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Chris Vendilli is the Founder of Vendilli Digital Group, a Pittsburgh-based creative marketing agency that helps local businesses and organizations reach more customers online. He has a diverse background, starting in the US Air Force before transitioning to a career in law enforcement as a Pittsburgh police officer. While pursuing higher education, he discovered his passion for technology and began dabbling in online business, leading to significant success in digital marketing. Leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit, Chris shifted to his agency, providing web design, development, and online marketing services, with particular expertise as a HubSpot Platinum Partner. In this episode… Have you ever considered how a career in public service could translate into successful entrepreneurship? What can you learn from someone who has maneuvered his way through various public service careers before settling as an agency owner? Experienced b2b sales and marketing technologist Chris Vendilli delves into how, as a US Ai

Paul Jarrett is the Co-founder and CEO of Bulu, a company in the business of creating private-label subscription box businesses for some of the world’s biggest brands such as Disney, Clorox, GNC, and Discovery Channel. Paul and his Co-founder and wife, Stephanie, launched Bulu Box, Bulu’s flagship program in 2012 as the sixth subscription box to the market. Bulu pioneered taking subscription boxes from concept to creation and now they ship millions of boxes to happy subscribers nationwide. They specialize in working with multibillion-dollar retail brands by offering innovative solutions to go to consumers and they also offer e-commerce brands turnkey services such as customer service and fulfillment. Paul quickly gained recognition as a trailblazer and has been featured in the Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, PBS, Inc., CBS News, and many other major media outlets. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it takes to navigate the complexities of e-commerce and logistics to turn a simple idea into a booming

Steve Whittington is the President of Roadmap Agency, a firm dedicated to driving business results for small to medium enterprises. With a deep background as a “recovering executive” and private consultant, he focuses on helping companies achieve at least 2x growth. Steve is the agency's driving force, specializing in a comprehensive approach that includes strategy, brand development, demand generation, sales, and customer retention. He is also the CEO of BoomBright Media, a startup that is bringing leading-edge digital display signage to the marketplace combined with creative services to develop unique immersive brand experiences. Steve is the author of Thriving In The Customer Age. In this episode… Are you struggling to scale your business effectively? What if there was a method to streamline your brand, sales, and marketing strategies simultaneously? Are you wondering how to align your organization for long-term success? Growth expert Steve Whittington delves into the transformative world of strategic busi

Mikey Richardson is Co-founder of Jacknife, a Toronto-based creative powerhouse focused on helping organizations build value through brand and design. He is a seasoned entrepreneur with an educational background in art and a passion for creativity and graphic design. Mikey's entrepreneurial journey began by co-founding a company in 1996 that eventually merged to form Jacknife. Under his leadership, the agency has worked with notable clients like Nike and has undertaken various projects from branding to workspace design. In this episode… In the competitive world of branding and design, finding your niche and standing out can seem daunting. But what if the secret to success is found not in what you present outwardly, but in the roots and core of your brand? Could an honest reflection on your company's identity yield the transformation you've been seeking? Certified graphic designer Mikey Richardson talks about harnessing the true potential of brands through creative design. He shares the intriguing journey from

Jason Friedman is the Founder of CXFormula. Through CXFormula he helps fast-growing, entrepreneurial companies gain an unfair advantage over their competition. His clients range from solopreneurs to companies like Foot Locker, Adidas, Nike, W Hotels, Universal Studios, Disney, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Fidelity, Stanford University, and Harvard University. In 2008, Jason sold his first company Creative Realities in the high 8-figures. He has started and successfully exited four other businesses. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how some companies create unforgettable experiences that keep customers coming back for more? Is there a secret recipe for designing a customer journey that leaves a lasting impression? How does one tap into the innovative world of customer experience design and transform it into measurable success? Customer experience expert Jason Friedman reveals how to overcome the inertia that hinders customers and employees from engaging fully with your business. He shares CXFormula's a

Ben Dankiw is the Founder of NAV43, a digital marketing agency specializing in full-funnel digital marketing through paid media and SEO. With over 12 years of experience in the industry, he has worked with many prestigious clients, including Canadian Tire, Porsche, Ceridian, and TouchBistro. Ben began his career in paid media before developing a passion for SEO around 2015. He has successfully grown NAV43 by focusing on small- to medium-sized businesses, fostering strong relationships, and keeping abreast of digital trends and changes. In this episode… Just how complex has the world of digital marketing become? With data privacy making headlines and algorithms constantly changing, businesses find it overwhelming to keep up. How can you navigate these challenges and still find success? Results-driven digital advertiser Ben Dankiw shares how his agency has adapted to significant changes in the digital marketing landscape. He unpacks the evolution of his agency and its niche, moving from a restaurant-focused str

Payam Zamani is the Founder and CEO of One Planet Group, a hybrid tech firm that embodies his principles of combining business with a life of service. He is an Iranian-born entrepreneur, investor, and author who fled his homeland as a teen due to religious persecution. Payam co-founded AutoWeb, one of the first online car marketplaces, which went public in 1999. He is also the author of Crossing The Desert, an autobiography reflecting on his experiences of perseverance and embracing life's demanding journeys. Payam is a mission-driven individual who has invested in numerous companies while committed to improving the world. In this episode… Imagine fleeing your country at the age of 16, escaping religious persecution, and embarking on a perilous journey. Now, fast-forward a decade to find yourself at the helm of a publicly traded company worth millions. Serial entrepreneur Payam Zamani explores his powerful story, from leaving Iran to his tremendous success and challenges in the business world. He shares the e

Greg Hickman is the Founder of AltAgency, where he has trained and consulted over 700 agency owners, freelancers, and service providers. Greg specializes in helping businesses productize their services, monetize their expertise, and implement systems to improve client success and free up their time. With a wealth of experience from being a project manager at a large agency to founding his own successful agency, Greg has a deep understanding of the digital and creative agency space. He has a knack for creating systematic sales experiences and building team processes that scale. In this episode… In an ever-evolving digital landscape, how can agency owners, freelancers, and service providers navigate the challenges of scaling, systematizing, and productizing their services? Can the journey from hands-on service provider to a more leveraged business model really be achieved without losing the essence of what made the business successful in the first place? Greg Hickman, a growth marketing expert, melds productizi

Bob Froese is the Founder of Bob's Your Uncle, an innovative creative agency known for launching global brands and executing high-impact marketing strategies. With over two decades of experience in the advertising industry, Bob has led his company to work with clients like Canon, Mike's Hard Lemonade, and Popeyes. He grew up as a Mennonite in rural Manitoba with no TV, radio, or movie exposure, making his accomplishments in the advertising world all the more remarkable. In this episode… Have you ever imagined disrupting a global event like the Olympics without breaking a rule or launching an unknown brand to compete with giants in the industry? What if someone told you that achieving these feats takes more than traditional marketing tactics? Experienced brand and rebrand practitioner Bob Froese delves into how he turned a small agency into a powerhouse known for its audacious marketing strategies and out-of-the-box creative solutions. He shares how he navigated the challenges of rebranding his company and his

Marty Menard is the President and Chief Business Development Officer of GIANT Creative, a data-driven marketing agency focused on performance marketing and lead generation. With a deep commitment to the power of data, Marty steers GIANT Creative in delivering comprehensive marketing strategies across multiple channels for clients like McDonald's and Sola Salon Studios. As a serial entrepreneur, he has a track record of building businesses and investing in growth and leadership. At GIANT Creative, Marty's entrepreneurial spirit shines as he develops trusted partnerships while driving innovation in marketing.  In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a marketing strategy that truly resonates with its audience? Why do some campaigns convert while others falter at the first hurdle? Could the secret lie in understanding and tailoring messages to a precisely defined niche? Serial entrepreneur Marty Menard explores how GIANT Creative overcomes the marketing challenges in industries like franchi

Ted Lau is the Founder and CEO of Ballistic Arts, a high-touch lead-generation digital marketing agency with over two decades of experience. Starting in video production, he transitioned to digital marketing to offer established mid-market B2B organizations a path to increased business through marketing efforts. Ted boasts a diverse clientele, from local organizations to prominent companies across North America. He is also co-host of the Marketing News Canada podcast, where he interviews guests from CMOs to astronauts. His entrepreneurial spirit, tenacity, and commitment to core values have helped shape and grow Ballistic Arts into a successful self-managed company. In this episode… Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom with nowhere to go? Imagine building a business to find it resting on shaky foundations, teetering on the edge of collapse, with the weight of responsibility threatening to break you. What if there was a way out, a strategy that could turn it all around? Digital marketing expert Ted Lau

Clint Thompson is the Founder and CEO of DigiHype Media. Born from a passion for assisting small- and medium-sized businesses, DigiHype Media specializes in website design, branding, digital paid advertising, and more. With a proven track record in sales management and marketing, Clint has over a decade of experience in digital marketing. His approach focuses on demystifying the digital space for clients and providing value through education and results-driven strategies. His philosophy of "we can, we shall, we will" drives the company forward, offering inclusive digital solutions for businesses of all sizes. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how a company evolves in the fast-paced world of digital marketing? Would you like to know the secret behind thriving partnerships and how they play a critical role in a business's success? How can an old-school sales approach blend seamlessly with modern techniques? Digital marketing professional Clint Thompson delves into his ten years of experience in the digita

Jason Sharpe is the Co-founder and President of AXS Studio, a company that specializes in biomedical communication using 3D animation and interactive design to explain diseases and treatments. With a background in art and sciences, he and his colleagues create visuals that educate and inspire, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies to biotech startups. Jason developed exhibits and animations to elucidate the mechanisms of actions of pharmaceuticals and played integral roles in educating physicians, investors, and patients.  In this episode… Isn't it fascinating to think that every Pixar-like animation has the power to teach us something profound about the world of science? Imagine if you could visualize a disease's progression or a drug's mechanism in just a few minutes of engaging video content. How would that transform medical education and patient understanding? Certified Medical Illustrator Jason Sharpe delves into how art and science converge to produce stunning animations that

Riaz Sidi is the Founder of sidi.io, a digital marketing agency renowned for its expertise in demand generation, performance marketing, and funnel strategy. Sidi.io was named one of Ottawa's fastest-growing companies in 2022 and 2023. With a background that includes a five-year streak at Postmedia in roles from digital strategist to National Training Manager, Riaz has rich experience in corporate media. A leader always on the cutting edge of marketing trends, he dedicates himself to understanding and optimizing the customer buying journey, leading a team that integrates online platforms to drive growth for diverse clients.  In this episode… Have you ever wondered how the evolution of digital marketing is changing the way we view traditional advertising? What if your business could predict the customer's needs and cater to them even before they realize the necessity? Is your company ready to leap into an integrated, algorithm-aided marketing strategy? Riaz Sidi, a sales and marketing leader with over 20 years

Whitney Geller is Co-founder and Partner of Whitman Emorson, a Toronto-based design studio focused on solving complex problems with a human touch. She is also Co-founder of Jems, a female-founded, body-safe condom and lube product line. Whitney has worked at the forefront of strategic design with global clients such as MTV, Coca-Cola, Oprah Winfrey, and the Mayo Clinic while at Bruce Mau Design. Yasemin Emory is Co-founder and Partner of Whitman Emorson. It is a team of designers, strategists, writers, editors, and creative thinkers bound by the desire to produce thoughtful and responsive work. She is also Co-founder of Jems, built on the desire to naturalize sex and condom use and disrupt a toxic industry. Previously, Yasemin served as the Senior Director of CO-OP and Associate Art Director at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how groundbreaking companies are born? Can an idea that challenges the status quo transform not only an industry, but perceptions as well? Whitne

Stephen Whiting is Co-founder of StreetText, an ad tech platform that integrates with Meta to provide businesses with agency-level ad capabilities in-house. Since its inception in 2012, StreetText has transformed real estate marketing, helping clients generate over 5 million leads and achieve hundreds of millions of dollars in value. As an experienced real estate agent, Stephen gives real estate professionals and various other industries the tools to generate leads and effectively run ad campaigns. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how minute tweaks in your advertising approach could dramatically shift your business's success? Imagine spending your last few dollars on an ad campaign only to find the answer that creates a surge in leads. Can a single moment of strategic insight change the game for entrepreneurs? Marketing expert Stephen Whiting discusses how a desperate bet on a Facebook ad led to the establishment of a platform that revolutionizes the way real estate professionals — and now individuals

Ami Kassar is the Founder and CEO of MultiFunding, a company helping businesses achieve their growth goals through creative and personalized funding solutions. He authored The Growth Dilemma, is a regular contributor on the current state of the financing market through his weekly articles in Inc., and has provided valuable advice to the White House, the Federal Reserve Bank, and the US Treasury Department. Ami has been interviewed by numerous national publications, including The New York Times, Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. In this episode… In a dynamic business landscape where financial challenges can make or break a company, how do entrepreneurs effectively navigate the complexities of business financing? This is a question that many business owners grapple with as they seek to grow and stabilize their ventures. According to Ami Kassar, a renowned expert in business finance, the key lies in understanding and strategically utilizing various financing options, such as SBA

Andria Santos is the CEO and Co-founder of Fülhaus, an AI-powered interior design and furnishing company providing enterprise solutions for the real estate and hospitality industries. Before Fülhaus, she had a career in law and real estate. Andria's passion for design and technology led her to start Fülhaus with a focus on vintage designer furniture before pivoting to the tech-driven enterprise it is today. As CEO, she enhances property performance through smart design and cutting-edge technology. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how technology and design can come together to change the way we experience furnished properties? Can an e-commerce startup evolve into a powerhouse of innovation in the real estate industry? How did a company that started with vintage furniture navigate the shift to becoming an AI-driven enterprise? Successful entrepreneur Andria Santos delves into her captivating journey. Beginning with an e-commerce vintage furniture site, she and her team rapidly scaled up to meet the expl

Jessica Li is the President of Advertience, a media investment management consulting firm that helps organizations leverage data for insight-driven advertising. With over 22 years of experience in online marketing, she has worked with esteemed brands like Alibaba, Yahoo China, and Under Armour. Jessica is passionate about operational efficiency and data analytics, implementing automation to optimize reporting systems. She holds a background in biomedical engineering, aligning an engineering mindset with marketing strategy to create a unique approach at her agency. In this episode… What all goes into running a successful international marketing campaign? How can analytics and operational efficiency transform a company’s digital strategy? Jessica Li, a seasoned marketing professional, has the answers. She delves into the power of data in driving insights, targeting, and performance across various sectors, including nonprofits and education. She shares her experiences with the Olympics Foundation, helping to gen

Ben Hagon is the CEO and Co-founder of For Good Intent, an award-winning creative communications agency that exclusively serves nonprofit organizations across Canada. With a background in graphic design from a prestigious school in London, he is acclaimed for his work in healthcare, public health, and community service disciplines. Over the years, Ben has earned nearly every major North American creative award, published works, served on boards, and spearheaded his agency's rapid ascent as Canada's leading full-service firm for nonprofits. He is renowned for integrating strategic consulting with creative execution, helping organizations articulate their narratives and craft visually compelling campaigns. In this episode… What does it take to transition from a generalist agency to one with a concentrated focus? What could prompt such a strategic shift, and how might this decision impact not only the agency's trajectory, but also the clients it serves? Is it possible to align core values with market success? Be