Sandy Crisafulli is the president and co-owner of Caryl Communications, a boutique PR firm founded in 1984 and built on strong relationships, strategic storytelling, and nimble execution. In this episode, Sandy shares her journey from the firm’s first full-time writer to owner, and how a 360-degree approach across content, media relations, and operations helps Caryl deliver meaningful results for clients. She breaks down what effective storytelling looks like today, including how to answer the critical questions: what is it, who cares, and why do they care. Tune in for practical insights on authenticity, adaptability, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.

02:05 - Introduction of guest Sandy Crisafulli and overview of her career and agency

04:10 - How Sandy and Carey connected at a women’s conference

04:53 - Sandy’s early PR career story and mentorship from founder Caryl Dixon

06:55 - The early days of remote work using fax machines

07:42 - How Sandy became the agency’s second owner during the pandemic

08:05 - Lessons learned across different roles at the agency

09:47 - What has kept Caryl Communications thriving since 1984

11:28 - The difference between a good story and one that drives results

12:50 - The #1 advice for brands: embrace authenticity

13:36 - Thoughts on AI in PR and how small agencies stay nimble

14:30 - Joining a global boutique PR network to stay current with AI trends

17:29 - Helping clients cut through the noise with strategy

18:38 - Why visibility is important—and how earned media still leads the way

21:50 - Advice for companies who think they don’t have “enough” for PR

22:07 - What top-tier service looks like in PR today

23:04 - Examples of Caryl Communications’ clients and projects

25:40 - How Sandy’s creative hobbies help her in her PR work

27:15 - Running an indie record label with her husband for over 30 years

28:25 - Learning silversmithing and staying humble through the process

29:46 - Where to find Sandy and Caryl Communications online

Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized author, keynote speaker, futurist, and marketing strategist, and the voice behind GROW, one of the world’s top marketing blogs. In this episode, Mark shares his career path from corporate marketing to becoming one of the most trusted thought leaders in the industry. He discusses the principles behind his bestselling book Known, why personal branding is more critical than ever in an AI-driven world, and how marketers can stand out by embracing humanity, creativity, and vulnerability. Mark also dives into insights from his latest book, Audacious, and shares what businesses are still getting wrong - and how to future-proof their brands in an era of rapid technological change. Tune in for practical advice on building trust, staying relevant, and winning as a human in the age of AI.

In this special episode, Labor Lounge Podcast and Brand Groupies Podcast go LIVE from the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum by NJBIA.

Labor Lounge Hosts Anthony and Cyndie are joined by powerhouse podcast producers Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman of Brand Groupies for a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast is made - and why podcasting is a powerful tool for brand visibility, business development, and executive thought leadership.

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

https://brandgroupies.com/

00:00 – Opening welcome to the Labor Lounge LIVE session
01:26 – Cyndie introduces the hosts and Brand Groupies team
02:43 – Anthony promotes upcoming podcast guests and platforms
03:54 – Carey shares how Brand Groupies podcast began
05:25 – Lauren explains why podcasting is the new PR
06:31 – Cyndie describes how she met Brand Groupies and started the show
08:33 – Anthony talks about challenges and benefits of launching a podcast
09:53 – Lauren explains how Brand Groupies handles production for clients
11:07 – Carey emphasizes consistency and social media amplification
12:51 – Lauren reveals the “dirty little secret” of podcast guesting
14:09 – Cyndie and Anthony share what recording days are like
16:05 – Advice for anyone considering starting a podcast
17:35 – Brand Groupies’ success stories and podcast performance
18:49 – Audience Q&A: cost, ROI, and marketing benefits
25:23 – Closing discussion on using podcasts to grow your brand

Adam Taylor is the founder and CEO of Splendor, one of New Jersey's leading web design, branding, and marketing agencies. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Adam shares the story behind starting his agency in 1999 and how he has scaled it into a world-class creative agency, focusing on key industries like real estate. He also discusses what sets Splendor apart from other agencies, and the growing importance of branding in the AEC industry. Tune in for insights and advice from a seasoned entrepreneur on building and growing a successful agency.

https://splendordesign.com/

https://brandgroupies.com 

Sheley Brien is the Vice President of Brien Contracting, a leading figure in the commercial construction industry alongside her husband, Chris. With over 20 years of diverse experience in the financial and medical industries and a remarkable journey up the corporate ladder, she is a dynamic force in the world of entrepreneurship, mindset, and leadership. Sheley is also the host of More Action Podcast, sharing candid personal experiences and insights from her guests to empower others in their personal and professional growth. 

https://briencontracting.com

https://brandgroupies.com

Darren Magarro is the Founder and President of DSM, and Dan Enrico is Vice President of Strategy at DSM, a talented band of strategists, analysts, and creatives who amplify brands. Darren founded DSM in 2007 and focuses most of his time on being a brand ambassador for clients and the agency while leading all new business efforts. He has won many awards over the years, including being a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and 2018, NJBIZ 40 Under 40 in 2013, and he has led DSM to four Inc. 5000 Awards. As the head of DSM’s digital team, Dan builds custom marketing strategies for clients and holds certifications in various digital marketing disciplines, including SEO, PPC, e-commerce marketing, app store advertising, and paid social media management. With 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Dan was named one of the Best Under 40 in Marketing and Advertising by the NJ Ad Club.

https://thedsmgroup.com 

https://brandgroupies.com 

Evan Troxel is an industry-leading design and technology expert passionate about connecting people. He is a licensed architect in California with over 25 years of architectural design, working on large public projects in K-12 schools, higher-ed, and civic projects for clients. Evan is best known for his podcasts focusing on the AEC industry. He brings his experiences together on the Archispeak, TRXL, and Confluence podcasts. Evan also has experience in architectural education. For over a decade, he was a professor of emerging technologies in the architecture department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), and Mt San Antonio College (Mt. Sac) in southern California. Evan strives to better the architectural community in meaningful ways.

https://www.trxl.co

https://brandgroupies.com 

Josh Miles is the Founder of Bold Brand, a branding consultancy specializing in the AEC industry. He is a seasoned brand strategist, marketing filmmaker, and fractional CMO for AEC and tech firms. Josh is the author of Bold Brand 2.0 – How to Leverage Brand Strategy to Reposition, Differentiate and Market your Professional Services Firm. As a past TEDx presenter, he has delivered keynotes from the Midwest to the Middle East, including hosting the OG Design Podcast, Obsessed Show, The Josh & Torrey Show, and he formerly co-hosted the PSM Show. Josh previously served as CMO for SMPS HQ, and co-founded MilesHerndon, a branding agency specializing in brand strategy, corporate identity, and website design.

https://boldbrand.com 

https://brandgroupies.com 

Jerry Keenan is the President of New Jersey Alliance for Action, a private non-profit and non-partisan association representing thousands of construction professionals. He was appointed in 2020 after serving as the association’s Executive Vice President since 2001. In his role, Jerry spearheads the organization’s efforts to ensure New Jersey’s infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of its residents and businesses by hosting thousands of decision-makers at dozens of events that educate attendees about upcoming construction opportunities. He works with the Governor, legislative, and other leaders to develop consensus on key issues. This year, The Alliance for Action celebrates its 50th anniversary – its slogan is “Building a Better Future”. Jerry also serves on the New Jersey Committee of the Regional Plan Association and has been recognized on ROI-NJ’s Power List of Association Executives. 

https://allianceforaction.com

https://brandgroupies.com

Amanda Walter is a communications strategist and founder of Walter Communications. She started her practice to help architecture firms build specific reputations supporting their business goals. Informed by her earlier experience leading global communications programs at large design firms, Amanda tells her clients' stories across a variety of communications channels to reach the intended audience more effectively. In addition to her client work, Amanda has served as a board member of various architecture- and sustainability-focused organizations. She co-authored Social Media in Action, the first book of its kind focused on built environment consulting firms, and she has contributed articles to The Architect's Newspaper, Metropolis POV, Design Intelligence, Landscape Urbanism, The Zweig Letter, and a variety of industry blogs.

http://waltercomms.com/

https://brandgroupies.com/