Behind The Brand

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...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Isabella sit down with Peter Gillitzer one-third of the ownership team at Milk and Honey Cider. They explore the origins of the cidery, starting from a production facility in 2011 to becoming a beloved community hub and creative space in St. Joseph, Minnesota by 2017. The discussion covers their successful Summer Music series, how they manage t...

In this episode of 'Behind the Brand,' hosts Taylor, Mo and Brittany from Moxie Creative, discuss the evolving world of print design. They explore the fundamentals of layout, typography, color, and spacing, while sharing insights on common mistakes businesses often make. With anecdotes from their careers and tips on making print materials impactful, this episode emphasizes why print still holds a...

In this special year-end episode of 'Behind the Brand,' hosts Taylor, Kelly, and Isabella of Moxie Creative revisit some of the most memorable moments and insightful conversations with guests from the past year. Featuring a diverse lineup of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, this episode showcases stories of passion, innovation, and community impact. Notable guests inclu...

In this special episode of 'Behind the Brand,' Taylor, Kelly, and the rest of the crew from Moxie Creative take a comprehensive look back at their successful year. They discuss the origin and growth of Moxie Creative, the addition of key team members, and share personal anecdotes about their creative processes and team dynamics. The episode also delves into their commitment to pro bono work, the i...

In this special year-end episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor from Moxie Creative sits down individually with team members Kelly, Brittany, Michael, Isabella, Tyler, and Mo to reflect on their experiences throughout 2025. They share their favorite projects, the challenges they faced, and what they're looking forward to in 2026. With highlights like working with Milk and Honey Cider and launching ne...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative sit down with Klair Black, Workforce Engagement Director at United Way of Central Minnesota. With a rich background in public relations and marketing from St. Cloud State University, Klair has channeled her skillset into nonprofit work to strengthen her community. The discussion covers her journey into nonprofit work, the va...

Recapping AD Connect 2023 with Team Moxie In this episode of Behind the Brand , the Moxie Creative team—Taylor, Mo, and Tyler—recap their unforgettable experience at AD Connect 2025 , the premier conference hosted by the American Advertising Awards . Tune in as they dive into: Key insights from breakout sessions on creative strategy, brand storytelling, and innovation The future of AI in the creat...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Isabella sit down with Calen Kirkland, Sales Director of The Barrel Mill, a renowned family-owned cooperage in Avon, Minnesota. Known for its high-quality oak barrels, The Barrel Mill has partnered with Moxie to refresh its brand and overhaul its website. Calen shares insights on how the rebrand has modernized this heritage brand while maintain...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor, Kelly, and Mo discuss the growing trend, or maybe declining trend, of side hustles. They explore personal experiences, the influence of millennial culture, the balance between passion and burnout, and the impact of side hustles on creativity and income. The trio also touch on the generational perceptions of work, the balance between full-time jobs...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative converse with Diane Hageman—a trailblazing leader known for her impact on female leadership and community service. Diane shares her journey from a marketing career in healthcare at St. Cloud Hospital and CentraCare, to volunteer work and a significant position at the YMCA. She discusses her transition into a second car...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Kelly of Moxie Creative discuss the importance of blending digital and traditional marketing strategies for small businesses. They explore how integrated campaigns can create a cohesive story that reaches audiences in multiple ways. The team is joined by Michael Nelson to delve into the evolution of digital marketing and its relationship with t...

This episode of 'Behind the Brand' features Jenna Kingsley, the Fund Development Director at the St. Cloud Area YMCA. Jenna shares her journey from her first job in high school to her current role, emphasizing the YMCA's expansive community programs beyond just fitness and recreation. The discussion highlights the YMCA Promenade, an annual fundraising event, detailing its creative planning, sponso...

In this real-talk episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor, Kelly, and Mo from Moxie Creative discuss the challenges and triumphs of being working parents. They dive into personal experiences of juggling deadlines, meetings, and family responsibilities, highlighting the importance of a strong support system both in and out of the workplace. The conversation touches on flexible work schedules, rel...