Marketing Sweats

In her final episode of Marketing Sweats, Misty Klobucher looks back on 22 years at Simantel and the lessons learned along the way.

Simantel founder Jim Simantel shares how one bold vision built an agency rooted in creativity, community and lasting relationships. Tune in to our 100th episode to hear the story that started it all.

Misty sits down with Simantel co-owner and principal Tim Leesman to talk leadership, partnership and growth, honoring the agency’s roots and the power of strong client relationships.

Q Holmes highlights how diversity, authenticity and cultural relevance make stories resonate, and how he’s pushing production and leadership forward.

AI is reshaping marketing, but many organizations struggle to use it effectively. Miki Velemirovich explains why projects fail, the difference between assistants and agents and how leaders can focus on outcomes to create real business impact. 

Organizational health isn’t just a buzzword. Susan Reising explains how aligning teams, managing change and shaping culture strengthens leaders and brands, and how her new role at Simantel enhances the value the agency delivers to clients.

From systems thinking to scenario planning, Dan Eizans explains how future-focused strategy can help brands proactively prepare for what’s next.

Reid Holmes shares his approach to “Appreciated Branding” — creating work that resonates by solving bigger human problems. He brings fresh insight on creativity, collaboration and building brands that truly connect.

Marc Supreme shares how "D@mn, I Graduate in May!” empowers students with post-graduation readiness, mentorship and real-world tools for success beyond high school. 

Bradley University’s 13th president, James Shadid, sits down with Misty to talk leadership and his vision for the future of the university — one rooted in collaboration, community and purpose.

Curious how technology is reshaping the creative process? In this episode we chat with Nik Kleverov about innovation, iteration and what happens when bold ideas meet cutting-edge tools.

In this episode of Marketing Sweats, Misty chats with Jason Brown, insights director at Simantel, about our latest research report: Problem-solving Through Partnerships. Spoiler: Strong, long-term partnerships matter more than flashy campaigns.

In this episode of Marketing Sweats, Simantel owners Misty and Tim sit down with advertising lawyer Joe Rosenbaum as he reveals his approach to marketing law and how he continues to avoid litigation with all his clients. 

Join Misty to analyze agency growth and new-client relationships from an outside perspective with agency search consultant and AAR Partners President, Lisa Colantuono.

In this episode of Marketing Sweats, listen to executive facilitation expert Tim Leake explore the hidden powers of workshops and the importance of making them fun.

Hispanics make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population. They’re no longer just an opportunity for advertisers, they’re a necessity. Listen to MARCA Miami VP Kristen Sabina dive into the power of the U.S. Hispanic market and why we need to make them a priority.

In this episode of Marketing Sweats, listen to prolific author Matt Heinz give advice on embracing revenue responsibility with predictable, repeatable and measurable marketing.

In this episode of Marketing Sweats, listen to business expert Spencer Lodge reveal why “sales” isn't a dirty word and how to not shy away from sales in marketing as a discipline. 

Sit with Misty over a glass of wine as she discusses influencer marketing with recovering pageant girl and new-age influencer, Maggie Gehlsen-Burnett.

Listen to renowned digital prophet David “Shingy” Shing give us the straightforward advice we needed to challenge conventional marketing norms, embrace what makes us different and identify emerging trends.

Greg Batton, co-host of The Greg and Dan Show on WMBD Radio, is a gifted storyteller driven by a desire to connect and entertain. He’s a force for good and leverages positivity to bring joy to the community both on the air and off.

Jennifer Zammuto, President of the Heart of Illinois United Way, shares how her organization determines the best way to allocate charitable donations to maximize return on investment and the impact that has on the whole community.

Nikki Romain, Executive Director of Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc., overcame a difficult childhood by expressing herself through art. Now, she’s helping empower women and youth in the region through arts programs.

Chris Setti, CEO of the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council, talks about the many business-friendly advantages in Greater Peoria, the role of the EDC and the many partnerships in place to drive regional economic development.

Dr. Keith Knepp, President of Carle Health Greater Peoria, talks about growing up in Central Illinois, serving in his hometown as a physician and how he transitioned to leadership to make a wider impact on health care and the region he loves.