Joey Goone is the President of Utopia Experience, a nationwide audiovisual production company specializing in creating immersive and personalized event experiences. With a background in finance and a passion for entrepreneurship, Joey transitioned to leading the company originally founded by his late mother. Under his leadership, Utopia Experience has grown into a full-scale event production business, serving clients coast to coast. Joey is also a board member of EO St. Louis. In this episode… Crafting unforgettable experiences is both an art and a science. But what truly sets apart those who leave a lasting impact is their ability to blend technical expertise with genuine human connection. How do you turn events into heart-centered experiences that inspire, engage, and transform? According to Joey Goone, it starts with compassion and intention. He highlights that creating meaningful moments requires not only technical precision, but also the ability to see and meet the emotional needs of others. Whether it's integrating cutting-edge audiovisual technology or infusing personal touches that make attendees feel seen, Joey believes every detail contributes to an immersive experience. This approach stems from values instilled by his late mother, who inspired him to lead with empathy and authenticity — a philosophy that continues to drive his company’s success and legacy. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Joey Goone, President of Utopia Experience, to discuss how he builds heart-centered experiences through events. Joey shares the pivotal lessons he learned from his entrepreneurial journey, including the importance of compassion and the power of persistence. He also gives advice on leveraging relationship-building strategies to create meaningful connections.

Travis Hoechlin is the CEO of RizeUp Media, an agency specializing in helping law firms generate new clients, increase revenue, and grow their businesses through online marketing strategies. With over 15 years of experience in legal marketing, he has significantly contributed to the company's rapid success, including making the Inc. 5000 list two years in a row. His expertise lies in managing various aspects of marketing, from website development to SEO and pay-per-click advertising. Travis previously worked in the mortgage business before channeling his competitive spirit and sales acumen into founding RizeUp Media. In this episode… In the competitive landscape of legal services, the ability to convert leads into clients is often the tipping point that determines success. While innovative marketing strategies are essential, few firms recognize that the cornerstone of client acquisition lies in fundamental practices — like simply answering calls. But what happens when hundreds of law firms miss out on countless opportunities by overlooking this fundamental step? How can someone change this persistent issue within the industry? Travis Hoechlin, a marketing expert, unravels the challenges many law firms face when converting marketing efforts into tangible results. Drawing from his experience as a seasoned marketer for legal services, he shares a wealth of knowledge, including the critical importance of picking up phone calls, leveraging live chat features, and the necessity of providing custom solutions that fit the unique needs of individual law firms. His approach is straightforward and customer-centric, ensuring that every dollar spent on marketing counts toward growing the client's business. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Travis Hoechlin, CEO of RizeUp Media, about scaling legal firms through efficient marketing. Travis discusses how RizeUp Media customizes its services for law firms, the pivotal milestones in establishing and scaling it, effective recruitment and onboarding process for a high-performing sales team, and the timeless value of answering phone calls.

Jeff Krauss is Co-founder of FanRoom Live and the President of IE Group. Leveraging his start as a local promoter, he scaled his company to serve an impressive client list, including Saturday Night Live and the LA Dodgers. Through his genuine approach, Jeff emphasizes the importance of relationships in business success. He co-created the innovative FanRoom Live platform with Cedric the Entertainer, bringing fans and A-listers together in the digital space. Jeff is committed to weaving charitable initiatives into his work, ensuring every event also benefits worthwhile causes. In this episode… Imagine having the ability to orchestrate unforgettable experiences for A-list celebrities and prestigious brands. What does it take to make it big in the event production industry, working with names like Saturday Night Live and the LA Dodgers? Jeff secured Saturday Night Live as a client through an introduction from Chris Rock's personal assistant. This initial opportunity allowed Jeff to prove his event-planning expertise, eventually winning over SNL, even with their tendency for last-minute arrangements. Likewise, Jeff has worked with the LA Dodgers on charity events featuring celebrities like George Lopez and Brett Young. These events not only provided entertainment, but also raised substantial funds for children’s hospitals, showcasing Jeff's talent for merging philanthropy with high-profile events. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Jeff Krauss, Co-founder of FanRoom Live and the President of IE Group. Jeff delves into the meticulous planning required behind the scenes, from securing desirable venues to coordinating with celebrities and their agents. He also shares heartwarming stories from FanRoom Live, a digital platform that allows fans to interact with celebrities while supporting charitable causes.

Chad Hason is the CEO, Co-founder, and brand strategist of Agency Atlas, a Calgary-based company specializing in brand storytelling and innovative marketing solutions across various industries. Under his leadership, Agency Atlas has earned a reputation for delivering strategic and creative marketing campaigns, significantly impacting their clients' brand visibility and engagement. Chad's journey in brand strategy has seen him navigate diverse sectors, from cannabis to energy, bringing his expertise in storytelling to the forefront of marketing. In this episode… Are you curious about how innovative marketing agencies tackle challenging projects under tight deadlines? Imagine transforming a mundane brand into something extraordinary within just 72 hours. How do they achieve this feat — and what strategies do they employ? Chad Hason of Agency Atlas demonstrates how his team rebranded S&P Global within an astonishingly short time frame. Chad’s approach involves meticulous understanding of brand documentation and utilizing his team’s creative prowess to develop ideas that resonate deeply with the client’s objectives. Their success with S&P Global not only solidified their reputation, but also led to a lasting partnership — illustrating the importance of an in-depth, tailored strategy in marketing. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz welcomes Chad Hason, Co-founder and CEO of Agency Atlas, to showcase the essence of their company’s philosophy of blending creativity with strategy to deliver compelling storytelling for various industries, including cannabis and energy. Chad discusses the importance of having a unique and well-considered strategy, the pitfalls of skipping this critical step, and how his team’s collaborative environment fosters innovation. By focusing on both talent and genuine investment in client success, Agency Atlas ensures that every project exceeds expectations.

Erik Rubadeau is the CEO and Founder of Yeeboo Digital, a digital agency specializing in helping nonprofit organizations leverage technology to achieve their missions. He is a seasoned leader in the digital agency space with over 20 years of experience. With a hands-on approach and an eye for the intersection of technology and strategy, Erik has been instrumental in streamlining operations for impactful entities such as Habitat for Humanity Canada and Save the Children. He is passionate about streamlining operations and enhancing technology use within the nonprofit sector to help organizations achieve greater impact.  In this episode… What is it like to navigate the turbulent waters of the digital world as a nonprofit organization? How can you harness technology effectively when resources are stretched to the limit? These are the pressing questions many nonprofit leaders face, and the answers may lie in tapping into digital expertise and strategic innovation. Erik Rubadeau, a nonprofit technology expert, brings his rich experience from outside the tech world into the heart of digital innovation for nonprofits. He tells the story of transitioning from a forest firefighter to a tech enthusiast, then accidental agency owner, and now to a leading advocate for digital efficacy within the nonprofit sector. By taking leaps of faith and continuously learning, Erik has created an agency that not only sets up powerful technology infrastructure for nonprofits, but also ensures they maximize their fundraising and operational potential. Sharing practical tips and success stories, he demonstrates the transformative power of technology in amplifying the mission of nonprofits. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Erik Rubadeau, CEO and Founder of Yeeboo Digital, about leveraging digital tools for nonprofit success. Erik talks about Yeeboo Digital and how it helps nonprofits leverage technology, the unexpected catalyst that led to its launch, the evolution of its service offerings, and how it identifies and fixes pain points for nonprofits.

Dave Taylor is the Co-founder and Strategic Digital Marketer at In Front Marketing, a Calgary-based agency specializing in data-driven marketing solutions. Over the past decade, he has grown the agency to serve more than 500 clients annually, including prominent names like the Calgary Flames and Backyard Meats. With a focus on delivering measurable results, Dave ensures clients grasp the performance and ROI of their campaigns, driving significant increases in engagement and conversion rates. Under his leadership, In Front Marketing prioritizes transparency and communication, offering a full range of services, including SEO, digital advertising, and social media management. In this episode… What does it take to transition from working a corporate job to starting a thriving agency from scratch? How does one navigate the treacherous waters of entrepreneurship and carve out a niche in the competitive digital marketing space? Can a commitment to data-driven strategies and robust client relationships make all the difference? Dave Taylor of In Front Marketing reveals how he tackled these questions throughout his journey. Starting in a spare bedroom, Dave's agency has grown significantly by emphasizing the importance of data in digital campaigns. His early experiences at Yellow Pages and other corporate roles taught him what not to do, which he leveraged to build trust with clients by showcasing the direct impact of their campaigns. Dave's collaboration with the Calgary Flames and other organizations highlights his agency's success in providing clear, actionable insights that enhance marketing strategies and boost ROI. In today’s episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Dave Taylor, Co-founder and Strategic Digital Marketer of In Front Marketing, about the evolution and success of the agency. Dave highlights the importance of data in digital marketing, the strategic steps involved in scaling an agency, and the value of fostering strong client relationships. He shares how his agency began in a small spare bedroom and evolved into a significant player in the digital marketing sphere, emphasizing a collaborative approach and community involvement.

Mike Maddock is the Founder of Flourish Advisory Boards, hyper-curated virtual peer advisory forums for CEOs and business leaders who are focused on professional and personal growth. He is a serial entrepreneur, international public speaker, expert in innovation, and best-selling author. Mike has served over 25% of the Fortune 500 companies, helping them envision and create new growth avenues. As the Founder of Maddock Douglas, a globally recognized innovation consulting firm, he has also assisted in developing and launching new products, services, and business models for over 25% of the Fortune 100 companies. In this episode… What does it take for a company to embrace innovation and break through business plateaus? In the face of stagnation and resistance to change, how can leaders cultivate an environment that encourages fresh ideas and growth? According to Mike Maddock, a seasoned entrepreneur and best-selling author, the answer lies in the diversity of perspectives within a team. He highlights that successful companies embrace their customers' pain points and seek to innovate around what people hate about their industry. Mike also explains the importance of avoiding the "expertise trap," where internal knowledge can blind leaders to new possibilities — as well as the critical role of reframing a business' purpose, asking not just, "What do we sell?" but also, "What business do we have the right to be in?" In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Mike Maddock, Founder of Flourish Advisory Boards, to discuss the key factors that drive innovation and help companies break through plateaus. They explore how to assemble effective teams with diverse roles, tackle the fear of risk in established companies, and embrace market gaps for new growth. Mike also shares the personal story of how his wife's strength and love influenced his perspective.

Nicolas Munn Rico is Partner and Co-founder of LNDMRK, an agency connecting artists with the corporate world, and Mural Festival, an event celebrating muralism and local artists. With a passion for art and entrepreneurship, he has been influential in generating unique projects and collaborations. Through LNDMRK, Nicolas has facilitated brand campaigns that blend commercial objectives with artistic expression, working with renowned companies like Starbucks and Jose Cuervo. He envisions art as a medium for aesthetic pleasure and a powerful community engagement and brand storytelling tool. In this episode… What does it take to bridge the gap between the vibrant world of art and the structured realm of corporate marketing? How can one create a unique event that puts a city on the map while uplifting its local artistic community? Nicolas Munn Rico, a marketing expert, provides an intriguing narrative on navigating the intersection of art and business. He shares how his journey began by connecting artists with corporate clients to transform urban spaces, laying the foundation for LNDMRK. Nicolas discusses how he mastered the art of licensing to promote unique and limited artistic projects, further cementing how his agency acts as a crucial middleman between brands and artists. His story showcases the emergence of muralism as a vibrant channel for art appreciation and business engagement, changing how we perceive the intersection of culture and economics. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Nicolas Munn Rico, Partner and Co-founder of LNDMRK, to discuss the transformative power of art in urban spaces and corporate partnerships. Nicolas discusses the origins of LNDMRK and its mission to bridge the gap between artists and brands, its role in negotiating and managing projects between artists and brands, and the rapid rise and challenges of Mural Festival.

Tim Zercher is the CEO and Owner of A-Train Marketing, a national firm providing marketing strategies and services to behavioral health groups. Under his leadership, the company has been featured in multiple national and international publications and has successfully built and grown over 400 brands across 34 states in the last 25 years. Tim has experience purchasing and merging agencies. He excels in creating deep, long-term partnerships and has a particular knack for developing effective referral campaigns within the healthcare sector.  In this episode… In the intriguing world of behavioral health marketing, the ability to adapt and innovate is not just a luxury, but a necessity. However, not all agencies have what it takes to help you navigate this space effectively. So, what strategies do successful agencies utilize to create long-term partnerships and effectively reach their target audiences? Tim Zercher, a marketing expert, shares his journey from starting his marketing agency to acquiring A-Train and merging both entities to tackle the complex challenges of the behavioral health sector. He discusses how he initially ventured into marketing to make ends meet, learning and adapting along the way, eventually focusing on long-term strategic partnerships. Tim highlights the importance of asking the right questions and using a detailed, phased approach to create effective referral campaigns, particularly in healthcare, where relationships with primary referrers are crucial. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Tim Zercher, CEO and Owner of A-Train Marketing, about the nuances of behavioral health marketing. Tim discusses how he grew A-Train Marketing through M&A to dominate the behavioral health niche, key transition strategies when converting a project-based client into a long-term partnership, the four phases of effective referral marketing campaigns, and the challenges and lessons learned from acquiring and merging with another agency.

Jason Swenk is the Founder of Agency Mastery 360, a company dedicated to helping digital agency owners grow and scale their businesses. With over 20 years in the agency space, he has built and sold his agency, and he now leverages his experience working with brands like AT&T, Hitachi, and Lotus Cars to mentor other agencies.  In addition to hosting the Smart Agency Masterclass podcast, the #1 podcast for digital marketing agency owners, Jason has developed a framework for growing agencies from nothing to eight figures. His unique perspective, shaped by his extensive experience and monthly interaction with over 100 agencies, provides valuable insights into navigating market disruptions and achieving sustained growth. In this episode… In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, agency owners face the daunting challenge of sustaining profitability and positioning their agencies as attractive candidates for acquisition. What factors set apart those agencies that thrive in the competitive market, and how can agency owners ensure they maximize their potential for growth and sale? This recap dives deep into Jason Swenk’s strategies for growing a digital agency poised for acquisition. A seasoned expert in the agency space, Jason focuses on crucial performance indicators beyond revenue, highlighting profitability, MRR, customer loyalty, and strategic team-building as fundamental metrics. Jason emphasizes that agencies often inflate their revenue to appear more successful, but the true value lies in their profit margins and operational efficiency. Through real-world examples and a personal anecdote about missing out on the Elf on the Shelf phenomenon, he shares a unique acquisition strategy that prioritizes culture fit, autonomy, and shared success. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, revisit Dr. Jeremy Weisz’ earlier interview with Jason Swenk, Founder of Agency Mastery 360, about mastering agency growth and acquisition. Topics include the importance of EBITDA over revenue for agency valuation, acquisition KPIs, Republix's unique approach to acquiring and nurturing digital agencies, and the key trends and challenges in the current agency acquisition landscape.