The Corporate Dropout

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools a brand can have, but according to Roger Phelps, most companies still overlook what actually makes people connect.

In this episode of The Corporate Dropout, Rachael sits down with former STIHL Inc. Corporate Communications Manager and current CEO of Roger Phelps Consulting, LLC to talk about brand storytelling, customer connection, and leadership that earns trust. With more than two decades of experience helping grow one of the most recognizable brands in the outdoor power equipment industry, Roger shares the lessons that shaped his approach to marketing and why understanding people matters more than chasing every new trend.

Roger reflects on launching STIHL's early social media efforts, building customer loyalty through authentic brand experiences, and creating campaigns that resonated far beyond the products themselves. He also opens up about transitioning out of the Navy, finding his place in marketing, and the leadership moments that changed the way he approaches communication, relationships, and team culture.

This episode is packed with insight for marketers, business owners, leaders, and anyone looking to build stronger relationships through communication and storytelling.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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What makes someone stop scrolling and actually connect with a brand on social media?

In this episode of The Corporate Dropout, Rachael sits down with Jordan Schoonover to talk about building brand personality in a crowded social media feed. They break down why showing up human matters more than polished perfection, and how brands can stand out by being clear, consistent, and authentic.

Rachael shares how to define a brand persona, what it really means to humanize your brand online, and why behind-the-scenes and user-generated content often outperform overly curated posts. They also discuss the role of organic social media versus paid advertising, when each makes sense, and how brands can think about AI without losing trust or credibility.

If you're tired of your content feeling forgettable or disconnected from who you actually are as a brand, this episode will help you clarify your voice and show up with more intention.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

What does it take to build a thriving restaurant group in a small coastal town?

In this episode, Rachael sits down with Jon Dempster, the restaurateur behind E&O Pub, The Shanty, Deadrise Italian Kitchen, and Brown Dog Ice Cream in Cape Charles, Virginia. Jon shares how he turned one dockside dream into four community-favorite restaurants, each grounded in hospitality, teamwork, and heart.

You'll hear how Jon navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, built a loyal team in a high-turnover industry, and learned to balance business growth with family life. He also opens up about the importance of pivoting, staying people-first, and finding calm in the chaos of restaurant ownership.

To learn more, visit the show notes. Connect with Rachael on Instagram!

What does it take to turn a family side hustle into an $8 million landscaping company?

In this episode, twin brothers Josh and Matt Eldredge, co-owners of Earthscapes in Virginia Beach, share how they grew their father's small lawn service into a thriving landscaping and outdoor living business. With over 20 years in the industry, the brothers break down the systems, leadership strategies, and team culture that helped them scale while staying true to their values.

You'll hear how they navigated challenges like hiring, managing quality at scale, and expanding into pools and design-build services. They also reveal the mindset shifts and business partnerships that fueled their growth, along with the lessons that still guide them today.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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Scaling a business is exciting, but doing it the right way takes strategy and intention.

In this episode of The Corporate Dropout, Troy McCollum, CEO of Layer 9 IT, shares how he turned an unexpected setback into a thriving IT firm. After getting fired by his own dad, he took a leap of faith and built a company that now operates in multiple states. Troy opens up about the biggest lessons he has learned in leadership, hiring, and creating a business that runs efficiently and sustainably.

He breaks down the challenges of scaling, the role IT plays in business success, and the key to building a team that sticks. Whether you are leading a company, expanding your team, or refining your growth strategy, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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This week on The Corporate Dropout, we're catching up with Chef Kip Poole, the brains (and taste buds) behind Yorkies and the CROP Foundation. Kip shares how he's turned his passion for food into a mission to create opportunities for aspiring chefs. We chat about the ups and downs of opening a restaurant, finding inspiration for new flavors, and why purpose is a huge driver in determining success.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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Get ready to feel the burn – this week's episode of The Corporate Dropout is habanero hot! Rachael is joined by Chef Maria Covarubbias, the culinary genius behind Cien Chiles. We talk about how Maria accidentally created a hot sauce empire while navigating the choppy waters of the CPG industry during the pandemic. We also learn more about Maria's culinary adventures, pandemic pivots, and her secret ingredient for success!

Warning: This episode may cause sudden urges to quit your job and start a food business. Listen at your own risk! And stick around for a surprise at the end - a 15% off coupon code to spice up your life with Cien Chiles!

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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In this week's episode, Rachael and D'Asia sit down to chat about Rach's wild career journey and what led her to becoming her own boss! The gals are dishing about how to network as a young professional, leaving lasting impressions that matter, and self-advocating in the workplace.

But Rach isn't holding anything back - she's getting real about her personal battles with burnout, struggling to balance it all, and why starting up Mix+Shine was an absolute must for creating a career that fits her life. Plus, you'll hear D'Asia's perspective about agency culture and how M+S checks every box for her.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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This week, we're chatting with Mike Abramowitz – a seasoned entrepreneur, author, business coach, and philanthropist. Mike takes us through his business journey, sharing the highs and lows that have defined his path.

Mike dishes about how he picked himself up after the 2008 financial crisis and the comeback that led him to training over 5,000 sales reps and generating a massive 17 million in sales! He breaks down how implementing automation, delegation, and systemization allowed him to scale multiple six-figure businesses and how he founded PB&J for Tampa Bay, a local charity focused on feeding those in need.

Tune in as Mike shares the value of using technology and virtual assistants to reclaim your time and schedule as well as practical insights that have allowed him to achieve both financial and personal time freedom.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

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In this week's episode, Mix+Shine's D'Asia and Hannah join Rachael to discuss the recent marketing strategies observed in the film industry. Together, they explore the impacts of over branding and over marketing, as well as the underlying motives driving these tactics.

The trio talks about success stories of movies with minimal marketing investments, such as Saltburn and Oppenheimer, emphasizing the effectiveness of unconventional promotion strategies and the influence of word-of-mouth. Additionally, they examine the impact of celebrity PR missteps and controversies on movie performance, providing insights into the adaptive dynamics of film, marketing, and social media.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Connect with Rachael on Instagram!