In this episode of 'Small Town Big Business,' hosts Jennifer Olson and Russell Williams welcome Whitney Roberts and Jade Mccalla from Idea Creative Marketing. The discussion delves into the unique business journeys of Whitney and Jade, spotlighting the challenges and successes they've encountered in the marketing industry. Whitney shares her start in Marion, Illinois, and the growth of Idea Creative Marketing, emphasizing the importance of passion and adaptability in small business marketing. Jade discusses her experiences with the American Marketing Association and the dynamic nature of their day-to-day operations. The conversation also touches on the significance of local networking, the evolution of marketing strategies, and the benefits of working with small businesses over large corporations. The episode ends with insights into their personalized approach to marketing services and the impact of community-focused growth. Special thanks to sponsors and contributors who make the podcast possible.00:00 Welcome to Small Town Big Business00:51 Introducing Whitney Roberts and Jade McCalla01:14 The Journey of Idea Creative Marketing01:35 Office Space and Community Involvement04:17 Roles and Responsibilities04:56 Background Stories and Career Paths13:12 Marketing Evolution and Strategies18:12 Team Dynamics and Strengths22:17 AMA Conference and Networking23:10 Financial Turnaround of AMA24:59 Fundraising Success Stories27:20 Challenges of Retaining Local Talent29:30 Small Business vs. Corporate Jobs34:17 Client Relationships and Onboarding41:22 Custom Marketing Solutions44:46 Passion and Motivation in Marketing48:31 Conclusion and AcknowledgementsRecorded at EThOs Small Business Incubator and Co-working Spaces in Marion, Illinois.https://members.ethosmarion.org/ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCASTOur guest: https://ideacreativemarketing.com/