Behind The Brand

In this episode of 'Behind the Brand,' hosts Taylor and Kelly from Moxie Creative team up with Cherie Landwehr, the founder of Landwehr Tax & Accounting. Cherie shares her entrepreneurial journey, describing the evolution of her firm over nearly two decades. The discussion covers the intricacies of managing a financial firm, the importance of hiring the right accountant, and why it's essential...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the Moxie team delves into the fast-evolving world of social media marketing, focusing on strategies tailored for small businesses. They explore effective content trends, the importance of making emotional connections with audiences, and leveraging both user and employee-generated content. Taylor is joined by Gen Zers Isabella and Mackie, the conversation cover...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts Taylor, and Kelly from Moxie Creative discuss the importance of branding, especially for public perception. They delve into their recent collaboration with the Public Safety Foundation to help them rebrand. Jenifer Odette, the executive director of the foundation, shares her journey and the impactful community work the foundation does, including youth...

In this episode of 'Behind the Brand,' host Taylor is joined by Kelly and Michael Nelson, Moxie's creative director, to discuss the importance of choosing the right website platform. They explore the advantages of WordPress over DIY website builders like Wix and Squarespace, touching on key aspects like customization, ownership, and SEO. They also highlight common pitfalls of using quick-fix platf...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Kelly sit down with Abbey Graves, a former radio personality turned podcast producer. Abby shares her journey from childhood dreams of being a radio DJ to the realities of the industry, including the financial struggles that led her to pivot into podcasting. She discusses the challenges of starting her own business, the importance of networking...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts discuss the complexities of work-life balance from their unique perspectives as business owners and employees. They explore the challenges of managing personal and professional responsibilities, the importance of setting boundaries, and the impact of creative burnout. The conversation emphasizes the need for planning, flexibility, and self-care in ach...

In this episode of 'Behind the Brand,' regular co-host Taylor and Mo introduce Macki Detters, their new summer intern from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Macki takes the lead and interviews Taylor and Mo about their careers in the marketing and agency world. They discuss various topics including their favorite walkout songs, most-used emojis, and what they wanted to be as kids. The team share...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, host Taylor, Kelly and Isabella discuss the crucial elements of creating an exceptional client experience at Moxie. From the importance of first impressions to maintaining responsive and personalized interactions, they explore how genuine relationships and a tailored approach to each client lead to trust and referrals. The team emphasizes the significance of tr...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, hosts Taylor and Kelly sit down with Amy Sip of ASIP Consulting to discuss her journey in the human resources field and the concept of fractional HR. Amy shares her experiences transitioning from employee to entrepreneur, the importance of networking, and how businesses can benefit from fractional HR services. The conversation also touches on trends in HR, the...

In this episode of Behind the Brand , the hosts at Moxie Creative dive deep into why creativity isn’t just a nice-to-have in marketing—it’s a must. In a market saturated with safe, forgettable brands, playing it “fine” just doesn’t cut it. From identifying what sets a business apart to translating that uniqueness into a brand identity that truly resonates, the team explores how creative strategy d...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Diana Puterbaugh and Carla Crane from Hops Direct share their journey of transforming a fifth-generation hop farm into a successful e-commerce business. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of adapting to the craft beer boom, the importance of storytelling and marketing, and the innovations in the hop industry. The conversation also touches on the dynamics...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts discuss the often misunderstood concept of networking. They explore how networking can be a powerful tool for building relationships and growing a business when approached authentically. The conversation covers various aspects of networking, including community involvement, referral-based models, and the importance of patience and consistency in culti...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Eric Heipel shares his transformative journey from being a franchisee to founding his own painting business, Heartland Painting. He discusses the challenges he faced during the transition, the importance of establishing a strong brand identity, and the strategies he employed to build a successful team culture. Eric emphasizes the significance of mentorship and...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts discuss the critical moments when small business owners should consider hiring additional team members. They explore the journey of small business growth, the signs indicating it's time to expand, and the importance of hiring for culture fit. The conversation also touches on managing growth, the dynamics of team relationships, and the balance between...

In this episode, Andrew Guthmiller, founder of Car Concierge, shares his journey of creating a unique car buying service that prioritizes customer experience. He discusses the challenges he faced in the early days, the impact of COVID-19 on the industry, and the importance of branding and marketing in growing his business. Andrew emphasizes the need for continuous evolution and preparation for fut...

In this episode, the Moxie crew discusses the critical role of social media in modern business marketing. They explore why businesses should engage on social media, the importance of having a well-defined strategy, and the comprehensive process of social media management. The conversation highlights the need for businesses to understand their audience, create engaging content, and actively manage...

In this episode, Jason Miller, founder of Trust Real Estate Company, shares his journey of launching a new brokerage after 20 years in the real estate industry. He discusses the evolution of the real estate market, the importance of branding and community involvement, and offers valuable business tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Jason emphasizes the significance of trust in building relationships...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts discuss the critical decision small business owners face when it comes to marketing: whether to hire in-house, work with an agency, or manage marketing efforts themselves. They explore the pros and cons of each approach, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, the value of professional expertise, and the challenges of DIY marketing. The conversation h...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, Taylor and Kelly sit down with Jon, co-founder of Sip N' Pass , to discuss the journey of turning a long-held dream into a reality. They explore the challenges faced in branding and product development, and the importance of taking the first step in entrepreneurship. Jon shares insights from his 20-year journey to launch a unique moonshine product, emphasizing...

In this episode of Behind the Brand, the hosts discuss the financial realities of starting a business, emphasizing the importance of smart investments in branding and marketing. They explore the significance of website development and online presence, as well as the balance between organic and paid marketing strategies. The conversation also touches on the decision to outsource tasks versus handli...

In this conversation, Liz Fiedler Mergen shares her inspiring journey from a hobby flower stand to a thriving business, Sunny Mary Meadow. The discussion highlights the importance of bold moves in entrepreneurship, the transformative power of rebranding, and the clarity it brings to business owners. Liz reflects on her personal experiences, including the challenges she faced after losing her husba...

In this inaugural episode of the Moxie Creative podcast, the hosts introduce themselves and their agency, Moxie Creative, a full-service marketing agency based in St. Cloud, Minnesota. They discuss the purpose of the podcast, which is to share insights on branding, marketing, and the unique challenges faced by small businesses in rural communities. The conversation highlights the importance of cre...

Welcome to Behind the Brand, a podcast for small business owners, solopreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to start strong, stand out, and stay bold. Hosted by the powerhouse marketers behind Moxie Creative, this podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and grow a memorable brand. With over 30 years of experience helping businesses grow, we share bold moves,...