Behind The Brand

Takeaways Being a Big costs nothing and asks for very little: just two hours a month, no financial commitment required. A 30-year study from the national Big Brothers Big Sisters office and the Treasury Department found that mentored kids close the socioeconomic gap by two-thirds and often out-earn their Bigs as adults. You don't need a special skill set to mentor a child. You just need to show up...

Takeaways Sustainable growth isn't always linear. Year three for Moxie Creative brought more challenges than year two, and Kelly says that working harder for the next client has actually made it more fun, not less. Communicating the value of senior creative expertise is one of the hardest things an agency can do. The work is better because the people know better, and finding the language to say th...

Takeaways Turning a creative passion into a full-time business requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Success in photography is about much more than taking photos. Client communication, marketing, editing, and systems matter just as much. Community and networking can create opportunities that would never happen otherwise. Creative entrepreneurs often work far beyond tradit...

Download the Checklist: https://moxiecreative.com/blog/why-q4-winners-make-their-moves-in-july/ Takeaways Q4 success doesn't start in October — it starts in summer. Businesses that wait until fall to launch campaigns, redesign websites, or start digital ads are setting themselves up for missed opportunities and under-optimized results. Digital marketing takes time to work. Ads need weeks to optimi...

Takeaways Career alignment matters more than staying comfortable Growth often starts when you allow yourself to explore change Strong businesses survive by staying connected to community What happens when the career path you've spent years building no longer feels right? In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly sit down with Laura Hartog, Managing Director of Bad Habit Brewing Company...

Takeaways Why free discovery meetings are critical to building better marketing strategies How great agencies uncover what clients actually need versus what they think they need Why trust and communication are the foundation of successful client partnerships When people think about marketing agencies, they often picture logos, websites, social media posts, and creative campaigns. But behind every...

Takeaways Career pivots can lead to opportunities that feel more aligned than the original plan. Community involvement and networking create unexpected professional opportunities. Foley Mansion is redefining event experiences by blending history, hospitality, and memorable moments. Summary of the Episode In this episode of Behind the Brand , Taylor and Kelly sit down with Casey Austin, Director of...

Takeaways Blogging directly improves SEO by creating more indexed pages and keyword opportunities. Strategic blog content helps businesses rank for customer questions and search intent. Modern SEO requires ongoing website updates, internal linking, and content structure. Businesses that consistently blog build stronger authority and long-term organic visibility. AI and evolving search behavior are...

Takeaways Why trades careers can create incredible financial opportunities without traditional college debt How Jeremy Salzbrun transformed H&S Heating and Air into a service-first business during the recession The importance of community involvement and relationship marketing for local businesses In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with Jeremy Sa...

Takeaways Google reviews heavily influence customer decisions before they contact your business Consistently asking for reviews is key to maintaining a strong online reputation Responding to both positive and negative reviews improves credibility and SEO Before a customer ever calls, clicks, or walks through your door, they’ve likely already formed an opinion about your business based on your Goog...

Takeaways Building a strong wellness brand starts with trust, consistency, and patient experience. Clear messaging helps chiropractic and wellness clinics stand out in a crowded market. Purpose-driven branding creates stronger community connection and sustainable business growth. In this episode of Behind the Brand , Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with Dr. Cheri Carlson of Synergy C...

Takeaways Video is one of the most important tools in modern marketing for brands that want to build connection and drive engagement. Strong video content requires strategy, scripting, planning, filming, editing, and brand alignment. Short-form video has changed how businesses communicate, making concise storytelling more important than ever. In this episode of Behind the Brand , Taylor and Kelly...

Takeaways Commercial real estate decisions should support your business plan, not just your current space needs. Leasing can be a smart strategy for preserving capital and maintaining flexibility as your business evolves. Business owners should think ahead about growth, transitions, and exit planning before making major property decisions. In this episode of Behind the Brand , Taylor and Kelly fro...

Takeaways Leadership growth often happens when responsibility, ownership, and opportunity finally align. Mentorship can completely change the trajectory of a marketing career. Showing up consistently in your industry and local community creates momentum over time. In this special episode of Behind the Brand , Kelly turns the mic around and interviews Taylor after she is named the 2026 Emerging Lea...

akeaways Kim Johnson shares how her personal healing journey inspired the launch of Return to Joy Coaching. This episode explores trauma, grief, identity loss, and the power of faith-centered transformation. Kim explains how her 12-month coaching program helps women heal, rebuild, and rediscover joy. In this episode of Behind the Brand , Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with Kim Johns...

Takeaways Podcasting can be a powerful marketing tool for small businesses looking to build authority, improve SEO, and create consistent content. Behind the Brand has helped Moxie Creative strengthen client relationships, showcase its personality, and connect more deeply with the local business community. Year two will focus on smarter content repurposing, stronger guest planning, and continuing...

Takeaways Project 37 is creating safe, sober, all-ages live music spaces in Central Minnesota. B-Side Indie Music Cafe serves as both a nonprofit coffee shop and a community-centered music venue in downtown St. Cloud. Battle of the Bands helps raise funds, spotlight young musicians, and support the future growth of the local music scene. In this episode of Behind the Brand , Taylor and Kelly from...

Takeaways Tourism marketing supports far more than travel. It contributes to local business success and regional economic growth. Convention and Visitors Bureaus play a strategic role in attracting events, promoting community assets, and shaping destination perception. Strong storytelling and digital strategy help communities compete, grow, and create lasting engagement. In this episode of Behind...

Takeaways Brand awareness builds recognition and trust; lead generation drives action like calls, form fills, and bookings. Lead gen works best when your owned media is solid: brand clarity, website UX, social presence, and email marketing. Paid search (Google Ads/PPC) is a bidding system—strategy, keywords, and geography determine efficiency and cost per lead. Marketing gets lumped together, but...

Takeaways Rebranding a legacy business is as much about customer education as it is design. Leaving a franchise can unlock pricing freedom, product flexibility, and stronger customization. Start your rebrand early—there are always more details than you expect (signage, print, photos, vendor assets). Family businesses thrive when roles are clear and compromise is built into decision-making. Team cu...

Takeaways Podcasting isn’t “too saturated”—your lived experience and stories are what make your show stand out. Most podcasts quit because creators underestimate the behind-the-scenes work; consistency is the real secret. Milestones matter: many shows drop off after episode 7, and reaching episode 20 often signals long-term success. A podcast builds trust before the sales call, helping prospects f...

Takeaways You don’t need a linear path to build a successful business Diversifying income creates creative freedom Community is the foundation of sustainable entrepreneurship In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Kelly sit down with Mary Bruno, the owner of Bruno Press, a letterpress and print studio known for its unique craft, storytelling, and community involvement. Mary shares h...

Takeaways Trends are tools, not rules — use what works, skip what doesn’t. Collaboration across design styles creates standout brand work. Bold typography, flash photography, and “perfectly imperfect” visuals are trending in 2026. Summary of the Episode In this episode of Behind the Brand , host Taylor chats with the full design team at Moxie Creative — Michael, Mo, Tyler, and Brittany — to unpack...

Pre-Order Liz's book "Flowers Bloom Anyway": https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 In this powerful episode of Behind the Brand , Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with returning guest Liz Fiedler Mergen—entrepreneur, flower farmer, podcast host, and newly published author—to discuss what’s changed in her business...

New Year’s resolutions get a bad rap — and honestly, sometimes they deserve it. They’re often too big, too vague, and built on unrealistic expectations that disappear by February. In this episode of Behind the Brand , hosts Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative talk honestly about how they actually approach goal-setting inside a growing creative agency and why intention matters more than arbitrary...