Matters of Creative

IN THIS EPISODE… What does it take to stand out from other agencies in your industry? Being recognized requires more than creating flashy projects or having the most high-profile clients; it entails making an impact beyond your company’s scope. How has one value-driven agency made its mark on the industry for 15 years? In today’s Matters of Creative episode, Jenny Ridenour sits down with Bobbie Bailey, the Founder and CEO of M Agency, to ask her 15 questions about M’s 15 years in business. Bobbie shares her leadership lessons, how she directed the agency’s rebrand, and how M adapts to marketing industry shifts.  Having recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, M Agency boasts an intentional culture of meaningful relationships and value-driven marketing. Bobbie Bailey, the creative mind behind M Agency’s prosperity, maintains that developing a continuously evolving culture and aligning it with your work is the key to making a lasting impact. Having a strong culture involves selecting clients and team members who align with your core values and exemplifying these philosophies in each project. You can accomplish this through influential leadership that leverages individual strengths and nurtures customer relationships.  Listen now to learn more about M Agency’s legacy. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Bobbie Bailey is the Founder and CEO of M Agency, a brand identity and advertising design agency specializing in interactive, digital, and print media. For the past 15 years, M Agency has helped hundreds of businesses, including Alaska Airlines and Celebrity Cake Studio, catalyze success through meaningful and results-driven marketing. Bobbie has grown M Agency into an award-winning agency by cultivating a creative and intentional environment. To invest back into the community, she co-founded South Sound 100, a community collective that sets the forum for fundraising for local nonprofits. Learn more about Bobbie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiebailey/ https://whatisyourm.com/

10/10/24 • 47:44

IN THIS EPISODE… With sustainable practices becoming regulated in various industries, companies are developing innovative ways to align their values with sustainability. Yet these initiatives are often costly, as businesses notice their competitors outperform them with traditional, lower-cost practices. How can you integrate sustainability into your business despite the obstacles? In this episode of Matters of Creative, Bobbie Bailey and two M Agency copywriters talk with Troy Alstead, the Founder of Ocean5 and Table 47, about how he fosters sustainability and community leadership. Troy shares leadership lessons from working for Starbucks, the creative process behind Ocean5’s sustainable designs, and how his board advisory roles align with his mission.  With a life-long commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement, former Starbucks executive Troy Alstead recommends building, operating, and sourcing a sustainable business model that can accommodate higher costs. This requires dedication and courage to price products competitively and stay true to your mission. Troy has embedded sustainability into every aspect of his company, from developing geothermal systems for heating and cooling to sourcing and reusing local materials like wood. He also organizes initiatives like beach cleanups to involve his community in the company’s mission. Listen today for information on integrating sustainability into your company values. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Troy Alstead is the Founder of Ocean5, a LEED Silver certified entertainment and event venue. He is also the Founder of Table 47, a farm-to-table restaurant, and The Cup Coffee Lounge. Troy serves on the board of directors for several companies, including Levi Strauss & Co. and Harley Davidson. In 2016, he retired from Starbucks after 24 years with the company, having most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer responsible for leading the business’ global operations.  Learn more about Troy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troyalstead/ https://o5social.com/ http://t47.com/

10/3/24 • 57:42

IN THIS EPISODE… From working in silos and not communicating effectively to lacking time and resources, individuals in teams are often disconnected from each other. This can lead people to feel unfulfilled in their work, diminishing team performance. How can you unlock your team’s hidden potential? In this episode of Matters of Creative, Bobbie Bailey and Jenny Ridenour host Leah Knight, the Owner and President of LK Consulting, to talk about strengths-based leadership and training. Leah shares the research behind the Gallup Strengths method, how to navigate team dynamics, and the four leadership domains.  Passionate about identifying team and individual strengths, coach Leah Knight endorses the Gallup Strengths method, which maintains that individuals have 34 talent paths they can leverage to achieve fulfillment and maximize performance. She recommends taking a StrengthsFinder assessment to identify your unique strengths before collaborating with leaders to understand and execute them. This promotes stronger team collaboration and enhanced communication. Tune in now to learn more about how you can leverage your team’s strengths. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Leah Knight is the Owner and President of LK Consulting, a professional consulting firm utilizing Gallup Strength strategies to achieve peak performance in individuals, teams, and organizations. As a 20-year business owner, she has led, managed, and implemented strengths-based practices to create positive organizational cultures. Leah has worked with Fortune 500 companies, agencies, law firms, small businesses, teams, managers, and individuals.  Learn more about Leah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-keogh-248b72a9/ https://lkstrengths.com/

9/26/24 • 36:02

IN THIS EPISODE… The social media and marketing landscape is evolving rapidly, yet many brands still use generic marketing tactics like identifying their target customer using psychographic information. Staying ahead of the curve requires creativity, cultural competence, and an eye for trend-setting strategies. How can you build your brand and connect with your audience in innovative ways? In the latest episode of Matters of Creative, join Bobbie Bailey as she welcomes Cassandra Le, the Founder and Brand Strategist at The Quirky Pineapple Studio, who discusses marketing through a lens of multicultural innovation. Cassandra talks about her favorite social media and AI platforms, the importance of nurturing creativity throughout the marketing process, and how she became a content creator.  As a Vietnamese-American immigrant and culturally competent marketer, Cassandra Le is passionate about transforming traditional marketing messages into cultural movements. This involves identifying and amplifying a brand’s mission, vision, voice, and personality across multiple platforms for maximum reach and impact. Each marketing campaign should align with your culture and values, allowing you to communicate cross-culturally with diverse audiences. Cassandra recommends leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok to build a global community.  Tune in now to uncover culturally competent marketing strategies. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Cassandra Le is the Founder and Brand Strategist at The Quirky Pineapple Studio, a creative marketing and media agency. As a brand and marketing consultant, she has worked with mission-driven brands and thought leaders to help them share their stories, connect with their communities, and drive brand awareness through culturally competent marketing. In 2019, Rising Tide Society and Honeybook named Cassandra as a top marketer driving community and innovation. Learn more about Cassandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-le/ https://thequirkypineapple.com/

9/19/24 • 48:45

IN THIS EPISODE… User experience design is no longer exclusive to visual interactions. Apps and productivity tools have evolved to include voice and text features, accelerating innovation in a fast-paced digital environment. With the landscape saturated with shiny objects and trendy features, how can you balance innovation with user-friendly fundamentals? Join Matt Hirsch in the latest episode of Matters of Creative as he hosts Anton Sten, the Head of Design at Summer Health, to talk about creating user-friendly and enjoyable user experiences amid innovation. Anton mentions the importance of a robust strategy in user experience design, AI’s role in improving UX designs, and the upcoming challenges designers will face in the evolving landscape.  According to Anton Sten, user experience strategies should involve the entire organization, with various departments collaborating to satisfy the end users, whether it’s consumers using an app or companies using tools internally. Anton believes app and product designs should be simple, intuitive, and even fun, advising designers to observe key features in their favorite daily tools to determine what makes them user-friendly. With innovation a priority in UX design, designers can add additional features to enhance productivity and functionality while remaining consistent with the original design.  Tune in now for lessons on creating an unbeatable UX strategy. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Anton Sten is the Head of Design at Summer Health, a telehealth platform that connects parents to pediatricians. As a writer and designer, he has over 25 years of experience designing websites, apps, and products for startups and large companies. Anton owned and managed a design consultancy for over 15 years.  Learn more about Anton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonsten/ https://www.antonsten.com/

9/12/24 • 43:23

IN THIS EPISODE… If your marketing campaigns aren’t sustainable long-term, you may be launching one-off promotions or limited-time-offer campaigns that don’t perform well over time. While these projects are effective during special events, like Black Friday or Cyber Monday campaigns, they don’t generate a steady flow of leads. How can you create and execute sustainable marketing systems for your business? In this week’s episode of Matters of Creative, Matt Hirsch sits down with Jeff Sauer, the Founder of Data Driven U, to discuss how marketing systems can prepare businesses for the future. Jeff talks about the future of AI and its ramifications for marketing systems, his approach to organizing digital workflows, and how to balance marketing team tasks.  While custom marketing projects may seem effective, they’re more likely to fail since they’re one-time campaigns. Conversely, marketing systems offer predictable and measurable campaign results through repeatable, proven methods. Yet data-driven marketer Jeff Sauer says not to rely on standard operating procedures to develop and execute these systems. These processes are rarely updated, and marketing systems must evolve with current trends. Instead, he recommends creating templates and documents with universal marketing tactics. To ensure sustainability for each campaign, you should implement cross-channel strategies and consistent messaging. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jeff Sauer is the Founder of Data Driven U, which provides online training programs for data-driven marketing. He is also the Co-founder of ProfitSchool, which helps small teams improve their offers, products, and systems through a proprietary framework. Jeff’s online training programs have helped over 50,000 students master PPC marketing, data analytics, and agency development. Having worked in digital marketing and web analytics since 2005, he became one of the first people to Beta test Google Analytics. As an Inc. 5000 Hall of Fame agency owner, Jeff grew his agency from six to seven figures before selling it.  Learn more about Jeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsauer/ https://datadrivenu.com/

8/29/24 • 47:01

IN THIS EPISODE… AI is taking every industry by storm as businesses develop revolutionary ways to innovate and streamline the customer experience. Online-focused industries can leverage AI innovations to increase customer engagement. What strategies are these industries using to ensure virtual customer satisfaction? In this episode of Matters of Creative, Matt Hirsch and Bobbie Bailey sit down with Natalie Bowman, the Managing Director of Product and Digital Experiences at Alaska Airlines, to discuss AI innovation in the airline industry. Natalie provides insights into AI’s potential to transform marketing and design, leveraging digital media to enhance the customer experience, and her role in driving digital innovation at Alaska Airlines. The airline industry relies on digital sales and interactions to survive, so businesses must reach customers using methods unique to the online space. According to digital innovator Natalie Bowman, companies like Alaska Airlines are developing generative AI-powered search tools to recommend travel options for customers based on trip details and preferences. This allows customers to customize their trips and evaluate choices that align with their needs. Some airline companies also leverage electronic bag tags that utilize QR codes to scan customers’ luggage with each trip, eliminating the need for multiple physical tags. These innovations create efficiencies for the business and the consumer, increasing satisfaction rates and sales. Listen today for more on how AI is revolutionizing the airline industry. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Natalie Bowman is the Managing Director of Product and Digital Experiences at Alaska Airlines, where she also served as the Managing Director of Marketing and Advertising. As a recognized brand, digital, and social marketing leader, she has experience leading major brand launches in fashion, tech, media, luxury retail, automotive, and travel. Natalie recently acquired the Oh Happy Day Party Shop, launching the DTC brand into Kohl’s, Nordstrom, and hundreds of global boutiques. She has been named an Ad Age Digital Trailblazer, a Rising Brand Star by BrandWeek, a MAKERS Women Awardee, and one of Brand Innovators’ top 100 Women to Watch. Learn more about Natalie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliebowman/ https://www.alaskaair.com/

8/22/24 • 31:54

IN THIS EPISODE… In recent decades, the advent of DTC and other instant online services have shifted consumer expectations, forcing brands to pivot to reimagine the user experience. Design thinking has emerged as a cornerstone for innovation and out-of-the-box value-creation methods. How can brands leverage this creative technique to enhance the customer experience? In today’s episode of Matters of Creative, Matt Hirsch welcomes Kate Ramsey and Angela Sharer of Nordstrom to discuss UX design and research strategies. Together, they explain how UX design can adapt to incorporate new technology, the role of research in the Double Diamond framework, and how they collaborate on UX design projects together.  Design thinking requires a creative professional to evaluate, sketch, and communicate their ideas for catering to the end user. As master researchers and designers in this space, Kate Ramsey and Angela Sharer employ the Double Diamond framework to identify the customer problem and develop value-added solutions. This in-depth planning cycle involves leveraging divergent thinking to generate ideas, convergent thinking to narrow down the ideas, and lateral thinking to influence your perception of the consumer’s problem. Angela also implements observational research and data insights to refine the framework and identify a final solution. Listen today for more ways you can use design thinking in your UX strategies. ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Kate Ramsey is the Senior Principal of UX Design and Experience Strategy at Nordstrom, where she aligns teams to create cohesive and meaningful customer experiences across multiple channels. She has been with the company since 2011, holding roles including UX Design Manager and Principal UX Designer. Having studied fine art and graphic design, Kate transitioned into new media by teaching herself how to design digital interfaces for a CD company.  Angela Sharer is the Principal UX Researcher at Nordstrom, where she focuses on customer-facing experiences on the website and mobile app. As a user experience researcher, she has over 10 years of experience impacting consumer and B2B products and services. After obtaining a master’s degree in human-centered design and engineering, Angela manufactured Android smartphones, wearables, and virtual reality headsets at HTC.  Learn more about Kate and Angela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-ramsey-she-her-016766/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelasharer/ https://www.nordstrom.com/

8/15/24 • 54:22

IN THIS EPISODE… From the boom in AI-generated content to Google’s rapidly changing search algorithms, the SEO and SEM space is overburdened with fleeting trends that threaten to throw brands off track. How can you cut through the noise to establish a brand presence that truly resonates with your audience? In the latest episode of Matters of Creative, join Matt Hirsch as he interviews Blake Denman, the Founder and President of RicketyRoo, about SEO and content trends impacting brands. Blake offers actionable insights for leveraging Google Business Profiles, improving website user experiences, and forging a powerful local brand identity. When Blake Denman started his agency in 2009, SEO was still in its infancy. Since then, he has pivoted to align with relevant industry trends and customer demands. When improving your SEO for modern branding strategies, focus on establishing a basic presence by enhancing your Google Business Profile with a cover photo and basic company information. You can reference competitor profiles for inspiration on what you should include. Other fundamental strategies include optimizing your website for mobile devices, showcasing genuine customer reviews on your site, and engaging with your local community through events and sponsorships to establish organic backlinks. For more SEO strategies that break through the noise, give this episode a listen today. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Blake Denman is the Founder and President of RicketyRoo, an internet marketing agency for small- to medium-sized businesses. With over 17 years of SEO experience, he specializes in inbound marketing, PPC advertising, and website design and development. Blake and his team speak at popular digital marketing conferences, including MozCon and LocalU, and contribute to recognized SEO publishing sites like Semrush and Search Engine Journal.  Learn more about Blake: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blakedenman/ https://ricketyroo.com/

8/8/24 • 37:13

IN THIS EPISODE… Social media content has evolved significantly from mere entertainment because users want authentic lifestyle content. Posting a few times a year on various social media platforms isn’t cutting it anymore, yet brands feel overwhelmed when creating a consistent content schedule. How can you generate compelling content that authentically reflects your brand and resonates with consumers? In this week’s Matters of Creative episode, Jenny Ridenour chats with Kelsey Chance, the Founder of Good Chance Creative, about crafting engaging and authentic social media content. Kelsey delves into creating a resonant online brand image, how to showcase your products and services effectively, and AI’s dangers in content creation. Master content creator Kelsey Chance believes that all creative content should incorporate a human touch. This often involves collaborating with professional photographers for on-location photo shoots and combining photography with social media strategies for authentic storytelling and product representation. You can also showcase behind-the-scenes photo shoot content for a genuine, lifestyle-centered social media strategy. Staying on top of the social media landscape by maintaining an active presence and leveraging social trends allows you to build lasting trust with your audience. To get more inspiration for your next social media campaign, don’t miss this episode! ABOUT OUR GUEST: Kelsey Chance is the Founder of Good Chance Creative, and her journey began with her dog’s Instagram account going viral, sparking her passion for social media and photography. What started as a side hustle evolved into managing social media for Kroger and now has led to Good Chance Creative. Good Chance Creative specializes in creating scroll-stopping, human-centric brand content for clients like Domaine Serene, Rustic Bakery, and Sinegal Estate. From photoshoots to influencer campaigns, Kelsey and her talented team excel at crafting compelling narratives that resonate in today’s digital landscape. Learn more about Kelsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-chance/ https://www.instagram.com/kelseychance/ https://www.goodchancecreative.com/ https://www.instagram.com/goodchancecreative

8/1/24 • 28:49

IN THIS EPISODE… From consumer interactions to marketing ploys, the digital landscape is undergoing a metamorphosis. How does one navigate such a changing tide, especially when AI plays a pivotal role? What can businesses expect to encounter as this technology evolves? Could AI really change the face of modern advertising and purchasing? Join Bobbie Bailey in this episode of Matters of Creative as she welcomes Debra Aho Williamson, Chief Analyst at Sonata Insights, who delves into the intricacies of digital disruptions and the rise of AI. Debra highlights the value of curiosity-driven analysis, a deep understanding of consumer behavior as a gateway to harnessing emerging trends, and the potential for new marketing strategies in the ever-evolving technology landscape.  Debra Aho Williamson, a seasoned analyst and trailblazer in digital marketing, shares her journey from a business journalist to becoming an industry leader in digital trends analysis. With her strategic mindset, she emphasizes the evolving patterns of consumer behavior influenced by AI and the impending changes it spells for marketers. She provides insights into the future of the marketing landscape, revealing the human and ethical considerations pivotal in adopting AI technologies. Debra's pragmatic approach toward future trends gives listeners a grounded perspective on how to harness AI intelligently in creative marketing. Tune in for inspiration on transforming your market strategy through the power of AI. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Debra Aho Williamson is the Chief Analyst at Sonata Insights, an advisory service that provides custom research and education services to social media marketers, marketing agencies, digital publishers, AI startups, and the VC community. She provides cutting-edge, hype-free research to help businesses navigate the convergence of social media and AI. A dynamic analyst and market influencer recognized for her visionary contributions to the digital marketing landscape, Debra previously led social marketing at eMarketer for 17 years. Recognized as one of the first analysts worldwide to pinpoint the social media trend, Debra has authored over 120 research reports, fostering the advertising industry's understanding and integration of platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Her insights have been featured in thousands of news articles and over 40 TV appearances, including NBC, BBC, Bloomberg, and CNBC.  Learn more about Debra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrawilliamson https://www.sonatainsights.com/

7/25/24 • 29:10

IN THIS EPISODE… Creativity is not just a buzzword; it's a strategic asset in the dynamic marketing space. But how can you strike a balance between a client's expectations and delivering groundbreaking, innovative work? Can a well-designed onboarding and project management framework bridge the gap between creative aspirations and business objectives? Join Jenny Ridenour in this episode of Matters of Creative as she chats with Rachel Brown, the Customer Experience Manager at M Agency, who uncovers the facets of client onboarding, management, and retention in today’s digital landscape. Rachel illustrates the crucial role played by client feedback, the impact of having a dedicated liaison to navigate creative execution, and the value of a robust onboarding process, ensuring each project's integrity from start to finish. Rachel Brown crafts exceptional customer experiences and drives projects from concept to creation at M Agency, leveraging the agency’s solid onboarding framework and years of experience in the industry. She provides an insider’s perspective on cultivating productive client-agency relationships, narrating her transition from a creative producer to a customer experience manager. She explains that to ensure the success of a project, a company needs to establish trust, ensure that everyone's goals are aligned right from the start, and give importance to onboarding details, such as using tailored client questionnaires and implementing effective communication strategies. Rachel’s approach underlines the significance of empathy, interpersonal connection, and transparent communication in managing challenges and maintaining project momentum. Listen today for inspiration on delivering collaborative project experiences that exceed expectations. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Rachel Brown is the Customer Experience Manager at M Agency, a brand identity and advertising design agency specializing in interactive, digital, and print media. With over eight years of experience in journalism and public relations, she started her career as a creative producer and now excels in project management. At M Agency, Rachel is pivotal in ensuring the seamless execution of projects from conception to completion while maintaining close client connections. Outside of work, she contributes to the Tacoma community through her board membership at the Tacoma Youth Symphony and supports the Rainiers as an ardent fan. Learn more about Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbrown253/

7/19/24 • 23:58

IN THIS EPISODE… How can you blend technology and creativity to develop cutting-edge digital marketing strategies? As the digital landscape evolves at breakneck speed, staying ahead requires cultivating an innovative mindset. What is the secret to ensuring every strategy makes a meaningful impact? In today’s Matters of Creative episode, Matt Hirsch, the Director of Digital Marketing at M Agency, joins Rise25’s Chad Franzen to unveil the secrets behind winning marketing strategies. Matt talks about the agency collaboration that brought him to marketing, his personal development initiatives, and how AI will alter the digital marketing landscape. In his role as a digital marketer, Matt Hirsch wears many hats, navigating between teams to ensure each campaign aligns with the current landscape, regardless of the diverse sectors they serve. Digital marketing professionals must remain agile by engaging in continuous learning to stay updated on industry trends in technology and creativity, positioning them at the forefront of their field. Each marketing strategy must have clear goals and KPIs to ensure successful outcomes. Listen in to learn how to apply the latest marketing strategies to your business. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Matt Hirsch is the Director of Digital Marketing at M Agency, where he oversees the company’s digital strategy. With experience in digital innovation at the intersection of people, technology, and brands, Matt has helped business leaders in small companies, startups, and Fortune 100s scale and transform. 

7/11/24 • 19:23

IN THIS EPISODE… Culture is more than just a buzzword; it’s a competitive value proposition that can catalyze innovation and creativity and transform employees’ lives. How can you create a culture that rewards employees for their work while championing your values? Join Bobbie Bailey in the latest Matters of Creative episode as she hosts La’Kita Williams, the Founder of CoCreate Work, to talk about developing meaningful organizational cultures. La’Kita addresses the essential growth mindset for leaders, the power of understanding your leadership style, and the exciting future of work cultures that prioritize well-being and flexibility. With a passion for helping people reach their utmost potential, culture connoisseur La’Kita Williams has identified five components of culture that can boost an organization’s performance. These include a shared purpose and values, proprietary systems and processes, workplace autonomy, and success measurements. By supporting leadership growth and development, aligning with employee work trends and needs, and implementing a culture-oriented hiring process, organizations can embody these components and foster widespread impact. Tune in for more insights on organizational culture and leadership.  ABOUT OUR GUEST(S): La’Kita Williams is the Founder of CoCreate Work, a consulting and leadership development company. She has over 18 years of experience in corporate sales, training, talent management, and organizational development. As a certified professional coach and trained masters-level social worker, La’Kita works with small businesses, founders, and CEOs to plan and design company culture, lead change, and enhance team experiences. She has also been featured and quoted in Harvard Business Review and The New York Times.  Learn more about La’Kita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakitafwilliams/ https://cocreatework.com/ https://go.cocreatework.com/

7/4/24 • 35:25

IN THIS EPISODE... Digital design and marketing fluctuate constantly, so brands and agencies must refine their messaging and creative strategies to stay abreast of industry changes. Welcome to this episode of Matters of Creative, where Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews Jenny Ridenour, the Creative Director at M Agency, about adapting to the changing landscape of design and marketing. Jenny reflects on the challenges and learning curves designers face, including the intense pace of change within the industry and the struggle for continuous innovation. Having started her creative career using physical mediums like film, marketer and designer Jenny Ridenour had to adjust to the digital realm by remaining agile and embracing continuous learning. In a digital-first environment, she recommends refining visual storytelling methods to capture consumers’ limited attention spans. With any digital creative campaign, the storytelling must be authentic and consistent across all platforms to connect and resonate with diverse audiences and create a unified brand experience. Listen today to learn how to combine the most innovative design, marketing, and creative strategies to elevate your branding. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jenny Ridenour is the Creative Director of M Agency, a full-service creative agency in Tacoma, Washington. In her role, she develops creative campaign strategies, ensuring alignment between visual storytelling, marketing, and branding. With nearly two decades of design and branding experience, Jenny co-founded and helped grow into a seven-figure business and then sold it to continue her creative journey.  Learn more about Jenny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ridenour/

6/27/24 • 19:35

IN THIS EPISODE... Women in leadership positions have traditionally faced pushback and discrimination, regardless of their industry. In a male-dominated industry like construction, the barriers to entry and acceptance are even greater.  Join Jenny Ridenour in this episode of Matters of Creative as she welcomes Tammy Birklid, the Owner and President of Merit Construction, who shares her inspiring journey through the construction industry. Tammy talks about transforming workplace discrimination into valuable opportunities, the fundamental qualities of mentors and leaders, and her future leadership goals. Tammy Birklid is a force of change and an exemplary leader in the male-dominated construction industry. Having ascended from an office assistant to owning a multimillion-dollar construction business, Tammy faced bias from her male counterparts. Rather than let it discourage her, she leveraged the insights she gained from an industry mentor and began championing integrity, mentorship, and inclusive leadership in her company. To catalyze gender equality, Tammy recommends fostering an empathetic and inclusive workplace culture and promoting diversity.  Listen today for inspiration on how you can revolutionize your field and create positive change. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Tammy Birklid is the Owner and President of Merit Construction, a full-service commercial general contractor. With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, she began as an office assistant before becoming the sole owner of Merit Construction. Tammy is also an industry mentor, empowering others and fostering leadership and inclusive work environments. Her dedication led her to launch Sage Builders, a residential home-building company.  Learn more about Tammy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammy-birklid-0a47256/ www.meritconstructionnw.com

6/20/24 • 36:15

Bobbie Bailey is the Founder and CEO of M Agency, a brand identity and advertising design agency specializing in interactive, digital, and print media. For the past 15 years, M Agency has helped hundreds of businesses, including Alaska Airlines and Celebrity Cake Studio, catalyze success through meaningful and results-driven marketing. Bobbie has grown M Agency into an award-winning agency by cultivating a creative and intentional environment. To invest back into the community, she co-founded South Sound 100, a community collective that sets the forum for fundraising for local nonprofits. In this episode… Many brands struggle to resonate with their audiences in an ever-changing marketing landscape. What can you learn from an award-winning agency owner about sustaining brand relevance through evolving digital platforms? With a talent for discovering what makes brands tick, Bobbie Bailey conducts thorough research into the latest marketing strategies and tailors them to brands’ unique value propositions. You must recognize your brand’s purpose to capitalize on this value and create connected marketing strategies that resonate with consumers. Additionally, leveraging multiple marketing channels keeps your approaches fresh and aligned with consumers’ changing preferences.  In this episode of Matters of Creative, Bobbie Bailey, the Founder and CEO of M Agency, joins Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss how she champions meaningful marketing. She talks about how M Agency distinguishes itself from the competition, the evolution of the marketing landscape, and the impact of AI in the space.

6/13/24 • 25:41

IN THIS EPISODE... What distinguishes the marketing industry’s leading agencies? These companies must develop a personal brand story, much like a company positioning itself in front of its target audience. Innovative strategies that align with an agency’s purpose and influence its clients can be the determining factor between success and failure. As the visionary trio behind M Agency, Bobbie Bailey, Jenny Ridenour, and Matt Hirsch take a unique approach to branding, web development, and marketing by analyzing their clients’ missions and cementing the company’s core values. With a team of both visionaries and integrators, M Agency stands out in a competitive market by prioritizing growth, discipline, and collaboration. Bobbie, Jenny, and Matt maintain that your core values should influence your creative and marketing strategies and encompass everything from company culture to client relationships. Join Bobbie Bailey, Jenny Ridenour, and Matt Hirsch in this episode of Matters of Creative as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews them about the components of M Agency’s success. Together, they talk about the company’s culture creation process, core values, and growth.  ABOUT OUR GUESTS: Bobbie Bailey is the Founder and CEO of M Agency, a brand identity and advertising design agency specializing in interactive, digital, and print media. For the past 15 years, M Agency has helped hundreds of businesses, including Alaska Airlines and Celebrity Cake Studio, catalyze success through meaningful and results-driven marketing. Bobbie has grown M Agency into an award-winning agency by cultivating a creative and intentional environment. To invest back into the community, she co-founded South Sound 100, a community collective that sets the forum for fundraising for local nonprofits. Learn more about Bobbie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbiebailey/ Jenny Ridenour is the Creative Director of M Agency, a full-service creative agency in Tacoma, Washington. In her role, she develops creative campaign strategies, ensuring alignment between visual storytelling, marketing, and branding. With nearly two decades of design and branding experience, Jenny co-founded and helped grow into a seven-figure business and then sold it to continue her creative journey.  Learn more about Jenny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-ridenour/ Matt Hirsch is the Director of Digital Marketing at M Agency, where he oversees the company’s digital strategy. With experience in digital innovation at the intersection of people, technology, and brands, Matt has helped business leaders in small companies, startups, and Fortune 100s scale and transform. 

5/31/24 • 29:58