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Having been established for over 50 years, Hard Rock is one of the most instantly recognizable and revered global brands. But with such remarkable success and widespread expansion, it's easy to forget what the brand truly values at its core. To refresh our memories and to explain what Hard Rock stands for today, we are joined by the President of Entertainment and Brand Management for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, Keith Sheldon. As a lawyer-turned-marketer, Keith describes his current role at Hard Rock, how he and his team are navigating the unique challenge of redistilling Hard Rock's brand identity under one banner, and how his approach to marketing has changed since 2023. We learn about the evolution of Hard Rock's identity and DNA, how its memorabilia collation began, the ins and outs of the brand's recent resurgence (including its new advertising campaign), and how it benefits from its various partnerships with other big brands and noteworthy influencers. To end, Keith explains why mentorship at Hard Rock is a two-way street, and we learn about the brand's measured approach to adopting AI!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Keith Sheldon's professional journey began as a lawyer.
• The evolution of Hard Rock and how Eric Clapton influenced its memorabilia collection.
• Insight into Hard Rock's recent brand resurgence.
• How Hard Rock's identity and DNA have evolved over the past 50 years. 
• What Hard Rock's partnerships with F1 and Red Bull Racing do for the brand.
• The ins and outs of Keith's role as President of Entertainment and Brand Management.
• Embracing the challenge of redefining Hard Rock's identity under one umbrella. 
• The campaign to reintroduce Hard Rock to the world, what the brand aims to achieve, and the payoff for customers. 
• A look at the brand's local marketing efforts and property ownership structure. 
• Understanding Keith's approach to marketing challenges in 2023 versus now. 
• An overview of Hard Rock's stance on AI. 
• How Keith learns from the youth at his company just as much as he offers them advice. 
• Career opportunities at Hard Rock International. 
• Keith’s hot takes on influencer marketing, TikTok, and Google!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Keith Sheldon on LinkedIn

Hard Rock International

Seminole Gaming 

‘Come Together with Unity by Hard Rock’

Miami F1

Red Bull Racing 

SOCi

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Martin, Chief Marketing Officer for Floor & Decor, to unpack the intricacies of marketing for a specialized retailer in the hard surface flooring industry. Floor & Decor is a leading specialty retailer in the hard surface flooring market, offering an unparalleled selection of tile, wood, stone, and flooring accessories at low prices. Wendy is a seasoned marketing executive with extensive experience in the retail and home improvement sectors. Her expertise lies in creating compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse customer bases. In our conversation, Wendy shares how Floor & Decor caters to its two primary customer segments —professionals and buy-it-yourself consumers—by adjusting marketing strategies to generate awareness and engagement. Discover the importance of being relevant across multiple channels, the role of professionals in their business model, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the flooring market. We discuss the interesting interplay between Floor & Decor's customer segments, how the company keeps customers inspired, and its approach to meeting customers where they are in their research and purchase phases. Discover the pillars of the company’s marketing strategy, the potential of AI in its marketing approach, and the role of user-generated content. Wendy also shares how her career experience has prepared her for her current role and valuable career advice for young marketers. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introduction of Wendy Martin and her role at Floor & Decor.
• Overview of the company’s history and how it has grown over time.
• Details on Floor & Decor's national footprint and recent store opening in Brooklyn.
• Floor & Decor’s unique marketing dynamics and customer segmentation.
• Differentiating between the buy-it-yourself and professional customers.
• Learn about the customer journey and essential customer touchpoints.
• Using digital channels to drive customer awareness and engagement.
• Approaches for staying top-of-mind for professional customers.
• Explore the company’s loyalty programs and educational initiatives. 
• Ways the marketing landscape has changed for Floor & Decor.
• The company’s approach to customer care and local marketing tactics.
• Significant shifts in Floor & Decor’s business strategies and initiatives.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Wendy Martin on LinkedIn

Floor & Decor

Floor & Decor on Pinterest

Floor & Decor on Instagram

Floor & Decor on Facebook

Floor & Decor on X

Floor & Decor on YouTube

Floor & Decor on LinkedIn

HGTV

The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) 

National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA)

SOCi

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

To celebrate 100 Episodes, we welcome back Ryan Ostrom, CMO and EVP at American fast-food chain, Jack in the Box. Since his first appearance on the podcast three years ago, Ryan has left his role in marketing leadership at GNC and pioneered an innovative turnaround for Jack in the Box. His strategy? A step-by-step process based on the principles of the acronym CRAVED: culturally relevant, authentic, feasible, easy, and distinctive. Today, he joins us to share the marketing philosophy that led to an award-winning campaign featuring Snoop Dogg and an activation dedicated to his intergenerational brand. Join us as we dive into Ryan’s experience of inheriting a legacy brand and the foundational work he has done to set the brand up for a new season of success. You’ll also find out how he managed to make the fictional Jack feel like a real member of the team, how he has used digital innovation to keep Jack in the Box relevant, and much more. Thanks for listening! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Lesser-known facts about Ryan Ostrom. 
• Insight into the Jack in the Box advertisement featuring Snoop Dogg. 
• What is behind the CRAVED acronym.
• Snoop Dogg’s intergenerational relevance and how the Dogg-in-the-Box activation unfolded.
• Strengths and weaknesses inherited from the Jack in the Box brand.
• Foundational work to set the brand up for success.
• Getting the social and digital platforms right.
• The evolution of the CRAVED acronym from Greg Creed’s RED. 
• Bringing Jack to the forefront of the brand as a legitimate member of the team. 
• How Jack in the Box’s strategy today leans into the digital environment.
• What sets their burgers apart after a two-year development process.
• How Jack in the Box has addressed negative reviews online. 
• Predictions for the influence and role of AI in marketing.
• Ryan’s time at KFC under Yum! Brands. 
• How Ryan brought the CRAVED philosophy to life at Jack in the Box and beyond.
• Ryan’s opinions on Gen Z, Facebook, and more!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box Careers

Jack in the Box on Instagram

Jack in the Box on TikTok

Ryan Ostrom on LinkedIn

Episode 21 with Ryan Ostrom

'Snoop Dogg Munchie Meal – Jack in the Box Commercial'

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

In today’s episode, we delve into the world of digital transformation in the restaurant industry with industry expert, Casey Terrell. Casey is a highly respected marketing professional with vast experience in the restaurant industry, particularly in digital transformation, technology adoption, and multi-location marketing roles. In our conversation, we discuss Casey's career trajectory and professional experiences, the integration of technology into marketing strategies, the state of digital transformation in the restaurant industry, and the evolving relationship between CMOs and CIOs. We explore the concept of digital transformation, the challenges faced by restaurants in adapting to technological advancements, and the role of marketing in driving innovation and customer experience. Gain valuable insights into the evolving marketing landscape in the restaurant industry, the qualities and considerations in choosing tech partners, the value of loyalty programs and the impact of personalized marketing approaches, the challenges and strategies of balancing brand-building efforts with performance marketing, and much more! Join us as we uncover what qualities will make you stand out in the marketing landscape and the nuances of digital transformation with Casey Terrell!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Cassey’s military background and how Burger King started his marketing career.
• Learn about the various roles and responsibilities he has had over the years. 
• Transitioning from multi-location into packaged goods and shaking up the CPG space.
• Hear how he became the digital transformation expert he is today. 
• The state of digital transformation in the restaurant industry and what needs to change.
• Unpack the changing dynamics between traditional CIO and CMO roles.
• Discover the essential qualities and considerations in choosing tech partners.
• Building technology in-house versus partnering with external vendors.
• Balancing the demands of the brand with performance marketing.
• He shares the impactful role his mentors have played in his career.
• Final takeaways and advice for budding marketers in the restaurant space.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Casey Terrell on LinkedIn

SPB Hospitality

Logans Roadhouse

Gordon Biersch Brew Co.

Yellowcard

Ocean Avenue

A Star Is Born

Burger King

VTEX

InBev

Episode 37: Patty Trevino

Episode 92: Bruce Skala

SOCi

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

In today’s crowded and competitive marketing landscape, many brands strive to break through the noise by creating memorable social media moments that bring their brand personality to life. In this episode of Clicks 2 Bricks, we take a look at Cricket Wireless' recent viral campaign with WWE, featuring the Cricket Chair Phone. What is a Chair Phone, you might ask? You’ll have to keep listening to find out! To unveil the secrets behind this successful brand activation, we are joined by Vivian Acosta, Cricket's Director of Social Media. Tuning in, you’ll gain valuable insight into Cricket’s social media strategy, their unique collaborations with content creators through the Cricket Creator Network, and how the brand is leveraging AI to make marketing more streamlined and effective. Vivian also shares some stereotype-smashing advice for reaching Hispanic audiences, highlighting the importance of community investment. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that takes a deep dive into the power of collaboration, authentic engagement, and so much more!

[Update: Cricket’s plans start at $15 per month, not $25 as mentioned in the episode]

Key Points From This Episode:

• Some sporty fun facts about Vivian Acosta (that also make her a better leader)!
• The origin story of Cricket Wireless and how the brand has evolved since 1999.
• What Vivian’s role as Head of Social Media at Cricket encompasses.
• Insight into Cricket’s relationship with WWE and the unique Chair Phone campaign.
• Successes and challenges that accompany working with celebrities.
• How Cricket leverages the creator economy with the Cricket Creator Network.
• Unique benefits a wireless provider like Cricket has when working with content creators.
• Impressions, views, and other metrics that measure the success of the creator network.
• Ways that Cricket is using AI to make marketing more efficient and impactful.
• Vivian’s 10-year journey with AT&T and how it has made her a better marketing leader.
• Curiosity, authenticity, and representation: top tips for reaching Hispanic audiences.
• Why it’s important to acknowledge your blindspots and invite challenges.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Cricket Wireless

Cricket Chair Phone

Cricket Wireless WWE Partnership

Vivian Acosta on LinkedIn

Vivian Acosta on Instagram

Vivian Acosta on TikTok

Vivian Acosta on X

'Cricket Wireless x WWE present: CHAIR PHONE’ 

Ep 52: Brand Purpose and Cause Marketing with Tony Mokry

SOCi

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

In 2025, Dairy Queen turns 85 and in its eight-plus decades, it has evolved from being a simple soft-serve ice cream company to becoming one of the biggest QSR and burger brands in America! Dairy Queen’s philosophy is one of emotional connection, and bringing us closer to the brand today is its Executive Vice President of Marketing, Maria Hokanson. Maria walks us through Dairy Queen’s origins and history, what sets it apart from other brands in the space, what it aims to achieve in today’s climate, and how the way it has evolved since its inception has both highlighted and strengthened each of its core values. Then, we dive deeper into the brand by assessing its relationship with its franchisees, how it connects with its younger audience, its many store locations and remarkable brand reach, and how it uses old-school methods to make the most of modern technologies. Maria also explains the challenges of her work and how she overcomes them, how Dairy Queen uses AI for marketing, why she thinks that marketers deserve more respect, and her advice to anyone looking to follow a similar career path as hers.  

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Maria Hokanson as she walks us through Dairy Queen’s office setup.
• Danger girl and danger boy. 
• The history of the Dairy Queen brand, what sets it apart, and what it stands for today. 
• How Dairy Queen has evolved to keep up with, and embrace, the times. 
• The way the brand speaks to its younger consumers. 
• Dairy Queen’s store locations and brand reach.
• Its marketing relationship with its franchisees, and how it gets involved in communities.
• New age technologies versus old school methods, and everything in between.
• The challenges that Maria experiences in her work and how she overcomes them. 
• Marketing adjustments that she’s made in 2024. 
• Everything you need to know about Dairy Queen and AI.
• Why Maria believes that the role of marketing is being undervalued by the industry. 
• Her professional journey with Dairy Queen, and current job vacancies at the company.  
• TikTok, ROI, influencer marketing, and Zena Srivatsa Arnold/Sephora. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Maria Hokanson on LinkedIn

Maria Hokanson on X

Maria Hokanson on Instagram 

Dairy Queen 

DQ FREEZER 

DQ Careers 

‘America's Best Loyalty Programs’

Zena Srivatsa Arnold on LinkedIn 

Sephora

SOCi

Wild Coffee Marketing

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Authenticity is a rare trait in today’s business world, but as today’s guest tells it, being authentic is the only way to foster meaningful human connections – which are more valuable than all the money in the world combined! Tim Rea is the Chief Experience, Brand, and Marketing Officer for Edward Jones – a financial services firm with over 15,000 offices and more than 19,000 investment advisors all geared toward serving local communities throughout America – and he joins us today to walk us through the incredible work being done at his company. We begin with Edward Jones, learning what the company does, what it stands for, who it serves, its latest groundbreaking campaign, and where it fits in the financial services industry. Then, we dive into Tim’s professional history, what his role at Edward Jones entails, how his current job compares to his previous roles in retail and CPG, and an unpopular opinion about marketers that he refuses to let go of. We also discuss the evolution of the financial advisor, how Tim and his team build trust and measure success, and why he believes that marketers are best suited for business leadership positions.   

Key Points From This Episode:

• Tim Rea gives us the breakdown of his company, Edward Jones.  
• Why he doesn’t believe that Edward Jones is anti-Wall Street as some claim it to be. 
• Understanding the Edward Jones brand and its position in the industry. 
• Diving into Tim’s title and what his role entails.  
• How his previous roles in retail compare to his current one in financial services. 
• A closer examination of how Edward Jones works for its partners and clients. 
• Exploring the evolution of the role of financial advisor. 
• The ins and outs of Edward Jones’s latest campaign, Find Your Rich. 
• How Tim measures success for the campaign and at work in general. 
• Why being a local brand matters to him and his team, and how he builds trust.
• His strongly held and unpopular opinion on marketing and marketers. 
• Tim’s professional journey, including his transition from CPG to multilocation to finances.  
• Edward Jones’s mentorship program and how it inspires new marketers.  
• Branded content, TikTok, Facebook, and inspirational brands. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Tim Rea on LinkedIn

Edward Jones 

Find Your Rich 

The Richest Man in America 

PG Investor

HERSHEY’S

GRMA 

SOCi

Wild Coffee Marketing

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Our guest today is Jen Wilson, and she’s the Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing for Lowe’s. The major update from the home improvement retailer revolves around the recent revitalization of the My Lowe’s Loyalty Program. This relaunch features enticing spending rewards and innovative methods to capture consumer preferences even before any purchases are made. Join the conversation as we dive into how they’re thinking about differentiation, how they’re measuring the performance of their loyalty program, the importance of a customer data platform, and Jen unpacks Lowe’s philosophy on ‘local.’ We delve into Jen’s impressive 18-year journey at Lowe’s, initially beginning in public relations and evolving into her current leadership role in marketing amidst this era of digital innovation. Don’t miss out on this insightful episode with our guest, Jen Wilson from Lowe’s. Enjoy!

Key Points From This Episode:

• We kick off the podcast with a fun fact about our guest, Jen Wilson.
• Jen unpacks Lowe’s’ brand story and what the current footprint looks like.
• Thinking about differentiation: being the most helpful brand in home improvement.
• How they came up with the concept of Lowe’s Knowns.
• Jen shares further details on the Lowe’s Knowns program.
• Relaunching the My Lowe’s Loyalty Program and the strategic thoughts behind the changes.
• How they’re measuring the performance of their loyalty program.
• Why she believes it’s critical to have a customer data platform set up as the underpinning of a loyalty program.
• We talk about the other pillars of their marketing strategy, other than the loyalty program.
• Jen shares her thoughts on how your brand strategy lives within the marketing umbrella.
• What they mean when they say they’re looking more through the front windshield and less through the rear windshield for 2024.
• Lowe’s philosophy on ‘local.’
• Jen talks about how local Google searches play a meaningful role for Lowe’s: a fundamental element of how they localize their strategy.
• She speaks to Lowe’s response to third-party reviews.
• How AI is being talked about as part of their marketing strategy.
• We delve into Jen’s remarkable 18-year career journey at Lowe’s.
• She elaborates on the formal and informal mentorship programs within Lowe’s.
• Jen fires back with our quick response round of questions. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jennifer Wilson on LinkedIn

Lowe’s

MyLowe’s Rewards

MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card

Career’s at Lowe’s

Forbes CMO Network

‘CMOs Need To Think And Act Locally In The Age Of COVID-19 And Beyond’

‘Few CMOs Appreciate The Impact Of Google Search On Foot Traffic’

Dave Matthew Band on Instagram

Dead in Company

Meta

Deniz Anders on LinkedIn

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Stretching, as a service, is a growing industry and Stretch Zone is the original brand! Today we are joined by the Vice President of Marketing for Stretch Zone, Lindsey McFadden, who is here to speak about how technology and specifically, SOCi has helped her company scale at its intended rate. We learn about the origins of Stretch Zone, what the company does, how it pioneered professional stretching as a service, and everything that happens in its marketing universe. Then, we get into SOCi as our guest explains the working relationship between SOCi and Stretch Zone, how she and her team use the marketing cloud platform to its full potential, why she would recommend the platform to anybody in digital marketing, and where AI fits in all the above. We also hear about Lindsey’s professional journey and how she landed her current role, how her marketing process has changed since she first started in the industry, the ins and outs of Stretch Zone’s relationship with its franchisees, and the advice Lindsey would share with younger self and with those who wish to follow a similar career path as hers. Thanks for tuning in!      

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Stretch Zone’s Lindsey McFadden as she shares her love for traveling. 
• The Stretch Zone story and what the company has set out to achieve. 
• How professional stretching as a service category didn’t exist before Stretch Zone. 
• Lindsey walks us through Stretch Zone’s marketing universe. 
• Why she chose SOCi and what her company is gaining from this partnership.  
• Diving deeper into how Stretch Zone and its franchisees use SOCi to its full potential. 
• Stretch Zone’s KPIs that are measured by SOCi.
• Our guest’s (glowing) customer review of SOCi. 
• Her experience of this new era of AI. 
• Lindsey’s marketing process in 2024 and how it’s changed over the years.
• Everything you need to know about Stretch Zone’s relationship with its franchisees. 
• Lindsey’s professional journey and how she ended up in her current role. 
• Her advice to her younger self and other aspiring marketers.
• TikTok, influencer marketing, and Gen Z. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Lindsey McFadden on LinkedIn

Lindsey McFadden on X

Lindsey McFadden on Instagram

Stretch Zone  

SOCi, Inc. 

Matt Maybeno on LinkedIn

Emily McConnell on LinkedIn 

Ricky Fritzsching on LinkedIn 

Scott Romney on LinkedIn

Wild Coffee Marketing

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Most people aren’t exactly eager to think about investing in products like life insurance, especially since it can bring up uncomfortable feelings about the future. This presents some pretty unique marketing challenges for companies that sell these types of products. So what can you do to connect with audiences and help them realize that getting life insurance is not as difficult or intimidating as it may seem? Joining us today to explore this topic is Keith Clark, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Mutual of Omaha, a leading insurance and financial services company based in Omaha, Nebraska. We talk with Keith about the nuances of marketing life insurance, how life insurance personally impacted his life, and how his passion for helping families informs his work. Tuning in you’ll learn about the relaunch of Mutual of Omaha’s beloved show, Wild Kingdom, the company’s overall marketing strategy, its approach to digital media, how AI is changing the role of CMOs, and much more. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Keith Clark on what it means to market life insurance!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get to know Keith Clark, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Mutual of Omaha.
• An overview of Mutual of Omaha’s long history and its 115th birthday.
• Why the company decided to launch the wildlife television show, Wild Kingdom, back in 1963.
• How the show endeared watchers to the Mutual of Omaha brand.
• Relaunching Wild Kingdom and what they needed to consider in the adaptation process.
• An overview of Mutual of Omaha’s dynamic marketing strategy across distribution channels.
• Insight into the direct-to-consumer and direct mail aspects of their business.
• What Keith’s team does to increase brand awareness and assist salespeople.
• How life insurance impacted Keith’s life, personally, and the passion he feels for the product.
• Unpacking how AI and other technologies are changing the role of CMO.
• The biggest challenges for marketers in the digital era.
• Mutual of Omaha’s strategy for getting more sophisticated with their content development.
• Key marketing lessons Keith learned from working in publishing and at an agency.
• Keith’s advice for marketers aspiring to the role of CMO.
• Some of the exceptional marketers that Keith would love to see on the show.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Keith Clark on LinkedIn 

Keith Clark on X

Mutual of Omaha

Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom Intro Theme

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom

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Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat