We Built This Brand

What does it take to reinvent a 100-year-old brand? In this episode of We Built This Brand, Diana “DQ” Quenomoen, Head of Design at  Colle McVoy, shares how her team helped La-Z-Boy rediscover its soul and transform from a furniture brand into a full sensory experience. From brand scent and store experience to AI-powered activations and the “ah-place” philosophy, this conversation explores how modern brands must think beyond campaigns and build systems that connect emotionally at every touchpoint.

Show Highlights:
(01:17) DQ Origin Story

(05:18) Trust and La-Z-Boy Kickoff

(09:00) Finding the Ah Place

(18:37) AI Powered Recliner Stunt

(19:14) Rebrand Pushback Fears

(20:58) Campaign Results Metrics

(22:42) Lessons Relationships Research

(24:31) Future Branding Systems AI

(27:21) Authenticity In AI Era

(29:44) AI Media Case Studies

(30:48) Brands Beyond Products

(33:52) Where To Connect

(34:26) Final Podcast Wrap

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Tom Woodard spent decades shaping iconic advertising, from voicing the famous Budweiser frogs to producing national jingles for brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. Now he’s channeling that creative experience into something bigger: The Ability Machine, a marketing initiative that intentionally collaborates with creatives with disabilities.

In this episode of We Built This Brand, Tom shares his journey through the golden era of advertising, the story behind one of the most memorable Super Bowl campaigns ever, and how giving people a seat at the creative table can unlock incredible talent, confidence, and community.

Show Highlights: 

(00:00) Welcome and Introductions

(00:29) From Guitar to Jingles

(02:14) Iconic Campaign Highlights

(02:42) Budweiser Frogs Origin Story

(03:44) Animatronics and Super Bowl Magic

(04:54) Building Studios and Agency Life

(07:10) Founding Ability Machine

(11:51) Aha Moment with Goo Goo Clusters

(14:35) Hiring and Empowering Creatives

(22:10) Future, AI, and Wrap Up

What does it really take to turn creator passion into a sustainable business? In this episode of We Built this Brand, Becky Owen breaks down the reality behind the creator economy, from pricing your worth and avoiding burnout to why AI isn’t a strategy (and never should be). We explore how creators can build long-term influence without launching a brand, the danger of “AI-for-AI’s-sake,” and why nostalgia, instinct, and human creativity still matter more than ever. A must-listen for creators, marketers, and brand builders navigating what’s next.

Show Highlights: 

(00:32) Meet Becky Owen: Career Highlights

(02:26) Becky's Journey in Creative Marketing

(06:05) The Birth of 5 2 9

(10:25) Challenges and Insights in the Creator Economy

(28:54) Creators Gaining Equity and Influence

(30:29) The Evolution of Podcasting with Humble Pod

(31:10) Insights from Muse Volume Two Study

(32:13) AI's Impact on Marketing and Creativity

(44:14) Practical Guidance for Using AI Responsibly

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Join Chris as he sits down with Halee Sprinkle, founder of Czech Yourself Marketing, to explore the human side of social media. From the very origins of “social media” to the challenges of maintaining mental health in a digital world, Halee shares hard-earned insights on entrepreneurship, authenticity, AI, and community-driven marketing strategies that actually deliver results. Whether you’re a small business owner or a seasoned marketing professional, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to show up authentically online.

Show Highlights

(02:09) Halee's Journey: From Army Nurse to Marketing Professional

(03:26) The Birth of Czech Yourself Marketing

(03:30) The Aha Moment: Identifying a Market Need

(04:41) Naming the Business: The Story Behind Czech Yourself

(08:10) Challenges and Failures in Entrepreneurship

(10:49) Pivoting During the Pandemic

(13:27) Mental Health and Social Media: A Personal Perspective

(15:33) Dealing with Trolls and Negative Feedback

(20:50) Teaching and Content Creation

(27:46) The Role of AI in Marketing

(37:55) The Power of Content Creation

(41:29) Upcoming Events and Classes

(42:49) Final Thoughts and Connections

Links:
https://czechyourselfmarketing.com/

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As we close out the year, We Built This Brand takes a step back to reflect on the conversations that defined it.

This special year-end recap revisits the moments, ideas, and voices that shaped our understanding of what it really takes to build something meaningful. From honest conversations about creativity, ambition, and identity to stories of culture, community, and brands that endure, this episode highlights the human side of brand building.

Across these conversations, one theme kept surfacing: joy. Not the polished, performative kind, but the kind that fuels the work, carries us through uncertainty, and keeps the process honest and human, even in a world of constant change and emerging technology.

As we head into a new year, this episode is a reminder of why we build, who we build with, and the stories we’re creating along the way. Thanks for being part of We Built This Brand

Show Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction: Finding Joy in the Journey

(01:06) The Human Side of Brand Building

(03:25) Reframing Value: The Story of Pre-Loved Rings

(06:03) Creative Problem Solving and Identity

(09:11) Rebranding the Anaheim Ducks: A Case Study

(20:13) Exploring the True Meaning of Joy

(22:06) The Impact of 'What Happens Here, Stays Here' Campaign

(25:33) The Beloved Darn Tough Socks Campaign

(32:44) The Phenomenon of K-Pop Demon Hunters

(35:46) Reflections on AI and Creativity

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In this episode of We Built This Brand,  Chris chats with Vince Wang, Chief Marketing Officer at Mustard Love, the platform helping restaurants connect with local influencers and track real ROI.

Vince shares how data-driven marketing and startup experience shaped his approach to influencer campaigns that actually drive business results. A must-listen for marketers, restaurant owners, and creators looking to turn influence into measurable impact.

Show Highlights:
(00:21) Meet Vince Wang

(01:25) Vince's Journey into Marketing

(02:09) First Role and Performance Marketing

(03:51) Joining Mustard Love

(04:28) The Evolution of Mustard Love

(05:14) Why the Name Mustard Love?

(06:08) What is Mustard Love?

(07:39) Influencer Strategy and Success Stories

(08:20) Micro-Influencers and Local Impact

(11:52) Automating Influencer Campaigns

(18:50) Future of Influencer Marketing

Links:
https://www.mustard.love/

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We’re wrapping up our LA interview series with a bang. Thai Randolph and Katie Soo join Chris Hill and Adhrucia Apana to talk brand leadership, creative growth, and what it really takes to stay ahead in a fast-changing world.

Show Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome

(00:47)Meet the Guests: Katie Soo and Thai Randolph

(01:19) Thai Randolph's Career Journey

(02:55) Katie Soo's Career Highlights

(07:15) Brand Building Insights from Katie Soo

(09:06) Advice for Aspiring Brand Builders

(14:07) Challenges in Brand Building

(22:12) Navigating Community Feedback

(27:46) Favorite Brands and Influences

(29:46) Discussion on K-Pop Demon Hunters

(32:55) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Host Chris Hill talks with Adhrucia Apana and Charles Allen, co-founders of Curiosity Entertainment and Storyteller Publishing, about building brands through authentic storytelling. They explore why story is still king, how authenticity drives community, and what it takes to grow a creative brand in the age of AI.

Listen now to discover how they’re putting artists first and reshaping the future of storytelling.

Show Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome

(01:05) Adhrucia's Journey into Film and TV

(02:14) The Birth of Curiosity Entertainment

(03:21) Understanding the Business of Storytelling

(05:01) Charles' Background and Partnership

(06:00) Combining Publishing and Film

(07:32) The Future of Storytelling and Community Building

(14:03) The Role of Personal Branding

(17:44) Challenges and Opportunities in Marketing

(20:33) Final Thoughts and Brand Inspirations

Join Chris Hill and Adhrucia as they sit down with Ted Schilowitz, a 40-year entertainment veteran who’s shaped the evolution of digital cinema, immersive experiences, and AI-driven storytelling. From his early days producing children’s TV in Florida to pioneering desktop video with Apple, co-founding Red Digital Cinema, and advising major studios on the future of entertainment, Ted shares his insights on technology, creativity, and the democratization of filmmaking.

Show Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome

(00:40) Ted's Early Career in Entertainment

(01:48) Transition to Technology and Startups

(02:23) Involvement with Apple and Desktop Video Revolution

(03:39) Founding G-Tech and Red Digital Cinema

(04:56) Role as a Futurist at 20th Century Fox

(05:57) Impact of Technology on Entertainment

(12:16) Democratization of Filmmaking

(15:27) AI's Impact on Filmmaking

(16:21) The Shift from Traditional to Synthetic

(17:40) Advice for Brands in the AI Era

(18:42) The Evolution of AI in Visual Effects

(22:26) The Role of Brands in Content Creation

(25:21) The Future of Filmmaking and AI

(25:43) Closing Thoughts and Brand Inspirations

Chris Hill and Adhrucia Apana sit down with Stacy Spikes, co-founder and CEO of MoviePass, to talk about disrupting Hollywood, rebuilding an iconic brand, and the launch of MoviePass’ new fantasy sports league for moviegoers. Stacy shares lessons from his incredible founder journey, what it takes to innovate in an industry resistant to change, how to turn setbacks into breakthroughs, and why building a lasting brand means creating a culture around an activity.

Show Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Stacy Spikes

(00:38) Early Life and Background

(02:17) Career Beginnings

(03:21) Major Achievements

(04:38) Challenges and Overcoming Them

(09:17) Future Plans and Vision

About Stacy Spikes:
Stacy Spikes is an award-winning entrepreneur and inventor who USA Today named one of the 21 most influential Blacks in technology. He holds several technology patents and is the co-founder and CEO of the nation’s first theatrical subscription service, MoviePass. In addition, Spikes is the founder of Urbanworld, the largest international festival dedicated to nurturing Women and BIPOC filmmakers.