Brand Groupies

In this episode of the Brand Groupies Podcast, Carey sit down with Gregory Maher and Joanna Maher of Look North to talk about their journey as entrepreneurs, the experiences that shaped their approach to business, and what they’ve learned from building a company side by side. Greg and Joanna share their perspectives on partnership, growth, leadership, and the importance of staying true to who you...

Alexander Stein is the Head of Social Media at M18 Public Relations, an Orchestra Company. He joins Carey to share his journey from live music photography to leading social strategy for high-profile clients. Alex discusses cutting through the noise by balancing visual storytelling with performance metrics, the role of influencer trends, and the importance of cohesive strategy and clear client comm...

Ashley Richards is the founder of E Squared Marketing, delivering bold, creative digital strategies that drive impact. In this episode, Ashley shares with Carey how she built a bold, full-service digital marketing agency focused on storytelling, authenticity, and measurable results. With over 20 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies and national brands, she explains the importance...

Hurst Williamson, Storyteller-in-Residence at Sally Williamson & Associates, believes storytelling is a powerful leadership tool for building influence, authenticity, and connection in the workplace. In this episode, he explains that effective communication centers on the audience and combines structure with emotional resonance to deliver impactful messages. Working with Fortune 500 leaders, h...

Nikita Morell is a messaging strategist specializing in architecture and the founder of DIRT Agency. In this episode, Nikita shares her journey from corporate marketing to a messaging architect... for architects. She discusses building her agency and the importance of research, client interviews, and consistent branding. Nikita also explores how to adapt messaging across markets while maintaining...

Kate Treen is the senior vice president at BerlinRosen, an Orchestra Company, who leads PR for real estate, non-profit, design, and philanthropy while partnering with New York developers and architects. In this episode, Kate shares her journey throughout PR, providing insights along the way. She discusses earned media and 360 storytelling. Tune in for honest advice on leading with clarity, strateg...

Steve Guberman is an experienced agency founder turned advisor who now helps agencies grow and strengthen their operations at Agency Outsight. In this episode, Steve shares his journey from launching and growing an agency in 2006 to selling it in 2015, and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership and growth. He discusses the importance of niching early, delegating effectively, and b...

Sandy Crisafulli is the president and co-owner of Caryl Communications, a boutique PR firm founded in 1984 and built on strong relationships, strategic storytelling, and nimble execution. In this episode, Sandy shares her journey from the firm’s first full-time writer to owner, and how a 360-degree approach across content, media relations, and operations helps Caryl deliver meaningful results for...

Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized author, keynote speaker, futurist, and marketing strategist, and the voice behind GROW, one of the world’s top marketing blogs. In this episode, Mark shares his career path from corporate marketing to becoming one of the most trusted thought leaders in the industry. He discusses the principles behind his bestselling book Known, why personal branding is more c...

In this special episode, Labor Lounge Podcast and Brand Groupies Podcast go LIVE from the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum by NJBIA.   Labor Lounge Hosts Anthony and Cyndie are joined by powerhouse podcast producers Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman of Brand Groupies for a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast is made - and why podcasting is a powerful tool for brand visibility, business...

Adam Taylor is the founder and CEO of Splendor, one of New Jersey's leading web design, branding, and marketing agencies. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Adam shares the story behind starting his agency in 1999 and how he has scaled it into a world-class creative agency, focusing on key industries like real estate. He also discusses what sets Splendor apart from other agencies, a...

Sheley Brien is the Vice President of Brien Contracting, a leading figure in the commercial construction industry alongside her husband, Chris. With over 20 years of diverse experience in the financial and medical industries and a remarkable journey up the corporate ladder, she is a dynamic force in the world of entrepreneurship, mindset, and leadership. Sheley is also the host of More Action Podc...

Darren Magarro is the Founder and President of DSM, and Dan Enrico is Vice President of Strategy at DSM, a talented band of strategists, analysts, and creatives who amplify brands. Darren founded DSM in 2007 and focuses most of his time on being a brand ambassador for clients and the agency while leading all new business efforts. He has won many awards over the years, including being a finalist fo...

Evan Troxel is an industry-leading design and technology expert passionate about connecting people. He is a licensed architect in California with over 25 years of architectural design, working on large public projects in K-12 schools, higher-ed, and civic projects for clients. Evan is best known for his podcasts focusing on the AEC industry. He brings his experiences together on the Archispeak, TR...

Josh Miles is the Founder of Bold Brand, a branding consultancy specializing in the AEC industry. He is a seasoned brand strategist, marketing filmmaker, and fractional CMO for AEC and tech firms. Josh is the author of Bold Brand 2.0 – How to Leverage Brand Strategy to Reposition, Differentiate and Market your Professional Services Firm. As a past TEDx presenter, he has delivered keynotes from the...

Jerry Keenan is the President of New Jersey Alliance for Action, a private non-profit and non-partisan association representing thousands of construction professionals. He was appointed in 2020 after serving as the association’s Executive Vice President since 2001. In his role, Jerry spearheads the organization’s efforts to ensure New Jersey’s infrastructure keeps pace with the needs of its reside...

Amanda Walter is a communications strategist and founder of Walter Communications. She started her practice to help architecture firms build specific reputations supporting their business goals. Informed by her earlier experience leading global communications programs at large design firms, Amanda tells her clients' stories across a variety of communications channels to reach the intended audience...

Brand Groupies’ Carey Balogh, Lauren Genest, and Ming Chen presented to AEC and CRE leaders at the Real Estate Networking & Transactions Group (R.E.N.T.) event in New York City. Carey, Lauren, and Ming share insights about the benefits of Podcasting, 2024 Podcast trends, and how you can leverage Podcasting to fuel your brand’s growth. The Groupies explain how to establish your company’s Brand...

Gina Rivera is the executive director of Professional Women in Construction’s New York Chapter, a leading professional member association supporting women in the architecture, engineering, construction, and design fields. Gina has a passion for women stepping into their deserved space to lead. She joined the organization in 2021 with 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her background i...

Alexandra Pony is an award-winning PR strategist and founder of PONY Communications. In 2023, the PR firm won Inc.’s Power Partner Award. With 15 years of extensive industry experience, Alexandra has worked with organizations ranging from startups to global entities known for cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions and leading AEC brands, including NASA, Perkins&Will San Francisco, Lu...

Lurdes Borges is Vice President of Marketing & Communication at dancker. She joined the interiors solutions provider following nearly 14 years of working with leading architects and designers in New Jersey. Today, she contributes to the success of the organization, its clients, and partners with strategic planning, compelling storytelling, and thoughtful solutions that deliver exceptional clie...

Eva Hagberg is an author, historian, educator, and Studio Director of Loebach Designs. Eva is the author of When Eero Met His Match: Aline Louchheim Saarninen and The Making of An Architect, and the critically acclaimed memoir How To Be Loved. https://www.evahagberg.com/ https://brandgroupies.com/

Paulina Lopez is an author, speaker, business coach, consultant, and strategist with a background in finance, operations, strategy, human resources, and communications. Paulina is the CEO and Founder of The Business of WE (Women Entrepreneurs), a tight-knit, trusting, and supportive Mastermind community based in New York City. The Business of WE brings together professional women at their highly i...

Marci Thompson is the Chief of Strategy and Growth at The Society for Marketing Professional Services. She leads the strategic direction for marketing, engagement, publications, and training, representing a dynamic network of more than 7,400 marketing and business development professionals from architectural, engineering, planning, interior design, construction, and speciality consulting firms loc...

Alison Smith is the Vice President of Communications with STO Building Group. Alison serves as the “voice” for STO Building Group by helping the company tell its stories internally and externally. She spent several years as an editor and teacher before entering the AEC industry nearly 20 years ago. She has written and edited projects for dozens of industry publications and organizations and is inv...