Happy 100th Episode! We’re celebrating the big 1-0-0 with a very special episode of OUTdrive. This week, guest host Ivy Reynolds turns the mic around to interview our host, the founder and CEO of Callis, Cliff Callis. In this episode, listeners get an in-depth listen to Cliff’s story, the origins of Callis, and life lessons from 35 years of business. 

Cliff has over 35 years of experience and expertise in marketing, advertising and public relations. He grew up in the retail business, working alongside his father and brother, where he first learned about the customer experience. Today, he oversees a full-service marketing and advertising agency that specializes in marketing to rural America. Cliff focuses his efforts on client, employee and public relations and working with clients to help them strategically grow their business. He is also president of the Board of Directors of the Center for Human Services. Cliff is a graduate and former trustee of Missouri Valley College, where he studied business, economics and communications and competed in intercollegiate tennis. Cliff and his family reside outside Sedalia, Missouri, where he enjoys outdoor sports, travel and the inspiration of life’s experiences.

Tune in to celebrate the 100th episode of OUTdrive and hear Cliff’s thoughts on marketing, life achievements, and 35 years of business.

What you’ll learn: 

• What it was like for Cliff growing up outside of Sedalia in the 1960’s, being part of a family business, and his experience during the Ozark Music Festival
• How Cliff’s career path changed from when he was in high school to the time he graduated from Missouri Valley College
• The story of what prompted Cliff to leave retail and start an advertising agency 
• How Cliff’s role in the agency has changed throughout the years and the way the business has evolved over time
• The details behind Cliff’s morning routine and how it came to be a staple in his day
• Cliff’s favorite part of being in the marketing industry and how he approached taking the agency through the digital revolution
• Lessons Cliff has learned from over 35 years of business and what advice he would give his younger self
• What rural America means to Cliff - as a resident and a business owner