Marketing Moves

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Emily Pentecost, the creator behind @thingsivebeeneating, built a social media following of over 170,000 across Instagram and TikTok—all while working full-time in legal marketing. In this episode, she shares how a personal food journal evolved into a viral content platform, thanks to consistent visual style, genuine voice, and a Cleveland-first mindset. From her haunted house restaurant video that hit 11.9 million views to partnerships rooted in personal values, Emily talks about the challenges of creating content in public, the power of community over competition, and what it takes to stay inspired without selling out. Plus, her must-visit spots for anyone hungry in Cleveland.

On this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Manoj Jhaveri, Innovation Services Director at BRITE Energy Innovators. Manoj shares his journey from engineering and entrepreneurship to empowering over 130 clean energy startups across the Midwest. He breaks down how BRITE functions more like an energy-focused startup ecosystem than a traditional incubator, and how programs like their CXO Network are helping founders level up. Manoj also unpacks the real differences between building software and hard tech, from longer timelines to bigger funding gaps—and why communication, coachability, and founder wellness are critical to bridging the “valley of death” in energy innovation.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Max Pennington, CEO and Co-Founder of CLEANR. Max shares how an internship at P&G and an entrepreneurial drive from Case Western Reserve University sparked his mission to tackle microplastic pollution. With most microplastics coming straight from our washing machines, Max and his team developed a vortex-based filter that captures over 90% of microplastics before they reach waterways. He talks about the product’s nature-inspired design process, early engineering hurdles, and a go-to-market strategy focused on universities and long-term B2B goals. Max also dives into brand storytelling, upcoming regulatory pushes in the US and EU, and how CLEANR’s vision extends from everyday households to hospitals and hotels. If you’re passionate about sustainability and real-world tech innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, Sorosh Tavakoli shares how he went from tech entrepreneur to founder of Stockeld Dreamery, reimagining cheese with climate-friendly, legume-based creations. Inspired by Bay Area pioneers like Oatly and Beyond, Sorosh invested four years in R&D to craft fermented chickpea, lentil, and yellow pea cheeses that use 75% fewer resources than dairy—without compromising on taste or texture. From managing tricky fermentation to launching in 200 NYC stores and driving a 33% demo conversion rate, Sorosh dives into what it takes to stand out in a tough plant-based market. He also talks brand identity, playful Swedish storytelling, and how partnerships with local bagel shops and influencers are helping Stockeld build a category as complex and craveable as wine.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, Greg Harris, President and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, shares how Cleveland became the forever home of rock history—and why the museum continues to shape the culture today. With 31 years in the museum world and a record store legacy of his own, Greg breaks down how the Rock Hall drives a $240 million economic impact, connects with 1.5 million students annually, and keeps evolving through digital marketing, live music, and immersive exhibits like SNL: Ladies and Gentlemen… 50 Years of Music. From pairing classic legends with contemporary stars to embracing hip hop and EDM, Greg reveals how the Rock Hall honors the past while staying plugged into the pulse of now.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sit down with Megan Kim, Executive Director at COSE and Senior Vice President of Membership Development & Marketing at the Greater Cleveland Partnership, to explore her 20-year journey from event coordinator to strategic leader at the helm of Ohio’s largest small business support organization. Representing 11,000 of GCP’s 12,000 members, COSE provides advocacy, resources, and access to benefits like affordable healthcare through a MEWA with Medical Mutual. Megan shares how COSE is tackling small business challenges—like limited time, budget, and marketing expertise—through AI adoption, educational content, and a newsroom-style marketing team. With a growing LinkedIn presence and targeted support for industries like food, construction, and the arts, COSE is redefining what it means to serve entrepreneurs at every stage.

In this Mini Moves episode, we dive into the rising trend of influencer-led brand activations and how major names like Rare Beauty and Gymshark are redefining what successful events look like. Gone are the days of follower-count-first strategies—today, it's all about real connection, local relevance, and community-driven storytelling. From intimate micro-influencer gatherings to consumer-inclusive experiences, we explore how aesthetically curated events are built to be shared and remembered. Discover what makes an activation effective in today’s social landscape and how even small brands can make a big impact on a budget.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Aaron Hoffman, co-founder of DeliverThat, to explore how a college hustle evolved into a nationwide B2B catering delivery platform. From a viral tweet that jumpstarted their following to a strategic pivot during the pandemic, DeliverThat has grown to support over 35,000 drivers and partnerships with brands like Wegmans and Taco Cabana. Aaron unpacks how the company’s proprietary tech stack powers flexible, high-performance solutions across five verticals—and why their shift from product-first to brand-led storytelling is central to their next chapter. With the U.S. catering market projected to hit $110 billion by 2030, this conversation reveals what it really takes to build a delivery business that scales with strategy, not just speed.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sit down with Duane Mancini, CEO and co-founder of Project MedTech, to explore how his background in medicinal chemistry evolved into a mission-driven journey to support early-stage medtech startups. Duane shares how launching Project MedTech during the pandemic created an opportunity to provide consulting and capital support to healthcare innovators. The conversation covers the unique strengths of Midwest medtech, the power of storytelling in scientific marketing, and the growing role of AI in healthcare solutions. With eyes on expansion in 2025, Duane offers candid insights for founders—reminding us all that building a great company is a marathon, not a sprint.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, Matt Kaulig shares his journey from college athlete to executive chairman of Kaulig Companies Ltd., a growing enterprise spanning sports, media, and consumer products. He discusses founding LeafFilter Gutter Protection and how a bold, contrarian mindset helped him scale during the 2008 recession. Matt reflects on his leadership values—urgency, resilience, and a belief that not everyone needs to be a leader to make an impact. He also dives into Kaulig Charitable Giving and how aligning business with community support is core to his mission, including the company's role as title sponsor of a major PGA Tour Champions event in Northeast Ohio.