The VBG Brief

Todd and Wels sit down in the Twin Cities with longtime friend and collaborator Andy Gray, Executive Director of Catalyst for Harmony. From a heart attack the morning after announcing his transition to launch Catalyst, to building discipleship-centered cohorts and national Sankofa trips, Andy shares why nonprofit growth has to be intentional—rooted in vision, paced with patience, and supported by...

In this episode, the hosts welcome Dr. Caleb St. Jean, an optometrist, and owner of Eyes On Central in St. Petersburg, Florida. They discuss his journey into optometry, the innovations he is bringing to his practice, and the challenges of running a small business in a competitive market. Dr. St. Jean shares his personal story of how his mother's experience with glaucoma inspired his passion fo...

This week on The VBG Brief, we’re welcoming Elijah, our Q3 Business Development Intern. Hear his story, learn what he’s focused on, and why this internship is about more than just experience—it’s about building something that lasts. Whether you're a founder or fellow student, you'll walk away with insight into how we approach business development at VBG.

This week on The VBG Brief, we welcome our new CMO, Gernise Gregoire, and dive into a conversation that challenges the status quo: what makes someone an expert? Is it age? Time in the game? Or results? From overcoming bias to building credibility as a young leader, we’re unpacking the real definition of expertise—and what it means for creative professionals today.

In Episode 10 of The VBG Brief, the team sits down to reflect on Q2—from new creative breakthroughs to the systems behind their campaigns. Todd, Wels, and Al walk through their Sankofa video project, how they helped raise $54K for a nonprofit client, and why Q3 is all about working smarter. If you’re a small business, startup, or nonprofit leader, this is a raw and tactical breakdown of what it lo...

In Episode 9 of The VBG Brief, Todd, Wels, and Al break down why video is still the most powerful tool in marketing, especially in the AI era. They reflect on the team’s work with The Encouraging Place and share how storytelling drives real revenue. They also give insight into their creative process, what separates good content from effective content, and why knowing your ICP is mission-critical.

Building Community with Vision: A Conversation with Pastor Phillip Walker In this episode, Pastor Phillip Walker shares how his personal story, entrepreneurial heart, and spiritual leadership intersect to drive real change in Southeast Raleigh. From launching affordable housing through Summit at Sawyer to coining the idea of “MUTT Goals” (Measured, Unattainable, and Transformational), Pastor Walke...

Summary In this episode, Todd and Wels reflect on their journey as business partners, discussing their five-year milestone, the evolution of their website, and the origins of their partnership. They delve into the challenges they faced while starting their organization, Rev7.9, aimed at addressing social issues and fostering understanding within their community. The conversation highlights their g...

In this episode of The VBG Brief , the team sits down with Djouny Eugene, a talented wedding photographer, to explore his journey from hobbyist to full-time creative entrepreneur. Djouny shares the story behind his business, what it takes to build meaningful relationships with clients, and why community over competition is a value he lives by. He also dives into his creative process, his branding...

This week on the VBG Brief, we sit down with William Winters—master barber, entrepreneur, and creative force behind Mr. Groom Room. He shares his story, talks about using TikTok to grow his brand, and drops gems for anyone looking to scale with culture, confidence, and consistency. Instagram: @mr_groomroom_barbershop Website: https://mrgroomroombarbershop.com Keywords barbering, personal branding,...

In this episode, we reflect on our journey as agency owners and podcast hosts—breaking down what we’ve learned, what’s surprised us, and how we’re growing through it all. We talk about: • The expectations vs. reality of running an agency • The importance of client relationships • The role of certifications & continued learning • How we stay grounded through challenges • And where we want to be...

In this episode, the fellas engage with Toni Tupponce from A Sign of the Times, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the legacy of the African diaspora through music and culture. They discuss the organization's mission, the importance of rebranding to connect with younger audiences, and the significance of the Ankh symbol in their identity. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of their...

In this episode of the VBG Brief, we’re joined by Gernise Gregoire (@ggthriveguide), a PR and marketing strategist passionate about storytelling, cultural impact, and helping brands grow with purpose. She shares lessons from her career, insight on authentic marketing, and advice for small business owners looking to connect more deeply with their audience.

In this inaugural episode of the VBG BriefCreative podcast, Todd, Wels, and Al introduce themselves and discuss the core values that drive their agency. They emphasize the importance of family, excellence, and purpose-driven work in their business culture. The conversation also touches on their growth and competitive spirit as they navigate the marketing landscape, aiming to make a positive impact...