The Marketing Boost

The Boost Network, The Marketing Boost
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The Marketing Boost is a podcast for business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs who want real talk about what it takes to grow. Hosted by Leon Hitchens, each episode features candid conversations with business owners from San Antonio and beyond, covering the strategies, challenges, and lessons that actually shaped their success. Whether you're running an agency, building a startup, or trying to scale what you already have, every episode has something you can take and use.

  1. Episode 26: From Tech to Trails: The Story of PacAPit with Founder John

    08/14/2025

    Episode 26: From Tech to Trails: The Story of PacAPit with Founder John

    Episode Summary:  In this episode of The Marketing Boost, host Leon Hitchens sits down with John, founder of PacAPit, to dive deep into the journey of turning a simple riverside idea into a patented, flat-packing fire pit loved by overlanders, scouts, and outdoor enthusiasts. John shares his path from working at Apple and in the tech sector, to opening a restaurant, and finally to becoming an inventor and entrepreneur. You’ll hear how a casual conversation by the Frio River sparked the creation of PacAPit, the design decisions that make it unique, and how it stands out in a crowded market dominated by brands like Solo Stove. From designing for stability and portability, to ensuring leave-no-trace environmental responsibility, John explains how PacAPit serves both ultralight hikers and family campers alike. We talk about the four different models (including the new Kickstarter-exclusive Chiquito), the versatility of fuel options, and creative uses—from citronella burners to paella pans. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at his Kickstarter campaign, marketing strategies, and the power of in-person customer validation at farmers markets. Plus, John shares insights into influencer marketing, building a product with legacy in mind, and why storytelling is his secret weapon. Host:  Leon Hitchens LinkedIn, X & Website Guest:  John Chadwell LinkedIn PacAPit Website :  https://www.pacapit.com/index.html#/ PacAPit Social Media:  https://www.instagram.com/thepacapit/ https://www.facebook.com/pacapit/ PacAPit Kickstarter Campaign  (Ends August 31st) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/pacapit-chiquito/pacapit-chiquito What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How John transitioned from tech to entrepreneurship after Hurricane SandyThe moment the idea for PacAPit was born on the Frio RiverThe design philosophy behind PacAPit and how it differs from other fire pitsWhy portability, durability, and environmental stewardship matterHow to connect with niche communities like overlanders and scoutsThe role of Kickstarter in launching the Chiquito modelLessons in customer feedback, validation, and storytelling-driven marketing About the Guest: John is the creator of PacAPit, a patented, collapsible fire pit designed for portability, stability, and environmental responsibility. Drawing from his experiences in tech, hospitality, and the outdoors, John built PacAPit to help people gather, cook, and connect—anywhere from the backcountry to the backyard.

    45 min
  2. Episode 25: From Family Kitchen to Grocery Aisles: The Hess Street Foods Story

    05/07/2025

    Episode 25: From Family Kitchen to Grocery Aisles: The Hess Street Foods Story

    In this episode of The Boost, Leon sits down with Maria, founder of Hess Street Foods, to explore how a generational recipe and deep cultural roots sparked a thriving culinary business. What started as a homemade chorizo recipe passed down from Maria’s grandmother evolved into a shelf-ready, clean-label chorizo paste now featured in 144+ H-E-B stores and Pullman Market. Maria shares how she transitioned from making sausage to crafting a paste that retains flavor while offering flexibility and health-conscious benefits. She also breaks down her journey from kitchen experiments to Launch SA, adapting through failures, and earning a spot in H-E-B’s “Quest for Texas Best. Host:  Leon Hitchens LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/ X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/ Guest:  Maria Flores, Founder of Hess Street Foods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-flores210/ Find Us:  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2AHGT1Aoq9oAHZEHeORBpa Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel  Website: https://theboost.fm/the-marketing-boost/ What You’ll Learn The heritage behind Hess Street’s signature chorizo pasteHow Maria turned a family tradition into a modern food brandChallenges of launching a food product without a business backgroundWhy food nostalgia and health-conscious consumers drive brand loyaltyLessons from launching at farmers markets and pivoting from raw meat to shelf-stable productsStrategies for bootstrapped marketing and defining brand identityHow to stand firm on values—no shortcuts on qualityNavigating retail and direct-to-consumer channels without compromising the mission Resources & Mentions 🌐 https://hessstreetfoods.com/ Key Takeaways “Flavor. Flavor. Flavor. That’s what it takes in food. But it’s not just about taste — it’s about honoring traditions and never compromising on quality.”  — Maria, Founder of Hess Street Foods “Don’t let outside forces change your product unless it aligns with your values. That’s sacred.”  — Leon Hitchens 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review The Boost wherever you listen to podcasts! Have a founder story you want featured? Reach out!

    32 min
  3. Episode 24 - AI, Internationalization & The Future of Business Growth

    03/13/2025

    Episode 24 - AI, Internationalization & The Future of Business Growth

    Intruduction In this episode of The Boost, Leon and Pablo sit down for an engaging discussion on AI, internationalization, and how businesses can leverage emerging technologies to scale effectively. They break down the impact of AI on business operations, customer interactions, and even the ethical implications of automation. The conversation also explores the growing trend of nearshoring and how companies are moving operations to and from the U.S. to stay competitive in global markets. Hosts:  Leon Hitchens: Linkedin &  X Pablo Calvo: Linkedin Find Us:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel Website:https://theboost.fm Key Topics Covered: 1. AI and Its Current Landscape The aftermath of the Super Bowl and OpenAI's ChatGPT commercial.The rise of "prompt engineers" and the industry of AI-driven productivity tools.The limitations of AI memory and the importance of threading prompts effectively.AI struggles with fundamental tasks and why human intervention is still crucial. 2. AI in Business Operations The common questions business owners ask about AI: Which one should I use? How do I integrate it?The use of AI for automating customer interactions and improving efficiency.The risks of poor AI implementation, citing cases like legal AI missteps and refund policy errors.The importance of AI agents in streamlining workflows but not fully replacing human oversight. 3. AI and Customer Experience The pros and cons of AI-powered customer support tools.The impact of AI on customer frustration when systems fail to escalate problems appropriately.The delicate balance between AI efficiency and maintaining strong customer relationships.The inevitability of AI becoming an integral part of everyday consumer interactions. 4. The Future of AI in Advertising & SEO The challenges of AI-driven advertising and how companies will monetize AI-generated content.The shift in search engine optimization (SEO) toward AI optimization.Google’s struggle to adapt its advertising model to the rise of AI-generated answers.How businesses can tailor AI responses to fit their niche needs. 5. Internationalization & Nearshoring Trends The increasing number of Latin American businesses expanding into the U.S.The role of AI in overcoming language barriers for business expansion.The impact of tariffs and political pressures on companies relocating operations.How businesses can integrate AI for seamless international operations, including translation and regulatory compliance. 6. AI & Multilingual Business Communication AI-powered transcription tools like Fathom that help facilitate bilingual business interactions.The growing demand for businesses to support multiple languages in customer service.The advantages of AI-driven translations for smoother cross-border operations.AI’s role in enabling companies to expand their customer base beyond domestic borders.

    41 min

  4. 01/28/2025

    Episode 23 - Building NonprofitsHQ: A Journey of Innovation, Impact, and Ethical Growth

    Introduction: In this episode of The Boost, host Leon welcomes back Zac, founder of NonprofitsHQ, for a candid discussion about the nonprofit tech landscape, the challenges of bootstrapping a startup, and the innovative solutions changing the way nonprofits operate. Eight months post-launch, Zac shares insights into how NonprofitsHQ is helping nonprofits amplify their impact through AI-driven grant sourcing, compliance tools, and an all-inclusive platform designed specifically for their unique needs. Hosts:  Leon Hitchens: Linkedin &  X Guest: Zac Brown: LinkedIn Find Us:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel Website:https://theboost.fm Key Topics Covered: The Journey of NonprofitsHQLaunching in May 2024 and navigating the first eight months.Addressing nonprofit-specific challenges like dwindling public donations and compliance needs.AI and Grant Management:How NonprofitsHQ leverages AI to automate grant sourcing and proposal drafting.The importance of blending human expertise with AI to enhance productivity without sacrificing accuracy.The Ethics of Nonprofit Tech:The need for transparent pricing in nonprofit software.Why NonprofitsHQ avoids the “nickel-and-dime” approach.Community and Collaboration:Building a community platform to connect nonprofit leaders and share resources.How community feedback shapes product development and addresses real-world nonprofit challenges.Advice for Founders and Builders in 2025:The importance of talking to customers early and often.Why starting simple—like launching a landing page—is better than waiting for perfection.The value of building self-sustaining businesses rather than chasing venture capital. What’s Next for NonprofitsHQ in 2025: Expansion of AI-driven tools like virtual volunteers.Launch of a dedicated community platform for nonprofit leaders.A large-scale product announcement to unveil new features and partnerships. Conclusion:  As 2025 begins, Zac’s story serves as a powerful reminder that creating meaningful impact requires innovation, hard work, and a deep understanding of your audience. NonprofitsHQ is setting a new standard in nonprofit tech by focusing on sustainability, ethical practices, and customer-driven solutions.

    48 min

  5. 11/18/2024

    Episode 22 - Conservation Meets Education: How Once in a Wild is Changing Lives

    Introduction: In this episode of The Boost podcast, recorded live at San Antonio Startup Week, we sit down with Rikky Moller, CEO of Once in a Wild, a San Antonio-based company that offers immersive, educational animal experiences right in your backyard. Hosts Leon and Pablo chat with Rikky about his journey from creative director in advertising to co-founding a mobile zoo that prioritizes education, conservation, and joy. Hosts:  Pablo Calvo:  Linkedin Leon Hitchens: Linkedin &  X:  Guest: Rikky Moller : LinkedIn & Once in a Wild Find Us:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel Website: https://theboost.fm Episode Highlights: The Spark Behind Once in a WildRikky shares how he and his wife started rescuing animals and bringing them to birthday parties, which eventually grew into a full-fledged business after the COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread job loss.Once in a Wild began offering virtual programs, which led to contracts with local school districts, and now aims to expand with additional branches and a possible brick-and-mortar location.A Unique Educational ApproachOnce in a Wild creates TEKS-aligned programs for Texas schools, using hands-on animal interactions to teach students about science, conservation, and responsible pet ownership.Kids are inspired to study biology and STEM subjects, meeting animals like the endangered axolotl, which they may recognize from popular video games like Minecraft.Positive Impact Beyond EducationThrough animal therapy, Once in a Wild provides healing and joy in hospitals and senior homes, where animal interactions can stimulate profound emotional responses, especially in children with disabilities.Rikky discusses the therapeutic benefits of animals, emphasizing how animal interactions can improve motor skills, reduce anxiety, and promote calmness.Building a Brand with PurposeRikky, with a background in creative direction, shares how he developed a brand that reflects the culture of San Antonio—a celebration of life rather than a safari-themed concept.The brand design focuses on vibrant colors and joy, moving away from traditional “zoo” aesthetics to capture the essence of San Antonio’s unique spirit.Animal Welfare and Responsible OwnershipOnce in a Wild educates the public about responsible pet ownership, including the importance of proper training and appropriate pet care.Rikky explains how minor actions, like spaying and neutering pets or understanding an animal’s needs, can help reduce San Antonio’s high euthanasia rates and improve animal welfare.Business Model InsightsRikky and his team have opted to keep Once in a Wild a for-profit entity rather than a nonprofit, allowing for greater flexibility in operations while maintaining a focus on education.He shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: focus on capital management, embrace mentorship, and join accelerators like Goldman Sachs’ small business program, which has been pivotal for their growth

    41 min

  6. 11/17/2024

    Episode 21 - Emotions in Focus: How a DevOps Engineer is Creating a Game-Changing App

    Introduction:  In this episode of The Boost, Leon sits down with Marco, a participant in the "Pitch It to Win It" competition at San Antonio Startup Week. Marco shares his concept for a mindset-tracking app, aimed at helping users improve emotional awareness and decision-making. Inspired by his journey as a parent and his professional background in IT, Marco's app idea offers real-time emotional check-ins that help users connect their emotional state with their actions, reflecting on how feelings impact daily choices. Hosts:  Pablo Calvo:  Linkedin Leon Hitchens: Linkedin &  X Guest: Marco Antonio Cervantes  Find Us:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel Website: https://theboost.fm Episode Highlights: Introduction to Marco’s Concept:Marco shares his idea for an app designed to track, analyze, and reflect on users' emotions to help them make better decisions and improve mental well-being. By simulating daily scenarios and linking emotions to decisions, the app provides insight into behavioral patterns without giving specific advice—allowing users to self-reflect.Origins of the Idea: Marco discusses the inspiration behind the app, including his experiences in parenting, psychology, and managing work relationships. His goal is to create a tool that could be beneficial not only for individuals but also for therapists, coaches, and even businesses.Navigating Emotional Complexity: Emphasizing that people experience more than one emotion at a time, Marco explains how the app could allow users to select and analyze multiple emotions for a comprehensive view of their mental state. The idea draws on principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and emotional intelligence frameworks.Potential for Broader Impact: Leon and Marco discuss potential applications, from individual self-reflection to a B2B model where companies could integrate the tool for employee mental health tracking. The conversation touches on challenges and ideas for monetization, such as a freemium model and potential HIPAA considerations.Building the Foundation: Marco is just getting started, but he's excited about the learning process. Leon offers insights on using San Antonio’s tech community resources to build a prototype, collect feedback, and potentially scale the concept.San Antonio Startup Week Experience: Marco reflects on his experiences at Startup Week, attending insightful sessions, networking, and being inspired by other Latino entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways: Emotional awareness and tracking can be as essential as physical health tracking.The mental health app concept offers a powerful tool for self-reflection, family dynamics, workplace morale, and professional therapy support.San Antonio’s startup scene is a thriving community where innovative ideas can take root and grow. Summary: In this episode, Marco dives deep into his vision of an app that captures and analyzes emotions to improve decision-making, both at work and in personal life. Inspired by his journey as a parent and his studies in psychology, Marco aims to build a tool that enhances emotional awareness

    26 min

  7. 11/13/2024

    Episode 20 - Building Community-Driven Startups in San Antonio’s Thriving Tech Scene

    Introduction: Welcome to the latest episode of the Boost Podcast! This week, we're thrilled to host a live discussion featuring key voices in San Antonio’s tech and entrepreneurial scene. Special thanks to our sponsor Geekdom and to everyone in the San Antonio startup ecosystem for their incredible support. Join Leon and Pablo are joined with two special guests as they dive deep into what makes San Antonio a unique and promising space for tech startups and entrepreneurs.  Hosts: Pablo Calvo: LinkedinLeon Hitchens: Linkedin & X Guest: Lawrence Coffee: LinkedInZac Brown: LinkedIn Find Us: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannelWebsite: https://theboost.fm  Key topics: Community’s Role in Startups:The group discusses the importance of community involvement, mentorship, and the collaborative spirit that make San Antonio stand out as a supportive city for startups.Unique Challenges and Opportunities:With its lower cost of living and community-driven programs, San Antonio is positioned uniquely among larger tech hubs like Austin and San Francisco. Zach shares insights on why he chose San Antonio as his startup’s base after moving from Phoenix.Resilient Entrepreneurship:Honesty about the entrepreneurial journey is vital, from celebrating small wins, like the first 33 cents earned by Nonprofits HQ, to sharing personal challenges.The Importance of Free Resources:San Antonio’s startup ecosystem is rich with free resources like those provided by Geekdom, Launch SA, and Tech Block, which help founders focus on growth without the upfront costs of other markets. Episode Highlights: Community and Mentorship: Hear how community leaders mentor new founders and foster a give-and-take culture that encourages everyone to contribute to the city’s growth.Building San Antonio’s Startup Identity:The panel shares how creating San Antonio-specific solutions is better than imitating larger markets, with programs like SA Startup Week, Venture Lab, and Geekdom as prime examples.Entrepreneurship Challenges and Realities:An open conversation on the harsh realities of entrepreneurship, from overcoming financial stress to the relentless pursuit of revenue.Building a Supportive Ecosystem:From creating supportive networks to organizing events, the panelists discuss ways San Antonio could foster future founders and business growth sustainably. Conclusion: San Antonio is on the rise as a tech hub, but it’s the people—the mentors, founders, and community members—who make it truly unique. This episode captures the spirit of this city’s collaborative journey towards a thriving startup ecosystem.

    39 min

  8. 11/12/2024

    Episode 19 - Resilience and Innovation: How Llyas Salahud-Din is Revolutionizing Grant Writing

    Introduction: Join hosts Pablo and Leon as they sit down with Llyas Salahud-Din, founder of GrantApply, recorded live at San Antonio Startup Week. In this episode, Elias shares his inspiring story from being a foster child to building a successful tech startup that empowers nonprofits. Recently crowned the winner of the $20,000 Geekdom pre-accelerator competition, Elias dives into the challenges of developing GrantApply, a software designed to streamline the grant-writing process for nonprofits, helping them secure funding more efficiently. Hosts:  Pablo Calvo:  Linkedin Leon Hitchens: Linkedin &  X:  Guest: Llyas Salahud-Din: LinkedIn GrantAppli: Website Find Us:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel Website: https://theboost.fm Episode Highlights: Introduction to Grant Apply: Llyas describes how Grant Apply reduces the time needed for nonprofits to complete grant applications, allowing them to focus more on their core missions. With over 1.8 million nonprofits in the U.S. and thousands in San Antonio alone, this software meets a vital need by simplifying and enhancing the grant-writing process.The Path to Startup Success: From a challenging start as a foster child to raising over $50 million in funds for nonprofits, Llyas explains how his experiences fueled his vision for Grant Apply. He discusses the ups and downs of his entrepreneurial journey, including a challenging search for the right technical partner.Personal Challenges and Resilience: Llyas opens up about the personal trials he faced while building Grant Apply, including the loss of his child during the startup process. Through it all, he remained committed to his vision, using resilience as a guiding force to overcome setbacks.Growth and Impact Goals: With a recent cash prize win, Llyas is ready to scale Grant Apply by adding new features, investing in marketing, and expanding partnerships to ensure even greater impact for nonprofits.Future Vision: Llyas dreams of expanding Grant Apply’s capabilities to support grant writing for federal and state grants, potentially moving into for-profit sectors where businesses also apply for grants. Key Takeaways: Building Strong Partnerships: Llyas shares how he overcame technical challenges by finding the right engineering partner. His story highlights the importance of teamwork and complementary skills in the startup journey.Personal Branding & Storytelling: Pablo and Leon encourage Llyas to build a personal brand around his story, inspiring other aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those interested in nonprofits and tech.Commitment to Community Impact: Llyas talks passionately about giving back to San Antonio and supporting nonprofits on a budget, demonstrating how mission-driven technology can create real change.Summary: Llyas Salahud-Din takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through his personal and professional life. He discusses how his background in the nonprofit sector fueled his desire to support organizations in maximizing their impact, which led to the creation of Grant Apply.

    34 min
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About

The Marketing Boost is a podcast for business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs who want real talk about what it takes to grow. Hosted by Leon Hitchens, each episode features candid conversations with business owners from San Antonio and beyond, covering the strategies, challenges, and lessons that actually shaped their success. Whether you're running an agency, building a startup, or trying to scale what you already have, every episode has something you can take and use.

Information

  • Creator
    The Boost Network, The Marketing Boost
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Boost Network
  • Show Website
    The Marketing Boost