Brian Ward
The Branding Signage and Technology Podcast
Welcome to The Branding Signage and Technology podcast presented by The Howard Company! Each episode is unscripted and features new guests talking about best practices, trends, and questions surrounding branding signage and technology.
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Designing For Impulse Purchases In C-Stores And Grocery Stores 09.06.2026 22:02
There is a big difference between getting a c-store shopper to grab something extra versus interrupting a planned grocery trip. The signage strategies behind each are completely different and a lot more intentional than most people think. We just dropped a new podcast episode that gets into all of it. From what actually grabs attention the moment someone walks in, to outdoor techniques that pull p...
The Art Of Balancing Chain Branding And Local Connections 09.06.2026 21:24
What is the hardest part of keeping your brand consistent across locations while still feeling local? We asked ourselves the same thing and ended up with a full podcast episode about it. Our design and engineering teams sat down to talk about what brand consistency actually looks like when you're managing signage and equipment across dozens or even hundreds of locations. And not just the big pictu...
Technology That Doesn’t Get in the Way 09.06.2026 20:15
Not every technology trend belongs in your operation. The ones worth investing in solve a real business problem. Speed, ticket size, guest loyalty. That's where the conversation should start. From digital displays and order confirmation systems to voice AI and content management, we cover what it takes to build a digital solution that works for your brand.
Guide To A/B Testing With Digital Displays 09.06.2026 26:25
Most operators guess what works on their menu boards. But you can test it. The Branding Signage and Technology Podcast tackles A/B testing with digital menu boards. Brian and Kelsey (one of our designers) are talking A/B testing, dayparting, and the neuroscience behind menu design that actually work.
Designing A Smarter Drive-Thru With OCS 09.06.2026 10:46
OCS has become more and more of a drive-thru standard and operators who have it are seeing why. When wrong orders are hitting your food costs, slowing your line, and frustrating customers, Order Confirmation Systems are what close the gap. Watch this episode for the full picture: Features, ROI, and POS integration.
Growing Business With Different Generations: Each Guest Has Different Values 08.06.2026 15:52
In this episode of The Branding Signage and Technology Podcast, I dive into the dynamics of generational values in business interactions, particularly in the restaurant and retail sectors. Joined by Craig from operations, Carter from engineering, and Kendra from purchasing, we explore what different generations prioritize when visiting businesses—from food quality and service to atmosphere and pri...
6 Best Menu Board Design Ideas To Try In 2026 08.06.2026 28:36
The creative team at The Howard Company discusses the best menu design practices seen through 2025, as well as suggestions for what should be left behind moving into 2026.
Technology That Builds Trust 11.05.2026 17:55
In this episode of The Branding Signage and Technology Podcast, I sit down with seasoned guests Eric and Jim Reeder to explore the vital role of technology in building customer trust. We dive deep into the benefits of commercial-grade displays, discussing how they outperform residential models in durability, warranty support, and performance. We also dissect the importance of active monitoring ser...
The Role of First Impressions 14.11.2025 14:04
In this episode of The Branding Signage and Technology Podcast, I sit down with Nick from our install team and Todd from our engineering group to explore the pivotal role of first impressions in branding, signage, and technology. We discuss how exterior branding elements influence customer decisions, the psychology behind color choices, and the importance of design simplicity. Our conversation del...
Why a Successful Strategy Takes a Full Team Effort 14.11.2025 16:04
How well does your team work together? On our newest episode of The Branding Signage and Technology podcast, we discuss why Marketing, IT, Operations, Construction, Design, and Executives should be working together on all projects relating to signage.
The Science of Drive-Thru Stacking 14.11.2025 15:45
In this episode of The Branding Signage and Technology Podcast, I sit down with Grant and Nick from The Howard Company to explore the intricate science of drive-thru stacking. We delve into what drive-thru stacking is and why it plays a crucial role in restaurant efficiency and customer experience. Grant, our regional vice president of sales, shares insights on how early planning can ensure compli...
More Than Gas: Building A Memorable Convenience Store Brand/NACS 2025 Preview 19.09.2025 22:51
On this episode of The Branding Signage and Technology podcast, we discuss NACS 2025 and how to strategically invite customers from the pump into your store using branding signage and technology.
Menu Design Tips For Easy Ordering 19.09.2025 30:01
Making it easy for customers to order isn't just good service, it's smart business. On this episode of The Branding Signage and Technology podcast, we share practical menu design tips that highlight the items you want to sell, speed up decision-making, and keep customers coming back. You will learn how the slightest design changes can make a big impact on sales and the customer experience.
Kiosk and Voice AI: A Growth Strategy, Not Just A Staffing Solution 19.09.2025 15:35
Kiosks and voice AI are designed to help your business grow, not just assist with labor shortages. On this episode of The Branding Signage and Technology podcast, we discuss how kiosks and voice AI drive sales, even with a full staff.
How Food Photography Transforms Menu Boards 19.09.2025 33:29
Our designers discuss the importance of high-quality food images on menu boards.
The Winner Of Our 2025 National Drive-Thru Day Contest Is... 19.09.2025 13:20
The winner of our first National Drive-Thru Day contest is... announced in our newest episode of The Branding Signage and Technology podcast!
Recapping The 2025 National Restaurant Association Show 19.09.2025 18:52
Did you miss the National Restaurant Association Show and need a brief recap? In our newest episode of The Branding Signage and Technology podcast, the team sits down to discuss trends, takeaways, and exciting moments from this year's show.
Turn Graphic Fulfillment Into A Stress-Free Operation 19.09.2025 24:01
Does graphic fulfillment stress you out? Let us make it easy for you! Our newest episode of The Branding Signage and Technology podcast highlights how brand management can simplify your operations.
National Drive-Thru Day 2025 Contest Announcement 19.09.2025 9:25
National Drive-Thru Day is next month and we are searching for the country's best drive-thru of 2025! Is it yours? In our newest 'Branding Signage & Technology Podcast' episode, we introduce an exciting contest that promotes your brand whether you win or lose.
What To Expect At The 2025 National Restaurant Show! 17.09.2025 14:57
Check out our episode of The Branding Signage and Technology podcast, where we preview The National Restaurant Show, including what to expect from The Howard Company, emerging trends, and what excites our team the most.
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