OUTdrive

Dan Cassidy leads a successful career in agricultural policy, currently serving as Chief Administrative Officer of the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation and Affiliated Companies. A passionate advocate for Missouri farmers, Dan also coordinates Farm Bureau's legislative and political action programs and serves as a lobbyist for the farm organization at the state and national levels. He truly lives and loves the rural American way of life and works to improve the agricultural industry for everyone.

A New Mexico native that grew up in the rodeo world, Dan has had a lifelong interest in agriculture. He has held several positions in the agricultural and legislative arenas, with previous positions including; Director of National Legislative Programs for the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation; Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture; and Legislative Assistant for Agriculture with U.S. Senator Christopher "Kit" Bond. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from New Mexico State University as well as a Masters degree in Agricultural Economics and a Ph.D in Natural Resource Policy from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

When he is not working to improve agriculture in the U.S. and on behalf of Missouri farmers, Dan enjoys the rural lifestyle. He and his wife Linda live on a farm in Callaway County and have three daughters and are proud grandparents.

Hear Dan's and Cliff's thoughts on the importance of building a strong marketing mix, meeting your audience where they are through integrated marketing and having a little fun along the way.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• Why a strong marketing mix is important in communications to a diverse rural American audience
• How to reach your audience through a variety of channels and integrated marketing to meet them where they are
• The unique dynamic of advocating for rural Missouri and rural America at a national level
• The value of experimenting with new strategies and tactics to make an impact
• How doing what it takes for however long it takes can lead to measurable success
• More about the role communications play in agriculture and rural America
• Insights into the rural American lifestyle and rural American core values
• The importance of listening to your audience for continuous improvement
• Balancing a strong work ethic to drive results and having some fun along the way
• Little known facts about the Farm Bureau Federation and its history

Kyle Meek leads a successful career in digital marketing, currently serving as Digital Marketing Manager at Callis. He thrives on creatively and efficiently developing solutions using new technology and methods and remaining curious about how to improve current processes.

A man that wears many hats, Kyle began his career at Callis supporting the web development team. His diverse education and experience allowed him to take on many roles, including website development and optimization, digital ad strategy, SEO strategy and implementation and data analysis. He received his bachelor's degree from the University of Central Missouri, majoring in Graphic Technologies with a focus in Web Media Technology and a minor in Computer Science. When he is not leading the charge in digital technology, Kyle enjoys biking and fishing with his son, reading books, and might be the only Baltimore Ravens fan in the state of Missouri.

Hear Kyle's and Cliff's thoughts on emerging technologies and digital marketing methods including social media, SEO, data and automation and the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI). They also discuss the importance of remaining curious, looking at data in creative ways and key insights into reaching a rural American audience through digital marketing.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• Emerging digital marketing trends and methods that should be on your radar
• Some unique challenges of digital marketing in rural America and how to overcome them
• Fostering a professional environment that encourages curiosity and continuous learning
• Benefits of looking at data in creative ways, experimenting with new tactics and trying new strategies
• A look at some of today's most notable social media platforms
• The importance of regularly analyzing your website for continued growth
• Why content is still king, and how high-quality content benefits your digital presence
• What's next with data, automation and AI
• Meeting your audience where they are through effective methods
• The effectiveness of an integrated approach, no matter the location

Lori Wightman leads a successful career in healthcare leadership, currently serving as CEO of Bothwell Regional Health Center. With over 18 years of experience as a hospital President and CEO, Lori understands the importance of hiring great people to build a strong team and the importance of strategic planning to achieve sustainable growth.

A passionate leader, Lori began her career working as a registered nurse before receiving her master's degree in health administration. She later served as Deputy Director of the Department of Human Services for the state of North Dakota before reentering healthcare leadership and stepping into her current position. When she is not at Bothwell, Lori can be found at many events throughout the Sedalia and Pettis County community or home with her husband and two dogs.

Hear Lori's and Cliff's thoughts on building a strong team and strategic decision making for sustainable growth. They visit about the importance of hiring good people, strategic planning through scenario planning and some great life-guiding principles that can be applied in any business.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• The unique dynamic of healthcare in rural America
• More about the technology and innovation available in rural American healthcare and what's coming next
• How community hospitals differ from urban hospitals and how characteristics of the rural American audience contribute to providing exceptional care
• The value of hiring stars and getting out of the way
• How to be a steady hand on the wheel during uncertain times
• Scenario planning to create a strategic plan for your organization
• Learning from your company's history and those who came before you
• Why what you do is just as important or more important than what you say
• The importance of remaining vigilant and continuously adapting to changes
• Inspiring life-guiding principles that can be applied in any business

Dr. Joanna Anderson leads a successful career in higher education, specializing in serving community colleges through her passion for students and strong leadership skills. She is currently the president of State Fair Community College, leading students and faculty to success within a 14-county service area in central Missouri.

Dr. Anderson is a passionate educator and lover of the rural American way of life. Born and raised in northern Missouri, she received a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Journalism from the University of Missouri and began her career working in radio journalism. She later got a degree to teach English and journalism before entering higher education at Trenton Junior College, now North Central Missouri College.

Throughout her life, she has worked at several colleges while remaining true to her rural Missouri roots. When she is not on campus, she can be found on the family farm, reconnecting to her childhood roots of growing up on a dairy farm.

Hear Dr. Anderson and Cliff's thoughts on rural American core values that shape how this audience works, acts and lives. They dive into the importance of understanding your community, partnering with other organizations for sustainable growth, meeting the needs of your audience and adapting to changes as they happen.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

• What you'll learn: Insight into rural American core values that drive how this audience works, acts and lives
• The value of developing an understanding of your organization's community, what makes it unique and identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships
• How technology and access to affordable technology education contribute to a strong workforce.
• The value of building an efficient and effective team The importance of listening to your people and supporting them to grow and improve
• Unique opportunities that rural America provides to be involved and make a difference
• The importance of learning through new opportunities
• Continued education and how learning something new, at any age, can be exciting and beneficial for personal and professional development
• The value that community colleges provide to students and communities

Kyle Herrick has led a successful career in the auto industry for over thirty years. Currently President of Bryant Motors, Kyle knows first hand the power of good, honest customer service and listening to the wants and needs of customers..

A Sedalia native, Kyle began his career in car sales early in life, even selling a car on his first day on the job. Through the emergence of the internet, societal changes and even car vending machines, his career proves to be a perfect combination of his ability to connect with people and his passion for cars.

Kyle leads his team with honesty and quality service at the forefront. He continues to excel in his industry and has developed a loyal customer base to prove it. He is also an involved community leader and family man, working to make the city he loves and calls home better each day. He makes things happen through hard work and a positive attitude. Whether it is through his professional career or various community board positions, Kyle truly leads by example.

Hear Kyle and Cliff's thoughts on the importance of treating customers well, the cycle of service, positioning your brand to be top-of-mind and other personal, professional and rural America marketing insights.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• Treating customers right to transition them from a prospect to a transaction, and then to a repeat customer and friend
• Why superior service and a good product are a winning combination
• How the auto industry has evolved since the introduction of the internet
• How to establish brand recognition for your company and position your brand to be top-of-mind
• Meeting customer needs through effective listening
• The importance of working to meet customer requests in a timely manner
• Delivering results through a winning attitude and strong work ethic
• The unique position of Sedalia in rural America and insights into rural American audiences
• How to make the most of valuable friendships

Jessica Craig has led a successful career in economic development and business growth across the state of Missouri. Currently serving as Executive Director of Economic Development Sedalia-Pettis County, Jessica builds relationships with businesses in all industries to actualize development and expansion in the community. During her time with Sedalia-Pettis County, Jessica has worked to recruit new manufacturers, as well as retain existing ones.

Jessica received her bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from Missouri Valley College before beginning her career as a mutual fund accountant in the Kansas City market. She later transitioned into the role of Business and Industry Development Manager for the Missouri Department of Economic Development and later returned to her hometown of Sedalia, where she serves in her current position. A lover of the rural American way of life, Jessica is a mother of three, cattle farmer and is a member of her local school board.

Hear Jessica's and Cliff's thoughts on communicating your value proposition, building relationships by understanding others' point of view, reducing risks for potential partners and being a trusted resource for information.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• The importance of understanding and communicating your value proposition
• Building relationships with others through understanding their point of view
• Applying the concept of 'prepared teams win' in every industry
• Achieving community and business growth by strategic planning and determination
• Capitalizing on unexpected opportunities no matter the season
• Establishing your organization as a trusted source of information
• How Jessica works to improve her community in a variety of ways
• Benefits that rural America provides to those who live and work here

Drew McLellan has led a successful career specializing in serving small to mid sized marketing agencies. Currently residing in Des Moines, Iowa, Drew runs two successful businesses, Agency Management Institute (AMI) and McLellan Marketing Group (MMG). Through AMI he serves more than 250 small to midsize agencies in his niche, helping them build their business to be sustainable, scalable and profitable. He founded McLellan Marketing Group in 1995 and has been providing results for clients for over 25 years. Drew is also a recognized author, blogger, webinar host and podcast host.

A Minnesota native, Drew gathered professional and life experience living in several states, including New York and Florida, before returning to his Midwest roots and settling in Des Moines. There, he founded his agency and has continued to expand his portfolio, with recent appearances in the New York Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, Business Week and Fortune's Small Business. He received a master's degree from the University of Minnesota in journalism, psychology and english literature.

Hear Drew and Cliff's thoughts on identifying and serving niche markets, the power of positioning yourself or business as an authority with content marketing, what's on the horizon with the artificial intelligence marketing trend and creating opportunities from challenges by taking small risks.

Listen to this episode of OUTdrive now!

What You'll Learn

• Identifying opportunities to niche down
• Capitalizing on opportunities that compliment existing skills and allow room for growth
• Leveraging your business as an authority in a niche with content marketing
• The benefits of serving a niche and long term profitability
• How AI, Artificial Intelligence, is similar to a car, and how AI tools can help you be faster and more efficient
• More about the hard work and hustle that leads to career success
• How Drew genuinely supports and helps others to reach their full potential
• Ways core values of the rural American lifestyle influence urban areas and vice versa
• The importance of peer support for continued business development
• Achieving business growth by capitalizing on opportunities presented by challenges

In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff discusses the power of staying the course in a quick solocast. At Callis, we believe that our country, our economy and our citizens are too strong to let anything stand in the way of our future, so we're staying the course, and we encourage you to as well. Listen in, as Cliff shares personal and professional strategies that you can implement to effectively manage and grow your business.

• Strategies that Callis has implemented to stay the course through past and present challenges
• Examples of staying ahead of trends to maintain a competitive edge
• Making the most of new technologies
• The value of pausing to access the lay of the land without sitting idle for too long
• The importance of strategically investing in business growth
• Ways to maintain a positive outlook and actualize change
• The benefits of intentionally planning for the future and always looking ahead to the next step

Steve Ahrens has led a successful career in the propane and state government industries. Currently residing in Jefferson City, Missouri, Steve serves as the president and CEO of the Missouri Propane Gas Association (MPGA) and the Executive Director of the Missouri Propane Education and Research Council (MOPERC).

A Missouri native, Steve began his career as a reporter for a rural Missouri newspaper, where he covered local sporting events and learned the importance of personal connections and communications. He later transitioned to a career in government, serving as Director of Publications for the Missouri Secretary of State's office for over 12 years before accepting his current position with MPGA. He received his bachelor's degree in communications from Southwest Missouri State University and master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. With a passion for the rural American way of life, he is a member of several propane industry groups and serves on national steering committees and state advisory groups.

Hear Steve's thoughts on creative differentiation in rural America, our take on digital streaming TV and the power of video, and more about a unique trait of great leaders.

Listen to the latest episode of OUTdrive now!

What you'll learn:

• Examples of creative differentiation in rural America and why it is so important.
• Digital streaming TV, targeting a rural American audience and the power of video.
• More about the freedom and independence associated with the rural American lifestyle and what that means for marketers.
• Unique dynamics of the rural American audience.
• Key takeaways from Steve's career in Missouri government.
• The value of an integrated marketing approach
• What it means to be screen-driven vs. "seen-driven" and the importance of your optimal tribe.
• A unique trait of great leaders.

As publisher of FMG's consumer publications, Roy Huntington is no stranger to engaging customers and maintaining the attention of readers. He finds creative and innovative ways to deliver content to readers but knows that nothing is more effective to develop lasting relationships than trust, respect and good old fashioned customer service.

A retired San Diego police officer, Roy founded a successful retail/wholesale police equipment company during his police career and developed a busy freelance writing "second career." After retiring from the police department, Roy accepted a role as a national law enforcement sales manager for Bianchi International, later becoming their marketing director. From there, Roy found his way to publishing as the editor of Police Magazine and was later offered the editorship of American Handgunner in 2001. He has been with the FMG family ever since, now also serving as publisher of FMG's consumer publications, including Guns Magazine and their newsstand special editions.

After years of living in California, Roy and his wife Suzi moved to the midwest a few years ago and enjoy the rural America lifestyle. With a vast level of experience and perspective, Roy shares his unique thoughts on building relationships with customers and reaching them using unexpected, but tried and true methods. Hear more of what Cliff and Roy have to say about life and values in rural America, positioning your brand as a trusted source for information and treating customers as valued friends. Listen now!

What you'll learn:

• Building relationships and trust with customers through personal connections
• Roy shares his personal and professional passion for the rural America way of life
• How to establish your brand as a trusted and vetted source of information
• Roy's thoughts on the evolution of media and the value that print advertising continues to provide
• Societal trends focusing on a more personal and customized experience
• The importance of communication with customers to understand and meet their needs, and exceed their expectations