Marketing Moves

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we chat with Jarred Smith, co-founder of Nooma, the clean sports drink brand redefining hydration. Founded in 2014, Nooma set out to create a better-for-you alternative to traditional sports drinks, made with organic, plant-based ingredients and no added sugar. Jarred shares how the brand evolved from retail shelves to a thriving direct-to-consumer model, built around community, education, and sustainability. We also explore Nooma’s commitment to eco-friendly packaging and its vision for the future of functional beverages.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Elisabeth Sapell, founder of All City Candy, to explore how she turned her lifelong love of sweets into a thriving business and beloved local brand. From opening her first shop to navigating supply chain challenges, Elisabeth shares how creativity, community, and customer experience have shaped All City Candy’s success. She discusses the evolution of retail marketing, her approach to experiential in-store activations, and how authenticity fuels loyalty in an increasingly digital world. Tune in for an inspiring look at the business of joy, and how one entrepreneur continues to make life just a little sweeter.

On this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Michael Sirpilla, co-founder and CEO of Society Brands to unpack their founder-first acquisition model and how it’s redefining the way challenger brands scale. Michael explains why Society Brands keeps founders in the driver’s seat post-acquisition, the importance of shared services in accelerating growth, and how quarterly masterminds create a community of collaboration. We dive into their strategic pivot from Amazon reliance to a diversified omnichannel presence, the role of loyalty programs and influencer partnerships in driving retention, and why authenticity is at the core of both marketing and AI integration. Michael also shares Society Brands' long-term vision to lead the clean, toxin-free movement, building brands that not only grow, but last.

On this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Andrew Lix, National Sales Director, and Johanna Barnowski, Marketing Manager at Cleveland Whiskey. Known for pushing boundaries, Cleveland Whiskey blends tradition, science, and creativity to craft award-winning spirits that stand out in a crowded market. Andrew and Johanna share the company’s journey from its family roots to national distribution, what it means to be “radically different,” and how they’re using innovation in both product development and marketing to grow a loyal customer base. From experimental woods to seasonal releases like Magic Rabbit and Christmas Bourbon, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of the whiskey industry today, and how Cleveland Whiskey is building a brand that resonates far beyond its hometown.

On this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Sean Cain, Senior Director at the Superlative Group, to discuss the evolving world of sponsorship marketing. Sean shares lessons from navigating long sales cycles and explains how sponsorships have shifted from logo placements to meaningful community partnerships. We explore how the Superlative Group blends local and global strategies, why municipalities are increasingly turning to sponsorships for alternative revenue, and how digital integration is transforming packages. Sean also highlights what’s next in sponsorships and why the most successful deals are built on authentic connections and long-term vision.

On this episode of Mini Moves, we sat down to break down the ultimate Q4 playbook for brands preparing for the holiday rush. From analyzing last year’s performance to forecasting inventory and optimizing promotional calendars, timing is everything when it comes to Black Friday and beyond. We explore why 80% of your paid media budget should shift to retargeting, how SMS is outpacing email in engagement, and why user-generated content consistently beats high-production creative. Plus, we discuss building audiences early, leaning on trusted influencer partners, and operational planning to avoid dreaded stockouts. Whether you’re finalizing your strategy or just getting started, this conversation will help you maximize impact in the most competitive season of the year.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Alex Gruskin, Chief Creative Officer of Cracked Racquets, to hear how a single tweet sparked his journey into building one of tennis media’s fastest-growing platforms. Alex shares how he and founder Dalton turned a three-hour phone call into a lasting partnership, how Cracked Racquets adapted and thrived during the pandemic, and what it means to cover NCAA championships and WTA events like Tennis in the Land. We also dive into the power of analytics in sports media, uncovering why tennis is ripe for a data revolution.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Laura Gray, Director of Development, and Nick Lippert, Managing Director of the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation, to talk about the city’s unique role in Navy history. Established in 2019, the foundation is preparing for the commissioning of the fourth USS Cleveland, a Littoral Combat Ship that represents both advanced naval innovation and Cleveland pride. We explore how grassroots fundraising and corporate partnerships are fueling this effort, how the crew of young sailors is connecting with the community as “Cleveland’s hometown team,” and why marketing and engagement have been central to building momentum. From social media strategy and creative fundraisers to strengthening ties with local organizations, this conversation highlights how the USS Cleveland is becoming a powerful symbol for both the Navy and the city it represents.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we break down the electrifying journey of Scott Colosimo, founder of LAND Moto. What started with BMX tricks evolved into a mission to reshape urban mobility - and LAND Moto is leading the charge. Scott shares how his experience in battery innovation and product development led to building a vertically integrated electric vehicle company rooted in Cleveland. Designed for the 95% of Americans who don't ride motorcycles, LAND's emoto bikes blend e-bike ease with motorcycle thrill. We talk ride modes, first-time rider events, direct-to-consumer strategy, and why LAND's 10-year vision is about more than just the road - it’s about impact.

On this special episode of Marketing Moves, we unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming the e-commerce landscape just in time for the holidays at our second annual Christmas in July event hosted at VividFront HQ in Cleveland. From hyper-personalized recommendations and dynamic pricing to chatbots that close sales in real time, AI is now embedded in every touchpoint of the customer journey. We’ll explore how generative tools are reshaping digital marketing content, how Google’s evolving AI search is rewriting SEO rules, and why Performance Max deserves a second look despite the skepticism. Whether you're a brand leader or a digital strategist, this episode is your cheat sheet for staying ahead in the AI-powered shopping season.