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Joe Sugarman was the CEO of JS&A Group, Inc. and a renowned bestselling author. He was a luminary in the field of direct response marketing and copywriting. His innovative approaches and successful marketing strategies are showcased in his notable books, including Triggers, Success Forces, and The Adweek Copywriting Handbook.  He rose to fame with the creation of BluBlocker Sunglasses, which have sold over 20 million pairs. Joe was also recognized for pioneering the now-common practice of accepting credit card payments over toll-free telephone numbers. In this episode… Are you ready to unlock the secrets of direct response marketing from one of the industry's most legendary figures? In this episode of Inspired Insider, Jeremy Weisz sits down with Joe Sugarman to explore his remarkable career and the invaluable lessons gleaned from his triumphs and missteps. How did a former military intelligence double agent during the Cold War become a pioneer in compelling communication and marketing strategy? Listeners

Judy Lewis is Co-founder and Partner of Strategic Objectives, Canada’s most award-winning public relations and marketing communications agency. She is an accomplished public relations and marketing strategist driven by insights, experience, and endless imagination. Judy provides senior counsel to numerous prominent brands worldwide while contributing to various social causes. Her work has helped to prevent violence against women, enact protective legislation to combat sex trafficking, mobilize communities to reduce childhood hunger, and promote social justice and positive change. In this episode… In recent years, many customers have come to crave more than just a product or service. They want a story, a connection, and a reason to believe — this is where the power of storytelling comes in. Brands that effectively tell their story can build a loyal following, increase brand awareness, and drive sales. According to PR expert Judy Lewis, crafting a compelling brand story is easier said than done. It requires a d

Joe Gagliese is Co-founder and Co-CEO of Viral Nation, a global digital media innovation group powering the social ecosystem through integrated solutions that align strategy, talent, media, and technology. He is a renowned expert in influencer marketing and social technologies, with his insights cited in major publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, WIRED, CNBC, Vox, Business Insider, Forbes, and Inc. Joe’s dedication to inspiring and mentoring emerging entrepreneurs has led him to teach marketing courses at academic institutions across North America. Mat Micheli is Co-founder and Co-CEO of Viral Nation, which works with tens of thousands of influencers across the social landscape and fuels growth for the world's leading brands, including Anheuser-Busch, The Coca-Cola Company, Hasbro, Meta, Oculus, Tencent, and Uber. He oversees the company’s global operations, finance, and technology functions, establishing himself as an authority on athlete influencer marketing and social techno

Tom Shepansky is the Co-founder of Rethink Communications, a well-established, full-service creative ideas agency that operates across various locations, including New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. The agency caters to a diverse clientele and provides comprehensive 360° campaigns, digital solutions, design, production, public relations, and strategic services. Tom serves as a trustee and oversees the business operations at Rethink. Before Rethink, he held a prominent position as the VP Director of Client Services at DDB Canada, a renowned advertising agency. In this episode… Marketing plays a pivotal role in the growth of any business. However, executing successful advertising campaigns as an entrepreneur can be challenging. So, where can they get the desired support to help them thrive in this space?  Experienced entrepreneur Tom Shepansky says that entrepreneurs must prioritize marketing to stay ahead of competitors — offering great products or services is no longer sufficient to guarantee success

Katie Dunsworth-Reiach is Co-founder and Partner of Talk Shop Media, a full-service integrated communications agency with expertise in public relations, social media, digital marketing, influencer relations, branding, and creative execution. She is also Co-founder of Smart Cookies, a personal finance brand featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Today, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal, which has attracted global partnerships with the likes of American Express and Procter & Gamble. As a serial entrepreneur, Katie is Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of If Communications, a full-service communication agency providing strategy, branding, advertising, design, packaging, and digital ideas. She has co-hosted a W Network series, co-authored two best-sellers with Random House, and contributed regularly to CTV and Global News. In this episode… In today's highly competitive digital world, building and growing a successful brand requires diverse skills, including public relations, social media management, digital ma

Brent Wardrop is the Founder of Elemental, an independent full-service creative advertising and marketing agency based in Toronto. Elemental positions itself as a partner in growth, assisting clients in engaging their audiences and driving business results. Under Brent's leadership, the agency has had the privilege to serve notable brands such as Dyson, Scotiabank, Allergan, Shred-it, and Honeywell. His journey to entrepreneurship is unique, having transitioned from his earlier career as a professional musician.  In this episode… Is there a secret to creating marketing campaigns that not only drive engagement, but also foster a deep sense of connection and brand love? According to Brent Wardrop, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in brand engagement, the secret lies in crafting campaigns around a simple yet powerful core idea. This approach, which fosters a sense of unity and shared ownership, can inspire a level of loyalty and connection that extends far beyond conventional consumer interactions. In this epi

Thomas Magny is the Partner and VP of Creation at Camden, a creative ad agency in Montreal, Toronto, Lyon, and Hong Kong for brands with drive. Camden has over 120 active B2C, B2B, and government clients across many different fields. Since joining the agency in 2019, Thomas has played an instrumental role in building Camden’s reputation in Toronto and winning clients across Canada. He previously served as Associate Creative Director at Felt Studio, a Montreal-based creative studio. He comes from the fashion and branding world, having built Bonvilain, an online clothing line that brought together innovative organic fabrics and a meticulous approach to detail.   In this episode… Scaling a business in today's world requires a lot of creativity. However, not many brands have the creativity expertise in-house to help them thrive. So, what can you do to help your business grow?  According to Thomas Magny, partnering with a creative agency is fundamental. They are professionals who can help you with services like br

Tony Lyons is the Owner, President, and Chief Creative Officer of Alphabet, an advertising, design, and new media creative consultancy. Under his leadership, Alphabet has undertaken major brand re-development projects, creative strategies, and content marketing programs for numerous clients from diverse sectors, including tourism and healthcare.  Tony boasts a career spanning over 30 years in the marketing and advertising industry. He began his career in Ireland, where he held senior designer positions at design and advertising studios such as Young & Rubicam. Tony has presented at various industry conferences, including the Professional Development Institute, the University of Ottawa, and the Government of Canada Public Services and Procurement Canada communications department. In this episode… In today's highly competitive business landscape, advertising has become crucial for any brand's success. It helps increase brand visibility, build brand awareness, and drive sales and revenue. However, creating c

Justin Frenette is the Co-founder and CEO of Him & Her, a creative marketing agency that caters to forward-thinking clients. The agency boasts a team of experienced designers, developers, marketing specialists, project managers, and more who collectively provide end-to-end creative and marketing services to businesses that are dissatisfied with the status quo.  As a software engineer, Justin possesses the requisite knowledge and skills to design and develop computer software, software design methodologies, and concepts such as microprocessors, embedded software, process control, relational databases, internet development, and computer security development. Before Him & Her, he served as a business application developer at Magnet Forensics and a software tool developer at BlackBerry. In this episode… Running a business can be a daunting task. From managing operations to strategizing marketing campaigns, the demands are endless. So, what needs to happen to achieve success?  Justin Frenette, an experienc

Thomas Le Maguer is the Co-founder and CEO of Republix, a growth marketing agency that helps marketers attain a fearless attitude and enhance their ability to drive and accelerate growth. Republix seamlessly handles business growth needs through numerous disciplines supported by well-educated people and robust technology platforms.  Thomas has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, working in various sales and management positions. Additionally, he has co-founded other companies and serves in executive roles at Consolidated Capital Corporation, eRational Marketing, Integrity Distributed Software Solutions, and Vequitas Capital Corporation. Previously, he was the Vice President of Sales and Inside Sales Manager at ONE Financial, where they successfully increased sales by 127%. In this episode… Starting and running a business is one of the most challenging things you can do, but growing it is even more difficult. While there are many ways to expand your business, acquisition remains one of the m

Morgan Tierney is the Executive Creative Director of Rethink, a full-service creative ideas agency with offices in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. Rethink provides 360° campaigns, strategy, design, digital, production, and public relations to the world’s biggest brands. Before Rethink, Morgan served as a Legal Secretary for the BC Ministry of Attorney General. She has a BA in psychology from The University of Columbia and learned advertising copywriting at Humber College. In this episode… In today's highly competitive business landscape, having great products or services alone does not ensure a company's success. Prioritizing marketing to stay ahead of competitors is essential for entrepreneurs. However, running a successful ad campaign requires a set of skills that many entrepreneurs may not possess. Marketing plays a pivotal role in the growth of any business. It involves creating and disseminating compelling advertisements across various media channels to raise brand awareness among your target

Devon MacDonald is the President of Cairns Oneil, a full-service media agency specializing in strategy, insights, media planning, media buying, and analytics. As a seasoned leader, strategist, and marketer, he is passionate about helping clients achieve their business goals and reach their audiences. Devon has a background in technology, creativity, and media, which gives him a multi-faceted and builder's mindset to problem-solving. Before Cairns Oneil, he was the CEO of Mindshare Canada, one of the largest global media networks, where he led the Canadian operations and built a culture of trust, provocation, and inclusivity. In this episode… As an entrepreneur, managing a business at the top level alone can be an arduous task. In such a scenario, bringing in experienced executives, such as a president, can significantly enhance the operations of the company. However, hiring an executive team as a founder is easier said than done. Most founders are reluctant to relinquish control of their companies, fearing th

Kevin Delano is the Founder and CEO of Karma Casting, a revolutionary platform disrupting the staffing landscape by bridging the gap between great brands and incredible talent. A proven serial entrepreneur, he has started and led many companies across diverse industries, with revenues ranging from two million dollars to $90 million with up to 400 employees. With extensive experience in innovation, strategy, corporate structure, leadership, and operations, Kevin possesses a strong market know-how in sales and marketing. Over the past three decades, he has founded and co-founded numerous businesses, including Consumer Impact Marketing, LAUNCH!, IMD Health Global Corp., Airntell Aerospace, and Sootsoap Supply Co. In this episode… Running a business is an arduous challenge from top to bottom, with an overwhelming number of tasks to manage. So, what can you learn from a successful entrepreneur who has founded, led, and exited numerous companies? According to serial entrepreneur Kevin Delano, it takes a lot of hard

Geoff Crain is the Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Kingstar Media, Canada’s top performance marketing agency. The agency designs and implements winning media strategies based on each client’s goals. As a seasoned media professional, Geoff has amassed over 12 years of experience in planning, purchasing, and optimizing offline and online media for some of the most distinguished brands in the world. He has a proven track record of successfully executing media buys across all advertising mediums, such as linear TV, radio, DOOH, CTV, SEM, SEO, programmatic, and paid social while managing high-volume media campaigns across Google, Meta, and TikTok. In this episode… In today's highly competitive business landscape, having a great product or service alone is not enough to guarantee success. To significantly impact your industry, effectively marketing your offerings to your target audience is crucial. According to performance marketing expert Geoff Crain, this is where media advertising comes in. However, de

Ed O’Keefe is a father of seven who grew up in a household of 13 children. A serial entrepreneur, he has started multiple companies from scratch to build them up to seven and eight figures, and is the author of Time Collapsing! The New Art of Speed, Money, Power, and Meaning. In dentistry, Ed sold over $50,000,000 in marketing systems and seminars; he started Marine Essentials and has sold over $60,000,000 in health supplements. Ed hosts his own podcast, the Ed O’Keefe Show and invests in KNOW Foods — a health food company that is disrupting the food industry. In this episode… Are you tired of your business plateauing or backsliding in sales? You're not alone — many entrepreneurs face this challenge at some point in their journey. However, there's a solution that's been gaining popularity. Ed O'Keefe's offer wingman strategy is helping entrepreneurs supercharge their sales and take their business to the next level. It involves leveraging a trusted partner to do all of the marketing for you. Your wingman will

Brad Martineau is the Co-founder and CEO of SixthDivision, a brand empowering entrepreneurs to build a successful business by providing the tools to get better reporting, visibility, and more clients. With over 14 years of experience building small businesses, his expertise lies in simplifying complex concepts and bridging the gap between theory and execution. As the sixth employee at Infusionsoft, Brad played a pivotal role in creating the marketing automation space for small businesses. In addition, he is also an accomplished basketball and entrepreneur coach passionate about teaching and helping people understand challenging concepts. In this episode… Running a business is no easy task; it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. The most challenging aspect of running a business is managing multiple tasks simultaneously. From marketing to sales, every aspect of your business demands your attention. So, how can you satisfy your clients while making your team's life easier? Serial entrepren

Cliff McDonald is Co-founder and Managing Partner of Brainheart Growth, a consulting firm oriented toward advising lower mid-market businesses on revenue growth. He also serves as the Chief Growth Officer and chairman of the advisory board at RehabPath, overseeing its expansion from a small team to an enterprise with over 55 staff members. Cliff firmly believes in compassionate business strategies and advocates for the intrinsic worth of core values and human-centric approaches within organizations. In this episode… It’s no secret that the lack of a common vision amongst employees and an inconsistent set of core values can sink any company. Cliff McDonald shares the valuable life lessons and core values passed on by his father, which shaped his perspective on leadership, compassion, and diversity. Cliff brings that perspective into the core mission of Brainheart Growth while emphasizing the challenges of promoting revenue in companies that lack brand awareness. He highlights the use of technology, like CRM sy

Jean-Pierre Lacroix is the Founder and President of Shikatani Lacroix Design, an international design firm specializing in creating immersive experiences that connect in the blink of an eye. He is also a registered graphic designer in Ontario, a credential that demonstrates his professional standards and ethics. As a visionary leader with over three decades of experience in the branding and design industry, Jean-Pierre has helped Fortune 500 companies transform their brands and organizations through his unique “ThinkBlink” process, which combines strategic foresight, design innovation, and consumer experience engineering. He is also an accomplished speaker, author, and educator who has shared his insights and expertise on global stages, in best-selling books, and at prestigious institutions. In this episode… Building a successful retail business requires significant effort and dedication, but one crucial aspect not to overlook is the value of design. Good design is essential for creating a powerful brand iden

Richard Walker is the CEO of Quik!, a provider of forms automation and management solutions for companies looking to maximize efficiency and productivity. He started Quik! in 2002 to help people spend less time on paperwork and more time on what they do best. Before Quik!, Rich was a business consultant with Arthur Andersen. He is a published author of two books and a father of three boys. In this episode… Building a SaaS-based company is a challenging but rewarding journey. As an entrepreneur, you have a unique opportunity to create software that solves real problems and delivers value to your customers. But to succeed in such a competitive market, one must go beyond simply building a great product. To stand out and attract loyal customers, business consultant and entrepreneur Richard Walker says your software must be easy to use and intuitive. You don't want your users to struggle with complex features or spend hours figuring out how to use your product. Instead, you want to create a seamless and delightful

Robert Burko is the Founder and CEO of Elite Digital Agency, an award-winning digital agency headquartered in Toronto, Canada. With a sophisticated marketing strategy and cutting-edge digital tactics to execute programs that exceed expectations, Elite has been helping clients leverage the digital landscape to achieve their goals for 20 years.  Robert was also the Founder and President of Elite Email, a world leader in email and mobile marketing solutions. As one of Canada's chief email and digital marketing specialists, he has appeared on national television, radio programs, podcasts, and countless print publications across North America. Recognized as a thought leader in his industry, Robert speaks as an expert in his field at high-profile events both within his industry and for those outside who are looking for easy online business solutions. In this episode… In today's digital age, marketing has become more complex than ever before. The rise of social media and the constantly evolving digital landscape has