Clicks 2 Bricks

Host Rob Reed welcomes some serious local retail powerhouses to the Clicks to Bricks podcast today: Alex Nocifera and Brian Monahan. Alex, a serial entrepreneur Rob has known for over a decade, returns to the show. Following a successful exit in local marketing and founding Field Day, which was featured in episode 29, he’s now focused on his latest venture, LOMA, which he co-founded with Brett Campbell, another former guest from episode 30. Joining him is Brian Monahan, Global Client President and Head of Retail Media Solutions at the agency powerhouse Dentsu. Together, they discuss the shift toward local store marketing, exploring how local activations and media drive foot traffic, boost frequency, and connect businesses with the communities they serve. This is a great episode in a new format we are exploring, so be sure not to miss out. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Alex Nocifera on LinkedIn LOMA Brian Monahan on LinkedIn Dentsu Ep 29: Alex Nocifera is the Founder and CEO of Field Day, the Local Marketing Activation Platform Field Day Ep 30: Brett Campbell is Vice President of Field Marketing for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, and this episode is a deep dive into LSM: local store marketing Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't: 1 Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

What sets Krispy Kreme apart from other indulgent food brands? It’s not just their delicious doughnuts. It’s their focus on creating memorable, shareable moments that bring people together. We are joined by David Skena, Krispy Kreme’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), to walk us through the legacy of this beloved brand and the innovative methods that have helped them expand globally to bring fresh, delicious doughnuts to an international audience. In our conversation, David sheds light on Krispy Kreme’s innovative digital marketing strategies, with a breakdown of how they are leveraging social media and limited-time-only promotions to drive customer engagement and build awareness. We also cover Krispy Kreme’s exciting new partnership with McDonald’s before discussing the opportunities it represents and the media options it’s opened up for the brand. Tuning in, you’ll hear about David’s passion for ROI marketing, why it’s clear when social media marketing delivers, and why Krispy Kreme is investing more and more into SEO every year. To find out how Krispy Kreme continues to delight customers and adapt to market trends, don’t miss this episode! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: David Skena on LinkedIn David Skena on X Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme Job Openings Krispy Kreme on LinkedIn Krispy Kreme on Instagram Krispy Kreme on TikTok Krispy Kreme on X Krispy Kreme on Facebook SOCi Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

When a brand has a clear and attractive value proposition and then goes on to deliver on that promise, then a dedicated following and exponential brand growth is all but assured. Milan Laser Hair Removal is focused on one thing – providing a guaranteed treatment with excellent service – and to explain how Milan always stays true to its promise to become the biggest brand in its category, we are joined today by its Chief Marketing Officer, Sheila Ullery. Sheila details what Milan Laser Removal is all about, how she approaches her work as CMO, why the brand reveres everything that happens on a local level, and how it engages with influencers. Then, our guest unpacks the role of customer reviews in her work, how AI fits in, why a marketer’s passion is a strength and not a weakness, and how all the jobs she’s had until now have prepared her for her current role. We end with Sheila’s advice to new and prospective marketers, and we get a glimpse into the types of people who inspire her the most. Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Sheila Ullery on LinkedIn Sheila Ullery on Facebook Milan Laser Hair Removal WellBiz Brands L'Oréal Matrix Massage Envy Aveda The All-In Podcast LVMH SOCi Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

If you want your marketing to connect with younger demographics, then your best bet is to make sure that your initiatives are indisputably authentic and aligned with your values – especially when it comes to sponsorships. That’s the advice of today’s guest, Shannon Cole, head of brand marketing and sponsorship at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). She joins us today to discuss RBC’s dedicated approach to sponsorships and the transformative impact of the RBC Training Ground program. Designed to identify and support Canadian athletes who might otherwise be lost in the system, this initiative has uncovered talents like Kelsey Mitchell, a former soccer player who won a gold medal in track cycling at the Tokyo Olympics. Discover how this program goes beyond traditional sponsorship, aligning with RBC's values to create authentic, life-changing stories that resonate with audiences. Shannon also discusses common mistakes made by marketers new to sponsorship and offers advice for aspiring marketers, before sharing her thoughts on AI, influencer marketing, and more. Join us for a fascinating conversation on how RBC leverages sponsorship to build meaningful connections and drive brand equity! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Shannon Cole on LinkedIn Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) RBC Training Ground Program Mary DePaoli on LinkedIn Kelsey Mitchell Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Today on Clicks 2 Bricks, we are joined by the chief brand and marketing officer of Caribou Coffee to discuss the brand’s innovative TikTok campaign. Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Caribou Coffee and what sets it apart from other coffee brands, how it fits into the Panera portfolio, and how the coffee industry has changed in terms of market dynamics. We delve into their new TikTok dating show, Dream Date and how they’re leveraging the use of influencers and ambassadors for marketing before discussing the digital foundation they have created and how AI feeds into it. Our guest tells us about their local marketing strategies, how they optimize local search performance, and her unpopular opinion about foot traffic and marketing. Finally, Erin tells us about her interesting career trajectory and some lessons she’s learned along the way. Thanks for listening in! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Erin Newkirk Erin Newkirk on LinkedIn Erin Newkirk on X Caribou Coffee Caribou Coffee on LinkedIn Caribou Coffee on TikTok Hannah Burner Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

In today’s episode of Clicks2Bricks, we are joined by Ash ElDifrawi in his capacity as the Chief Commercial and Brand Officer for The Aspen Group (TAG), a portfolio of health-services brands. Ash is here to talk about the unique challenges of growing and supporting a national dentistry brand, and he is perfectly situated as two of the brands under TAG's umbrella are the largest two national dentistry brands in the country! We learn about Ash's father and son podcast, Hold Me Back, before dissecting the inner workings of TAG as a company. We discuss how TAG's daughter companies are structured, how to overcome the challenges of the modern marketing funnel, the marketing relationship between TAG and its affiliated dental practitioners, and why the company relies so heavily on influencers and social media in its marketing efforts. Ash also explains the roles of customer reviews and AI at TAG, why he believes that marketing should be redefined in line with our evolving world, and how his experience at previous companies serves him in the work he does today, as well as the job opportunities that are currently available at The Aspen Group. Tune in for all this and more! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Ash ElDifrawi on LinkedIn Ash ElDifrawi Books on Amazon The Aspen Group (TAG) Hold Me Back Podcast AI Xecutive Council Bob Fontana on LinkedIn Redbox Gogo Business Aviation Raising Cane's Marriot International Warby Parker SOCi Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

There is always space for learning and innovating; regardless of how old you or your brand are! Today on Clicks 2 Bricks we are joined by the new CMO at Blaze Pizza, Christian Kuhn to discuss the exciting changes he has incited at the company. Tuning in, you’ll hear about Christian’s fascinating career and some fun facts about him we may not have known, how Blaze Pizza was prepared for his arrival, how the company has evolved since we last heard about them on the show, and how Christian kickstarted his work there. We delve into what is driving change at the brand before Christian outlines some of the exciting new menu changes and reminds us that change can be small and simple. We even discuss their incredible Pie-oneer Program, hear about the Trail Blazing Pie-oneers, find out about their tech stack, how they are adapting their loyalty program, franchise marketing challenges, and how they are driving foot traffic, and so much more! Finally, our guest shares some words of wisdom for anyone wanting to get into marketing and stresses the importance and benefit of mentorship. Thanks for listening in! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Christian Kuhn on LinkedIn Blaze Pizza Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

As a Chief Marketing Officer, you have to be passionate about the brand you’re working for. With more than 10 years of experience working for Chicago-style fast-casual restaurant, Portillo’s, CMO Nick Scarpino joins us for this episode of Clicks 2 Bricks to share his marketing expertise and love for this multi-generational brand! Tuning in, you’ll hear all about Nick’s career at Portillo’s, from cashier to CMO, the highlights of his time at Portillo’s (including his idea to introduce the birthday club), how his work integrates with the IT side of things, and so much more! We delve into how they balance digital and traditional marketing for local and national audiences before Nick tells us how he has leveraged the TikTok Creator program. We even discuss how Nick’s experience working at Google has helped him prioritize Google's foot traffic to the company, how AI will affect his role, his unpopular marketing opinions about TV, mentorship, and more! Thanks for listening in. Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Nick Scarpino on LinkedIn Portillo’s Net Conversion TikTok Creator Academy How Brands Grow Bob Hoffman Trish Giordano on LinkedIn Dawn Keller on LinkedIn SOCi Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Customers aren’t interested in being marketed to or having products sold to them. What they seek is a genuine connection with brands that truly understand their needs. This is where the opportunity lies to inspire a deep affinity for your brand and products. Marketing today is less about selling and more about building relationships, creating connections, and fostering authenticity! This is the firm belief of our amazing guest on today’s episode of Clicks to Bricks. Bronze Major is the Head of Marketing for Carrabba's Italian Grill, one of several casual dining restaurants within the Bloomin’ Brands portfolio. Join the conversation as we explore the shifts in restaurant marketing between the pre and post COVID periods, offer insights into converting off-premise diners to on-premise patrons, and introduce the brand's new influencer marketing strategy for 2024. Thanks for tuning in, enjoy. Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Bronze Major on LinkedIn Nation's Restaurant News’ Power List Carrabba’s Italian Grill Bloomin’ Brands Leah Burgess on LinkedIn Aussie Grill Bonefish Grill Publix Widow Jane Eagle Rare High West Clase Azuls Casamigos Teremana Avion SOCi Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

If you’re a teenage girl, then you definitely know this global retail brand that specializes in ear piercing, affordable jewelry, and fashion. Today on Clicks 2 Bricks, we learn about the dynamic retail brand, Claire’s, as we welcome its Global Head of Marketing, Chris Duncan. Our conversation begins with exploring Claire’s complex retail network and unique marketing challenges. Then, we discover how the brand performs in malls and online, how and why it prioritizes attracting Gen Z and Gen Alpha customers, and how these youths have influenced the way the brand appears on digital media channels. We also learn about the work that Chris and his team are doing in virtual reality spaces, why Claire’s is happy to keep its more traditional brand associations, how it interacts with its local store representatives, and how it approaches marketing locally, nationally, and internationally. To end, Chris details the role of AI at his company, how his previous jobs prepared him for this one, and his advice to young marketers who wish to follow a similar career path as his. Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Chris Duncan on LinkedIn Claire’s Claire’s on LinkedIn Shimmerville Roblox Metaverse OfficeMax Kohl’s SOCi Wild Coffee Marketing Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Having been established for over 50 years, Hard Rock is one of the most instantly recognizable and revered global brands. But with such remarkable success and widespread expansion, it's easy to forget what the brand truly values at its core. To refresh our memories and to explain what Hard Rock stands for today, we are joined by the President of Entertainment and Brand Management for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, Keith Sheldon. As a lawyer-turned-marketer, Keith describes his current role at Hard Rock, how he and his team are navigating the unique challenge of redistilling Hard Rock's brand identity under one banner, and how his approach to marketing has changed since 2023. We learn about the evolution of Hard Rock's identity and DNA, how its memorabilia collation began, the ins and outs of the brand's recent resurgence (including its new advertising campaign), and how it benefits from its various partnerships with other big brands and noteworthy influencers. To end, Keith explains why mentorship at Hard Rock is a two-way street, and we learn about the brand's measured approach to adopting AI! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Keith Sheldon on LinkedIn Hard Rock International Seminole Gaming ‘Come Together with Unity by Hard Rock’ Miami F1 Red Bull Racing SOCi Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Martin, Chief Marketing Officer for Floor & Decor, to unpack the intricacies of marketing for a specialized retailer in the hard surface flooring industry. Floor & Decor is a leading specialty retailer in the hard surface flooring market, offering an unparalleled selection of tile, wood, stone, and flooring accessories at low prices. Wendy is a seasoned marketing executive with extensive experience in the retail and home improvement sectors. Her expertise lies in creating compelling marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse customer bases. In our conversation, Wendy shares how Floor & Decor caters to its two primary customer segments —professionals and buy-it-yourself consumers—by adjusting marketing strategies to generate awareness and engagement. Discover the importance of being relevant across multiple channels, the role of professionals in their business model, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the flooring market. We discuss the interesting interplay between Floor & Decor's customer segments, how the company keeps customers inspired, and its approach to meeting customers where they are in their research and purchase phases. Discover the pillars of the company’s marketing strategy, the potential of AI in its marketing approach, and the role of user-generated content. Wendy also shares how her career experience has prepared her for her current role and valuable career advice for young marketers. Tune in now! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Wendy Martin on LinkedIn Floor & Decor Floor & Decor on Pinterest Floor & Decor on Instagram Floor & Decor on Facebook Floor & Decor on X Floor & Decor on YouTube Floor & Decor on LinkedIn HGTV The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) SOCi Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

To celebrate 100 Episodes, we welcome back Ryan Ostrom, CMO and EVP at American fast-food chain, Jack in the Box. Since his first appearance on the podcast three years ago, Ryan has left his role in marketing leadership at GNC and pioneered an innovative turnaround for Jack in the Box. His strategy? A step-by-step process based on the principles of the acronym CRAVED: culturally relevant, authentic, feasible, easy, and distinctive. Today, he joins us to share the marketing philosophy that led to an award-winning campaign featuring Snoop Dogg and an activation dedicated to his intergenerational brand. Join us as we dive into Ryan’s experience of inheriting a legacy brand and the foundational work he has done to set the brand up for a new season of success. You’ll also find out how he managed to make the fictional Jack feel like a real member of the team, how he has used digital innovation to keep Jack in the Box relevant, and much more. Thanks for listening! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jack in the Box Jack in the Box Careers Jack in the Box on Instagram Jack in the Box on TikTok Ryan Ostrom on LinkedIn Episode 21 with Ryan Ostrom 'Snoop Dogg Munchie Meal – Jack in the Box Commercial' Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

In today’s episode, we delve into the world of digital transformation in the restaurant industry with industry expert, Casey Terrell. Casey is a highly respected marketing professional with vast experience in the restaurant industry, particularly in digital transformation, technology adoption, and multi-location marketing roles. In our conversation, we discuss Casey's career trajectory and professional experiences, the integration of technology into marketing strategies, the state of digital transformation in the restaurant industry, and the evolving relationship between CMOs and CIOs. We explore the concept of digital transformation, the challenges faced by restaurants in adapting to technological advancements, and the role of marketing in driving innovation and customer experience. Gain valuable insights into the evolving marketing landscape in the restaurant industry, the qualities and considerations in choosing tech partners, the value of loyalty programs and the impact of personalized marketing approaches, the challenges and strategies of balancing brand-building efforts with performance marketing, and much more! Join us as we uncover what qualities will make you stand out in the marketing landscape and the nuances of digital transformation with Casey Terrell! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Casey Terrell on LinkedIn SPB Hospitality Logans Roadhouse Gordon Biersch Brew Co. Yellowcard Ocean Avenue A Star Is Born Burger King VTEX InBev Episode 37: Patty Trevino Episode 92: Bruce Skala SOCi Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

In today’s crowded and competitive marketing landscape, many brands strive to break through the noise by creating memorable social media moments that bring their brand personality to life. In this episode of Clicks 2 Bricks, we take a look at Cricket Wireless' recent viral campaign with WWE, featuring the Cricket Chair Phone. What is a Chair Phone, you might ask? You’ll have to keep listening to find out! To unveil the secrets behind this successful brand activation, we are joined by Vivian Acosta, Cricket's Director of Social Media. Tuning in, you’ll gain valuable insight into Cricket’s social media strategy, their unique collaborations with content creators through the Cricket Creator Network, and how the brand is leveraging AI to make marketing more streamlined and effective. Vivian also shares some stereotype-smashing advice for reaching Hispanic audiences, highlighting the importance of community investment. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that takes a deep dive into the power of collaboration, authentic engagement, and so much more! [Update: Cricket’s plans start at $15 per month, not $25 as mentioned in the episode] Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Cricket Wireless Cricket Chair Phone Cricket Wireless WWE Partnership Vivian Acosta on LinkedIn Vivian Acosta on Instagram Vivian Acosta on TikTok Vivian Acosta on X 'Cricket Wireless x WWE present: CHAIR PHONE’ Ep 52: Brand Purpose and Cause Marketing with Tony Mokry SOCi Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

In 2025, Dairy Queen turns 85 and in its eight-plus decades, it has evolved from being a simple soft-serve ice cream company to becoming one of the biggest QSR and burger brands in America! Dairy Queen’s philosophy is one of emotional connection, and bringing us closer to the brand today is its Executive Vice President of Marketing, Maria Hokanson. Maria walks us through Dairy Queen’s origins and history, what sets it apart from other brands in the space, what it aims to achieve in today’s climate, and how the way it has evolved since its inception has both highlighted and strengthened each of its core values. Then, we dive deeper into the brand by assessing its relationship with its franchisees, how it connects with its younger audience, its many store locations and remarkable brand reach, and how it uses old-school methods to make the most of modern technologies. Maria also explains the challenges of her work and how she overcomes them, how Dairy Queen uses AI for marketing, why she thinks that marketers deserve more respect, and her advice to anyone looking to follow a similar career path as hers. Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Maria Hokanson on LinkedIn Maria Hokanson on X Maria Hokanson on Instagram Dairy Queen DQ FREEZER DQ Careers ‘America's Best Loyalty Programs’ Zena Srivatsa Arnold on LinkedIn Sephora SOCi Wild Coffee Marketing Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Authenticity is a rare trait in today’s business world, but as today’s guest tells it, being authentic is the only way to foster meaningful human connections – which are more valuable than all the money in the world combined! Tim Rea is the Chief Experience, Brand, and Marketing Officer for Edward Jones – a financial services firm with over 15,000 offices and more than 19,000 investment advisors all geared toward serving local communities throughout America – and he joins us today to walk us through the incredible work being done at his company. We begin with Edward Jones, learning what the company does, what it stands for, who it serves, its latest groundbreaking campaign, and where it fits in the financial services industry. Then, we dive into Tim’s professional history, what his role at Edward Jones entails, how his current job compares to his previous roles in retail and CPG, and an unpopular opinion about marketers that he refuses to let go of. We also discuss the evolution of the financial advisor, how Tim and his team build trust and measure success, and why he believes that marketers are best suited for business leadership positions. Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Tim Rea on LinkedIn Edward Jones Find Your Rich The Richest Man in America PG Investor HERSHEY’S GRMA SOCi Wild Coffee Marketing Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Our guest today is Jen Wilson, and she’s the Senior Vice President and Head of Marketing for Lowe’s. The major update from the home improvement retailer revolves around the recent revitalization of the My Lowe’s Loyalty Program. This relaunch features enticing spending rewards and innovative methods to capture consumer preferences even before any purchases are made. Join the conversation as we dive into how they’re thinking about differentiation, how they’re measuring the performance of their loyalty program, the importance of a customer data platform, and Jen unpacks Lowe’s philosophy on ‘local.’ We delve into Jen’s impressive 18-year journey at Lowe’s, initially beginning in public relations and evolving into her current leadership role in marketing amidst this era of digital innovation. Don’t miss out on this insightful episode with our guest, Jen Wilson from Lowe’s. Enjoy! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Jennifer Wilson on LinkedIn Lowe’s MyLowe’s Rewards MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card Career’s at Lowe’s Forbes CMO Network ‘CMOs Need To Think And Act Locally In The Age Of COVID-19 And Beyond’ ‘Few CMOs Appreciate The Impact Of Google Search On Foot Traffic’ Dave Matthew Band on Instagram Dead in Company Meta Deniz Anders on LinkedIn Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Stretching, as a service, is a growing industry and Stretch Zone is the original brand! Today we are joined by the Vice President of Marketing for Stretch Zone, Lindsey McFadden, who is here to speak about how technology and specifically, SOCi has helped her company scale at its intended rate. We learn about the origins of Stretch Zone, what the company does, how it pioneered professional stretching as a service, and everything that happens in its marketing universe. Then, we get into SOCi as our guest explains the working relationship between SOCi and Stretch Zone, how she and her team use the marketing cloud platform to its full potential, why she would recommend the platform to anybody in digital marketing, and where AI fits in all the above. We also hear about Lindsey’s professional journey and how she landed her current role, how her marketing process has changed since she first started in the industry, the ins and outs of Stretch Zone’s relationship with its franchisees, and the advice Lindsey would share with younger self and with those who wish to follow a similar career path as hers. Thanks for tuning in! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Lindsey McFadden on LinkedIn Lindsey McFadden on X Lindsey McFadden on Instagram Stretch Zone SOCi, Inc. Matt Maybeno on LinkedIn Emily McConnell on LinkedIn Ricky Fritzsching on LinkedIn Scott Romney on LinkedIn Wild Coffee Marketing Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat

Most people aren’t exactly eager to think about investing in products like life insurance, especially since it can bring up uncomfortable feelings about the future. This presents some pretty unique marketing challenges for companies that sell these types of products. So what can you do to connect with audiences and help them realize that getting life insurance is not as difficult or intimidating as it may seem? Joining us today to explore this topic is Keith Clark, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Mutual of Omaha, a leading insurance and financial services company based in Omaha, Nebraska. We talk with Keith about the nuances of marketing life insurance, how life insurance personally impacted his life, and how his passion for helping families informs his work. Tuning in you’ll learn about the relaunch of Mutual of Omaha’s beloved show, Wild Kingdom, the company’s overall marketing strategy, its approach to digital media, how AI is changing the role of CMOs, and much more. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Keith Clark on what it means to market life insurance! Key Points From This Episode: Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Keith Clark on LinkedIn Keith Clark on X Mutual of Omaha Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom Intro Theme Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Clicks 2 Bricks Marketing Leaders Coffee Chat