Join us for a captivating journey through the most enlightening moments from our recent live event with Level Up Social Events. Immerse yourself as we interviewed various industry leaders to share their wisdom, expertise, experience, and provide invaluable advice. If you missed the event, don't worry! We're live-streaming our interviews with our special guests. Click the link below to catch the entire 'In The Club by Club Colors' live-stream event:

 https://www.linkedin.com/events/intheclublivefromlevelupsocialn7107788902484115456/theater/

In this episode of In The Club Podcast by Club Colors, Austin Maxwell and Breck Dismukes revealed the extraordinary journey of Kanga Coolers from a college project to a successful business venture. Listen in as they share the behind-the-scenes preparation for Shark Tank, the unexpected twist in the promotional products industry, and the pivotal role culture plays in their company’s growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Preparation is Key: Discover how Kanga Coolers' founders meticulously prepared for Shark Tank by subjecting themselves to intense scrutiny and feedback, which ultimately shaped their success on the show.
• Crowdfunding and Industry Revelation: Learn how crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter kickstarted their business and how unexpected opportunities in the promotional products industry revolutionized their trajectory.
• Cultural Foundations: Understand the significance of a strong, fun, and supportive company culture in driving motivation, commitment, and camaraderie among team members.

QUOTES

• "Well, we believe that there's no such thing as being overprepared."
• "We got roasted. We got ripped to shreds. We went back and analyzed that video and picked apart the things that we liked."
• "The importance of culture is unbelievable... Winning is fun and it's supposed to be fun."
• "We are building those layers of management right now... So you do need people that are loyal and bought in."

Connect and learn more about our guests through the links below.
Austin Maxwell’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-maxwell-164103113/
Breck Dismukes’ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/breckdismukes/

Website: https://kangacoolers.com/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In this episode of In The Club Podcast by Club Colors, Brandon Murphy, the Director of Business Development for Lucas James Talent Partners, shares his insights on building a company that values flexibility, culture, and accountability. Discover how to navigate uncertain economic conditions and create a work-life balance that empowers both employees and clients. Brandon is also in the seat for The Hot Iron with JMO with fun rapid fire questions. Whether you're a business leader or someone looking to make a career change, this episode offers valuable lessons for success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Prioritize flexibility and adaptability in your business to navigate uncertain economic conditions effectively.
• Create a company culture that values work-life balance, freedom, and accountability for employees.
• Building career paths for your team members is essential for long-term success.
• The importance of listening, empathy, and understanding your client's true needs in sales.
• The significance of treating others with respect and making them feel valued in professional relationships.

QUOTES

• "We make sense when it's uncertain."
• "We work to live, but we want to live."
• "Nobody cares how smart you are, but they'll never forget how you make them feel."
• "Purpose over product."
• "We're not just going to take it on."

Connect and learn more about Brandon through the link below.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-murphy-034646b/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!
Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

Ah Yes! We are back at it again. We are live from the Level Up Social Networking Events at Black Barrel Tavern here in Chicago. Join us for a captivating journey through the most enlightening moments from our recent live event with Level Up Social Events. Immerse yourself as we interviewed various industry leaders to share their wisdom, expertise, experience, and provide invaluable advice.

If you missed the event, don't worry! We're live-streaming our interviews with our special guests. Click the link below to catch the entire 'In The Club by Club Colors' live-stream event:

https://www.linkedin.com/events/intheclublivefromlevelupsocialn7107788902484115456/theater/

In this episode of In The Club Podcast by Club Colors, John Morris invites Brandon Murphy, Director of Business Development for Lucas James Talent Partners, to discuss a revolutionary approach to recruiting and HR augmentation. Brandon delves into the operational challenges of their unique model, emphasizing the need to educate small to mid-market businesses on this groundbreaking solution that allows them to borrow senior recruiters to meet their hiring demands. Brandon highlights the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of their approach, which results in significant cost savings and better ROI for their clients. Get ready to discover how Lucas James Talent Partners is transforming the way companies find and hire top talent.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Lucas James Talent Partners offers HR augmentation, allowing small to mid-market businesses to borrow senior recruiters to meet their hiring demands, providing flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
• Their approach helps overwhelmed HR departments handle sudden surges in hiring demands, acquisitions, or other workforce challenges by providing on-demand, skilled recruiters.
• Lucas James Talent Partners operates on a consulting model, managing the entire recruitment process, tracking cost per hire, and providing cost savings for their clients.
• The company prides itself on being a phone call away for clients who need recruiting support, and they aim to be the trusted solution during HR's busiest times.

QUOTES

• "The differentiator is we're really an HR augmentation service. That's a mouthful of words. A lot of work."
• "We want to be the phone call. When they are stressed, overwhelmed, they just raised funding, had an acquisition, now they have 20 roles they didn't have yesterday. Call us."
• "Our ROI comes in many different forms, the biggest being cost savings, right? So by billing a fixed hourly rate for the recruiter versus these huge fees per hire, as we get more and more wins, it drives that cost per hire down."
• "We manage the whole process and our team members. So we don't just give them a human being and say, good luck."

Connect and learn more about Brandon through the link below.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-murphy-034646b/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In this episode of In The Club Podcast by Club Colors, the team at Club Colors dives into the world of higher education branding and how premium products play a pivotal role in creating lasting brand impressions. They discuss the importance of purpose over product and how they collaborate with universities to understand the goals and challenges they face when promoting their brand. From engaging young alumni to driving success on campus, the discussion revolves around creative solutions and exclusive collector pieces that resonate with donors and alumni. The episode explores the impact of premium products on the human experience, building pride, and inspiring brand loyalty.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Premium products play a crucial role in creating lasting brand impressions and memories.
• Understanding the purpose and goals of branding initiatives is essential to choosing the right products.
• Personalized and exclusive collector pieces are effective in engaging alumni and donors.
• Premium products can contribute to student success by promoting campus resources and wellness habits.
• Impactful brand experiences can lead to better testimonials, referrals, and increased admissions.

QUOTES

• "We want to create things that alumni can't get somewhere else. We tap into their nostalgia to create a feeling tied to their personal brand."
• "It's not about just giving alumni something they can buy; it's about creating exclusive custom collector pieces that make an impact."
• "The office of the president runs the campus, and hearing their vision for the university is pretty incredible."
• "Premium products are vital for creating lasting brand impressions and motivating action."

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In this episode of In The Club Podcast by Club Colors, we dive into the world of university and college branding. Our guests, Giancarlo Amador, Adam Stoczynski, and Chris Jaeger, share insights on how universities and colleges can utilize branding, promotional products, and marketing solutions to engage with students, alumni, and donors. Learn how to create inspiring brand experiences and build strong connections within the academic community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Marrying quality with creativity is the key to success in any market, including universities and colleges.
• Creating memorable experiences for students, alumni, and donors involves a blend of creativity and top-notch products.
• Operational excellence, speed, and ease of use are crucial in serving universities and colleges effectively.
• The ability to provide quality and creativity sets Club Colors apart in the branding industry.
• Young alumni play a vital role in marketing and supporting universities, making them a valuable demographic.
• Engaging recent graduates and turning them into donors sets the foundation for future major donors.

QUOTES

• "The biggest thing to me is we have the ability to marry quality with creativity. And that is how you're always going to win with whatever market you're trying to tap into."
• "Creating inspiring brand experiences is about creating a feeling for not just the campus partners but also for the people who receive the branded items."
• "Students are customers, and how you treat your customers will determine how well they speak about you."
• "Engaging recent graduates and turning them into donors sets the foundation for future major donors."

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In this episode of In The Club Podcast by Club Colors, Jeremy Lott, President and CEO of SanMar, shares insights into how his company prioritizes values and community impact alongside business success. Jeremy discusses the importance of humility, service mentality, and the role of sales teams in adding value to customers' businesses. He delves into the concept of "purpose over product" and how understanding a client's brand promise and demographics can drive meaningful partnerships. The conversation also explores SanMar's commitment to sustainability, its innovative programs for factory workers, and the touching "Hands Project" that transforms lives in Honduras. Jeremy sheds light on the challenges of operating in developing countries and the significance of staying engaged with local communities. Throughout, the discussion emphasizes how doing good can be a path to both business growth and positive societal change.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Prioritizing humility and service mentality can lead to successful and meaningful business relationships.
• Sales teams can add value by understanding a client's brand promise and demographics.
• Combining profitability with positive social impact can be a winning strategy for businesses.
• Sustainability efforts can lead to cost savings and environmental benefits.
• Balancing profit and purpose can create a stronger sense of community engagement and brand loyalty.

QUOTES

• "Our job is to care about your business and help you grow."
• "Our best salespeople add value to our customers by giving great ideas."
• "You can do great while doing good, or you're doing good, and that's helping you do great."
• "If you can use profitable business to help people, you can go much further faster."
• "Kindness is one of the most important principles I teach my children."
• "Purpose over product: it's not enough to avoid doing bad things; we want to ensure we do good things."

Connect and learn more about Jeremy through the link below.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-lott-56581020/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In this episode of In The Club Podcast by Club Colors, Jeremy Lott, President and CEO of SanMar, shares insights into the company's journey from a screen printing business to a leading supplier in the promotional product space. He emphasizes the importance of inventory and customer service as key drivers of success. SanMar's flat pricing structure fosters strong partnerships with customers, allowing them to compete based on merit rather than price. Lott highlights SanMar's purpose-driven approach of creating lasting connections that elevate lives and discusses the significance of product expertise in the industry

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Sanmar is a company that emphasizes creating lasting connections that elevate lives as its core purpose.
• The company sees its role as more than just providing products; it's about building a sense of community and identity through the apparel they supply.
• Sanmar differentiates itself by focusing on service and building strong partnerships with its customers. It believes that service is a critical component of its success.
• Sanmar's approach to pricing is flat and fair, meaning customers pay the same price regardless of their size, fostering a level playing field.
• Inventory is seen as an asset, not a liability. Sanmar maintains deep inventory to support its customers and believes it's crucial for success, even though it might seem counterintuitive to some.
• The company's journey has evolved from being primarily a distribution business to becoming an apparel company, combining product innovation with efficient distribution.
• Sanmar's purpose-driven approach and interconnectedness with its partners are key factors in its success. It seeks to create value for its customers, employees, and the communities it serves.
• The company places a strong emphasis on product quality and strives to elevate the products in its industry.
• Sanmar believes in delivering value through its products, services, and expertise, rather than engaging in price competition.
• The company's growth has been gradual and focused on building strong partnerships over the long term, allowing it to weather challenges like COVID-19 effectively.
• Sanmar's approach to business is centered around creating a community of partners, rather than just customers, and aligning its goals with theirs to achieve success together.

QUOTES

• "We're in this garden, and the moss that's growing benefits by the tree and the tree provides shade... It's the way I've always thought about our business. So we're here together going out and trying to grow a business together." - Jeremy Lott
• "Create lasting connections that elevate lives. That's our purpose as an organization." - Jeremy Lott
• "We look at it as, we're laser-focused on how we service our customers. That's our mentality as a company." - Jeremy Lott
• "We want to make products that people want to wear. We wanted to elevate products in our industry." - Jeremy Lott

Connect and learn more about Jeremy through the link below.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-lott-56581020/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

In this episode of In The Club Podcast by Club Colors, John Morris provides valuable insights into the impact of AI on branding. He discusses how AI is already being used for audience profiling and content creation, potentially changing the way companies communicate with their audiences. John emphasizes the importance of maintaining authenticity in branding, as AI lacks the soul and humor that humans bring to marketing campaigns.

John also shares lessons learned from both traditional and modern sales approaches, highlighting the need for continuous improvement. He talks about the role of humor in marketing campaigns and the power of memorable, funny content.

The episode concludes with a fun and entertaining segment called "The Hot Iron with JMO," where John answers rapid-fire questions on various topics, showcasing his energetic and engaging personality. Overall, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving world of branding and the role of AI in shaping its future.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Social selling is an underutilized tool that can be effective in modern sales and branding.
• The future of AI in branding may involve a balance between automation and maintaining a human touch in content creation.
• Maintaining energy and enthusiasm in life and work is essential, driven by personal motivation and the desire to provide for one's family.
• Balancing work and family life can be challenging but rewarding, especially when supporting children's passions and interests.
• Golf is the preferred sport for achieving legendary status, representing a personal accomplishment, while humor is crucial in marketing and branding.

QUOTES

• "I think a lot of organizations have created an ICP and they can type in a profile and essentially determine what is the audience that they need to speak to." - John Morris
• "I think it's going to change content creation. I'm already seeing posts that I go, I'm not so sure that that company wrote that post or whether or not a person did." - John Morris
• "I think really smart organizations will find a way to balance it. I think really organizations that will struggle will overdo it in order for it to be efficient and it will lack feeling." - John Morris

Connect and learn more about John through the link below.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E2%98%98%EF%B8%8Fjohn-morris%E2%98%98%EF%B8%8F/

Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com/

If you enjoyed this episode of In the Club Podcast with Club Colors, please leave us a review on your favorite podcasting platform!