INspired INsider Podcast

Greg Hickman is the Founder of AltAgency, where he has trained and consulted over 700 agency owners, freelancers, and service providers. Greg specializes in helping businesses productize their services, monetize their expertise, and implement systems to improve client success and free up their time. With a wealth of experience from being a project manager at a large agency to founding his own successful agency, Greg has a deep understanding of the digital and creative agency space. He has a knack for creating systematic sales experiences and building team processes that scale. In this episode… In an ever-evolving digital landscape, how can agency owners, freelancers, and service providers navigate the challenges of scaling, systematizing, and productizing their services? Can the journey from hands-on service provider to a more leveraged business model really be achieved without losing the essence of what made the business successful in the first place? Greg Hickman, a growth marketing expert, melds productizing services, implementing systematic sales and fulfillment processes, and building the right team and systems to free up the owner's time. Through his work, Greg has demonstrated that it's possible to scale an agency or service-based business without being bogged down by custom, labor-intensive work. He emphasizes the importance of moving away from traditional time-for-money service models towards offering productized services or consulting packages that deliver value while optimizing operational efficiency. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Greg Hickman, the Founder of AltAgency, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of restructuring services within agencies. Greg takes listeners through his journey of creating a productized service that leveraged his niche expertise, sharing transformative insights on transitioning from big agency structures to smaller, nimble businesses and navigating the hard decisions in pivoting an agency towards productized services. 

Bob Froese is the Founder of Bob's Your Uncle, an innovative creative agency known for launching global brands and executing high-impact marketing strategies. With over two decades of experience in the advertising industry, Bob has led his company to work with clients like Canon, Mike's Hard Lemonade, and Popeyes. He grew up as a Mennonite in rural Manitoba with no TV, radio, or movie exposure, making his accomplishments in the advertising world all the more remarkable. In this episode… Have you ever imagined disrupting a global event like the Olympics without breaking a rule or launching an unknown brand to compete with giants in the industry? What if someone told you that achieving these feats takes more than traditional marketing tactics? Experienced brand and rebrand practitioner Bob Froese delves into how he turned a small agency into a powerhouse known for its audacious marketing strategies and out-of-the-box creative solutions. He shares how he navigated the challenges of rebranding his company and his approach to building client relations, focusing on a mix of creativity, strategic thinking, and heartfelt connections. Bob reflects on the importance of mentorship in finding one’s path and on the strategic reasons behind refining the agency's niche services. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Bob Froese, Founder of Bob's Your Uncle, about how creativity and brand savvy can create disruptive market impacts. Bob weaves stories from his career about the importance of branding, the power of saying ‘no,’ and the art of making an impression that lasts decades. He also discusses the challenges and achievements of onboarding new employees and maintaining a culture of innovation within his team.

Marty Menard is the President and Chief Business Development Officer of GIANT Creative, a data-driven marketing agency focused on performance marketing and lead generation. With a deep commitment to the power of data, Marty steers GIANT Creative in delivering comprehensive marketing strategies across multiple channels for clients like McDonald's and Sola Salon Studios. As a serial entrepreneur, he has a track record of building businesses and investing in growth and leadership. At GIANT Creative, Marty's entrepreneurial spirit shines as he develops trusted partnerships while driving innovation in marketing.  In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a marketing strategy that truly resonates with its audience? Why do some campaigns convert while others falter at the first hurdle? Could the secret lie in understanding and tailoring messages to a precisely defined niche? Serial entrepreneur Marty Menard explores how GIANT Creative overcomes the marketing challenges in industries like franchising and nonprofits. He delves into the specifics of data-driven marketing, sharing valuable lessons on creating a successful agency from scratch in a competitive landscape. Marty emphasizes the importance of research, the power of understanding your audience, and the role of personalized content in driving meaningful engagement and conversions.  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Marty Menard, President and Chief Business Development Officer of GIANT Creative, about the intricacies of data-driven marketing strategies. Marty shares how GIANT Creative uses data to shape marketing strategies for niche audiences, its processes for successful client campaigns, insights into the dynamic and competitive world of franchise lead generation, and how to build resonating campaigns and conversions.

Ted Lau is the Founder and CEO of Ballistic Arts, a high-touch lead-generation digital marketing agency with over two decades of experience. Starting in video production, he transitioned to digital marketing to offer established mid-market B2B organizations a path to increased business through marketing efforts. Ted boasts a diverse clientele, from local organizations to prominent companies across North America. He is also co-host of the Marketing News Canada podcast, where he interviews guests from CMOs to astronauts. His entrepreneurial spirit, tenacity, and commitment to core values have helped shape and grow Ballistic Arts into a successful self-managed company. In this episode… Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom with nowhere to go? Imagine building a business to find it resting on shaky foundations, teetering on the edge of collapse, with the weight of responsibility threatening to break you. What if there was a way out, a strategy that could turn it all around? Digital marketing expert Ted Lau shares his gripping tale of entrepreneurship resilience. Starting from cold calling out of his parent's basement, Ted grew his agency through 20 years of industry changes. He shares the critical importance of hiring based on core values, the power of promoting leadership from within, and the transformative impacts of personal development programs on business practices. Ted recounts the painful period of buying out his partner and salvaging Ballistic Arts from near ruin. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ted Lau, Founder and CEO of Ballistic Arts, about the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Ted recounts surviving business hardships, shares the intricacies of transitioning from a project-based business to a formidable lead-generation agency, and offers an intimate look at his personal and professional development, shedding light on what truly matters in business: loyalty, determination, and resilience.

Clint Thompson is the Founder and CEO of DigiHype Media. Born from a passion for assisting small- and medium-sized businesses, DigiHype Media specializes in website design, branding, digital paid advertising, and more. With a proven track record in sales management and marketing, Clint has over a decade of experience in digital marketing. His approach focuses on demystifying the digital space for clients and providing value through education and results-driven strategies. His philosophy of "we can, we shall, we will" drives the company forward, offering inclusive digital solutions for businesses of all sizes. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how a company evolves in the fast-paced world of digital marketing? Would you like to know the secret behind thriving partnerships and how they play a critical role in a business's success? How can an old-school sales approach blend seamlessly with modern techniques? Digital marketing professional Clint Thompson delves into his ten years of experience in the digital marketing space. He shares his journey of starting DigiHype Media and the valuable lessons he's learned, from nurturing SMBs to handling significant clients. With an educational approach to sales and marketing, he emphasizes the importance of demystifying the digital world for clients, guiding them toward effective strategies with transparency and integrity. Clint also discusses his unique tactics for managing partnerships and a virtual sales team. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Clint Thompson, Founder and CEO of DigiHype Media, about expanding digital marketing efforts through relationships and client education. Clint shares his journey of successfully running a boutique digital marketing agency, the importance of developing robust partnerships and training for business growth, and his sales and client onboarding approach that champions education over hard selling.

Jason Sharpe is the Co-founder and President of AXS Studio, a company that specializes in biomedical communication using 3D animation and interactive design to explain diseases and treatments. With a background in art and sciences, he and his colleagues create visuals that educate and inspire, serving clients ranging from Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies to biotech startups. Jason developed exhibits and animations to elucidate the mechanisms of actions of pharmaceuticals and played integral roles in educating physicians, investors, and patients.  In this episode… Isn't it fascinating to think that every Pixar-like animation has the power to teach us something profound about the world of science? Imagine if you could visualize a disease's progression or a drug's mechanism in just a few minutes of engaging video content. How would that transform medical education and patient understanding? Certified Medical Illustrator Jason Sharpe delves into how art and science converge to produce stunning animations that make the complex world of medical science accessible to professionals and lay audiences alike. He shares the journey that led to the founding of AXS Studio, highlighting the company's commitment to continuous learning and its niche in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Jason discusses the keys to their success, from maintaining a close-knit culture to smart staff management, networking, and building relationships. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jason Sharpe, Co-founder and President of AXS Studio, about creating visually compelling biomedical communication tools. Jason explains AXS Studio's role in visually explaining complex biomedical sciences, why the medical niche, the impact of collaborative interactive exhibits on educational experiences, and AXS Studio's team management and staffing strategies.

Riaz Sidi is the Founder of sidi.io, a digital marketing agency renowned for its expertise in demand generation, performance marketing, and funnel strategy. Sidi.io was named one of Ottawa's fastest-growing companies in 2022 and 2023. With a background that includes a five-year streak at Postmedia in roles from digital strategist to National Training Manager, Riaz has rich experience in corporate media. A leader always on the cutting edge of marketing trends, he dedicates himself to understanding and optimizing the customer buying journey, leading a team that integrates online platforms to drive growth for diverse clients.  In this episode… Have you ever wondered how the evolution of digital marketing is changing the way we view traditional advertising? What if your business could predict the customer's needs and cater to them even before they realize the necessity? Is your company ready to leap into an integrated, algorithm-aided marketing strategy? Riaz Sidi, a sales and marketing leader with over 20 years of experience, spills the secrets to transforming a brand's digital presence by dissecting and reverse-engineering the customer buying journey. By integrating innovative tactics such as quiz funnels and targeted Facebook ads, he explains how he helps clients from diverse industries achieve explosive growth. Riaz shares invaluable insights into how his team utilizes data, AI tools, and creative brainstorming to tailor each campaign to the client’s unique audience. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Riaz Sidi, Founder of sidi.io, about crafting impactful marketing strategies. Riaz delves into understanding customer pain points and leveraging this knowledge to drive demand generation, lessons learned from his retail struggles, and the demographic targeting and algorithm used in digital marketing for specific industries.

Whitney Geller is Co-founder and Partner of Whitman Emorson, a Toronto-based design studio focused on solving complex problems with a human touch. She is also Co-founder of Jems, a female-founded, body-safe condom and lube product line. Whitney has worked at the forefront of strategic design with global clients such as MTV, Coca-Cola, Oprah Winfrey, and the Mayo Clinic while at Bruce Mau Design. Yasemin Emory is Co-founder and Partner of Whitman Emorson. It is a team of designers, strategists, writers, editors, and creative thinkers bound by the desire to produce thoughtful and responsive work. She is also Co-founder of Jems, built on the desire to naturalize sex and condom use and disrupt a toxic industry. Previously, Yasemin served as the Senior Director of CO-OP and Associate Art Director at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how groundbreaking companies are born? Can an idea that challenges the status quo transform not only an industry, but perceptions as well? Whitney Geller and Yasemin Emory unpack this notion by sharing their story of transitioning from leading the successful design agency Whitman Emorson to challenging stereotypes in the safer sex industry with their brand, Jems Condoms. The duo addresses the lack of representation and dated messaging in the existing market, combining their design prowess with a mission to make condom buying and use more approachable and stigma-free. By cultivating a collaborative studio culture and ambitious leadership at Whitman Emorson, they granted themselves the freedom to venture into the product space, driven by values and a desire to make an impact. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Whitney Geller and Yasemin Emory, Co-founders of Whitman Emorson, about their entrepreneurial journey from running a creative agency to launching a safer sex brand. They share how they navigated the complexities of creating a start-up without compromising the integrity and success of their original agency, setting a culture that embraces a life-work balance, and tackling regulatory challenges in advertising condoms.

Stephen Whiting is Co-founder of StreetText, an ad tech platform that integrates with Meta to provide businesses with agency-level ad capabilities in-house. Since its inception in 2012, StreetText has transformed real estate marketing, helping clients generate over 5 million leads and achieve hundreds of millions of dollars in value. As an experienced real estate agent, Stephen gives real estate professionals and various other industries the tools to generate leads and effectively run ad campaigns. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how minute tweaks in your advertising approach could dramatically shift your business's success? Imagine spending your last few dollars on an ad campaign only to find the answer that creates a surge in leads. Can a single moment of strategic insight change the game for entrepreneurs? Marketing expert Stephen Whiting discusses how a desperate bet on a Facebook ad led to the establishment of a platform that revolutionizes the way real estate professionals — and now individuals from various industries — generate and nurture leads. He shares the journey of StreetText from its humble beginnings with text-based sign riders to the development of their full-fledged ad tech platform that simplifies and enhances digital advertising. Stephen divulges how they navigated the shift from functioning like an agency to becoming a scalable SaaS business and how pricing strategies played a key role in their growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Stephen Whiting, Co-founder of StreetText, about building an innovative ad tech platform for real estate. Stephen discusses the significance of understanding your audience, the importance of constant testing in advertising, why content must be put in front of potential leads to avoid being lost in the digital abyss, and how partnerships have been a valuable growth asset for StreetText.

Ami Kassar is the Founder and CEO of MultiFunding, a company helping businesses achieve their growth goals through creative and personalized funding solutions. He authored The Growth Dilemma, is a regular contributor on the current state of the financing market through his weekly articles in Inc., and has provided valuable advice to the White House, the Federal Reserve Bank, and the US Treasury Department. Ami has been interviewed by numerous national publications, including The New York Times, Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. In this episode… In a dynamic business landscape where financial challenges can make or break a company, how do entrepreneurs effectively navigate the complexities of business financing? This is a question that many business owners grapple with as they seek to grow and stabilize their ventures. According to Ami Kassar, a renowned expert in business finance, the key lies in understanding and strategically utilizing various financing options, such as SBA loans and debt management techniques. Ami emphasizes the importance of a clear understanding of one's business model, the right approach to equity investments, and the necessity of adapting financial strategies in response to changing market conditions. This approach to financial planning not only mitigates risks, but also paves the way for sustainable growth and resilience in the ever-evolving world of business finance. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz is joined by Ami Kassar, Founder and CEO of MultiFunding, to delve into the intricacies of business financing. They discuss strategic approaches to managing debt and leveraging SBA loans, the impact of equity investments on a company's financial options, and practical tips for adapting to economic uncertainties.