through customer service roles before taking on her current position. With a degree in business management and proficiency in traditional and digital marketing techniques, she focuses on driving growth, implementing innovative marketing strategies, and maintaining the company’s market presence. Krista embodies a legacy of quality, customer service, and community involvement that has sustained Blackburn's growth for over 70 years. In this episode… Growth potential is vast when a business adapts to changes in the digital space, merging tradition with modern marketing tactics. How has one family-owned business achieved this, and what can we learn from their journey? Having carved a niche by solving a crucial problem for surveyors, Blackburn Manufacturing grappled with the challenge of modernizing a business with deep traditional roots. The company’s marketing director, Krista Schindler, recounts the pivotal moment when the pioneer manufacturer of marking flags embraced the digital age, resulting in exponential growth. By leveraging technological innovations like digitizing operations for improved tracking and measurement, traditional businesses can combine the reliability of legacy with modern efficiency, addressing changing customer behaviors. Krista’s approach highlights how a blend of innovation, community, culture, and legacy can help companies thrive in a dynamic market. In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger welcomes Krista Schindler, Marketing Director at Blackburn Manufacturing Company, to discuss the power of digital transformation for traditional businesses. Krista shares how Blackburn Manufacturing adopted technological and cultural shifts to transform its marketing. She provides insights into the value of customer and employee satisfaction, community support programs, and the nuanced dynamics of women in leadership within a family business setting.

    30 min
  5. AUG 7

    Digital Fortresses: Your Guide to Online Security

    Paul Miller is the Web Development Project Coordinator at Proof Digital, a business growth-marketing agency that blends modern marketing tools with traditional sales funnel processes. As the go-to expert for web hosting and cyber security best practices at Proof Digital for over five years, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the agency’s projects. A tech enthusiast with a broad range of interests, Paul's skill set is remarkably varied, encompassing web development, e-commerce, motion graphics, audio engineering, and customer support. His commitment to digital safety and authentic support for team growth has substantially impacted the organization's success. In this episode… In a world where the slightest digital misstep could leave you vulnerable to cyber attacks, how can you ensure your sensitive information remains secure? With hackers and cybercriminals relentlessly creating new means to infiltrate data, are your current cybersecurity measures up to the challenge in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape? Discover how proactive measures can transform your online safety, keeping the gateways to your personal and business data firmly sealed. Cybersecurity guru Paul Miller unpacks practical steps and best practices to arm your team against digital intrusions. Emphasizing that even savvy internet users can fall prey to sophisticated phishing attacks, Paul shares insights into the value of two-factor authentication and the necessity of keeping software up to date. By prioritizing complex passwords and using encrypted password storage, businesses and individuals can enhance their lines of defense. He also provides practical safety tips for mobile device usage, outlining why updating to modern browsers is not just for improved performance but also for reinforced security against hackers who exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems. Demystifying cybersecurity, Paul equips listeners with the tools to safeguard their digital footprints. In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger chats with Paul Miller, the Web Development Project Coordinator at Proof Digital, about the complexities of protecting your digital presence from malicious activities. Paul reveals actionable insights to bolster your cybersecurity protocols, from the value of multifactor authentication to the unexpected avenues through which hackers infiltrate virtual spaces, the power of complex passwords, and the nuances of thwarting phishing schemes.

    30 min
  6. JUL 24

    Challenging Convention: The Case for Intrusive Leadership

    Marcus A. Canady is the Founder and CEO of the Canady Leadership Group, a consulting firm specializing in leadership development and coaching for first-line managers and senior executives. A 24-year veteran of the Coast Guard, experienced helicopter pilot, and respected thought leader, Marcus leverages his personal and military experiences to enhance leaders' abilities in both public and private sectors. He is the author of Intrusive Leadership, a book that delves into a style of leadership focused on holistic support and growth strategies. He is recognized as a change agent whose insights are sought after by various organizations. In this episode… What does it take to create a truly impactful and inclusive team environment? What if the answer lay in a seemingly counterintuitive approach to leadership — one that demands not just a methodology but a way of being? Does leadership truly require a personal touch, and can it indeed save lives? Marcus A. Canady, a leadership coach and military veteran, advocates for a purposeful approach to intrusive leadership. Emphasizing the integral connection between personal struggles and professional challenges, Marcus dives deep into what makes this leadership style so powerful and essential for the next generation. He shares a pivotal moment in his life that shifted his perspective on leadership and highlighted the importance of addressing the whole individual rather than just the employee. His moving account provides a backdrop for exploring the essential elements of building trust and creating an environment that fosters genuine inclusion. In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger welcomes Marcus A. Canady, Founder and CEO of the Canady Leadership Group, to discuss the power of intrusive leadership. Marcus explores the critical aspects of leading with humanity and why the word "intrusive" is a positive attribute in this context. He also illustrates how this leadership style fits into pertinent challenges like mental health in the workplace, the importance of emotional intelligence, and how to create an inclusive culture.

    49 min
  7. JUL 3

    Insights Into Navigating B2B Ecommerce Trends

    Lance Owide is the Senior Director and General Manager of B2B at BigCommerce, a platform offering comprehensive e-commerce solutions to B2C and B2B brands worldwide. Prior to his role at BigCommerce, Lance honed his expertise in finance, spending four years at UBS investment bank and another four in private equity at Apollo Global Management. Moving from finance to the forefront of the e-commerce industry, Lance brings a robust understanding of digital transformation and growth strategies for manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers in a rapidly evolving online marketplace. In this episode… Digital transition, especially for businesses in the B2B sector, is not always smooth sailing. The shift demands an understanding of not only the technology but the needs and behaviors of digital-savvy buyers. How can companies navigate this complex landscape and ensure they're not left behind? Enterprise e-commerce guru Lance Owide shares his rich experience transitioning from the world of banking to the front lines of digital e-commerce. Lance breaks down the digital transformation journey for B2B businesses, emphasizing the importance of adopting e-commerce strategies that are tailored to the evolving needs of B2B buyers. He discusses the trend toward self-service platforms and the crucial role of an omnichannel presence, highlighting how personalization and AI are transforming the B2B space. His insights provide practical takeaways for businesses looking to harness digital power for growth and customer loyalty. Tune into this episode of Proof Point as Stacie Porter Bilger chats with Lance Owide, the Senior Director and General Manager of B2B at BigCommerce, about digitization and e-commerce innovation in B2B. Lance highlights the synergies between tech, finance, and B2B e-commerce, dives deep into the strategies and tools for pivoting to a digital-first marketplace, and discusses the value of modern systems, such as ERP and BigCommerce platforms, in facilitating digital transformation.

    55 min
  8. JUN 19

    Be the Change: Supporting Women Through Recovery

    Patricia Vandervort is the Director of Seeds of Hope, an addiction recovery program in Indianapolis. As an alumna of Seeds of Hope herself, Patricia has personally navigated the challenges of addiction for over two decades, including incarceration. Through her experiences, she discovered her passion for helping others lead fulfilling, sober lives and ardently supports women on their recovery journeys. Her commitment to elevating those in need radiates through her leadership at the organization, where she uplifts women through the nonprofit’s evidence-based, compassionate approaches.  In this episode… Has life ever handed you a difficult time, leaving you with a need for a fresh start? Women recovering from addiction encounter various challenges, requiring extensive support on their journey to self-sufficiency. Would an organization that provides a lifeline for these individuals capture your interest? Patricia Vandervort, Director at Seeds of Hope, delves deep into the compassionate world of helping women overcome addiction. Narrating her transformative story from addiction to leadership, Patricia emphasizes how Seeds of Hope not only offered her a second chance but led her to a path where she could extend the same life-changing support to others. She highlights the need for a structured, nurturing environment and includes examples of practical life skills training and the peer support vital to holistic recovery. Honoring the legacies of its visionaries like the late Father Glenn O'Connor and Marvetta Grimes, the nonprofit recently established a recovery facility for women and children to expand its reach further. In this episode of Proof Point, Stacie Porter Bilger chats with Patricia Vandervort, Director at Seeds of Hope, about embracing and empowering women in recovery. She reflects on the robust structure of love, guidance, and community support that defines Seeds of Hope, the importance of love, support, and relatability in the recovery process, and her personal journey from addiction to leadership.

    30 min

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This is Proof Point podcast where we decode digital success, one click at a time. We share key takeaways fueled by data and insights that your team can implement today to drive growth.

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