In the Club by Club Colors

What do you do when the path you planned disappears overnight? John Ashaolu went from Division I basketball to coaching, then got fired and had to rebuild from scratch. In this episode of In The Club, John shares how he pivoted into athletic administration, started at the high school level (with zero experience), and worked his way up step by step to become Assistant Vice President for Athletics at Lewis University. We talk about earning his D1 scholarship after growing up in Toronto, why he believes in “taking the stairs,” and how he’s using Fly As One as a rallying cry to break down silos and build real unity across teams, alumni, and campus.

Adam continues his conversation with Chris & Adam, digging into the heart of what makes a truly effective brand: human connection. Adam reflects on his college journey: from architecture to fine arts and how building a deep foundation in creative fundamentals gave him the tools to solve complex problems quickly and confidently. He talks about the importance of active listening, community engagement, and building real relationships: illustrated through powerful examples like a school literacy partnership that dramatically improved reading levels. He also breaks down the difference between marketing and creative, why both must collaborate, and how creatives can position themselves to have greater influence. He closes with practical advice for emerging professionals and the value of sharing your voice, even when it feels vulnerable. Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamswartout/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

Adam Swortout, Director of Creative Strategy at Pick Your Part, is In The Club for a deep dive into how creativity and storytelling power brand transformation. From turning junkyard sales into 80s-style rock concerts to embedding hidden Easter eggs in campaigns, Adam shares how he builds memorable customer experiences with insight, humor, and heart. They discuss the impact of AI, the importance of listening to your audience, and how a former Jungle Cruise skipper turned a love for storytelling into a strategic marketing superpower. This episode is a masterclass in how creativity can drive results, even in the most unexpected industries. Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamswartout/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

College merch is evolving fast. In this episode, Chris is back with Kimberly Spino and Erika Austin to explore how modern licensing is reshaping campus branding. They dig into the rising demand for women’s apparel and size-inclusive options, the impact of TikTok and trends like “Bama Rush,” and how social media and vintage gear are inspiring new merch strategies. From candy stripes and Sparty to branded beer and hot sauce, this episode is a tactical look at how collegiate brands are innovating beyond athletics and what it means for the future of licensing. Connect with Erika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-austin-4a23547/ Connect with Kimberly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-spino-5a155b24/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

In this Season 7 kickoff, Chris Jaeger welcomes Kimberly Spino and Erika Austin: two powerhouse licensing leaders shaping some of the most iconic brands in collegiate athletics. Together, they unpack the strategy, history, and competitive spirit that drive the Big Ten's most recognizable programs. Erika and Kimberly share how they landed in this niche field and how they’re mentoring the next generation of leaders through ICLA and NIL innovation. Whether you're in licensing, athletics, or branding, this episode is packed with lessons in leadership, creativity, and cross-campus collaboration.

How do you go from newsroom bloopers to leading national brand strategy? In Part 2 of our conversation with Stephen Johnson, we dive into the moments that shaped his mindset: From losing a news package on deadline to designing fish-themed fantasy football merch for charity. Stephen opens up about self-taught creativity, pushing the boundaries of “safe” marketing, and how he balances compliance with storytelling. He also shares why industry leadership isn’t about flashy promises, it’s about consistency, communication, and delivering on what you said you would. Whether you’re in B2B marketing, managing rapid growth, or just trying to keep your creative spark alive, Stephen’s story is packed with practical knowledge. Plus, we settle the ultimate Rockford debate: Uncle Nick’s or Portillo’s?

How do you scale a brand when you’re also scaling a team, message, and mission? In this episode, I sit down with Stephen Johnson, Marketing expert, to talk about the real work behind growth and why it only works when your message is clear. Stephen shares his journey from local newsrooms to national marketing, reflecting on how his Rockford roots and journalism training built a foundation for fast, honest, human communication. From navigating mergers and onboarding 8,000+ new employees to running daily crisis comms and building internal trust, his story is one of clarity, collaboration, and staying grounded when everything grows. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to lead brand strategy across 30+ states, this episode is it.

He’s taught future CEOs, launched student-run stores, and believes most consultants are a waste of money. In this episode, we’re back with John Talbott, senior marketing faculty at the Kelley School of Business to talk about what 17 years in the classroom has taught him about learning, leadership, and retail. John shares how Kelley trains students for real-world careers, the origin story behind Kelly Outfitters, and why motivation is the most powerful factor in education. He also reflects on post-pandemic retail, how Home Depot outpaced expectations, and why every bank should think more like a store. From early e-commerce to environmental impact, this one’s packed with honest takes and sharp insights from one of the most respected voices in marketing education. Connect with John Talbott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtalbott1/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

He took the lowest job offer, moved to Dallas with two friends, and launched e-commerce at Fossil before most people knew what it was. In this episode we sit down with John Talbott, senior marketing faculty at the Kelley School of Business, to explore his path from corporate retail to higher education. John shares why he turned down big finance firms, what made retail feel like home, and how a watch company taught him everything about branding, perceived value, and experience. He also reflects on raising a family in Bloomington, influencing future CEOs, and why he still believes brand is a promise, not just a logo.

What does it take to manage one of the fastest-growing college brands in the state? In Part 2 of our conversation, Chris sits down again with Rachel, Director of Licensing and Auxiliary Services at UNC Charlotte, to unpack how she balances brand integrity with explosive campus growth. From managing vendor relationships and retail partnerships to wrapping NASCAR fire suits and transforming bookstores into social hubs, Rachel shares the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape a university’s brand every day. If you’re building a college brand, managing a campus store, or curious about higher ed retail strategy, this one’s packed with actionable insight and heartfelt reflection. Connect with Rachel Skipworth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-skipworth-b3223471/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-club-by-club-colors/id1611056742 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vqZB7gPKLTlkDHI66XxN3 If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

What does it mean to be the brand you represent? In this episode, Rachel Skipworth, Associate Director of Auxiliary Services, Bookstore, and Licensing at UNC Charlotte, shares how 25 years across admissions, fundraising, and campus services shaped her approach to brand leadership. From rolling out a university-wide rebrand during COVID to championing internal buy-in across departments, Rachel breaks down what it takes to build belief from the inside out.

What happens when college athletes become national celebrities overnight? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dale Arens (University of Iowa) and Craig Westemeier (University of Texas), we dive into the branding ripple effects of NIL, celebrity athletes, and the business of licensing at scale. From Caitlin Clark’s rise to the future of fair labor, this episode covers how student-athlete fame collides with institutional licensing and what it means to protect a brand while supporting individual opportunity. Dale and Craig reflect on their leadership roles, origin stories, and the coaching trees they’ve helped grow through mentorship. They also unpack the challenges of email culture, the power of a phone call, and why honest conversation still beats clever copy.

What does it take to protect a brand that millions of people wear with pride? In this episode of In The Club, host Chris Jaeger sits down with two giants in collegiate licensing: Dale Arens (University of Iowa) and Craig Westemeier (University of Texas at Austin). With nearly 70 years of combined experience, Dale and Craig open up about what it really takes to manage two of the most iconic brands in college sports. From the rallying power of “Go Hawks!” to the global reach of the Longhorn logo, they explore the emotional weight behind a logo and the day-to-day work of protecting it. They dive into the evolution of brand licensing, the impact of NIL, the value of tenure, and why trust equity is a game-changer on campus. Whether you're in higher ed, athletics, or brand strategy, this is a masterclass in building legacy.

Amazon isn’t easy—and Joe Stefani wants you to know it. In Part 2 of our conversation, Joe breaks down the behind-the-scenes grind of building Desert Cactus into a trusted partner for collegiate brands, pro sports, and now global football clubs. From retail packaging to hands-on quality control, Joe explains how staying detail-obsessed built the brand's reputation. We talk about e-commerce evolution, relationship-driven growth, licensing pain points, and his full-circle moment returning to Monmouth College to speak with students. Joe also shares his proudest moments—from packing boxes himself to having Arsenal and Chelsea come knocking. Whether you're in retail, branding, or just love a smart growth story—this one's for you. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-stefani-191a484/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-club-by-club-colors/id1611056742 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vqZB7gPKLTlkDHI66XxN3 If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

From a college dorm room to Amazon’s top ranks—how Joe Stefani scaled Desert Cactus from a side hustle into a licensing empire. We spoke with Joe Stefani, founder and president of Desert Cactus, about how he built one of the most unique businesses in collegiate merchandise. Joe reveals how a single fraternity flag turned into a brand selling across Amazon and beyond. He covers the ups and downs of licensing, the power of gut decisions, and why design simplicity drives product success. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-stefani-191a484/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-club-by-club-colors/id1611056742 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vqZB7gPKLTlkDHI66XxN3 If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

From flash mobs at restaurants to 85-year-olds shaking it on the floor—Commit Dance Fitness is redefining what community movement looks like. In Part 2, Quande shares how Commit empowers creativity within structure, why their seven-setlist model makes instructors feel like artists, and how fitness became a lifeline for students aged 12 to 85. She also opens up about the emotional engine behind her leadership, the mentors and moments that kept her going, and why saying "yes" to a Groupon class changed her life. Connect with Quande on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quandequande/?hl=en Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-club-by-club-colors/id1611056742 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vqZB7gPKLTlkDHI66XxN3 If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

What started as a 60-minute dance fitness class is now a coast-to-coast movement and Jessica “Quande” is at the heart of it. In this episode, we sit down with co-founder of Commit Dance Fitness, to explore how a childhood nickname turned into a personal brand, and how her team built one of the most community-driven fitness formats in the U.S. She shares how Commit grew from packed dance labs to a national instructor network, the creative branding choices behind their standout teal aesthetic, and how merchandise, mentorship, and masterclasses keep the community engaged and thriving. Connect with Quande on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quandequande/?hl=en Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-club-by-club-colors/id1611056742 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vqZB7gPKLTlkDHI66XxN3 If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

What do stand-up comedy, solo cruises, and legal marketing have in common? For Linda Orton, they’re all part of a 35+ year journey of reinvention, leadership, and deep curiosity. In Part 2, Linda shares how public speaking became a professional superpower—and how it helped her navigate major life transitions with humor and heart. From TEDx-style talks on AI-powered networking to performing comedy, Linda explains why curiosity, storytelling, and adaptability are the keys to connection. She also opens up about writing on LinkedIn since its early days, the value of commenting as a form of engagement, and how personal stories can spark professional impact. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-club-by-club-colors/id1611056742 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vqZB7gPKLTlkDHI66XxN3 If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com Connect with Linda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindasedlofforton/ A big thank you from Linda to recent partners: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theplayniceagency/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebelpinecreative/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vested-llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/passle/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/upslide/

What does it take to build a career at the intersection of law, consulting, and marketing—before any of those industries embraced branding? Linda Orton knows firsthand. From being on the ground floor of legal marketing to launching a full rebrand at private equity speed, Linda shares how to create strategic clarity, build internal buy-in, and lead through change. Linda breaks down why B2B marketing is still misunderstood, how storytelling powers brand adoption, and what it takes to align teams under one message—fast. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-club-by-club-colors/id1611056742 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vqZB7gPKLTlkDHI66XxN3 Connect with Linda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindasedlofforton/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com A big thank you from Linda to recent partners: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theplayniceagency/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/rebelpinecreative/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vested-llc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/passle/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/upslide/

What happens when your content takes off — and your name is the brand? In Part 2 of our conversation with Darren McKee, he breaks down what it really takes to sustain momentum, stay authentic, and keep building when the audience is larger. From sending unscripted video DMs to publicly calling out HubSpot on LinkedIn, Darren shares how experimentation, self-awareness, and a backwards hat turned into a personal brand — and a business that’s coached over 500 leaders. He also opens up about the pressure of being visible, protecting his family’s digital footprint, and why “teach, don’t tell” is the mindset driving his content today. Whether you're a sales rep, content creator, or aspiring founder, this episode is full of raw, real-world lessons on building trust, showing up differently, and growing something that lasts. Connect & learn more about Darren McKee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmckeesales/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-club-by-club-colors/id1611056742 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vqZB7gPKLTlkDHI66XxN3 If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com