OUTdrive

Access to quality health care is essential for every community, and rural hospitals play a vital role in ensuring patients get the care they need close to home. In this episode, we sit down with Marvin Smoot, Vice President of Clinic Operations at Bothwell Regional Health Center, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities in rural health care. Marvin shares insights on building strong prov...

The Super Bowl isn't just about football—it's also the biggest night in advertising. In this episode of OUTdrive, Cliff Callis sits down with agency president Megan Hartman and account executive Josie Gregory to break down the game's most memorable ads. From the ones that scored big to the ones that missed the mark, they analyze the strategies, creative choices and marketing takeaways. Tune in for...

Marketing is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires strategy, innovation and a strong ethical foundation. In this episode, Korena Keys of KeyMedia Solutions shares her insights on digital marketing, AI and the importance of responsible advertising. From starting a business at her kitchen table to leading a successful agency, Korena's story is one of adaptability and growth.

Missouri's child care crisis affects more than just parents—it impacts businesses, workforce retention and local economies. In this episode, Robin Phillips, CEO of Child Care Aware of Missouri, talks about the challenges of child care accessibility and affordability in rural communities. She shares how her organization is helping families find care, supporting child care providers and working with...

Discover how Agri-Pulse grew to become agriculture's leading voice for legislative and regulatory news. In this episode of OUTdrive, founder Sara Wyant shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Iowa to building a trusted media brand covering food, agriculture and rural issues. Sara reflects on how her upbringing shaped her passion for journalism, leading her to create Agri-Pulse, a company d...

Sports bring people together, especially in rural America. In this episode, Cliff and Kim Anderson, former college basketball coach turned broadcaster, dive into how sports unite communities, inspire passion and shape identities. Tune in as they discuss everything from Chiefs football to high school basketball, and how broadcasting keeps Kim's love for the game alive.

Join us as we take a ride through some of OUTdrive's most popular episodes from 2024. Host Cliff Callis reflects on insightful conversations with marketing professionals and community leaders, discussing everything from Super Bowl ad strategies to rural banking and state fairs.  Whether it's connecting national brands to local markets, blending tradition with modern marketing or building trust wit...

Explore the story behind Danuser Machine Company, a fourth-generation family business built on quality and customer care. Glenn Danuser reveals the company's approach to innovation, service and sustaining a legacy that began back in 1910. Tune in to learn how Danuser navigates the challenges of modern manufacturing and marketing while honoring its heritage.

Rural health care faces unique challenges, from smaller populations to overcoming misconceptions about care quality. Learn how creative strategies, innovative programs and grassroots community engagement are helping rural hospitals deliver quality care and build strong connections.  Abbe Ream, Director of Marketing at Harrison County Community Hospital in northwest Missouri, exemplifies this proac...

Liza Buchanan, Vice President of Marketing at Sunstate Equipment, shares her journey and insights as she markets the national construction equipment rental company in a highly competitive environment. With a dynamic background spanning corporate marketing, nonprofit work and running her own advertising agency, Liza brings a wealth of experience to OUTdrive. Her expertise in rural community develop...

Artificial Intelligence offers powerful ways for marketers to streamline tasks and personalize customer experiences and balancing innovation with responsible use is essential for building trust. Callis's Digital Services Director Kyle Meek explores these opportunities, discussing how AI is transforming marketing and business for rural American markets. Sharing insights from the recent Marketing AI...

Marketing pro Danny Vowell, the marketing manager at Best Way AG, brings a rich blend of experience in journalism, photojournalism and business communications to his role. Raised in a rural setting with deep family roots in farming, Danny has a personal understanding of the agricultural community's values and challenges. His background in mass communications and a career spanning local journalism...

Attorney Chris Spangler could have built a law practice anywhere, but he chose to establish his career in the heart of rural America. A Missouri native and graduate of the University of Missouri, Chris returned to central Missouri after attending law school in Kansas City. Today, he co-leads the law firm, Spangler Ward, with his partner, Laurie Ward. Chris has also brought his son, Cale, into the...

April DeGraff, a seasoned marketing professional, has over 15 years of experience, with a decade dedicated to health care marketing. Growing up in rural Missouri and earning a degree from Missouri Valley College, April has a unique understanding of both rural communities and the health care landscape. She has served in various roles including a stint in an agency setting, but found her passion lie...

Reaching rural audiences requires a tailored approach. Dr. Shannon McCarthy, Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Central Missouri, brings us a unique perspective, having lived on both coasts and in the Midwest. She highlights that while there are differences between urban and rural America, people's core desires remain the same: they want to live in happy, healthy communities. Li...

This week's episode of OUTdrive features a conversation unlike any we've had before. Cliff sits down with an unexpected guest—a chatbot named AI-dilene! Together, they dive headfirst into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of marketing. Listeners get an inside look at how AI functions, what it can offer to businesses and why marketers everywhere are taking note of this revolutionar...

The landscape of digital media is evolving, and AI is at the forefront. In this episode, Rachel Hernandez, Director of Marketing at Next Net Media, discusses the integration of AI in marketing strategies. While some are apprehensive about these changes, Rachel views them as opportunities for growth and innovation. She highlights that AI can enhance data analysis and customer insights, allowing mar...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an account executive at a marketing agency in rural America? Josie Gregory, the newest account executive at Callis, breaks it down in our latest episode. From communication and strategy to research and project management, the role involves wearing multiple hats. Josie highlights the importance of listening to clients and delivering creative solutions tail...

To truly thrive, startups must prioritize validation over assumptions—driving their success with real data instead of guesswork. Lilly Garrett, a marketing strategist based in London and co-founder of MAXIA Marketing, understands the importance of validating product ideas and establishing strong marketing foundations. Lilly began her entrepreneurial path at 19, working with early-stage companies a...

Good marketing isn't just about crafting the perfect campaign—it's about building genuine relationships and maintaining transparency with your audience in a competitive landscape. Authenticity is key! Megan Elsey, Director of Marketing & PR at MJE and MJE Livestock Equipment, emphasizes the importance of genuine content over polished productions. In rural communities, real stories and user-generat...

Ever heard of the "three-legged stool" of marketing? Brad Grupe, owner and broker agent for Town and Country Insurance, uses this metaphor to describe the balance needed between marketing, client relationships and community service. Effective marketing requires a deep understanding of consumer behavior and strategic thinking, especially in industries like insurance where clients depend on reliable...

By leveraging storytelling, embracing modern marketing tools, and fostering collaboration, rural businesses and organizations can thrive in a changing economic landscape. Bing Schimmelpfenning, the executive director of the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes that effective marketing is all about telling your story—whether it's about a product, service, or personal journey. This approach...

From demanding time commitments to the need to think quickly on your feet, promoting sporting events can be a whirlwind. Ryan Anderson, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), provides an inside look into sports marketing during our latest episode. Utilizing traditional advertising and innovative social media strategies, the UCM Athletics communi...

You probably know that the Missouri State Fair draws thousands of people from across the Midwest each year. To some, it may seem like the fair just happens, when actually, a lot goes into it. One of those people who help make it happen is Paul Beykirch, president of County Distributing. County is a regional Anheuser-Busch distributor and one of the fair's long time sponsors and supporters. Paul jo...

Tourism is a powerful driver for local economies, and Sedalia is no exception. The Sedalia Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is committed to showcasing our city's unique offerings. Joining us today are Carolyn Crooker, Kyle Herrick and Rick Yeager from the Sedalia CVB to share insights on how attracting visitors year-round can significantly boost our community. Whether it's hiking the Katy Trail,...