OUTdrive

The digital marketing and advertising agency industry, like many others, is changing. Nearly every day, new technologies, tools, ideas and best practices are introduced to the professionals who work in it. Callis is no different. Our goals as an agency are to always keep up with the changes, vet the ones that look interesting, and adopt the ones that make sense for our clients. It's just one of the reasons we've been able to stay relevant and sustain our business over the last 37 years.

In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff visits with agency president Megan Hartman as they debrief from their recent, semi-annual peer meeting in Columbus, Ohio. Some of you may know that Callis is certified by the Agency Management Institute, a nationally recognized association for the development of better advertising agencies. If you're a regular listener, you've heard us talk about this experience before. This session was especially beneficial with some really great discussions about agency operations, people utilization, services and technology. And we always share our big ideas, our challenges, frustrations, and financials, and our wins and losses. So, listen in as we share our thoughts and perspectives on key takeaways, new uses for AI and technology and other topics that could impact your business going forward.

Whether you make them in person or through the media you utilize, good marketing is all about making connections. In this episode with David Pearce, former banker, statesman and now head of governmental affairs at the University of Central Missouri, we discuss how connections made today can impact you even years later. David comes from a rural background and has a distinguished career as the head of marketing for a large, regional banking group, as a state legislator and senator, and now does public affairs. Over the years, he has gained incredible experience with both personal and corporate branding and he shares his thoughts and philosophies for what it takes to be successful and stand out in both arenas. Listen in for key insights on dealing with people, solid foundational marketing, journaling, and building a lifetime of connections.

Out here in the country, there are a lot of exciting things happening. Every day, entrepreneurs, both young and old, are coming up with innovative ideas and turning them into some of the new products and services we experience in our lives. Many times, those folks need a little shot in the arm financially to either help them get their idea off the ground, grow it or scale it, and that brings us to our guest today.

Neenah Jain is the Chief Financial Officer for Armory Square Ventures. Neenah is a lifelong Midwesterner who currently resides in Indianapolis and she brings a wealth of experience to our podcast, having moved back and forth between the business worlds of Dallas and New York and more rural communities like the one she grew up in. As a partner at ASV, Neenah is a leader on a team dedicated to backing mission-driven entrepreneurs who strive to transform traditional industries and uplift their communities.

Listen in to learn what kind of companies and entrepreneurs venture capitalists are looking to partner with, how the process works, why a VC might be a better option than a traditional bank loan and how they help companies grow and someday sell.

Out here in rural America, as well as in cities, many churches are struggling to stay relevant and meet the needs of its members and society. For most churches, bouncing back from the effects of the pandemic has been challenging, as people have gotten out of the habit, lost interest or simply found other things to do. However, some churches have not only survived but thrived thanks to good leadership, a vision, strong communications and the grace of God.

Listen in to our interview with Chris Guffey, the pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Pettis County, Missouri, as he shares his perspective on serving the Lord, his congregation and his community. Chris is a mentor to many, with a focus on youth, and he has built a dynamic church by leading by example and using innovative marketing tools to help tell their story. There are takeaways galore for anyone working in the marketing space or for those of us dealing with the challenges of life today.

Over the past few years, it has become faster, better and easier to collect data on practically anything. Technology tools like artificial intelligence and predictive analytics are driving this capability and we don't see it slowing down anytime soon. But as more and more data is collected, the question becomes, what do you do with it and how do you use it. Many companies just don't have the resources or expertise to collect it, manage it, analyze it or visualize it. However, there are companies and people out there who are doing amazing things with data and you're going to hear about that in our episode today.

Jim Barker is the Chief Revenue Officer for Live Earth, a real-time data visualization and data streaming platform. Listen in as we discuss the evolution of technology and the internet, some of the really cool things Live Earth is doing with technology, data and visualization that affect real lives, how the discovery process can unearth amazing ideas, how artificial intelligence (AI) is being utilized, and more.

There are many opportunities for young men and women to work in the world of agriculture, whether that's on the farm, marketing or selling products or serving the ag community in some way. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of challenges that can sometimes get in the way but there are also hard working people and businesses that are helping serve those young, beginning farmers, women in agriculture and those pursuing paths less chosen. They serve Missouri's farm and ranch families and are committed to telling the story of agriculture.

Listen in as I visit with Kate Lambert, Vice President of Marketing for FCS Financial and one of those people who help make things happen and get things done. Learn about innovative programs that serve the agricultural community, how Kate stays grounded balancing life with a family on the farm and her career, and how content marketing is helping to tell the FCS story.

Insurance is one of those things you need, but you hope you never need to use. I really think most people don't really understand insurance. Think about it. When have you ever read an insurance policy from start to finish? There is always fine print in your policy. There are exclusions. There are multiple options for any one kind of insurance you may be considering. So to me, this makes the relationship you have with your insurance broker and insurance agent vital. You must be able to depend upon your agent to help you cover your risk, because that's really what you're talking about. You need an agent you can trust, because if you ever do have a problem, you want to make sure you can contact that agent and get things taken care of for you.

One of those guys is Sonny Broyles and for 25 years, Sonny has been helping people protect their assets, their families and their livelihoods as an agent and now managing partner for Preuitt Insurance. Stay tuned as we talk about the insurance business, the different types of insurance you may need and why you so need to make sure you're covered, just in case. I think you'll find it interesting.

Today's short solocast is about labor, and I'm proud to say I work with some of the best labor talent you'll find anywhere. Over the years, I've been fortunate to work with a lot of great people – great associates, great clients, and great partners, many of whom have become great friends. I tell people often, you can't have too many friends, and I really believe that. So to our associates at Callis, thank you for everything you do for our clients and our business. We truly value your talent and your hard work. To our clients, I want to say thank you from all our team members for the honor to work with you and for you. You are the reason for any success we have enjoyed. And to all our friends who are listening in on our podcast today, thank you for spending your valuable time to be with me. That means a lot and I personally invite you to listen in to a short message thanking you and recognizing America's labor.

In our advertising agency and with our clients, strategy is at the forefront of everything we do. Solid strategy built on good data can be the difference between success and failure, and I've found over the years that some people are really good at it. One of those people is Steve Dust, an old friend, one of our first clients and a guy who has worked hard in a variety of roles to help develop the robust Midwest economy that we enjoy today.

Listen in as Steve shares his perspective on economic development, scenario planning - an approach he uses to create out-of-the-box strategies, his insight on what's happening at the Lake of the Ozarks from a development point of view, and his take on the changes and opportunities ahead for rural America.

For some people, inspiration comes from music, nature or animals. Others are inspired by the words and actions of people, like Kelsey Miller, an incoming freshman at Mizzou and the 2023 Missouri State Fair Queen. Kelsey grew up on her family farm in Jonesburg, Missouri and for years, has been looking forward to going to college to study to become an ag teacher so she could inspire others to pursue their dreams. Kelsey's advice is to always believe in yourself and know there are always people behind you who want to see you succeed. In this episode recorded the day after she was crowned queen, Kelsey shares her insight into rural America, the Missouri State Fair, growing up in agriculture and how to reach her, as a consumer.