Response Drivers

Rick Rappe
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Marketing

This is the the Response Drivers podcast, where we feature top marketing minds and dig into their inspiring stories. Learn how these leaders think and find the big ideas to push your results and sales to the next level.

  1. 12h ago

    Building Unbreakable Brands and Teams With Bill Fritsch

    Bill Fritsch is the Founder and Executive Advisor at Tiger Soup, a business mentoring, executive advising, and speaking firm that helps leaders and organizations think bigger, move bolder, and solve the real barriers to growth. Bill spent 50 years in marketing, advertising, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership, with career chapters spanning Disney, CF2GS, Hydrogen, and Digital Kitchen. Today, he mentors young business leaders and advises creative organizations on growth, culture, brand building, and consequential decisions. In this episode… Growth often comes from the choices that feel uncertain, uncomfortable, or risky. The strongest leaders learn to move through fear with clarity, rather than avoid it altogether. So how do you turn bold decisions and setbacks into a stronger foundation for long-term success? Drawing from 50 years in marketing, advertising, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership, Bill Fritsch believes the answer starts with following what energizes you rather than chasing the safest or most profitable path. His perspective is grounded in hard-won experience: take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and surround yourself with people who bring strengths you do not have. Bill also emphasizes that strong businesses are built through deep relationships, clear values, and the ability to adapt as technology and culture evolve. The lesson is not simply to be fearless, but to build the judgment, integrity, and team structure that make bold moves sustainable. In this episode of Response Drivers, Rick Rappe sits down with Bill Fritsch, Founder and Advisor at Tiger Soup, to discuss building unbreakable brands and teams. Bill shares why bold risks matter, how smarter people strengthen a business, and what long-term client relationships teach leaders about growth. He also touches on AI, career pivots, and shifting from doing everything to getting things done.

    54 min

  2. May 1

    Direct Mail Winning Strategies Revealed With Rick Rappe

    Rick Rappe is the President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, a Seattle-based agency specializing in direct mail strategy, testing, and optimization. With over 30 years of direct mail marketing experience, Rick has developed and managed some of the largest performance‑driven sales channels in the country. Under his leadership, RPM delivers measurable, results‑oriented direct mail campaigns. Before RPM, he held senior roles at HackerAgency and led AT&T's direct mail programs for over a decade. In this episode… Direct mail has a reputation for being slow, complex, and hard to crack. But when it works, it really works. So what separates the campaigns that quietly fail from the ones that consistently deliver winning results? According to Rick Rappe, a seasoned direct response strategist, success comes down to structured testing done at scale. He explains that instead of guessing what might work, marketers need to test multiple variables — like targeting, offers, and creative — all at once to quickly uncover the winning combination. That approach turns direct mail from a gamble into a predictable, data-driven growth engine. In this episode of Response Drivers, Rick Rappe discusses how to build high-performing direct mail campaigns through rapid testing. He breaks down the key drivers of success like targeting, offer strategy, and creative execution. Rick also explains why slow, iterative testing fails and how to accelerate the process, and he discusses aligning marketing with sales to maximize conversion and ROI.

    19 min

  3. Apr 7

    Modern Credit Union Marketing Tactics With Mike Rosenberg

    Mike Rosenberg is the Vice President of Marketing at Columbia Credit Union, where he leads marketing strategy, engagement, and high-impact initiatives. A results-focused marketing leader, he is known for driving growth through data-driven decision-making and integrated campaigns. Mike has been recognized as a Portland Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree for his modern approach to brand building and leadership. He is also actively engaged in community initiatives and committed to helping members achieve better financial outcomes. In this episode… Marketing today isn't about choosing the right channel — it's about knowing where to focus your efforts when everything seems possible. With limited time, budget, and attention, how do you decide what initiatives actually drive growth? According to Mike Rosenberg, a results-driven marketing leader known for blending data with practical execution, the answer starts with prioritization and measurement. He believes the key lies in focusing on the channels and strategies that truly move business metrics, not just surface-level engagement. Rather than chasing every new tactic, Mike emphasizes using data to target the right people in the right places. The result is a more disciplined, effective approach that ties marketing efforts directly to outcomes like conversions, deposits, and long-term value. In this episode of Response Drivers, Rick Rappe is joined by Mike Rosenberg, Vice President of Marketing at Columbia Credit Union, to discuss modern credit union marketing tactics. Mike talks about data-driven targeting, integrated multichannel campaigns, and measuring what truly matters. He also chats about balancing innovation with proven channels like direct mail and improving member retention.

    38 min

  4. Mar 31

    Building Resilient Teams and Businesses With Devin Koch

    Devin Koch is the Founder and Chairman of Teamswell, a company specializing in nearshoring talent solutions to help businesses scale by hiring skilled professionals in nearby time zones. He is also the CEO of Oasis Broadband, a provider of wireless internet services for rural and underserved communities. With decades of experience as an entrepreneur, Devin has built and managed technology, consulting, and telecommunications businesses, focusing on innovative solutions and customer-centric operations. In this episode… Building a resilient business isn't about avoiding change — it's about learning how to thrive through it. So what does it really take to build teams and systems that can adapt, scale, and stay strong no matter what comes next? For Devin Koch, the key lies in building flexibility into both your business model and your workforce from the beginning. Drawing from decades of experience as a seasoned entrepreneur and technology leader, he explains that resilience comes from combining disciplined operations with a willingness to experiment and evolve. He points to his own journey — moving from outsourced, low-quality support to high-performing international teams — as proof that the right structure can dramatically improve both efficiency and outcomes. The result is a business that not only survives change but uses it as a growth advantage. In this episode of Response Drivers, Rick Rappe is joined by Devin Koch, Founder and Chairman of Teamswell, to discuss building resilient teams and businesses. Devin talks about how his entrepreneurial roots shape risk-taking and decision-making, the role of nearshoring in scaling efficiently, and why quality improves when teams are brought closer to the business. He also shares insights on leveraging AI and virtual agents to extend team capabilities.

    43 min

  5. Feb 4

    Resilience, Leadership Growth, and Navigating Technological Change With Nathan Whittacre

    Nathan Whittacre is the Founder and CEO of Stimulus Technologies, a managed IT services provider delivering IT support, cybersecurity, business internet, and VoIP solutions. Founded in 1995, Nathan has grown Stimulus from a garage startup into a trusted tech partner serving hundreds of organizations across the US. With over 30 years of technology and entrepreneurial experience, he is also the author of The CEO's Digital Survival Guide and hosts the Stimulus Tech Talk podcast, sharing his expertise on technology, cybersecurity, and leadership. In this episode… Running a business today can feel like trying to keep your footing while everything around you keeps accelerating. Between constant change, new technology, and the pressure to keep growing, how do you build resilience and lead with clarity when the future won't slow down? For Nathan Whittacre, the key lies in focusing on what it takes to live another day, even when challenges feel overwhelming. He explains that leadership growth often comes from learning to stay calm, lean on mentors, and trust others to help carry the load. The result is a mindset that helps business owners navigate disruption with confidence instead of fear. In this episode of Response Drivers, Rick Rappe is joined by Nathan Whittacre, Founder and CEO of Stimulus Technologies, to discuss resilience, leadership growth, and navigating technological change. They explore how values shape company culture, why peer groups are essential for CEOs, and how businesses can embrace AI as a productivity tool. Nathan also shares advice on staying grounded through adversity and leading with a long-term vision.

    44 min

  6. 10/28/2025

    Using Psychology To Optimize Customer Experience and Marketing Effectiveness With Mark Levy

    Mark Levy is the Head of Consumer Product & Customer Experience at a leading US fiber internet provider connecting millions of homes and businesses with high-speed broadband. With over 25 years of experience driving product innovation and digital transformation at companies including Comcast, AT&T, Nokia, and Jaguar Land Rover, he has established himself as a thought leader in CX. His authored works include The Psychology of CX 101, The Accountability Team Handbook, and 365 Days of Accountability. In addition, he publishes two popular newsletters — Decoding Customer Experience and DCX AI Today, which are read by CX leaders around the world. In this episode… Most marketing teams focus on clicks, conversions, and creatives, but forget the real reason people buy: how they feel. In an age where trust is fragile and attention spans are short, understanding the psychology behind customer decisions can be the ultimate competitive edge. Can mastering a few key psychological principles completely change how customers perceive, trust, and respond to your brand? According to Mark Levy, a product and customer experience expert, the secret to driving performance lies in designing for clarity before creativity. He highlights that customers make subconscious judgments within milliseconds, meaning trust and simplicity must come first. By applying behavioral science to marketing and design, teams can reduce friction, boost conversions, and deepen emotional connection. Mark also emphasizes the ethical use of psychology, ensuring influence builds confidence and long-term loyalty, not manipulation. In this episode of Response Drivers, Rick Rappe sits down with Mark Levy, author of The Psychology of CX 101, to discuss how psychology can transform marketing effectiveness and the customer experience. They explore why clarity beats creativity, how cognitive fluency and loss aversion drive action, and the power of emotion in shaping loyalty. Mark also shares how AI and behavioral science are redefining modern CX.

    31 min

  7. 09/16/2025

    Using AI to 100X Your Leads and Sales After Losing It All With Scott Empringham

    Scott Empringham is the Owner and CEO of Empringham Media Group, a marketing agency that uses AI-powered strategies in digital marketing, social media, content, and coaching to help businesses grow. For over 21 years, he has worked with Fortune 50 companies to improve customer acquisition and retention through innovative campaigns. He once scaled the agency to over $10 million in revenue, then lost much of it, and rebuilt it in under three months using social media, AI tools, and relentless focus. Scott is a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization in Orange County and is known for his keynote speaking, training programs, and hands-on marketing coaching. In this episode… When life and business come crashing down, how do you find the strength to start over and build something even bigger? What steps can transform a crushing setback into a launchpad for unprecedented growth? And how can the latest marketing technology turn that vision into reality? According to Scott Empringham, a recognized authority on AI-powered marketing, the key is to take full ownership and act boldly even when nothing feels certain. He highlights how embracing imperfect action, narrowing his target audience, and delivering massive value helped him rebuild momentum after losing everything. By pairing his 10-step Elite Marketing Method with AI, he dramatically reduced costs, accelerated execution, and empowered businesses to create their own marketing success.  In this episode of Response Drivers, host Rick Rappe sits down with Scott Empringham, Owner and CEO of Empringham Media Group, to discuss using AI to 100X your leads and sales after losing it all. They explore how taking imperfect action fuels rapid recovery, why niching down and lead magnets drive growth, and how AI tools empower small teams to replace big agencies. Scott also shares the personal changes and lessons that reshaped his life and business.

    38 min

  8. 09/09/2025

    How To Create a Marketing Strategy That Doubles Growth With Rob Levin

    Rob Levin is the Fractional Head of Growth and Chief Marketing Officer at Chief Growth Advisor, a consultancy that delivers data‑driven growth marketing strategies tailored to SaaS and subscription businesses. He brings over 20 years of experience working with brands such as WWE, Priceline, Nickelodeon, GE, and Viacom, where he led efforts that doubled WrestleMania subscribers and boosted conversions by up to 64%. Rob's ROI‑focused approach emphasizes strategic planning, execution, and scalable frameworks that deliver real, measurable results. In this episode… Every company wants explosive growth, but most leaders struggle to move beyond scattered tactics and quick fixes. Without a clear strategy, marketing efforts often fall flat or fail to scale. So how do you design a strategy that not only works but doubles growth? According to Rob Levin, a seasoned growth strategist, the key lies in combining resilience with a structured, data-driven framework. He highlights that strong growth starts with defining core values, identifying the right KPIs, and prioritizing initiatives that truly move the needle. Rob explains that this method has helped clients unlock millions of dollars in incremental revenue within months, proving that clarity and discipline can transform marketing outcomes. In this episode of Response Drivers, host Rick Rappe sits down with Rob Levin, Fractional Head of Growth and Chief Marketing Officer at Chief Growth Advisor, to discuss how to create a marketing strategy that doubles growth. They explore why retention begins with onboarding, how to prioritize projects using a SaaS-focused framework, and the role of nurture marketing in scaling effectively. Rob also shares the book that shaped his approach to growth strategy.

    57 min
See All (29)

About

This is the the Response Drivers podcast, where we feature top marketing minds and dig into their inspiring stories. Learn how these leaders think and find the big ideas to push your results and sales to the next level.

Information

  • Creator
    Rick Rappe
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Response Drivers (c) 2025
  • Show Website
    Response Drivers