INspired INsider Podcast

David Hernandez is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of lotus823, a full-service digital marketing agency serving clients from consumer tech to lifestyle to home goods. Popular brands that the agency partners with include Audio Technica, Roborock, Bamboozle, Skordo, and Telemundo. Outside of his professional life, David is a husband and father of three sons and has recently added speaker to his resume, having the opportunity to speak at TED Talk. In this episode… In the early years of Facebook, it was all about reconnecting old friendships and keeping in touch with long-distance relatives. However, it slowly became a cutting-edge marketing tool for companies. Now social media has evolved into a premier platform for branding and marketing. But how else has it changed? According to top agency leader David Hernandez, social media paved the way for one-stop agencies to provide several services such as communications, public relations, and digital marketing. The ability to integrate such services allows for stronger partnerships with agency clientele and establishes goals toward growth and profitability. But lotus823’s success has been 12 years in the making. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz chats with the Co-founder and Managing Partner of lotus823, David Hernandez. The two discuss the idea behind the agency and its 12-year evolution. Additionally, David shares his experience acquiring a company and the lessons he learned, common misconceptions about public relations, the agency’s influencer strategy program, and why he’s a proponent of people-first company culture.

Seasoned business leader Mark Scrimenti is the Fractional COO and leadership coach at Vivid Path Consulting. Vivid Path Consulting is a firm committed to growing purpose-driven businesses for sustainable profitability and maximum impact. Mark has over 20 years of experience in business and has worked in e-commerce business operations, software product development, digital marketing, content strategy, and customer service. Additionally, Mark spends his time as the COO at Netconcepts, a cutting-edge digital marketing agency dedicated to achieving results for its clients. In this episode… Many companies in the infant stage need business coaching. The popular saying “what got you here won’t get you there” is usually the mentality to take an organization to its next level of growth. The person that usually helps a company reach higher stages of success, including profitability, is an operations professional.  So why does a company need an operations professional? Veteran business leader Mark Scrimenti explains that the role of an operations leader helps a company define its vision and purpose. Additionally, an organization needs to commit to a framework to manage the business. But why is using a framework so critical to a company’s success?  In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with the Fractional COO of Vivid Path Consulting, Mark Scrimenti. Together, the two of them “geek out” over frameworks and processes, sharing why a company’s foundation should be built on purpose and framework. Additionally, Mark shares mistakes to avoid in the hiring process, why companies should avoid onboarding talent that doesn’t align with company culture, and three types of framework software.

Tara-Nicholle Kirke is the Founder and CEO of SoulTour. SoulTour is a personal growth school where entrepreneurs and companies realize their full potential through uplifting transformation programs, curriculums, and coaching. Before founding SoulTour, Tara honed her entrepreneurial chops as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Lightspeed Venture Partners. Before that, she served as MyFitnessPal’s and Under Armour’s Vice President of Marketing, growing the platform from 45 million users to 120 million users. Additionally, Tara is an author, penning The Transformational Consumer: Fuel a Lifelong Love Affair With Your Customers by Helping Them Get Healthier, Wealthier, and Wiser. Her accolades have garnered her features in Forbes, the Harvard Business Review, and the New York Times.  In this episode… Though life’s expectations are slowly changing, for decades, the order of life has always been to go to school, study hard, make good grades, graduate from a good college, and get a good job. But what happens when you do everything right yet a catastrophe still presents itself? Entrepreneur and business coach Tara-Nicholle Kirke experienced a life-changing event that could have set her back, but she was able to turn her crisis into an opportunity. Since then, many successes have transpired. Through her experiences, she now helps hundreds of people realize their full potential and grow.  Join Dr. Jeremy Weisz, host of the Inspired Insider Podcast, as he sits down with the Founder and CEO of SoulTour, Tara-Nicholle Kirke. The two discuss how she overcame life challenges through the power of positivity and opportunity. Additionally, Tara shares her career transitions, a client case study, her SoulTour program, and the books that have changed her outlook on life.

Len Bland is the CEO of Nano Gas Environmental. Nano Gas Environmental provides a patented nanobubble technology that cleans and energizes water with tiny bubbles. This solution is one of the best ways to treat dirty water. Additionally, Len is the CEO of Nano Gas Technologies and the CEO and Capital Matchmaker at Concept Equity Group.  In this episode… In small communities that rely on sewage lagoons, the pond water can quickly become riddled with sludge, algae, bugs, and other harmful debris. Additionally, this type of waste cleanup can cost communities millions of dollars. But thanks to modern-day technology, there are options to disinfect these types of lagoons without devastating the bottom line.  When world-changing technology was introduced to entrepreneur Len Bland, he knew he had to share it with the public. This technology has the potential to clean sewage lagoons, oil industry wastewater, and water wells without impacting the environment. So, what is this new technology, and how can you access it? In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, join Dr. Jeremy Weisz as he speaks with the CEO of Nano Gas Environmental, Len Bland. The two discuss Len’s transition into the environmental field, the effectiveness of nanobubbles and how it’s safe for the environment, Nano Gas Environmental opportunities and initiatives, and the assets they look for in potential investors.

Brian Cosgrove is the Principal and Chief Data Strategist at BrainDo. BrainDo provides a diverse mix of digital services, including marketing, experience, and partnership. Over Brian’s 15-plus-year career in the digital marketing space, he's created innovative strategies for Fortune 500 brands, including Digitas and Razorfish. He also co-founded the digital marketing application at TPG, garnering over $1 million in revenue his freshman year. Susan Brake is the Senior Vice President at Development Counsellors International (DCI), a 60-year leader in marketing destinations. Additionally, DCI specializes in economic development and tourism marketing. Before taking on the Senior Vice President role, Susan served as DCI’s Vice President, where she was responsible for growing the digital department. Philip Hill is the CEO and President of Purebred Marketing. The Atlanta-based marketing agency creates digital marketing strategies and provides services such as SEO, web design and development, and email marketing. Philip is an avid dog lover and launched his first business in the pet space while attending the University of Alabama. He’s also launched several e-commerce startups. Glen Moore is the Co-founder and CEO of Bear Fox Marketing, which provides expert SEO services depending on your company's needs. Glen is an author and a 20-year marketing executive veteran. Glen’s previous ventures include a four-year stint as the Vice President at PetIQ and six years as a marketing executive at Schiff Nutrition International.  Duncan Alney is the Founder and CEO of Firebelly Marketing, an Indianapolis-based social media marketing agency. Firebelly has partnered with major brands such as Sony, Netflix, Fiji Water, and Cisco. Duncan is a dad, partner, son, and servant leader. He draws from all those titles to create a set of company standards and values and considers himself the happiest problem-solver. A self-professed communicator and social media lover, Duncan also hosts The Firebelly Social Show, a podcast featuring food and beverage brands on a mission to make the world better.  Peter Cunningham is the CEO of Evolve Healthcare Marketing (EHM), a data-driven agency focused on generating leads. EHM’s primary clients include B2C medical practices and B2B healthcare companies. A father of three, two of which have special needs, Peter heavily relies on talented physicians and trustworthy healthcare providers. These are the motivating factors that inspire Peter and EHM to help the prosperity of healthcare organizations. They also donate 1% of the company’s gross sales to charities serving the needs of children suffering from chronic illnesses. In this episode… Even the smartest, most talented, and most successful executives don’t have all the answers. That’s why Jason Swenk, agency coach, advisor, and mentor at Digital Agency Elite created the high-level Jason Swenk Mastermind.  At the Mastermind, a community of agency founders, owners, and entrepreneurs gather to connect, fellowship, share, and ask questions to avoid mistakes and scale businesses. If you want to learn some of the biggest tips, tricks, and advice from some of the smartest masterminds in business, stay tuned! Join Dr. Jeremy Weisz, host of the Inspired Insider Podcast, as he speaks to some of the smartest minds on the planet, live at the Jason Swenk Mastermind. Dr. Weisz chats with Brian Cosgrove of BrainDo, Susan Brake of Development Counsellors International, Philip Hill of Purebred Marketing, Glen Moore of Bear Fox Marketing, Duncan Alney of Firebelly Marketing, and  Peter Cunningham of Evolve Healthcare Marketing.

Veronica “Niki” Fielding is the CEO and President at Digital Brand Expressions (DBE). DBE is a marketing agency with 22 years of experience, helping companies with services such as SEO, paid search, social media, and more. Additionally, Niki and her team have worked with manufacturers, B2B brands, and Fortune 500 companies, including Aleve, the Ritz Carlton, Mitsubishi, and the Wall Street Journal.  In this episode… Though the concept isn’t a new one, the height of the Covid pandemic made working from home essential. Albeit conditions are safe to return to the office, managers and leaders have realized that remote workers are just as productive working from the comforts of home. But how does the isolation affect company and employee morale? Executive leader Niki Fielding says that with plenty of team effort and brainstorming, company culture can be fun — even when the work environment is entirely remote. When employees are happy and having fun, that energy transfers to partnerships. Therefore, when a team of workers has a set of values, it’s easy to partner with companies that share the same ethics. So, how can you implement an enjoyable culture for your remote work team? Listen to this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast with Dr. Jeremy Weisz as he speaks with the CEO and President of Digital Brand Expressions, Veronica “Niki” Fielding. They discuss creating a fun and positive work culture where employees are excited to show up for work. Additionally, Niki discusses company values, how to attract strong talent, and how to avoid bias during the hiring process.

Marinés and Andres Romo Obregón are the Co-founders of Swums Candy, a Three Siblings Company, along with their brother. Swums Candy is a neon-colored, fruity-flavored gummy candy brand inspired by the unlimited power of the mind and creativity. In this episode… What does it sound like when chewing gummy candy? We’ll let you ponder on that question for a while. But the newest candy sensation is a fruity-flavored gummy candy for kids and the kid at heart.  Children of an entrepreneur, the Obregón siblings knew they only wanted to work for themselves, so they conjured up a company brand. What came next? The Guadalajara, Mexico natives packed up and moved to Austin, Texas. Now the siblings are living out their American dream. So, what’s next for the Obregón siblings? In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz is joined by two of the three siblings of the Three Siblings Company, Founders and CEOs of Swums Candy Marinés and Andres Romo Obregón. Together, they discuss the origins of their company, how they came up with the brand name, and what it’s like to work with siblings. Stay tuned!

Audra Brehm is the Founder and CEO of Brehm Media, a digital marketing agency based in Denver, Colorado. The agency specializes in sales funnel via social media in fashion, beauty, and entertainment. The birth of her second child inspired her to convert her expertise and passion into a digital marketing agency. Audra also lends a voice to small and mid-sized businesses through speaking engagements across the country. Before starting Brehm Media, Audra helped grow brands through social media as an operations and marketing specialist. In this episode… The only constant in social media is change, which seems to evolve from month to month. Although fundamentals are in place, what could have worked for brand marketing yesterday can easily change today. So how do brands stay relevant on platforms that constantly transform? It’s not easy, but definitely doable, according to social media expert Audra Brehm, who says digital platforms keep her on her toes 99% of the time. But the crucial element to surviving social media is always being authentic and staying true to your brand. This is just one key element to retaining customers and growing a company. Want to learn more about what’s working and not working on social media? Listen to this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, featuring the Founder and CEO of Brehm Media, Audra Brehm. They talk about how to remain relevant on social media, including brand authenticity, being open to change, and genuinely engaging with your followers.

Experienced strategist Ryan Redding is the Owner of DP Marketing Services, a digital marketing agency for plumbers and HVAC professionals. As a veteran business consultant, Ryan has helped small and large organizations overcome challenges as well as achieve and exceed goals. When Ryan isn’t strategizing a plan for his clients, you can hear him sharing expertise on his podcast, Blue Collar CEO.  In this episode… If you own a business, it would behoove you to invest in a website and a marketing specialist. But when it comes to hiring a specialist, where do you start? First, you want to find a professional who understands that marketing is more than a beautiful website and a play on words. Instead, according to marketing strategist Ryan Redding, you want someone who understands you and your profession. And, as Ryan explains, far too often business owners and marketers disregard appealing to their customers’ needs and emotions. So, what does that have to do with marketing? More importantly, how do business owners practice addressing their customers’ emotions? Listen to this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, featuring the Owner of DP Marketing Services and the host of the Blue Collar CEO podcast, Ryan Redding. They discuss Ryan’s marketing agency, how he discovered his niche, the power of addressing customers’ emotional needs, and more. 

Marketing professional Erik Huberman is the Founder and CEO of Hawke Media. Hawke Media is your outsourced CMO and one of the fastest-growing marketing agencies. The company is valued at over $150 million and is responsible for growing over 3,000 worldwide brands. Erik is a captivating speaker, storyteller, thought leader, and writer. His published writings can be found in Forbes, Entrepreneur, Business Insider, and Rolling Stone. Erik is also the author of a national best-seller, The Hawke Method: The Three Principles of Marketing That Made Over 3,000 Brands Soar.  Additionally, Erik is a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including The International Business Awards’ Entrepreneur of the Year, a Telly Award, Forbes’ 30 Under 30, CSQ’s 40 Under 40, and Inc. Magazine’s Top 25 Marketing Influencers. In this episode… Founding and operating a company is no easy feat. Furthermore, heading a company becomes more challenging as it grows and profits. But what happens when one company evolves into two or more? By age 26, entrepreneur Erik Huberman had already successfully founded, grown, and sold two e-commerce businesses. But he didn’t stop there. As the owner of one of the most successful and fastest-growing marketing agencies, Erik has spearheaded two entities under Hawke Media company. It seems that everything he touches turns to gold. So, what is Erik’s magic formula for establishing and growing lucrative companies? Listen to this Inspired Insider Podcast episode with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, featuring the Founder and CEO of Hawke Media, Erik Huberman. They discuss Erik’s methods for developing successful companies, Hawke Media's origins, and Hawke AI's future. Plus, Erik shares a story from his best-seller The Hawke Method: The Three Principles of Marketing That Made Over 3,000 Brands Soar.