In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Lauren Litt, owner of Lil Shameless Plug, about authentic social media marketing, storytelling, and building a brand that feels true to you. Lauren shares her journey from acting to entrepreneurship and explains how authenticity and clear messaging can turn personal connection into real business growth.

Who's the Guest? Lauren Litt is a multifaceted entrepreneur who seamlessly blends her passions for acting and social media through her business, Lil Shameless Plug. As the owner and driving force behind this vibrant social media management company, Lauren focuses on empowering coaches and entrepreneurs with the skills they need to excel in the digital world. Her unique approach to social media education is heavily influenced by her acting career, where she's known for her dynamic presence both on and off the screen, including roles in various (self-proclaimed) B-level horror films.

Lauren's philosophy extends beyond typical social media tactics; she utilizes acting exercises adapted for business to help clients discover the "character" of their brand. This method helps businesses articulate a clear, compelling identity that captivates and engages their ideal customers. As a coach and consultant, Lauren's goal is to demystify social media for those who feel overwhelmed by it, providing them with the tools and confidence to harness its power for their business success.

Highlights 10:56 - Using social media for storytelling. 21:32 - 2024 social media trends. 24:37 - Realistic expectations for social media campaigns. 16:40 - Importance of engagement over followers.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with Lauren Litt
• https://lilshamelessplug.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-litt/
• https://www.instagram.com/getsocialhappy/
• https://linktr.ee/lauren.litt

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik sits down with Leah Leaves of Alderdaan Operations Solutions to talk about small business operations, systems, and operational efficiency—especially for digital marketing agencies. Leah shares practical ways to bring structure to chaos, build a strong operational foundation, and hire the right team so your business can grow with less friction.

Who's the Guest? Leah Leaves is the founder and CEO of Alderdaan Operations Solutions, a company dedicated to helping small businesses, particularly digital marketing agencies, bring order to their operations and thrive in chaotic environments. With a passion for turning disarray into structured success, Leah leverages her expertise in operational efficiency to guide business owners in implementing effective systems, optimizing their teams, and achieving their strategic goals. A self-proclaimed Star Wars enthusiast, Leah named her company after Princess Leia's home planet, Alderaan, reflecting her commitment to being a guiding force for businesses seeking growth and clarity. Leah's approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique needs of each client, empowering them to move beyond survival mode and into sustainable success.

Highlights 03:50 - Identifying the need for Aldarone: bringing order out of chaos for small businesses. 06:00 - Placing operations managers in small digital marketing agencies to manage chaos. 10:41 - Investing in the right people to multiply business effects. 12:14 - Systems and processes should be flexible, not static. 13:59 - The importance of continuously evolving business operations. 16:21 - Simple steps to start addressing operational gaps. 18:26 - Defining operations as the glue that holds business systems together. 21:29 - Emphasizing the need for team transparency and feedback loops in business operations. 23:56 - Documentation as a tool to understand and evolve business practices. 28:30 - Story behind the business name Alderdaan: connection to Star Wars and growth.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with Leah Leaves
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/1eah1eaves/

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Jacob Cass—branding and design expert, founder of Just Creative, and host of the Just Branding Podcast—about building a successful career in branding and design. Jacob shares lessons from working with big brands, collaborating on large-scale projects, finding your niche, and managing client relationships while you grow your influence.

Who's the Guest? Jacob Cass is a highly respected branding and design expert, renowned for his comprehensive approach to creative strategy and visual communication. As the founder of Just Creative, Jacob has built a platform that serves as a vital resource for insights into branding, design, and creativity. He is also the host of the Just Branding Podcast, where he explores these themes in depth with other leading figures in the industry.

Highlights 03:10 - Disinterest in sciences and early explorations in Photoshop. 04:22 - Operation of moonlighting as Just Creative. 04:50 - Transition from high school to visual communication degree. 06:36 - Early blogging and its impact on learning. 07:52 - Move to New York and getting headhunted by an agency. 08:50 - Early career work with brands like Disney, Nike, and Red Bull. 10:33 - Learning design principles through job experiences. 11:50 - Unique access to Disney's database and its impact. 13:25 - Advice on balancing working for a company while running a side business. 14:58 - Discussing the value of learning both from working at an agency and independently. 19:47 - Importance of ongoing learning and self-teaching. 20:37 - Experimenting with new business ventures and digital trends. 22:23 - Balancing profit-driven projects with passion projects. 23:31 - Fun in the industry and maintaining creative fire.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with Jacob Cass
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobcass/

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik sits down with Josh Sullivan, Executive Creative Director and founder of Fried Design Company. To talk about brand strategy, creative leadership, and building memorable brands. Josh shares lessons from agency life on balancing fun with serious business, strengthening team culture, and using creativity to craft brand stories that resonate.

Who's the Guest? Josh Sullivan is the Executive Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and the visionary founder of the Fried Design Company, an agency renowned for its creative ingenuity and bold approaches to branding. With a career that blends design, strategy, and leadership, Josh has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional branding to create distinctive and impactful brand identities.

Under his guidance, Fried Design Company has earned a reputation for being both award-winning and sometimes infamous, standing out in a crowded marketplace with its unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking. Josh's work is characterized by a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological components of branding, which he leverages to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

Highlights 00:28 - Josh's journey: From home office to Fried Design. 02:03 - Fried's creative focus: Highly regulated industries. 04:51 - Creativity within confines: Pushing limits in design. 06:01 - Importance of brand strategy in design. 06:56 - Client reactions to bold creative work. 07:58 - Presenting and selling impactful work. 08:31 - Building Fried Design's internal brand. 12:04 - Involvement of team in brand development. 13:02 - Significance of team culture and collaboration. 14:56 - Business growth strategy: Staying small but effective. 19:02 - Young creatives and developing a unique style. 20:36 - Importance of client and collaborator relationships.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with Josh Sullivan
• https://www.frieddesign.co/
• https://www.instagram.com/frieddesignco/
• https://www.facebook.com/frieddesignco
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/frieddesignco/

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Gracie Clemens, CEO and founder of SGC Marketing, about marketing audits and data-driven strategy. Gracie explains how audit processes uncover hidden opportunities in campaigns, why systematic evaluation improves decision-making, and how stronger analysis leads to more effective marketing performance.

Who's the Guest? Gracie Clemens is the CEO and Founder of SGC Marketing, a company renowned for its strategic and data-driven approach to marketing. With a career spanning over a decade in the marketing industry, Gracie has established herself as a leader in utilizing data to drive decision-making and optimize marketing strategies. Her expertise encompasses a broad range of marketing disciplines, including digital marketing, customer analytics, and targeted campaign management.

Under her leadership, SGC Marketing has become synonymous with success, helping businesses of all sizes to enhance their market presence and achieve significant growth. Gracie's approach involves a deep dive into data analysis and a rigorous audit process, ensuring that every marketing strategy is not only creatively inspired but also grounded in empirical evidence.

Highlights 02:54 - Results-Driven Strategy – Example from XPrize 05:39 - Importance of Continual Testing and Auditing 09:11 - Integrating Brand into Marketing Strategy 11:03 - Gracie's Passion for Data and Creative Approach 18:59 - Storytelling in Marketing – The Yellow Dress Story 21:03 - Purpose-Driven Content and Emotional Connection 23:31 - Using Storytelling to Break Through Algorithms

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with Gracie Clemens
• https://www.gracieclemens.com/
• [email protected]

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Dan Englander, founder of Sales Schema, about B2B sales strategy, lead generation, and building a reliable outbound prospecting system for agencies and service businesses. Dan breaks down the sales cycle, shares proven outreach approaches, and explains how a strong sales "schema" creates repeatable growth.

Who's the Guest? Dan Englander is the CEO and Founder of Sales Schema, a distinguished consultancy that specializes in helping agencies and B2B service companies establish and refine their lead generation systems through targeted outreach. Since launching Sales Schema in 2014, Dan has successfully guided the company in facilitating over 10,000 prospect relationships for more than 100 organizations, demonstrating a robust track record of elevating client outreach and sales capabilities.

An expert in sales strategy and business development, Dan's approach combines deep industry knowledge with practical, data-driven techniques to create scalable sales processes. His expertise has made him a sought-after advisor for companies looking to navigate the complex landscape of B2B sales and marketing.

Prior to founding Sales Schema, Dan honed his skills in various sales and marketing roles, developing a keen understanding of the challenges faced by service-based businesses in building effective sales teams and strategies. His passion for innovation and commitment to delivering measurable results have established him as a leader in the field, dedicated to helping businesses achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence.

Highlights 01:11 - Tackling the trust recession. 01:49 - Derisking relationships in sales. 02:55 - 80% sorting, 20% persuading. 04:47 - Importance of consistent outreach. 05:56 - Understanding sales turn time. 07:09 - First step: clarity in target problem and audience. 09:38 - Building a repeatable new business system. 11:02 - Effective use of outbound marketing. 12:14 - Avoiding the silver bullet fallacy. 14:10 - Predictability vs. Guarantee in sales. 15:25 - Tinkering and bottlenecks in sales processes.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with Dan Englander
• https://www.salesschema.com/

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Chris Troka—entrepreneur, DJ, and founder of Focused-Biz—about the buyer's journey, customer motivation, and the power of transparency in business. Chris shares practical lessons on reducing friction in sales and onboarding, improving communication, and building trust so customer relationships last.

Who's the Guest? Chris Troka, entrepreneur, DJ, and founder of Focused-Biz, is a seasoned entrepreneur and business innovator with over ten years of expertise in creating, enhancing, and propelling businesses forward. Chris brings a wealth of knowledge in utilizing cutting-edge digital tools such as AI, automation, CRM, and social media to optimize business operations and marketing strategies. Chris holds certifications from HubSpot and Google in inbound marketing, social media, and Google My Business, and earned his Marketing Degree in 2021.

Highlights 00:19 - Discussing the buyer's journey 01:01 - Importance of reducing friction in the buyer's journey 03:30 - Example of DJ business failures and subsequent learnings 04:39 - Building relationships over making hard sells 06:00 - The balance in the sales and onboarding process 09:50 - Recommendations and guiding clients, not giving too many options 12:00 - Client feedback process and ongoing communication 13:20 - Protecting yourself against client dissatisfaction 17:56 - The necessity of "hearing" clients for successful projects 23:39 - Advice for entrepreneurs: start by building relationships and taking action 25:45 - Importance of saying no to potential clients that aren't a good fit 32:59 - Niche specialization and focusing on profitable areas

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with Chris Troka
• https://focused-biz.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-troka-3a093058/

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with James Martin—founder of Made By James and Baby Giant Design Co., and Creative Partner at Lincoln Design—about graphic design, creativity, and visual storytelling. James shares his design process, how personal interests shape style, and why sketching, experimentation, and inspiration matter for building standout creative work.

Who's the Guest? James Martin is a distinguished graphic designer and creative entrepreneur, renowned for his expertise in branding and visual storytelling. As the founder of Made By James and Baby Giant Design Co., and serving as a Creative Partner at Lincoln Design, James has consistently pushed the boundaries of design. His work is characterized by a unique blend of bold creativity and meticulous execution, making him a standout figure in the design community. Through his companies, James provides innovative design solutions that empower brands to express their identities vividly and memorably. His commitment to excellence and a deep passion for the craft have earned him recognition and respect among peers and clients alike.

Highlights 01:10 - Challenges of finding design inspiration pre-social media. 02:19 - Transition from blend designer to incorporating personal style. 05:14 - Leveraging a background in art within the design process. 09:09 - The value of sketching in connecting to the essence of creation. 13:44 - Influencing work with personal interests and subcultures. 17:02 - Personal evolution becoming a recognized style in design. 22:55 - The power of social media to inspire and educate in design. 24:01 - From unknown designer to partner at Lincoln Design Co. through social media. 26:26 - The risk of over-niching and staying adaptable in design work. 28:22 - Embracing personal projects without monetary expectations. 34:25 - Sharing freely on social media to foster community and help others.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with James Martin
• https://themadebyjames.com/
• https://www.lincolndesignco.com/about
• https://linktr.ee/madebyjames

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this milestone Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik celebrates the 100th episode with Spencer Shaw, founder and CEO of PodKick, for a behind-the-scenes conversation on podcast growth and storytelling. They reflect on lessons learned, finding a podcast's voice, and what it takes to build a consistent show over the long haul.

Who's the Guest? Spencer Shaw, the Founder and CEO of PodKick Media, is a forward-thinking entrepreneur deeply rooted in the podcasting industry. With a keen eye for innovation and a strong belief in the power of storytelling, Spencer established PodKick Media to help creators and businesses amplify their voices and reach global audiences. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a premier podcast production service known for its high-quality content and strategic approach to audience engagement. Spencer's vision extends beyond production; he is committed to leveraging technology to enhance podcast accessibility and integration across diverse platforms. His expertise and passion for digital media have made him a respected leader and influencer in the podcasting community.

Highlights 02:03 The challenge and evolution of finding a podcast's voice. 03:16 Reflecting on surprising elements in podcasting. 07:26 The authenticity of podcasting over traditional writing. 08:23 The importance of nostalgia in branding. 14:39 The cyclical nature of marketing trends. 16:14 Creating scarcity and special experiences in a business context. 20:08 Unique brand collaborations and storytelling. 22:43 The impact of being open to unconventional branding ideas. 28:14 Overcoming the fear to try new branding ideas. 31:34 The importance of taking risks and personal examples. 35:39 Working with clients resistant to change and the power of new approaches. 39:52 How to make companies realize the importance of the experience factor. 42:31 The role of nostalgia and relationship in modern branding. 45:48 Convincing a client to embrace podcasting and unique branding avenues. 49:37 The importance of being that encouraging influence for clients.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with Spencer Shaw
• www.podkick.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerdshaw

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

In this Brand Retro episode, Mike Brevik talks with Emma Donovan, co-founder and brand strategist at Dapper, about authentic branding and building a brand that reflects the people behind it. Emma shares insights on brand identity, values, and storytelling—from concept to execution—and why authenticity creates stronger connection and long-term brand trust.

Who's the Guest? Emma Donovan is a dynamic professional with over 15 years of expertise in brand strategy, content writing, and entrepreneurship. Her keen eye for identifying unique opportunities has been a cornerstone of her entrepreneurial journey, demonstrated by her ventures across diverse and innovative projects. In 2010, she launched a pop-up backpackers' hostel for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, showcasing her ability to tap into timely opportunities with creativity and flair. By 2014, Emma had co-founded Yellow Door Collective, a marketing and events agency, further solidifying her role as a versatile entrepreneur. Her latest venture, Dapper, co-founded in March 2021, serves as a brand studio with a keen focus on the human experience in brand development.

Highlights 03:11 Emma's company's values: To cultivate joy which should come from an authentic energy 06:05 Dapper's offerings: A six-month process based on self-discovery and personal branding and a three-month online course on global accessibility 09:33 Why having a compelling story adds value to the brand and underlines the difficulty, but importance, of finding a singular brand tone in companies with multiple co-founders 13:31 How important it is to give clients breathing space and time to reflect 18:47 Why some clients are reluctant to "buy in" 20:47 Learning from successful influencers and adapting the lessons to your personal journey, to gain an advantage and create their brand from an authentic place. 22:38 The importance of breaking down advice and applying only what is beneficial to avoid disrupting the business 23:26 Why not being able to apply all sections of an advice does not discredit the source, but rather, it just might not apply to your particular circumstance at the time 24:46 Brand comes before marketing and setting the foundation right would make everything else fall in place

Episode Resources

• Connect with Mike Brevik:
• www.brandretro.com
• http://www.cyberdogzmarketing.com/
• [email protected]
• Connect with Emma Donovan
• https://becomedapper.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/become.dapper/
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/becomedapper

Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.

• Subscribe with Apple Podcasts
• Follow on Spotify
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts