The Truth About Social Ads

Applied mathematics and apprenticeship learning are reshaping education, proving that creativity—not computation—drives real mastery. This episode explores how mindset shifts unlock new learning pathways.

In this episode, host Jason Smith sits down with Dr. Kevin Berkopes, CEO and Co-Founder of MathTrack Institute, to explore how applied mathematics, apprenticeships, and mindset shifts are transforming education. The conversation challenges the common belief that math ability is fixed, highlighting how creativity, interest, and exposure shape learning success.

Dr. Berkopes explains how MathTrack Institute builds apprenticeship-based degree pathways that lower costs while maintaining high-quality teacher preparation. He also shares how trust-driven marketing—through speaking, community building, and LinkedIn content—can fuel growth without relying on paid ads. This episode offers valuable insights for educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators interested in education technology, workforce development, and scalable learning systems.

Dr. Kevin Berkopes is the CEO and Co-Founder of MathTrack Institute, an organization focused on apprenticeship-based degree pathways that rethink teacher preparation and professional development. A former mathematics professor with a background in applied mathematics, Dr. Berkopes partners with universities and school districts to advance mathematics as a creative force. He also authored The Age of Storytellers and leads initiatives that integrate research-driven learning models into real-world education and workforce pathways.

AI-first companies are redefining how teams operate, replacing slow manual workflows with automation, shared knowledge systems, and intelligent agents that scale output without increasing headcount.

In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with Denis Elkin, CMO at Alps2Alps, to explore how AI is transforming real-world operations inside a high-load transportation business. From managing seasonal demand across hundreds of ski resorts to scaling content production across multiple social channels, Denis shares how AI-first thinking is reshaping how teams work.

The conversation covers practical applications of AI across marketing, analytics, operations, and decision-making. Denis explains how his team uses AI agents for competitor research, UX testing, trend analysis, and campaign planning—all while maintaining flexibility in a seasonal business environment. He also shares how internal AI collaboration systems drive innovation across both technical and non-technical roles.

Denis Elkin is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Alps2Alps, a tech-driven mobility company operating across the Alpine region and serving more than 350,000 passengers annually. He leads performance marketing and growth initiatives across multiple companies within the holding structure, managing distributed teams and scaling operations under extreme seasonal demand. Denis specializes in building AI-first systems that support marketing execution, automation, analytics, and operational efficiency across large-scale transportation services.

Wall printing technology is reshaping how businesses market their spaces, blending creativity with digital strategy to create high-impact visuals that attract customers and drive engagement.

In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with Ashlee Fritz, Chief Marketing Officer at The Wall Printer, to explore how emerging technology and strategic marketing are fueling rapid business growth. From scaling social media audiences to over 300,000 followers to running targeted digital campaigns, Ashlee shares how combining organic content with paid media creates consistent demand—even for high-ticket products.

The conversation also dives into the real-world side of entrepreneurship, including launching a wall printing business, testing marketing systems in live environments, and refining audience targeting strategies. Listeners will gain practical insights into customer journeys, retargeting, content strategy, and why consistent marketing remains essential—especially for new businesses entering competitive markets.

Ashlee Fritz is the Chief Marketing Officer at The Wall Printer, where she leads digital marketing strategy, brand development, and campaign execution across multiple platforms. With 16 years of marketing experience and a background in military service as a helicopter mechanic, she brings disciplined strategy and operational precision to growing emerging technologies. At The Wall Printer, Ashlee has rebuilt marketing systems from the ground up, optimized SEO and paid advertising efforts, and helped scale social media audiences into a major growth channel. She is also an entrepreneur, operating her own wall printing business and testing marketing systems designed to help new business owners succeed.

Wall printing technology is opening new doors for entrepreneurs, marketers, and creatives looking to build service-based businesses with scalable revenue and real-world applications.ABOUT THE EPISODE ⸻In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith speaks with Paul Baron about the business model behind wall printing technology and how innovative equipment can create new entrepreneurial opportunities. Paul shares insights from decades of experience identifying unique global products and bringing them to new markets, along with lessons learned from launching multiple ventures across industries.The conversation explores how wall printing technology works, how businesses use it for murals, branding, and signage, and why companies—from schools to warehouses—are adopting this approach to transform spaces efficiently. Paul also discusses risk-taking, entrepreneurship, and the mindset required to build sustainable businesses that create long-term value for customers and operators alike.ABOUT THE GUEST ⸻Paul Baron is the Founder and CEO of The Wall Printer, a company that distributes large-format vertical printing machines designed to print artwork and graphics directly onto walls and floors. Over the past four to five decades, Paul has built a career introducing innovative international products into new markets, ranging from consumer goods to business technologies. His experience spans sales, product sourcing, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on identifying solutions that create opportunities for other business owners. Through The Wall Printer, Paul has helped entrepreneurs and organizations adopt wall printing technology to enhance branding, interior design, and large-scale visual projects.TIMESTAMPS ⸻00:00 — Introduction01:17 — Paul Baron’s background and entrepreneurial journey02:13 — Identifying global products with market potential10:00 — How wall printing technology works20:40 — Technical requirements and vector image basics23:11 — Applications for signage and commercial printing24:35 — Working with artists and muralists33:46 — Large-scale customers and facility applications35:14 — Risk-taking mindset and entrepreneurship lessons48:08 — Who wall printing is best suited for49:08 — How to connect with Paul and learn moreKEY TOPICS ⸻• Wall printing technology for murals and commercial signage• Entrepreneurial business models using specialized equipment• Large-format printing applications for schools and facilities• Service-based business opportunities with scalable growth• Risk-taking and innovation in entrepreneurship• Using technology to improve efficiency in creative industries• Market opportunities in custom branding and interior design• Business networking and relationship building strategiesRESOURCES & LINKS ⸻• The Wall Printer website — https://thewallprinter.com• Paul Baron (LinkedIn) — https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbbaronSPONSOR ⸻If you’re looking to scale your business with high-performing social media advertising, the Truth About Social Ads team provides strategy and execution designed to help brands generate measurable growth. Learn more about how targeted campaigns and optimized creatives can improve your marketing results.#entrepreneurship #wallprinting #businessopportunities #socialmediaads #servicebusiness #innovation #smallbusiness #marketingstrategy

AI is reshaping how agencies generate leads, automate outreach, and scale without adding headcount. Ken McLoud breaks down how custom AI systems turn traffic into qualified sales opportunities.

In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, Jason Smith sits down with Ken McLoud of Laconic Tech to explore how AI is transforming lead generation, sales funnels, and agency efficiency. Ken shares how he builds custom AI software that helps companies automate internal operations and increase revenue without hiring more staff.The conversation dives into AI-powered lead magnets, personalized ad audits, and automated cold outreach systems that enrich leads using tools like Meta Ads Library, Apollo, and Hunter.io. Jason and Ken also break down how agencies can segment leads, test multiple funnel endpoints, and use AI agents to identify and contact hyper-targeted prospects. This episode is a practical look at how AI is already reshaping modern marketing workflows.

Ken McLoud is the founder of Laconic Tech, a software company that builds custom AI-powered systems for businesses and marketing agencies. His work focuses on helping companies use AI to improve lead generation, streamline operations, and boost profitability without increasing headcount. Ken specializes in building practical, production-level AI tools that integrate with existing workflows and data sources.

How can simple TikTok content lead to real school partnerships and unexpected business growth? This episode breaks down how authentic student storytelling turned into real-world demand.

In this episode of The Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith speaks with Nawal Aoude, founder of Studious Monday, about how organic TikTok content helped her school uniform brand gain unexpected traction. The conversation focuses on a surprising moment when a school in Arkansas discovered the brand through short-form videos featuring students sharing their personalities while wearing uniforms.Rather than relying on traditional outreach alone, this episode explores how authentic, low-production content can outperform polished marketing when it comes to building trust and visibility. Nawal explains how showcasing real student experiences created emotional connection and led to inbound interest from new school partnerships outside her immediate market.This episode is especially valuable for founders, marketers, and brand builders looking to understand how TikTok and organic social content can drive discovery, credibility, and real business opportunities.

Nawal Aoude is the founder of Studious Monday, a school uniform brand focused on creating apparel that reflects student identity, comfort, and individuality within structured school environments. Her work addresses gaps in traditional uniform offerings by emphasizing inclusivity, representation, and functionality.Through TikTok and organic social media content, she has showcased real students and their everyday experiences, helping the brand gain visibility beyond its local market and attract interest from schools across the United States.

Restaurant marketing is changing fast with AI search, voice tools, and local discovery reshaping how customers find food businesses. This episode breaks down strategies that drive real foot traffic.

In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith speaks with Mario Russo, founder of W3 Marketing and co-founder and CTO of MealDeals, a location-based platform helping restaurants drive local visibility and customer traffic. Mario shares insights from nearly 20 years in digital marketing across Brazil, Canada, and the U.S. The discussion covers how restaurants can use geo-targeted ads, structured data, and AI search optimization to stay competitive after the rise of delivery apps. They also explore how voice search and generative AI are changing how customers discover local businesses, and why traditional SEO is no longer enough on its own. Mario breaks down MealDeals’ three-layer marketing system and explains why tracking ROI in local marketing requires a different approach than e-commerce campaigns.

Mario Russo is the founder of W3 Marketing and co-founder and CTO of MealDeals. With nearly 20 years of experience in digital marketing and web development, he has worked across Brazil, Canada, and the United States. His expertise includes SEO, paid advertising, structured data, and AI-driven search optimization, with a strong focus on helping restaurants improve local visibility and customer acquisition through geo-targeted strategies.

Chris Lynch is the Co-founder and CEO of Everyday California, a La Jolla, California-based ocean adventure and lifestyle brand offering ocean adventures along with eco-friendly gear and apparel. Under Chris’ leadership, Everyday California has grown from a small kayak shop into a multilocation business employing up to 100 people in peak season. The brand’s apparel is sold in nearly 200 stores, including all major California airports, and featured as the top-rated experience on Airbnb in San Diego. Chris, who holds a degree in international economics from San Diego State University, founded the company during the Great Recession after a stint studying acting in Hollywood. 

Starting a business on the beach might sound like a dream, but what happens when you actually make it work? Imagine turning a pickup truck, a few old wetsuits, and a grandmother’s iPad into a thriving adventure brand that captures the spirit of California. How do you build something that feels authentic, sustainable, and resilient?

For Chris Lynch, the answer came from seeing opportunity where others saw risk. He believes the secret to growth lies in blending passion with practicality. During the Great Recession, Chris took a failing kayak permit and transformed it into a full-fledged ocean adventure and lifestyle brand rooted in community, sustainability, and experience. From refining the fit of board shorts for over a year to scaling from one location to multiple along the coast, he emphasizes doing things the right way — even if it takes longer. His approach proves that staying committed to quality, adaptability, and financial discipline can turn a simple idea into a lasting California icon.

In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith is joined by Chris Lynch, Co-founder and CEO of Everyday California, to discuss how he built and scaled an experiential adventure and lifestyle brand from the ground up. They explore the early days of launching with just a kayak permit, how Everyday California balances seasonality with e-commerce growth, and why quality and storytelling drive the success of their apparel line.

Heidi Sturrock is a Search Marketing Advisor and Funnel Fixer with 24 years of experience in paid search, working independently with brands and agencies to optimize ad performance on Google, YouTube, and Microsoft. She is recognized for her proven track record of building high-performing campaigns and her expertise in leveraging automation, AI-driven strategies, and holistic, multichannel marketing to drive business growth even in challenging markets.

In a landscape where ad budgets are tighter and performance metrics are under the microscope, brands are under pressure to prove what’s really driving growth. With platforms like Facebook and Google often competing for credit, how can marketers ensure they’re not cutting off the very traffic that fuels their conversions?

According to Heidi Sturrock, a veteran Search Marketing Advisor and Funnel Fixer, true sustainable growth happens when Facebook and Google ads work together, not in isolation. She highlights that Facebook’s top-of-funnel awareness campaigns directly influence Google’s bottom-of-funnel conversions, creating an ecosystem that drives long-term performance. Heidi emphasizes the importance of incrementality testing, modern campaign structures, and understanding automation’s role in scaling efficiently. By aligning paid search and social strategies, brands can maintain momentum even when the market shifts and avoid the costly mistake of cutting off key demand channels.

In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with Heidi Sturrock to discuss how integrated Facebook and Google ad strategies unlock sustainable growth. They explore the importance of multi-touch attribution, why automation should be approached with caution, and how brands can test incrementality before slashing budgets. Heidi also shares insights on adapting to AI-driven ad changes while staying true to brand integrity.

Ian Garlic is the Founder of Garlic Marketing, the brand behind Video Case Story, where they help brands with the strategy and goals for video case stories. Ian is also the Founder of StoryCrews, a company that helps businesses connect with top-rated videographers and market and expand their brand through powerful stories captured on video. He also runs and hosts his podcast, the Garlic Marketing Show, and has featured amazing guests such as Gary Vaynerchuk, Neil Patel, Ryan Deiss, and many more.

In a world where attention spans are shrinking, some businesses are still converting long-form viewers into loyal, high-ticket clients. How are they doing it? What makes one brand’s YouTube presence a 24/7 salesperson while others struggle to stand out in the algorithm?

According to Ian Garlic, a top video marketing strategist and creator of the “YouTube Closer” system, success stems from understanding how modern buyers make decisions long before they ever talk to sales. He highlights that people now “binge” research — watching videos, case stories, and testimonials until they feel personally connected to a brand. By combining authentic storytelling with optimized video strategy, businesses can pre-sell prospects, build trust at scale, and close deals faster.

In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with Ian Garlic, Founder of Video Case Story, to discuss how to build a YouTube “closer” that turns viewers into high-value clients. They explore the psychology of lurking buyers, the four essential videos that drive conversions, and why storytelling outperforms sales scripts. Ian also shares how AI and authenticity will shape the future of video marketing.