Takeaways

• Career alignment matters more than staying comfortable
• Growth often starts when you allow yourself to explore change
• Strong businesses survive by staying connected to community

What happens when the career path you've spent years building no longer feels right?

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly sit down with Laura Hartog, Managing Director of Bad Habit Brewing Company, to discuss career pivots, burnout, leadership, workplace culture, and building businesses centered around community.

Laura shares how she transitioned from a long career in marketing and education into brewery leadership, what pushed her to make a difficult career change, and how finding the right fit professionally transformed both her work and personal life.

The conversation also dives into what makes Bad Habit Brewing successful in an increasingly competitive craft beverage market, why community matters more than product alone, and what modern leadership really looks like.

Key Topics Covered:

• Career pivots and recognizing misalignment
• Burnout and protecting your mental health
• Leadership lessons from managing teams
• Building businesses around community
• Marketing and branding in craft beverage industries
• How Bad Habit Brewing is evolving in a changing market
• Creating company cultures people genuinely love

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Website: www.moxiecreative.com

Takeaways

• Why free discovery meetings are critical to building better marketing strategies
• How great agencies uncover what clients actually need versus what they think they need
• Why trust and communication are the foundation of successful client partnerships

When people think about marketing agencies, they often picture logos, websites, social media posts, and creative campaigns. But behind every creative decision is something much bigger: strategy.

In this episode, Taylor and Kelly pull back the curtain on what actually happens when someone reaches out to work with a marketing agency. From discovery calls and first meetings to proposals and long-term partnerships, they explain why great marketing starts with understanding people, business goals, and solving the right problems.

They also tackle common misconceptions about agencies, explain why pricing is rarely one-size-fits-all, and share what small business owners should really expect when exploring a marketing partnership.

Key Topics Covered:

• What happens during a first marketing agency meeting
• Why agencies need strategy before quoting pricing
• Common misconceptions about agency partnerships
• Why trust matters more than tactics
• The proposal and onboarding process
• How agencies uncover what businesses actually need

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Website: www.moxiecreative.com

Takeaways

• Career pivots can lead to opportunities that feel more aligned than the original plan.
• Community involvement and networking create unexpected professional opportunities.
• Foley Mansion is redefining event experiences by blending history, hospitality, and memorable moments.

Summary of the Episode

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly sit down with Casey Austin, Director of Operations at Foley Mansion, to talk about career transitions, community connection, and creating unforgettable experiences.

Casey shares her unconventional career journey from earning a degree in early childhood education and teaching preschool to working in banking, nonprofit leadership, and ultimately stepping into her current role leading one of Central Minnesota’s most unique event venues.

They dive into the fascinating history behind Foley Mansion, the restoration of the historic property after a devastating fire, and how Casey is helping shape the next chapter of the venue through events, hospitality, and community engagement.

The conversation also explores the importance of networking, embracing unexpected opportunities, and having the courage to take the next step even when the path forward feels uncertain.

Key Topics Covered:

• Casey Austin’s career journey and unexpected pivots
• Lessons learned from teaching and community leadership
• The history and restoration of Foley Mansion
• Building a hospitality experience people remember
• Why networking and chamber involvement matter
• Career growth through relationships and referrals
• Hosting unforgettable events and experiences
• Advice for navigating career transitions

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

Takeaways

• Blogging directly improves SEO by creating more indexed pages and keyword opportunities.
• Strategic blog content helps businesses rank for customer questions and search intent.
• Modern SEO requires ongoing website updates, internal linking, and content structure.
• Businesses that consistently blog build stronger authority and long-term organic visibility.
• AI and evolving search behavior are changing how websites should be built and optimized.

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Kelly and Taylor from Moxie Creative dive deep into why blogging still matters and how it directly impacts SEO in today’s digital landscape.

They unpack the evolution of search engine optimization, how AI is changing search behavior, and why static websites are no longer enough to stay competitive online. From cornerstone blog strategies and internal linking to Google Analytics insights and customer-driven content ideas, this episode breaks down practical ways businesses can improve online visibility through blogging.

Kelly also shares behind-the-scenes insights from rebuilding a client’s blog strategy from the ground up, including lessons learned about content structure, SEO organization, and why “more blogs” does not always equal better results.

If your business has struggled with SEO, online visibility, or knowing what to write about, this episode offers actionable insights to help you rethink your content strategy.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why blogging improves SEO
• How blogs create more opportunities to rank on Google
• The role of cornerstone content and internal linking
• How AI is changing SEO and online search behavior
• Why businesses need ongoing website optimization
• Common mistakes businesses make with blogging
• Blog content ideas for small businesses
• The relationship between blogging, authority, and trust
• Why consistency matters more than perfection
• The future of SEO strategy for service businesses

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

Takeaways

• Why trades careers can create incredible financial opportunities without traditional college debt
• How Jeremy Salzbrun transformed H&S Heating and Air into a service-first business during the recession
• The importance of community involvement and relationship marketing for local businesses

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with Jeremy Salzbrun, second-generation owner of H&S Heating and Air Conditioning. Jeremy shares the story behind the family business, how he purchased the company during the recession, and what it takes to grow a trusted HVAC brand in Central Minnesota.

The conversation dives into family business dynamics, entrepreneurship, trades careers, leadership, community involvement, and the importance of building strong customer relationships. Jeremy also opens up about balancing business ownership with family life, raising a son who may become the third generation in the business, and why serving people during difficult moments gives his work deeper meaning.

From lessons learned in the trades to scaling multiple businesses and creating a lasting legacy, this episode is packed with honest insight and practical wisdom for entrepreneurs and small business owners alike.

Key Topics Covered:

• Growing up in a family-owned HVAC business
• Taking over H&S Heating and Air during the recession
• The value of skilled trades careers
• Building a service-first company culture
• Marketing strategies for local businesses
• Expanding through acquisitions and new service divisions
• Family business succession planning
• Leadership, faith, and community impact
• Creating long-term business growth through relationships

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/

Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

Takeaways

• Google reviews heavily influence customer decisions before they contact your business
• Consistently asking for reviews is key to maintaining a strong online reputation
• Responding to both positive and negative reviews improves credibility and SEO

Before a customer ever calls, clicks, or walks through your door, they’ve likely already formed an opinion about your business based on your Google reviews. In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly break down why reviews are one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in your marketing strategy.

They explore how reviews impact SEO, influence buying behavior, and even affect your Google Quality Score. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for getting more reviews, handling negative feedback professionally, and building a consistent system that works for your business.

If you’ve been ignoring your Google reviews or aren’t sure how to leverage them effectively, this episode gives you a clear, actionable roadmap.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why 90% of consumers read reviews before choosing a business
• How Google reviews impact SEO and visibility
• The role of social proof in buying decisions
• Simple ways to consistently collect more reviews
• Best practices for responding to positive and negative feedback
• Why you don’t need a perfect 5-star rating

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/

Behance: https://www.behance.net/moxiecreative

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

Takeaways

• Building a strong wellness brand starts with trust, consistency, and patient experience.
• Clear messaging helps chiropractic and wellness clinics stand out in a crowded market.
• Purpose-driven branding creates stronger community connection and sustainable business growth.

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with Dr. Cheri Carlson of Synergy Chiropractic and Wellness Clinic to discuss what it takes to build a brand in the health and wellness space that people genuinely trust. The conversation explores branding beyond visuals, highlighting the importance of alignment between patient care, communication, and overall business experience. Dr. Carlson shares insights on growing a chiropractic and wellness clinic with intention, creating meaningful patient relationships, and building a reputation rooted in care, consistency, and credibility. This episode offers valuable lessons for wellness professionals, chiropractors, and service-based business owners looking to grow a purpose-driven brand.

Key Topics Covered:

• Chiropractic branding and wellness marketing
• Building trust in a healthcare or wellness business
• Patient experience as part of brand strategy
• Growing a purpose-driven clinic
• Consistency in messaging and service delivery
• Community connection and local brand visibility
• Business growth for service-based brands

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

Takeaways

• Video is one of the most important tools in modern marketing for brands that want to build connection and drive engagement.
• Strong video content requires strategy, scripting, planning, filming, editing, and brand alignment.
• Short-form video has changed how businesses communicate, making concise storytelling more important than ever.

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly sit down with Tyler from Moxie Creative to talk all things video marketing. From social media reels and commercial ads to branded storytelling and behind-the-scenes production, the conversation explores how video has become essential in today’s digital marketing landscape.

Tyler shares how he got started in video, what inspired his creative process, and what really goes into creating compelling visual content for brands. The team also discusses why video production costs what it does, why short-form video is now the standard, and how thoughtful strategy makes all the difference between content that gets watched and content that gets ignored.

This episode is a must-listen for small business owners, solopreneurs, and brands looking to better understand video marketing, content strategy, and the creative process behind effective brand storytelling.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why video marketing is dominating digital content
• How video fits into a broader brand strategy
• The difference between simply filming content and producing strong video
• Why short-form video and social reels are so effective
• What clients should understand about video production pricing
• The creative and technical process behind great marketing videos
• How scripting, pacing, angles, editing, and branding all work together
• Why brands need to evolve their marketing services to stay competitive

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com

Takeaways

• Commercial real estate decisions should support your business plan, not just your current space needs.
• Leasing can be a smart strategy for preserving capital and maintaining flexibility as your business evolves.
• Business owners should think ahead about growth, transitions, and exit planning before making major property decisions.

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with Eric O’Brien of Commercial Realty Solutions to talk about commercial real estate strategy for business owners. Eric shares how his background in banking and SBA lending shaped his approach to helping clients navigate leasing, buying, development, and business brokerage. The conversation explores how commercial real estate affects growth, branding, cash flow, and long-term planning.

They also discuss how business owners can decide whether to lease or buy, why commercial real estate follows a different cycle than residential, and how the post-2020 market has changed the way companies think about office and operational space. Eric explains why planning ahead matters, especially for owners considering expansion, relocation, or selling their business in the future.

Key Topics Covered:

• Eric O’Brien’s career path from banking to commercial real estate
• How commercial real estate supports business growth and operational strategy
• Leasing vs. buying commercial property
• Why business owners should revisit their 5-year and 10-year plans
• How market shifts changed office and commercial space needs
• The realities of owning a building versus leasing space
• Business brokerage and what owners should know about exit planning
• Why strong business planning leads to better real estate decisions

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative

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Website: www.moxiecreative.com

Takeaways

• Leadership growth often happens when responsibility, ownership, and opportunity finally align.
• Mentorship can completely change the trajectory of a marketing career.
• Showing up consistently in your industry and local community creates momentum over time.

In this special episode of Behind the Brand, Kelly turns the mic around and interviews Taylor after she is named the 2026 Emerging Leader by the American Advertising Federation of Central Minnesota. Together, they unpack what the award means, the career milestones that led to it, and the role mentorship, community involvement, and agency leadership played in Taylor’s journey. The conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and full of insight for marketers, creatives, and young professionals navigating their own path.

Key Topics Covered:

• What the Emerging Leader award represents in the advertising and marketing industry
• Taylor’s journey from college ad involvement to industry recognition
• How helping build Moxie shaped her growth as a leader
• The power of mentorship and why it matters in creative careers
• Advice for young professionals trying to stand out in a competitive job market
• The importance of networking, industry events, and community involvement
• What leadership looks like inside a creative agency
• Why this award is a milestone, not the finish line

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wearemoxiecreative

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wearemoxiecreative

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemoxiecreative/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wearemoxiecreative

Website: www.moxiecreative.com