Smashing Brands

In this episode of the Smashing Brands podcast, host Alec dives deep into the world of co-working spaces with Justin Stewart, co-founder of Industrious. From his early challenges finding a professional space that matched the seriousness of his business ventures to pioneering a national change in how workspaces operate, Justin shares his unique journey through entrepreneurship. This discussion not only explores the inception and rise of Industrious amidst competition and economic shifts but also delves into the resilience and strategic foresight needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Tune in to hear how personal experiences, a deep-rooted partnership, and a commitment to providing value shaped Industrious into a leading name in co-working spaces, demonstrating that flexibility and community are the future of the modern workplace.

Join us for this exciting episode of the Smashing Brands podcast as we sit down with David Shay, a man whose life story encapsulates the essence of transformation and perseverance. David opens up about his journey from battling obesity and personal dissatisfaction to embracing a life of health, fitness, and competitive bodybuilding. Discover how David turned a critical self-realization into a catalyst for change, leading him to not only reshape his body but also redefine his life goals. With candid insights into the struggles and triumphs of his journey, David also explores the broader implications of his transformation on his personal relationships and professional life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to be inspired to make substantial life changes and pursue their own path of personal excellence.

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Instagram star, stand-up comedian and serial entrepreneur, Pouya Hashemi. We trace his journey from building successful businesses to his unexpected shift into the world of comedy, and even his aspiration to delve into acting. Pouya gives us a candid view of his experiences in dealing with changes brought on by the pandemic and shares his strategy to overcome the challenges. This episode is a blend of light-hearted humour, inspiring entrepreneurial insights, and a glimpse into the realm of an Instagram influencer.

In this episode of the Smashing Brands podcast, host Alec interviews entrepreneur and founder of X Agency, Darwin Liu. Darwin shares his journey, starting in online marketing after graduation, ending up in debt, and then being employed at an agency before starting his own. Despite experiencing setbacks and criticism, his persistence has paid off, owing to ingenious marketing strategies, focusing on ecommerce, and utilizing partnerships to grow his business. Darwin also shares hacks for testing and optimizing advertisements while maximizing efficiency on digital platforms like Facebook.

In this episode of the Smashing Brands podcast, host Alec interviews guest John Gumas, the founder and CEO of strategic branding and advertising agency, Gumas. They discuss John's personal and professional journey, from starting his business around 40 years ago to appreciating his work, and concurring on the saying 'love what you do, and you won't work a day in your life'. John also shares insights into stories of client successes, particularly championing 'challenger brands'. Furthermore, he talks about the steps he took in positioning his agency, allowing employees to grow and prosper, thus leading to its survival and success in an ever-changing industry. John also shares personal insights on balancing work, marriage and raising kids.

In the episode of Smashing Brands podcast, Alec interviews David Reske, CEO of digital agency, Nowspeed. David shares his journey from starting his first company in 1999, and his current role at NowSpeed. He highlights the continual evolutions in digital marketing and the importance of adapting to new technologies. He emphasizes on the value of sound business strategy, effective KPIs, and a strong leadership team in growing a successful business. He also reveals his tactics for client acquisition and the focus on finding beneficial clients sooner. Reske also offers insights into the value of content and SEO in achieving marketing goals and the importance of having standard service offerings.

In this episode of the Smashing Brands podcast, Ted Schlueter discusses his experience building and selling businesses and how this led to his current focus on 'branding for buyout'. He explains that most brand building tends to be consumer-oriented, whereas his approach is unique in focusing on potential buyers of the businesses. Ted advises aspiring entrepreneurs to be ready for constant change, to outthink problems before throwing money at them, and to balance focusing on the present tasks while also keeping sight of the broader vision for the company. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining health, personal wellbeing, and family relationships alongside the demanding pace of running a business.

Alec interviews Christa Tuttle, the founder and CEO of Launch Marketing, a company specialized in helping B2B tech businesses develop effective sales pipelines. Krista shares her journey from working with tech startups, to founding her own company, and to managing life as a mother and a successful businesswoman. She discusses the significant shift in her leadership style post-COVID, detailing the importance of adaptation, communication, and risk-taking to weather challenging times. The conversation also illuminates the impact and influence of the Entrepreneurs Organization, its accelerator program, and its global network in propelling her growth and supporting her during her entrepreneurial journey.

On this episode of the Smashing Brands Podcast, I interview Shawn Prez, the founder of Power Moves Inc. Which is a very successful music & entertainment marketing agency working with notable figures such as Diddy and many others. Shawn's company has been a driving force behind the sale of over 50 million records sold.

On this episode of the Smashing Brands Podcast, I interview Bobby Steinbach who is the co-founder of Mean Pug. A successful advertising agency for lawyers.

On this episode of the Smashing Brands Podcast, I interview William Leake who is the founder of Apogee Results, a successful full service marketing agency based out of Austin.

On this episode of the podcast, I interview Lashawn Merritt, who's a 3x Olympic gold medal and 8x world champion in the 400m for track & field. We discuss his upbringing, the obstacles he's overcome, his best successes, and what he's learned throughout his journey!

On this episode of the Smashing Brands podcast, I interview Justis Earle, who is the founder of up-and-coming mobile phone accessory, SNAP CLIP. Since launching earlier this year, it's in over 500 Best Buy stores with many more major retailers to come. We talk about how he got started, his journey to get to where he is now, and his overall mentality as an entrepreneur. Plus how his life philosophy is resembled in his own products and what it means to him. 

On this episode of the Smashing Brands podcast, I interview Alexandra Tonks, the founder and CEO of Clutch Nails. We discuss her journey of how she got started selling product out of her college sorority all the way to being in 500+ stores, her mindset as an entrepreneur, and so much more. 

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Gary Ritner. Gary is the founder of the Puget Sound Venture Club and Ritner & Company, an investment banking firm. He's a well-known figure in the Seattle investment/venture capital community and has seen more pitches than months you've been alive. We talk about a wide range of subjects including his backstory, how he formed Seattle's first angel group, and traits of the top entrepreneurs. 

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Alisha Valavanis. Alisha is the CEO and general manager of the Seattle Storm who are reigning WNBA champs! She has been able to make her team a championship franchise both on and off the court  both through winning at the sport and through business. We talk about her backstory, how she's been able to be successful with the Storm, and the spiritual mindset that guides her on the daily. 

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Frank Macri. Frank has built a successful career through professional speaking and his business is based on helping others do the same. This episode is packed with tons of great insights & actionable tips on how to create and grow your speaking career.

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Shannon Swift. As the founder of a very successful HR company and the Seattle chapter president of the Entrepreneur’s Organization, she’s very well-versed in what it takes to succeed in the business world. We talk about how she’s built her multi-million-dollar business, her insights from being around 200 of Seattle’s top entrepreneurs, and other tips for anyone looking to do big things. 

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Justin Wu. Justin has built a substantial social media following, along with several successful businesses. Being the growth marketer that he is, he talks about the specific strategies he's used to grow his personal brand, how he built a million dollar marketing agency in one year, and other tips for success. 

On this episode of the Smashing Brands podcast, we are joined by Andy Liu who is a successful investor and entrepreneur based out of Seattle. We discuss his journey as an entrepreneur, his important lessons learned, along with his philosophy on business and life. 

 On episode #6 of the Smashing Brands podcast, Conner Cayson from Find Me Media joins us. Conner has essentially built his marketing business through Instagram, leveraging the social platform to build his personal brand. We talk how to utilize social media to drive revenue and the philosophy of content creation as a whole. 

On episode #5 of the Smashing Brands podcast, we are joined by Eben Greene, an experienced brand strategist who currently leads a boutique branding firm in Seattle. In detail, he talks about how to define a brand in today's era and effectively craft your message. A refreshing take on the world of marketing today.