The Brand Manual

Udayan Bose founded NetElixir almost 20 years ago. They're an integrated digital marketing agency that focuses on client empathy and doing as much good in the world as possible. Give it a listen, and then check out these resources to find out more about the work he's doing for others-Udaan Social Empowerment Trust (udaan-trust.org)Meet Swathi | UDAAN Flight Foundation Testimonial - YouTubeBlogs - NetElixirMore Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

Jackson Rollo is the newest generation at the helm of Rollo Insurance. As president of the agency, he's constantly looking at the future- figuring out how to build relationships and how to integrate tech to accentuate and not replace quality interactions. He also hosts a podcast that helps young professionals and students find the best white-collar industries that match their interests and abilities. He's also a new dad, as well as today's guest on The Brand Manual. More Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

Drew Lewis works at projekt202 in Louisville, KY. They're on a mission to make better experiences for people everywhere. And, of course, they do that through experience-driven software design. You know, apps- stuff like that. They work with the entire spectrum of businesses, from funded startups to very big enterprises. Drew is an old college friend and rock climbing buddy who knows how brand parameters impact great tech design. Better yet, he's today's guest on The Brand Manual. 

On this episode of the Brand Manual, we got to hear from CEO Diane Schwartz of Ragan Communications. She is more than qualified to give her great insights on internal and external communications. She even offers thoughts on brand integrity and how you develop that integrity via messaging. She highlights the challenges of the last few years and explains why our words matter now more than ever. More Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

Pete and Ali are convicts. They also run a team of convicts in LA, New York, and Australia. Their agency name is a nod to the Aussie history, but it primarily speaks to their convictions. They've built a brand that helps other brands stir up the good kind of trouble to make the world a better place. These were the two most charming and thoughtful convicts we've ever run across. They give an insider's view into agency life, brand alignment, and what it takes to bring value to their clients. 

Jeff is the Chief Culture Officer at 5. That's it, the numerical symbol 5. It's proprietary. The kind of brain that would come up with “5” for a company that buys and sells energy contracts makes for a very fun interview. Jeff is an idea power plant, and he knows the secret to building a great company is by starting with the right people who have the right mindset. So culture, above all. This page from the brand manual is chock-full of insights, inspiration, energy, and some levity. We're glad you're here.

Today's episode features Brett McCoy from Huck Cycles. He builds e-bikes for people who don't suck. This episode was a truly great conversation with a jovial guy, building a great product, employing good folks, and doing it all right here in the USA. We're glad that we have guys like Brett out in the world building good stuff the right way and powering us into the electric future! 

We got to speak with Electa Bartels- owner of Profit in Your Pocket Bookkeeping. Her clients have a growth mindset and professionalism in their DNA, and she doesn't ever request a shoebox of your receipts! Give it a listen.More Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

Calling all podcast listeners! We just dropped a new episode! Tune in to hear from Taylor Ellerbrock about The BEE Community- an innovative work community that provides a sense of belonging and respect for adults of all ability levels.More Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

More Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

Remember that New Year's resolution you made that never came to fruition? There's a reason why it didn't work out, and Marco can tell you all about it on this episode of The Brand Manual. Marco Palma is the director of the Human Behavior Lab at Texas A&M University and is doing some fascinating work researching what drives us so we can learn how to make better decisions in our lives. Tune in to learn something new about yourself!

In today's episode of The Brand Manual, we have guests Tyler Stillwell & Drew Murr– the entrepreneurial minds behind Banjaxed Solutions.  We talk about culture, value, and honesty as they develop a product and service that declutters law firm operations freeing those firms to serve their clients in a more professional way.  Tune in to this week's episode wherever you like to listen! Want to be a guest on our podcast?https://calendly.com/fideliscreative/podcast-callMore Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

If you've ever marveled at the genius behind company or product names like Amazon, Tide, or Xerox you can appreciate the artistry behind naming.  Today's guest on The Brand Manual is Mike Carr of NameStormers– specialists in naming companies, products, processes, and anything you can think of.  Mike has over 30 years of experience in the naming business and has fascinating stories to share.  Be sure to tune in to this week's episode wherever you like to listen!Want to be a guest on our podcast?https://calendly.com/fideliscreative/podcast-callMore Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

This week on The Brand Manual we welcome Jim Stern.  He is the founder of visionary and lead strategist for Trexo– an enterprise that helps develop personal discipleship programs for Christian organizations.  He uses the word disciple because he helps people follow Jesus and run their race well.  We are so excited to have this conversation with Jim and we hope you'll tune in wherever you like to listen!Want to be a guest on our podcast?https://calendly.com/fideliscreative/podcast-callMore Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

On this week's episode of The Brand Manual, we welcome Will Hayes of Northwestern Mutual.  He is the very definition of a community pillar especially in his work leading entrepreneurs and business owners in 1 Million Cups.  Will works hard to bring value wherever he goes and we believe everyone can benefit from this conversation.  Tune in now wherever you like to listen!Connect with Will:www.willhayes.nm.comWant to be a guest on our podcast?https://calendly.com/fideliscreative/podcast-callMore Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

Jorge Leal leads the 1800 employees of Laredo Medical Center.  At age 37, he became CEO of the hospital the same year COVID hit south Texas hard.  He explains how they've stayed agile and maintained focus through it all.  Listen in to The Brand Manual today wherever you like to listen!

Today's podcast episode is with Douglass Miller of Straight Edge Technology in Corpus Christi, Texas. He explains how he founded the managed IT company, how he grew it to 28 employees and expanded to include Houston and San Antonio. He's even streamlined to focus on specific market segments. Today he gives us a few insider tips on how to increase security and where his industry is headed in 2021. Tune in wherever you like to listen now!Want to be a guest on our podcast?https://calendly.com/fideliscreative/podcast-callMore Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

At the top of the long list of things that make Texas a great (the greatest?) state is a wonderful pastry called a kolache. Czech immigrants brought them over, and generations have kept the fires burning for these fruit-filled delights. Through joyful perseverance and a bold vision, Randy Hines acquired the Houston-based Kolache Shoppe and builds his multi-site empire tray by delicious tray. Randy guiding his brand the right way: thoughtfully, slowly, and with an eye on what matters most: delighting his patrons. 

Horizon Firearms build custom rifles that tell stories. Horizon takes their customer's vision and brings it into existence: true customization. The result is that each rifle has double value – great accuracy (of course), but they also function as generational pieces that bring meaning and transfer values. That's big. It was an honor to have this Texas brand on our show.Want to be a guest on our podcast?https://calendly.com/fideliscreative/podcast-callMore Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual

The Brand Manual is back and better than ever for Season 2!Our first episode of the season welcomes Odin Clack of Odin Leather Goods.  He is a bonafide Texas entrepreneur who has managed to build a thriving leather works business and retail space in the midst of a pandemic.  "Free Dreams, Full Price Hustle" is the mantra that Odin lives by and it's made abundantly clear in his work and through our conversation together.  Stream this episode now wherever you like to listen!Want to be a guest on our podcast?https://calendly.com/fideliscreative/podcast-callMore Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

This week's podcast episode features Terrence Shaw from Wirevibe.  He shares his expertise and passion in helping his clients find the right solution to their business problems with custom software development and consulting.  You can tune in on all major streaming platforms now!Want to be a guest on our podcast?https://calendly.com/fideliscreative/podcast-callMore Episodes:https://fideliscreativeagency.com/the-brand-manual/

This week our guest on The Brand Manual is Michelle Dew from Cultivate Your Space!  This episode explores how Michelle took her passion for interior design and turned it into a business.  This personal yet engaging story is one you won't want to miss!

This week on The Brand Manual we welcome Matt Prochaska of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation.  Matt is highly involved in improving the Brazos Valley by investing in the connections between education and industry in our community.  Don't forget to tune in!

In this episode, we are joined by Jeff Evans and Chris Lyon of Envision Global Leadership - two thinkers and drivers who are actively helping business leaders achieve their potential. They bring plenty of insight and knowledge that is beneficial to all business and corporation leaders and members so don't forget to listen in!

Douglas Spencer has been in the brand development/marketing game for decades and brings his expertise, insights, and good humor to this episode of the Brand Manual.

Your children deserve great answers to difficult questions. Sex, addiction, firearms, divorce - you name it. Before you break out into a cold sweat at the very thought, just know you've found great resources! Shannon and Kristin of Oh.My.Word will help you have those prickly conversations early, often, and rest easy - you'll stick the landing! We were honored to have them on the podcast.

Randy McDougal brings many decades of experience running growing businesses, consulting with aspirational entrepreneurs, and Wickman's EOS training to our discussion. Randy is equal parts brilliant and kind - a quick witted mind meets a sincere hearted mentor. Enjoy!

Tom helps facilitate human connections. In this episode, he explores how donors feel invested in the next generation of students at Texas A&M University. All Aggies- as well as leaders of institutions, non-profits, and NGO's- will find Tom a wealth of insight.

Attention beverage enthusiasts! Our 30th episode features a conversation with Shaun Siems, founder of Spirit of Texas Distillery. They focus primarily on rum and whiskey and are known for their award-winning Texas Single Malt Whiskey. While many Texas whiskey brands source their spirits from elsewhere and then throw "Texas" on the label, Spirit of Texas is one of the few who distill, age, and bottle their own products right here on Texas soil. 

Chris Westfall is an expert in business and specifically in leadership communication. His newest book, Leadership Language, gives business leaders the tools to craft a compelling story for their company and tap into the potential of their team. Westfall's credentials include being a regular contributor to Forbes and the title of National Elevator Pitch Champion.

Hawthorn's Gin is making quite a name for itself in the spirit industry, taking home a gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirit's competition for 4 years running. On this episode, founder and CEO Will Turnage tells the story about finding his grandfather's gin recipe and building a brand that bolsters the excellence of the Hawthorn's product.

Dr. Jeff Evans isn't just a business consultant, leadership guru, and author. He is much more than that. Jeff is also a kind and sincere voice concerned with seeing young business talent emerge in a world that is desperately short of good leadership. He assembled a team of experts, developed a multi-rater tool, rolled out a new AI product, and perfected a process that builds the leaders of tomorrow. He joins us today to talk about leadership in a Covid-19 world and why he remains so hopeful about this time of transition.  

Mark Parrett sits down with the Brand Manual and unpacks why he launched Outpost Advisors - a financial advising firm that focuses on growing the capital of families with multi-generational ambitions. Mark is an old friend of Fidelis, and he's wicked smart. Beyond all that, he is exactly the kind of guy who should be handing out financial advice to growing families. A husband and father, Mark has a household full of wonderful young women, a dog, and is prone to hike like a maniac around beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah.

Brandon Jones fought through a decade of adversity to help build the most successful college sports fan site in the country. This is an extremely candid conversation with a savvy business owner, strategic thinker, and quality guy who still has fresh vision for what TexAgs can be in the future. We were honored to have him on the Brand Manual.

Michael Cody and his team at Howdy's Pizza are earning a solid reputation as they pioneer the world of Texas Pizza. Howdy's serves up pizzas roasted on grilled crusts with special recipes that have names like the Flamin' Yardbird and the Hillbilly Hawaiian. He talks about building the brand and culture that has allowed Howdy's to thrive in an already saturated restaurant market.

Joe Carter's family has built a Texas Icon with TX Burger. If you've gone on a road trip in Texas, you're probably familiar with their billboards, proudly touting their use of All Natural Nolan Ryan Angus Beef. He talks about watching his dad start the business in 1973 and helping it grow through the years.

Felice House is a painter and art school professor know for her striking portraits. Her acclaimed series Re-Western presents classic characters from American Western films reimagined as females. These portraits invite the viewer to consider how male representations of heroes and leads are ingrained in American culture and confronts a lack of female perspective in many important spheres of life. Her work has been displayed in many shows and galleries, both in the US and abroad.

Cafe Brazil, a Dallas dining staple, serves up its famous breakfast, as well as a myriad of lunch and dinner options, throughout all hours of the day and night. On this episode, CEO Brant Wood talks all about the ins and outs of running and growing a restaurant with 7 locations across the DFW area. We are frequent patrons of Cafe Brazil so we were thrilled to chat with Brant.

Heath Phillips and his team have built a unique and surprising "daycation" experience in College Station at BearX. A massive pool, complete with group cabanas and full bar service, and an adjacent cable wakeboard park, are just the beginning at this development. We hear about the genesis of BearX and about the exciting additions that are still to come.

High-flying, yet down to earth, Bob Jordan is the Executive VP of Corporate Services at Southwest Airlines. He took time out of a busy schedule to talk with us about what has made Southwest Airlines such a monumental company for such a long time. He shares some secrets about how they maintain such a strong company culture, both internally and with their customers. He's also a fellow Aggie who does a lot to give back to the university. We were honored to have him on the show.

Southside Craft Soda is an up-and-coming craft soda maker based in San Antonio Texas. Their beverages are inspired by the flavors of South Texas. Their signature Texa-Cola is making it's way around Texas restaurants and grocery stores. Andrew talks about the genesis of the company and how it has grown over the last few years.

Peter Madden is the owner of Mad Taco, a set of gourmet fast-casual taco restaurants in BCS. He is an experienced restauranteur who has done everything from fine dining to a food truck, and shares with us his story and the lessons he has learned as an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry. Listen to the end for a crazy story from one of his restaurants.

Greg Martin inspires and empowers entrepreneurs to achieve their ambitions. With a strong background in commercial banking and deep understanding of entrepreneurship, he is an invaluable teammate to business-owners. His passion for people and growing businesses is evident in how he speaks about his work.

Kristy Petty, the owner of The Village in downtown Bryan, has been instrumental in developing the art and music scene of downtown Bryan. The Village is a hub for locals to meet, do business, perform, and display art. In this episode, we hear about how she built The Village and the exciting expansion to a new historic space in downtown.

Matt Faulkner and Brian Gibbs run PACT Design Studio, an illustrious architecture firm in Bryan, Texas. We loved getting to talk to them about the complex nature of creative projects and how they are able to serve clients well by being ultra-attentive to the needs of each project.

Brad Askew cares about entrepreneurship and developing people. A natural 'helper' at heart, he wrote a book, titled Life Pivot, to assist people looking for a new direction in their life-long journey to become who they were always meant to be. Brad is accomplished, capable, and astute. His guidance and step by step process are worth checking out. We were glad to have him on the podcast and know you'll benefit from his wisdom. 

Steve Tinkle is an independent consultant with a wildly curious mind. He makes it goal to break apart complex business problems and help decision-makers forge the right path ahead. He has helped build multi-million dollar enterprises in a wide range of industries. We loved getting to hear from him and learn from his deep understanding of marketing.

Stefan is the founder and president of QREW Technologies, a team that builds custom apps tailored to businesses needs. They aim to streamline the process of creating custom apps so that they are accessible and useful for any type of business. We discuss the struggles of startup life, being a young entrepreneur, and the importance of a team culture.

Rodrigo Chavez, owner of What's the Buzz Coffee, a specialty roaster in College Station, tells us about his journey growing a coffee business and his pursuit of the highest quality cup possible. We talk about the many moving parts in the coffee supply chain and his efforts to educate customers so that everyone can "be your own barista" and maximize their coffee experience.