Inside Marketing with MarketSurge

Welcome to Inside Marketing with MarketSurge — your front-row seat to the boldest ideas and smartest strategies in modern marketing.In this episode, Reed Hansen sits down with Henry DeVries, bestselling author of Persuade with a Story, Forbes columnist, and one of the most influential behind-the-scenes voices in business publishing and storytelling.Henry has helped publish and ghostwrite more than 300 business books, doubled agency revenues, increased brand awareness for billion-dollar companies, and taught leaders, marketers, and sales teams how to stop making themselves the hero — and start persuading audiences through story.This conversation dives deep into why most marketing fails, not because the product is bad, but because the story is boring, self-centered, or emotionally empty.What we cover in this episode:• Why humans are hardwired for stories and how that impacts buying decisions• The eight story frameworks that show up in great books, movies, and marketing• Why marketers make a critical mistake by making themselves the hero• How to position your customer as the hero and your brand as the mentor• The neuroscience behind emotion, persuasion, and decision-making• How to uncover your defining problem-solution stories• Why AI can’t replace human storytelling (and where it falls short)• The role of humor in persuasion and credibility• Real-world examples of storytelling driving massive business growthHenry also shares powerful case studies, practical frameworks, and actionable advice that will permanently change how you think about marketing, sales, and communication.Learn more about Henry DeVries and book him as a speaker:https://persuadewithastory.com/speaker/Visit Henry’s website for articles, videos, and storytelling resources:https://persuadewithastory.comTo stay ahead of what’s actually working in marketing today, visit MarketSurge:https://marketsurge.ioBook a 15-minute Value or Free Coffee strategy call:https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffeeFollow MarketSurge:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeiohttps://x.com/marketsurginghttps://www.instagram.com/marketsurging/Listen to the podcast:https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/Inside Marketing with MarketSurge is hosted by Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, where we help businesses grow smarter, faster, and louder.Subscribe for more conversations on marketing, growth, storytelling, and what it really takes to persuade and scale.

Welcome to Inside Marketing with MarketSurge — your front-row seat to the boldest ideas and smartest strategies in modern marketing.In this episode, Reed Hansen sits down with David A. Pratter, co-founder of Dot Fun, a creative and growth-focused agency helping brands not just look good, but grow with intention.David leads visual storytelling and brand execution at Dot Fun, bringing ideas to life through websites, video, and creative systems designed to convert — not just impress. Having lived both sides of the equation, from freelance web design to leading multidisciplinary agency teams, David offers a rare perspective on how creativity, performance, and growth truly work together.In this conversation, we dive into:• The difference between branding that looks good and branding that actually drives growth• How Dot Fun structures services around Look Good, Feel Good, and Run Good• Where brands get stuck between design and demand• Why project management is an underrated growth lever for creatives and agencies• The balance between artistic creativity and data-driven performance• Why human-first design becomes more valuable as AI accelerates• Lessons learned from building an agency and navigating early-stage tradeoffs• How AI can support operations without replacing creative thinking• Upcoming AI tools from Dot Fun, including an AI receptionist and AI-powered project managementDavid also shares insights on working across B2B and B2C clients, how different industries approach creativity, and why soulful, human-driven design will continue to stand out in an AI-saturated world.Learn more about David A. Pratter and Dot Fun:https://dotfun.coTo stay ahead of what’s actually working in marketing today, visit MarketSurge:https://marketsurge.ioBook a 15-minute Value or Free Coffee strategy call:https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffeeFollow MarketSurge:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeiohttps://x.com/marketsurginghttps://www.instagram.com/marketsurging/Listen to the podcast:https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/Inside Marketing with MarketSurge is hosted by Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, where we help businesses grow smarter, faster, and louder.Subscribe for more conversations on marketing, growth, technology, and what it really takes to scale.

Welcome to Inside Marketing with MarketSurge — your front-row seat to the boldest ideas and smartest strategies in the marketing game. Your host is Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge.In this episode, Reed sits down with Mark Regan, co-founder of Poop Away, a pet waste management company that took one of the least glamorous services imaginable and turned it into a scalable, franchise-ready growth business.Launched in 2018 with a single truck, Poop Away focused on one simple promise: make pet owners’ lives easier through reliability, personality, and systems that actually work. Since then, Mark and his team have built repeatable processes around route optimization, customer experience training, automation, and local marketing — and are now preparing for national franchising.This conversation is proof that with the right brand voice and marketing systems, even the most “unsexy” service businesses can become serious growth engines.In this episode, we cover:How Poop Away turned an uncomfortable, overlooked problem into a scalable business Why leaning into humor helped break the ice and drive word-of-mouth growth How the company found and hired great technicians for a dirty but essential job The local marketing tactics that actually worked for route density and growth Why yard signs, wrapped vehicles, and referrals beat expensive ads early on What made franchising more attractive than company-owned expansion How population density impacts service business profitability The automation systems that keep operations efficient at scale Real-world lessons service businesses can apply to landscaping, pool cleaning, and home services Why reputation, trust, and consistency matter more than ad spend in service businessesIf you’re a founder, operator, or service business owner wondering how to scale a local service — even one people don’t like to talk about — this episode is for you.CONNECT WITH MARK REGAN AND POOP AWAYWebsite: https://callpoopaway.com Facebook: https://facebook.com/callpoopawayMARKETSURGE LINKSWebsite: https://marketsurge.io Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging Book a Strategy or Demo Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw

Getting fired on Day 1 doesn’t mean you failed — sometimes it means you’re just getting started.In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, host Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, sits down with Apoorv Sharman — a marketer, founder, and AI discovery strategist who’s helping brands get found inside ChatGPT, AI search, and LLM-powered recommendations instead of getting buried on page 10 of Google.Apoorv’s journey is anything but conventional:Fired as an Amazon delivery driver on Day 1 Freelancing nights while grinding a 9–5 Building and selling a startup pre-COVID Climbing from intern to marketing manager Now running Derivate X, helping brands win the next discovery land grabWhile most marketers are still arguing about SEO tweaks, Apoorv is focused on a much bigger shift: how people actually discover products when they stop “searching” and start asking AI.In this conversation, we cover:Why search behavior is fundamentally changing and where it’s going How ChatGPT, Google AI Mode, and LLMs are reshaping discovery Why top-of-funnel SEO is dying and what’s replacing it The “librarian” metaphor that explains AI search perfectly What still matters from traditional SEO and what doesn’t Why small businesses now have a real shot at outranking giants How brands can influence AI recommendations without massive backlink budgets What an AI discovery engagement actually looks like in practiceIf you’re a founder, marketer, agency owner, or business leader asking:How do I show up when someone asks ChatGPT for the best solution?This episode is for you.CONNECT WITH APOORV SHARMANWebsite: https://apoorvshrm.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apoorvshrm/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@apoorvshrm X / Twitter: https://x.com/apoorvshrm Agency: https://derivatex.agencyMARKETSURGE LINKSWebsite: https://marketsurge.io Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging Book a Strategy or Demo Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxwWant to stay ahead of what’s actually working in marketing right now? Head to MarketSurge.io and see how we help businesses grow smarter, faster, and louder.Because your next breakthrough shouldn’t be a guess.

Welcome back to Inside Marketing with MarketSurge — your front-row seat to the boldest ideas and smartest strategies shaping modern marketing.In today’s episode, host Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, dives into a topic most businesses know they should care about… but often don’t until it’s too late:AI, data privacy, and consumer trust — and how those three forces are colliding right now.Reed is joined by Andy Sambandam, a proven entrepreneur, technologist, and privacy innovator. Andy is the Founder & CEO of Clarip, where he’s leading the charge in redefining how brands manage consumer data across digital channels. Under Andy’s leadership, Clarip has built a patent-pending, AI-driven platform that helps enterprises turn big data into smart, compliant, and trustworthy data.Together, Reed and Andy unpack:Why data privacy is no longer optional — for businesses of any sizeThe biggest misconceptions brands have about consumer privacyHow AI introduces new privacy risks most companies aren’t prepared forWhy transparency is the key to earning (and keeping) consumer trustHow consent management can actually improve marketing performance, not limit itWhich industries are most at risk — and why every business should careWhat the future of AI governance and privacy technology looks likeAndy also shares why he believes “privacy is freedom,” how modern data ecosystems quietly share information across hundreds of vendors, and how AI can be both a risk and a solution when implemented responsibly.If you’re a marketer, founder, operator, or privacy-conscious leader trying to navigate AI without putting your brand (or customers) at risk, this is a must-listen episode.🔗 Connect & Learn More🎯 MarketSurge🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging📅 Book a Strategy or Demo Call:👉 https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw🧠 Clarip — AI-Driven Data Privacy & Consent Management🌐 Website: https://clarip.com📅 Book a Personalized Demo: https://clarip.com/demoWant to stay ahead of what’s actually working in marketing right now?Head to MarketSurge.io and see how we help businesses grow smarter, faster, and louder.Because your next breakthrough shouldn’t be a guess. 🚀

🚀 Who Owns Your Content When AI Gets Involved?Welcome to Inside Marketing with MarketSurge — your front-row seat to the boldest ideas and smartest strategies shaping the future of marketing, publishing, and business.In this episode, host Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, sits down with Julie Trelstad, Head of U.S. Publishing at Alet.ai and a publishing industry veteran with over 30 years of experience.Julie has seen every major shift in publishing — from CD-ROM eBooks to Amazon’s rise — and today she’s helping creators navigate the next massive disruption: AI, content ownership, and creator rights.If you’re a creator, author, marketer, coach, consultant, or business owner, this conversation will completely change how you think about ownership, ethics, and opportunity in an AI-powered world.🎧 What We Cover in This Episode• How AI training models actually use books, podcasts, and written content• The truth about content ownership when AI is involved• Why many creators don’t own the rights they think they do• The difference between AI “training” vs AI “output” — and why it matters• What recent lawsuits reveal about the future of creator compensation• How AI creates new monetization opportunities (not just threats)• Why transparency and machine-readable copyright are becoming essential• How creators can protect and future-proof their work today🧠 Key TakeawayAI can’t exist without high-quality human content — and the creators who understand this shift early will be the ones who win long-term.👤 About Our Guest: Julie TrelstadJulie Trelstad is the Head of U.S. Publishing at Alet.ai and a longtime leader in global publishing and digital distribution. She helps authors and creators protect, license, and monetize their work in an AI-driven economy.🔗 Julie’s Website: https://paperbacksandpixels.com🔗 Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julietrelstad/📈 About MarketSurgeAt MarketSurge, we help businesses turn tools into systems — and systems into growth. From CRM and automation to SEO, AI, and full-funnel marketing, we build growth engines that don’t rely on guesswork.🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/🧠 Want to see how MarketSurge works in real life?🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call:https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee👍 If you found this episode valuable, like, subscribe, and share it with a creator who needs to hear this conversation.Your next breakthrough shouldn’t be a guess. 🚀

Welcome to Inside Marketing with MarketSurge — your front-row seat to bold ideas, real-world strategies, and unfiltered conversations shaping modern marketing and business growth.In this episode, host Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, sits down with Stacey Hylen, a globally recognized business growth strategist, international keynote speaker, and author of Hidden Profits and More Clients & Cash.Stacey has coached entrepreneurs from early-stage startups to eight-figure companies and previously served as VP of Consulting for Chet Holmes and Tony Robbins’ Business Mastery Program. Together, Reed and Stacey unpack how business owners can scale smarter by uncovering revenue already hiding inside their business — without sacrificing lifestyle, health, or family.What you’ll learn in this episode:• What scaling really means and why most businesses get it wrong• How to design your business around your life, not the other way around• Where hidden profits live inside most companies• Why reactivating past clients can unlock massive growth• The most common profit leaks Stacey sees across industries• Pricing mistakes entrepreneurs make and how to fix them confidently• How to use AI as a strategic advantage without losing authenticity• Simple AI workflows every entrepreneur should start with• Lessons from working alongside Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes• Why resourcefulness matters more than resources• Leadership, communication, and leading with heartKey takeaways:• Scaling should enhance your life, not consume it• You don’t always need more leads — you need better leverage• Past clients are often your most profitable growth opportunity• AI works best when it supports your strategy and sounds like you• Big growth comes from focusing on the biggest levers, not busy workAbout Stacey Hylen:Stacey helps entrepreneurs add a zero without the hustle using ethical sales, smart marketing, and cutting-edge AI strategies. Her work has been featured on CNN, Fox Business, Inc., and more.Learn more about Stacey:staceyhylen.comAbout Inside Marketing with MarketSurge:Inside Marketing with MarketSurge breaks down what’s actually working in marketing, sales, AI, and entrepreneurship — minus the fluff.Connect with MarketSurge:Website: marketsurge.ioPodcast: marketsurge.transistor.fmFacebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeioX / Twitter: x.com/marketsurgingInstagram: instagram.com/marketsurgingWant to see how MarketSurge helps turn tools into systems and systems into growth?Book a 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call:link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffeeSubscribe for weekly conversations on marketing, AI, and scalable growth.

In this episode, host Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, sits down with John Dwyer (JD) — founder of The Institute of WOW and one of the most unapologetic voices in direct response marketing.JD doesn’t believe in “spray and pray” advertising, brand vanity metrics, or waiting patiently for results. His philosophy is simple:👉 Marketing exists to make the cash register ring. Period.From helping small businesses generate avalanche-level leads on tiny budgets, to orchestrating iconic campaigns that brought Jerry Seinfeld into the world of banking ads, JD breaks down what actually works — and why most businesses are doing it wrong.💥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• The difference between branding and direct response (and why small businesses can’t afford to confuse the two)• JD’s problem → solution → proof → incentive framework that drives fast results• Why incentives outperform discounts (and the psychology behind it)• How contests and giveaways can generate thousands of high-intent leads• The “WOW factor” that allows challenger brands to beat industry giants• Real-world case studies from dentists, landscapers, dog food brands, banks, and moreIf you’re a business owner, marketer, or agency tired of guessing and hoping your ads work — this episode will challenge how you think about marketing forever.🔗 Connect with John Dwyer & The Institute of WOW🌐 Website: https://theinstituteofwow.com/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/instituteofwow/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theinstituteofwow📈 About MarketSurgeAt MarketSurge, we help businesses grow smarter, faster, and louder with systems that turn marketing into measurable revenue — not just noise.👉 Learn more: https://marketsurge.io🎧 Subscribe to the podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/If this episode helped you think differently about marketing, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share — and drop a comment with your biggest takeaway.

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, we dive into a topic most companies think they understand — but few actually do well: cross-cultural integration.We’re joined by Sandra Bonifacio, cross-cultural leadership coach, emotional intelligence expert, and founder of XPattitudes, to unpack why cross-cultural teams break down, how emotional misunderstandings derail performance, and what leaders can do to build truly inclusive, high-performing teams in a global workplace.Whether you lead remote teams, manage expats, or work across cultures daily — this conversation is a must-watch.---💡 What You’ll Learn* Why cross-cultural integration fails even in well-intentioned companies* The hidden emotional challenges expats and multicultural teams face* Why “culture fit” can quietly kill creativity and retention* How communication styles, feedback, humor, and work-life balance differ across cultures* What leaders can do to build empathy, trust, and psychological safety* Practical habits leaders can use to support expats and diverse teams---👉 Key Highlights* Cross-cultural training isn’t optional — it’s a leadership responsibility* Emotional intelligence matters as much as technical skills* Misunderstandings often come from tone, feedback style, and unspoken expectations* Active listening and compassion are core leadership skills in global teams* Strong multicultural teams don’t happen by accident — they’re designed---👤 About Our GuestSandra Bonifacio is a cross-cultural leadership coach and emotional intelligence expert with over 20 years of experience helping leaders, teams, and global organizations navigate cultural transitions. She specializes in cultural sensitivity, emotional intelligence, multicultural leadership, and supporting expats and their families through professional and personal change.---🔗 Connect with SandraWebsite: https://xpattitudes.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-bonifacio-8a66328/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xpattitudes_sandrabonifacio/---📈 About MarketSurgeAt MarketSurge, we help businesses turn tools into systems — and systems into growth.If you want automation that feels personal and performs like a team of 10, you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see it in action?🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call:https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee---🔗 Useful LinksWebsite: https://marketsurge.ioFacebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeioX / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurgingPodcast:https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/---👍 If this episode helped you think differently about leadership, culture, and communication — like, subscribe, and share it with someone managing a global or diverse team.

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, Reed Hansen sits down with Russ Evans, Partner at ZS, to explore how AI is fundamentally changing consumer insights, brand strategy, and customer experience.Russ leads ZS’s B2C practice, working with Fortune 100 brands to turn massive amounts of data into actionable insight — and insight into real business growth. This conversation goes beyond AI hype and into how brands can actually use AI to uncover hidden truths, map better customer journeys, and connect brand health to revenue.If you’re a marketing leader, strategist, or founder trying to make sense of AI’s real impact on customers, this episode is required listening.💡 What You’ll Learn:• The biggest misconceptions brands still have about AI-driven insights • How AI fits into the modern insights workflow (and where humans still matter) • Why unstructured data is a goldmine most brands ignore • Real examples of “unknown unknowns” uncovered through AI analysis • Common mistakes brands make when mapping customer journeys • Why most journey maps fail — and how to fix them • How to actually measure brand health in a way that connects to revenue • What agentic AI means for the future of marketing and insights👉 Key Highlights:✅ AI as an Insight Engine – How brands are using AI to ask better questions, not just analyze data ✅ Hidden Customer Behavior – Why observation beats surveys in uncovering new opportunities ✅ Journey Mapping Done Right – How to turn journey maps into living, operational tools ✅ Brand Health Metrics – Why too many KPIs kill clarity (and what to focus on instead) ✅ The Next Wave of AI – What autonomous AI agents mean for insights teams📈 At MarketSurge, we help you turn data, tools, and ideas into systems that drive real growth. If you want marketing that’s smarter, more connected, and built to scale — you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see it in action? 🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call: 👉 https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🔗 Guest & Resource Links🌐 ZS Consulting: https://www.zs.com🔗 MarketSurge Links🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, Reed Hansen sits down with Owen Garrity, Founder of FPW Media, to break down what actually makes storytelling work in a world flooded with AI-generated content.Owen isn’t just talking theory — he’s built a fastest-growing agency by combining cinematic storytelling, in-house execution, and a relentless focus on authenticity. From award-winning films to brand campaigns that scale across every touchpoint, this conversation goes deep on why content is still king — and why AI doesn’t get the crown (yet).Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or agency owner, this episode will challenge how you think about brand, content, and trust.💡 What You’ll Learn:• Why most brands fail to cut through today’s attention economy • The real role AI should play in content and storytelling • Why “too perfect” content actually hurts conversions • How authenticity beats automation on Meta and beyond • Why in-house creative teams unlock speed, quality, and consistency • How visual thinking shapes the entire customer journey • Where brands should start when rebuilding their story👉 Key Highlights:✅ Story Before Platform – Why starting with ads instead of narrative kills ROI ✅ AI as a Companion, Not a Replacement – How to use AI without eroding trust ✅ Authenticity Wins – Why UGC and human flaws outperform polished perfection ✅ Visual-First Strategy – How photography and film thinking improves conversion journeys ✅ 360° Brand Consistency – Why execution across every touchpoint matters📈 At MarketSurge, we help you turn content into systems — and systems into growth. If you want marketing that feels human but performs like a team of 10, you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see it in action? 🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call: 👉 https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🔗 Guest Links🌐 FPW Media: https://fpwmedia.com/ 💼 Owen Garrity on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/owen-garitty/🔗 MarketSurge Links🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/

In this episode, host Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, sits down with Dan Nikas, Founder of Elite Brands and the strategist behind the explosive growth of GearBunch, an e-commerce brand that scaled from zero to over $5 million in its first year.Dan’s journey is anything but typical. Before entering e-commerce, he spent 17 years as a homicide detective in Australia. That background shaped his unique approach to marketing, audience research, and customer psychology. Today, Dan is a Meta-certified lead trainer, Klaviyo partner, and a trusted voice in retention-driven growth for DTC brands.This episode dives deep into what most brands overlook and how to unlock profit that’s already hiding inside your existing customer base.What you’ll learn in this episode:How Dan used investigative thinking to find buyers before building productsHow GearBunch scaled to $5M in its first yearWhy retention marketing beats acquisition in the long runHow to use unit economics to scale with confidenceWhy most brands overspend on ads and how to fix itHow repeat customers create a lasting competitive advantageKey takeaways:Build audiences first, then productsRetention is where real profitability comes fromKnowing your numbers removes stress and guessworkBetter systems outperform more trafficAbout our guest:Dan Nikas is the Founder of Elite Brands, a growth and retention consultancy helping DTC brands build predictable, scalable revenue through data-driven marketing, full-funnel retention strategies, and customer experience optimization.After scaling his own brand and working with multiple agencies, Dan built the agency he wished existed, focused on clarity, consistency, and results.Learn more about Dan and Elite Brands:https://www.elitebrands.org/About the show:Inside Marketing with MarketSurge breaks down what’s actually working in marketing today, without the fluff. Each episode delivers real-world strategies and honest conversations for founders, marketers, and growth-focused operators.Learn more at:https://marketsurge.ioBook a 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Callhttps://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffeeFacebook Business Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeioX / Twitterhttps://x.com/marketsurgingInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/marketsurging/Podcast: Inside Marketing with MarketSurgehttps://marketsurge.transistor.fm/YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@surgingwithmarketsurge#ecommercegrowth #retentionmarketing #dtcmarketing #marketingstrategy #customerlifetimevalue #digitalmarketingpodcast #founderstories #metaads #emailmarketing #scalingbusinesses

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, Reed Hansen sits down with Barry Labov, one of the world’s leading experts on differentiation, brand strategy, and emotional connection.Barry is a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, founder of Labov Marketing Communications and Training, and a trusted advisor to iconic brands like Harley-Davidson, Audi, Mack Trucks, and The Macallan. He’s also the author of The Power of Differentiation, a #1 new release in marketing on Amazon, and a frequent speaker at institutions like Cambridge, Stanford, and Chicago Booth.In a world where technology and AI are pushing brands to look, sound, and price the same, Barry explains why differentiation is no longer optional—it’s survival.💡 What You’ll Learn:• Why “doing something well” is no longer enough to win • The real difference between branding and differentiation • How iconic brands build emotional loyalty that competitors can’t copy • Why employees—not logos—are the true brand • How leaders can win hearts first, then minds, then market share • Where AI helps brand building—and where it absolutely doesn’t • Barry’s 5-step process for uncovering authentic differentiation👉 Key Highlights:✅ Differentiation vs. Commoditization – Why sameness kills margins and morale ✅ Living the Brand – What Harley-Davidson and Macallan get right ✅ Emotion > Data – Why customers feel brands before they analyze them ✅ Inside-Out Branding – Why differentiation starts with employees, not ads ✅ AI with a Conscience – How to use AI without sounding generic ✅ From Solopreneurs to Global Brands – Why differentiation principles scale🧠 About the GuestBarry Labov is a globally recognized brand strategist, speaker, and author specializing in differentiation and emotional brand connection. Through Labov Marketing Communications and Training, Barry has helped companies across industries stand out, command premium pricing, and inspire employee loyalty.🔗 Website: https://www.barrylabov.com 📘 Book: The Power of Differentiation (available on Amazon) 🎙️ Podcast: Difference Talks Podcast📈 At MarketSurge, we help you turn tools into systems — and systems into growth. If you want marketing automation that feels personal and performs like a team of 10, you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see it in action? 🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call: 👉 https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🔗 Useful Links 🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, Reed Hansen sits down with Ivan Janku, CEO of Digital Rocket, the agency famously allergic to marketing waste.Ivan and his team have helped e-commerce and SaaS brands generate over $250M in client revenue by fixing profit leaks across ads, CRO, email, and tracking. What makes Digital Rocket different? Their No-BS Guarantee: If they don’t deliver, you don’t pay.This conversation is raw, practical, and unapologetically focused on what actually makes money.💡 What You’ll Learn:• Why most agencies fail by working in silos • The most common profit leaks killing e-commerce and SaaS brands • Why ROI is one of the most overrated marketing metrics • How bad tracking breaks attribution and decision-making • What founders should audit before scaling ad spend • How Ivan allocates ad budgets across Meta, Google, TikTok, and SMS • Why systems and checklists beat “rockstar” marketers every time👉 Key Highlights:✅ No-BS Marketing – Why Ivan only gets paid when results show up ✅ The Leaky Bucket Problem – Where revenue disappears between ads and conversion ✅ Mobile UX Blind Spots – Why desktop-first thinking costs brands millions ✅ Tracking Before Tactics – Why server-side tracking is non-negotiable ✅ Channel Strategy Reality – Matching platforms to buying behavior ✅ Systems > Talent – How checklists scale agencies without chaos🧠 About the GuestIvan Janku is the CEO of Digital Rocket, a performance-driven growth agency helping e-commerce and SaaS brands eliminate wasted ad spend and scale profitably. Known for his direct style and obsession with accountability, Ivan has built Digital Rocket around systems, audits, and real business outcomes—not vanity metrics.🔗 Company Website: https://digitalrocketads.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecommerce-megalomania/?originalSubdomain=rs📈 At MarketSurge, we help you turn tools into systems — and systems into growth. If you want marketing automation that feels personal and performs like a team of 10, you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see it in action? 🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call: 👉 https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🔗 Useful Links 🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/

In this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, Reed Hansen sits down with Ollie James, CEO of Adttribution, to unpack one of the most confusing—and most important—topics in modern marketing: how to measure performance without destroying consumer trust.As cookies crumble, AI reshapes search, and privacy regulations tighten worldwide, Ollie explains how brands can still prove ROI, make smarter ad decisions, and protect the ecosystem that keeps publishers and creators alive.Whether you’re a founder, CMO, or growth marketer, this episode delivers clarity in a world full of acronyms.💡 What You’ll Learn:• How to explain complex ad tech concepts to non-technical teams • Why attribution is still unsolved—and how to think about it correctly • The real impact of AI on media buying and measurement • Why brand, not clicks, often drives conversion • Ethical challenges around data privacy and consent • What happens to publishers in an AI-first internet👉 Key Highlights:✅ “Explain it like I’m 5” – Why simplification is the secret weapon of great marketers ✅ The Cat Analogy – A surprisingly perfect way to understand customer acquisition & retention ✅ Multi-Touch Reality – Why last-click attribution fails modern buyers ✅ AI Media Buyers – How machines are starting to buy ads (and what scares Ollie about it) ✅ Privacy vs Performance – How to balance ROI with consumer trust ✅ Saving Publishers – Why ethical ad tech matters more than ever🧠 About the GuestOllie James is the CEO of adttribution, a next-generation ad tech company helping brands measure ROI across connected TV, mobile, and desktop—without compromising consumer privacy. Previously, Ollie worked at Rockerbox and Rocker Ad, partnering with global brands like Apple, iTunes, and American Express.🔗 Website: https://adttribution.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/olliejames📈 At MarketSurge, we help you turn tools into systems — and systems into growth. If you want marketing automation that feels personal and performs like a team of 10, you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see it in action? 🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call: 👉 https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🔗 Useful Links 🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/

🚀 Is SEO really dead — or just misunderstood in the age of AI?In this episode of **Inside Marketing With MarketSurge**, host **Reed Hansen**, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, sits down with **Jan Watermann** — SEO and content marketing expert, growth strategist, and co-founder of **Pragmatic Business**.Jan has been behind **millions in organic growth** for marketers, consultants, and agencies, and is known for blending time-tested SEO fundamentals with a modern, AI-powered lens. In this conversation, we break down what SEO actually looks like in 2025 and beyond — factoring in Google’s evolving algorithms, AI-driven search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity, and the growing importance of trust, relevance, and systems over shortcuts.Jan also shares his unconventional journey — from leaving school early and moving across the world with almost nothing, to building scalable growth systems that help businesses escape referral-only growth and short-term gigs.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why SEO is not dead — and why it’s more important than ever• How AI is changing how people search and consume information• What modern SEO prioritizes instead of keyword stuffing• Why trust, authority, and digital PR matter in AI-powered search• How freelancers can transition into scalable, productized businesses• The psychology behind content that ranks *and* converts• Why systems beat hacks for long-term organic growthIf you’re a founder, marketer, consultant, or agency owner navigating SEO in an AI-driven world, this episode delivers clarity and practical insight you can actually apply.👇 Connect with Jan & Pragmatic Business:🔗 Pragmatic Business: [https://pragmaticbusiness.com](https://pragmaticbusiness.com)📍 About the ShowWelcome to **Inside Marketing With MarketSurge** — your front-row seat to the boldest ideas, real-world strategies, and unfiltered conversations shaping modern marketing.Hosted by **Reed Hansen**, a digital marketing veteran who’s helped scale startups to Fortune 500 brands, this podcast breaks down what’s *actually working* in marketing today — without the fluff.📈 At MarketSurge, we help you turn tools into systems — and systems into growth.If you want automation that feels personal and performs like a team of 10, you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see MarketSurge in action?🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call:[https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee](https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee)🔗 Useful Links🌐 Website: [https://marketsurge.io](https://marketsurge.io)📘 Facebook Page: [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654)💼 LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio](https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio)🐦 X / Twitter: [https://x.com/marketsurging](https://x.com/marketsurging)🎙️ Podcast: [https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/](https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/)Because your next breakthrough shouldn’t be a guess. 🚀

🚀 Ready to see how AI is actually transforming performance marketing?In this episode of Inside Marketing With MarketSurge, host Reed Hansen sits down with Hikari Senju, Founder & CEO of Omneky, an AI-powered creative platform helping brands generate, analyze, and optimize ad creative at scale.Hikari is a trained computer scientist turned entrepreneur with a mission to bridge the gap between generative AI and measurable marketing performance. Under his leadership, Omneky has helped brands unlock higher ROAS by turning machine creativity into real business results — without sacrificing brand safety or strategy.In this conversation, we dive deep into:• Why traditional creative workflows are broken• How AI-powered creative pipelines outperform “gut-feel” marketing• The real truth about AI replacing designers (and why it won’t)• How performance data should guide creative — not the other way around• Why creative volume is now the #1 driver of ad performance• The AI “creative feedback loop” every modern marketing team needs• How generative AI adapts across cultures, platforms, and industriesIf you’re a marketer, founder, or growth leader trying to scale paid media without burning budget — this episode is a must-watch.👇 Connect with Hikari & Omneky:🔗 Omneky Website: http://www.omneky.com🔗 Hikari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hikari-senju-63780199/📍 About the ShowWelcome to Inside Marketing With MarketSurge — your front-row seat to the boldest ideas and smartest strategies in the marketing game.Hosted by Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, this podcast breaks down what’s actually working in marketing today — from AI and automation to performance strategy and growth systems.🌐 Learn more about MarketSurge: https://marketsurge.io🎯 Want to see how MarketSurge helps businesses grow smarter, faster, and louder?👉 Book a strategy demo: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxwBecause your next breakthrough shouldn’t be a guess. 🚀

In this episode, host Reed Hansen, Chief Growth Officer at MarketSurge, sits down with Ed Jarecki, a seasoned business growth coach, leadership advisor, and COO, to unpack what it really takes to scale a business without burning out your team—or yourself.This isn’t fluffy “feel-good” leadership talk. Ed brings real-world experience from the operator’s seat, sharing how founders and executives can:Build teams that actually executeLead with clarity during growth and chaosCreate systems that support scale instead of slowing it downWhether you’re a founder, CEO, or growth-minded leader, this conversation delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.💡 What You’ll Learn:• The biggest leadership mistakes that quietly stall growth• How operators think differently than founders (and why you need both)• Systems, structure, and decision-making frameworks that scale• Why clarity beats hustle every single time👤 About the Guest:Ed Jarecki is a business growth coach, leadership advisor, and COO who works closely with founders and executive teams to align strategy, execution, and leadership.📧 Connect with Ed:Email: ed@jarecki.com📈 At MarketSurge, we help you turn tools into systems — and systems into growth.If you want automation and strategy that performs like a team of 10, you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see what MarketSurge can do for your business?🎯 Book your 15-minute Value or Free Coffee Call:👉 https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🔗 Useful Links🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654🐦 X / Twitter: https://x.com/marketsurging

How Top Leaders Land Roles Without Job Boards | Strategic Networking with Penny PearlIn this episode of Inside Marketing with MarketSurge, Reed Hansen sits down with Penny Pearl, Founder & CEO of 2Actify, executive career strategist, and trusted advisor to technology leaders and PhD scientists navigating high-stakes career transitions.With over a decade of experience guiding high performers into roles that truly fit, Penny breaks down why traditional job searching is broken — and what actually works instead.This conversation goes deep on strategic networking, personal branding, and value proposition clarity, with practical frameworks you can use immediately — whether you’re an executive, emerging leader, or highly specialized professional.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• Why 85% of your job search should be networking, not applying online• How to articulate your value proposition so others can advocate for you• The role of behavioral science, nudge theory, and social proof in career growth• How to uncover hidden job opportunities that never hit job boards• Why AI shouldn’t replace human connection — and how to use it wisely• How Penny helps clients land multiple offers in as little as 90 days• How to measure ROI on yourself during a career transition👉 Key Highlights:✅ Strategic Networking – How to lead conversations that create outcomes✅ Value Proposition Frameworks – Turn your experience into a repeatable story✅ Hidden Job Market – Reach decision-makers before roles are posted✅ Career ROI – Track progress, milestones, and confidence growth✅ Executive Confidence – Learn how to “lead yourself” through transition🧠 About Penny PearlPenny Pearl is the Founder & CEO of 2Actify and an executive career strategist who helps technology leaders and PhD scientists clarify their value, unlock hidden opportunities, and land roles that light them up. Her work blends behavioral science, strategic networking, and personal branding into a repeatable system clients use for the rest of their careers.🔗 Connect with Penny:📧 Email: penny@2actify.com🌐 Website: https://2actify.com📞 Free Discovery Call: Available via email (no pressure, real strategy)📈 At MarketSurge, we help you turn strategy into systems — and systems into growth.If you want smarter marketing, better positioning, and results that compound, you’re in the right place.🧠 Want to talk strategy or see what’s working right now?🎯 Book your 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Call:👉 https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/15minutevalueorfreecoffee🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io🎙️ Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/#strategicnetworking #leadershipcareers #executivejobs#careergrowth #networkingtips #hiddenjobmarket #leadershipdevelopment #careersuccess #jobsearchstrategy #professionalnetworking #personalbranding #businessleadership #careerpodcast #thoughtleadership #careeradvice

Today’s guest is someone who’s rewriting the rules for brand growth in one of the most misunderstood — and overlooked — corners of the internet: Reddit.Meet Danny Kirk, founder of ReddiReach, the bootstrapped agency that’s helped 500+ brands grow organically on Reddit while also future-proofing their visibility across AI search platforms like ChatGPT and Claude.Danny isn’t just “doing Reddit.” He’s engineering how brands show up in the age of AI — through what he calls Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) — and turning niche community discussions into real-world business results.If you've ever wondered:🔥 Why Reddit is one of the most powerful — yet ignored — channels in digital marketing 🔥 How AI search is reshaping visibility and what brands must do now 🔥 Why deep niche engagement beats “reach everyone” marketing 🔥 How Danny quietly built multiple 7-figure companies with zero outside funding…this conversation is going to hit you like discovering your competitor has been dominating subreddits for years.Let’s dive in.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Reddit as a Marketing Weapon — Why brands fear it… and why that fear is costing them growth • The Rise of AI Search — How AI scrapes Reddit and why GEO matters more than SEO ever has • Comment-Level Influence — The hidden layer of human interaction that AI ranks first • Ethical Reddit Marketing — Why honesty, rules, and community ethos are the real growth hacks • Finding Your Thousand True Fans — Deep vs. broad marketing and what actually scales • Building High-Focus Companies — Danny’s lessons from multiple successful exits • The Future of Community-Led Visibility — And why being early to AI search matters today • Tools That Matter — Including Danny’s favorite new edge: Peekaboo for AI search rankings🔗 Connect With Danny🌐 ReddiReach: https://reddireach.com 🔗 Danny’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpkirk/🎯 Want MarketSurge-Style Growth?If you’re ready to scale smarter, louder, and with actual leverage — let’s talk. 👉 Book a 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw🌐 Website: https://marketsurge.io 📘 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035121171654 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15wpKr1WmN/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsurgeio 🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/marketsurging 🎙️ Inside Marketing with MarketSurge Podcast: https://marketsurge.transistor.fm/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@marketsurge-q7q 🎯 Book Your 15-Minute Value or Free Coffee Call: https://link.marketsurge.io/widget/bookings/marketsurge/demozvwcxw 📢 SurgeCast Guest Placement: https://marketsurge.io/surgecast