The Marketing Factor, by Cobble Hill

Justin Watt, co-founder of Switchboard and expert in systems design, joins Austin Dandridge to break down how high-performing teams use AI and automation to scale without adding complexity. In this episode of The Marketing Factor, they cover low-lift, high-impact workflows, how to prep your business for AI, the real bottlenecks behind AGI, and why tools like Notion and Airtable are still top picks for lean teams. If you're building a direct-to-consumer brand, creative agency, or fast-growing business, this conversation will change how you think about operations, automation, and modern marketing strategy.

In this episode of The Marketing Factor, Austin Dandridge sits down with Molly Fienning, the serial entrepreneur behind Babyators, Red Clay Hot Sauce, and now SipLand—a platform redefining non-alcoholic beverage culture through community, content, and curation.Molly shares what it means to build from the second mountain—a phase of entrepreneurship driven not by scale or speed, but by alignment, intuition, and presence. They discuss how younger founders are rewriting hustle culture, why the future of consumer brands depends on in-person community, and how building for yourself can actually be the smartest strategy of all.If you're rethinking how (and why) you build your brand, this one's essential.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:42 – Meditation, Joe Dispenza, and tuning in04:15 – The “second mountain” and redefining success09:58 – Starting Babyators and spotting market gaps13:30 – SipLand: a new vision for non-alc community19:42 – Gen Z founders, boundaries, and new energy27:57 – Gut vs data: how Molly makes decisions30:38 – Building real-life brand experiences33:50 – SipLand as a brand consultancy37:53 – Who you think your customer is vs who it actually is43:37 – Why Molly builds for herself first47:42 – DTC, margins, and what to avoid in CPG50:13 – Where to find Molly and learn more about SipLand

In this episode of The Marketing Factor, Austin Dandridge interviews Lucas Ballasy, CEO and partner at Barrel, a specialized CPG commerce agency. Lucas shares insights from his journey from freelance designer to agency leadership, while discussing his popular weekly newsletter and approach to creative work.TIMESTAMPS: 00:41 - Lucas's journey with writing and creative expression03:46 - The process of writing a weekly newsletter12:38 - From freelance designer to CEO at Barrel19:06 - Finding focus in the CPG space23:53 - Effective landing page strategy for CPG brands29:20 - Why headless commerce rose and fell33:20 - When brands should invest in custom vs theme websites38:03 - Evolution of website development methodologies43:58 - Current trends in e-commerce and CPG

In this episode of The Marketing Factor, Austin Dandridge sits down with acclaimed photographer William Hereford to explore what truly makes brand photography authentic, the critical elements of a great creative brief, and how the rise of AI is reshaping the creative industry.William shares his unique insights from years of working with iconic brands like L.L. Bean, Untuckit, Tumi, and Bonobos, emphasizing the importance of stripping back unnecessary elements to capture genuine, resonant imagery. From why hiring professional models isn't always the best decision, to the necessity of clear creative direction in challenging shoots, William explains how brands can get maximum impact—even on a limited budget.Austin and William also discuss the provocative topic of artificial intelligence. William reveals his personal and professional stance on AI-enhanced images, questioning the very definition of authenticity in photography and how brands might navigate this rapidly evolving landscape.Whether you're a marketer, photographer, or entrepreneur looking to elevate your brand's visual storytelling, this conversation provides critical guidance on balancing authenticity, budget, and technology in the modern age of content creation.Key topics covered:• Why brands should rethink hiring models and stylists• Crafting effective creative briefs that deliver better outcomes• The ethical and professional implications of AI-enhanced imagery• Maintaining authenticity and integrity in photography

In this episode of The Marketing Factor, host Austin Dandridge sits down with Shae Fascenda, Senior Email Strategist at Cobble Hill, to uncover the advanced tactics driving ecommerce growth through strategic email marketing. Shae shares her battle-tested expertise on planning holiday campaigns months in advance, why SMS has become non-negotiable with its 98% open rate, and how strategic segmentation outperforms volume every time. Whether you're looking to improve your deliverability score or create more effective SMS campaigns that feel like texts from a friend, this conversation delivers actionable insights for marketers ready to elevate their ecommerce results. Don't miss Shae's compelling case for why the most successful brands are already planning their Black Friday campaigns in March and how proper email fundamentals create the foundation for sustainable growth.

Running a creative business is never straightforward, but partnering with someone who complements your strengths can truly transform your trajectory. In this episode of The Marketing Factor, Hart Hagerty and Curry Uflacker, the dynamic sister duo behind HART Jewelry, provide fresh insights into the value of strategic partnerships, the realities of scaling a brand, and the delicate balance of authentic storytelling in digital marketing.

In this episode of The Marketing Factor, I catch up with Ellison and Bryant Thomas at Ellison's waterfront studio. The Thomas Brothers are Charleston surf scene legends and the creative force behind both a thriving video production company and east coast surf community platform, Ninety-Six Wave. We dive into their journey building a surf lifestyle brand, talk marketing strategies that actually work, share some health wisdom, and explore how to stay stoked in both business and life. The brothers' authentic approach to combining passion with entrepreneurship makes for a conversation that goes well beyond just surfing. Whether you're a wave chaser, creator, or business owner, there's something here for you.

In this episode of The Marketing Factor, I sit down with my colleague, Jackie Thomson, founder of Of Counsel, to explore the transformative world of PR. With more than 13 years of experience, Jackie shares insights into how PR has evolved from traditional media relations to a multifaceted practice encompassing storytelling, influencer partnerships, and purpose-driven events.

In the latest episode of The Marketing Factor, I sat down with Peter Kang, co-founder and chairman of Barrel Holdings, who has built a portfolio of agencies that has redefined what strategic growth looks like. In this conversation, Peter revealed how intentional positioning and systematic thinking have shaped his approach to building and scaling multiple successful agencies. As someone who's followed Peter's weekly newsletter and insights for years, I was particularly interested in understanding how his methodical approach to agency specialization could benefit brands looking to partner with agencies. His journey offers valuable lessons for both agency leaders and brands seeking the right partnership.

At 19, while most of her UNLV classmates were figuring out their next move, Whitney Bansin launched a styling company that would end up working on TV shows to movies. That evolved into running all the creative direction at Zappos, where she got an inside look at how fashion and commerce intersect. Instead of heading to fashion school like she originally planned, Whitney kept building businesses. Her background in dance and years of celebrity styling gave her a fresh perspective on what was missing in the sports world. Now as CEO of The Wild Collective, she's creating the kind of premium sports apparel she always wanted to see. In this episode, Whitney shares her approach to building brands, leading teams, and spotting opportunities that others miss. It's a conversation about seeing possibilities in unexpected places and having the confidence to pursue them.

The world of healthcare design was stuck in a time warp - stock photos, clinical messaging, and designs that spoke more to insurance companies than humans. That started changing when Dan Kenger saw an opportunity to bring consumer-first design to an industry that had forgotten about the consumer. During his Gin Lane days, Dan's content-first approach and selective client philosophy helped create the modern D2C playbook through work with brands like Harry's and Sweetgreen. He'd actually helped create Hims' original brand identity back in 2017, so when he joined as Chief Design Officer in 2020, he was building on a foundation he'd already laid. Whether you're a designer, brand builder, or just curious about how thoughtful design can transform entire industries, this episode is packed with powerful insights.

Starting her career on stage, Sarah Kleist developed a knack for telling stories, a skill she's since translated into building brands and digital experiences with a business of her own. Her approach centers around engaging her clients' audiences through clever content strategies on TikTok, insanely fast web design processes, tailored SEO tactics, and more. In this episode of The Marketing Factor, Sarah reflects on how her theater roots help her understand audience psychology, putting her in a position to approach marketing as a blend of art and strategy. Watch the full interview for Sarah's fresh takes on branding, and read on for five key takeaways from our chat below for a deeper look into some of her insights on engaging audiences.

Influencer marketing has come a long way since the days of trading free products for social shoutouts. Today it's big budgets, matching expectations, and a new set of challenges to work through. I recently sat down to have a chat with Robyn Nissim, Fractional VP of Social Media + Influencer Marketing at Social Proof Agency. She is a social media expert with 14 years of experience and she broke down how you can get the most out of influencer marketing in 2024. That's what we'll cover in this blog, but we get into much much more in the latest episode of The Marketing Factor, including: - The evolution of social media marketing and strategies for adapting to platform changes - Integrating AI in marketing: balancing efficiency with authenticity - Developing effective content strategies across platforms

Wes Carter is the President of Atlantic Packaging and Founder of A New Earth Project. But business success is only part of Wes' story. In this episode, he also shares his personal journey of self-discovery through yoga and plant medicine, and how these experiences led him to revolutionize Atlantic Packaging's approach to sustainability with A New Earth Project. From collaborating with pro surfers to eliminate single-use plastics in surfboard packaging to helping major brands reduce their environmental impact, Wes shows how focusing on health and wellness can create positive change while still clearing a profit.

Max Berry and his team have taken Allegiance Flag Supply from a garage-based side hustle to a rapidly growing American manufacturing success story. With a background in hotel finance, Max brought a fresh set of eyes to the world of e-commerce, and it's clearly paid off. In just six years, Allegiance has expanded five times and now has over 60 employees in a brand new facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. In this episode, Austin and Max dive into the journey of Allegiance Flag Supply. From the initial spark of inspiration to the challenges of scaling a business, Max shares his insights with refreshing candor and positivity. Perhaps most striking is Max's commitment to building a brand with integrity and purpose. Whether he's talking about the importance of American manufacturing, the discipline of financial management, or the power of teamwork, Max's passion for creating something the right way shines through in every story and piece of advice.

Tony King, CEO of King & Partners, has been a force in luxury and lifestyle branding for over 25 years. His journey began in the late '90s when he moved from London to New York, eventually landing at Gucci where he pioneered their first e-commerce efforts as Design Director. This innovative approach to digital luxury set the stage for his future success. In 2010, Tony and his wife, Inii, founded King & Partners, which they've since built into a globally recognized agency. Today, they partner with some of the world's most prestigious brands in fashion, hospitality, and lifestyle. In this episode, we dive into the evolution of luxury branding in the digital age. Tony shares insights on maintaining brand integrity while embracing innovation, drawing from his wealth of experience working with high-end brands. As we explore the delicate balance between tradition and digital transformation, Tony's perspective offers a fresh take on what it means to be a luxury brand in 2024. Key topics include: - Embracing "Quiet Confidence" and Authenticity in Luxury Branding - Pioneering Digital Transformation in the Luxury Sector - Maintaining Brand Integrity Across Multiple Channels - Prioritizing Long-Term Brand Equity Over Short-Term Gains

Amy Pastre and Courtney Rowson, the creative forces behind SDCO Partners, bring a wealth of design experience to the table. Before co-founding SDCO in 2009, Amy held design and art director positions at agencies where she worked with diverse clients across print, advertising, and digital platforms. Meanwhile, Courtney's pre-SDCO career included stints at nationally-renowned studios collaborating with clients ranging from non-profits to Fortune 500 companies. Since joining forces to create SDCO Partners, Amy and Courtney have built a multi-disciplinary studio that has become a go-to for emerging and established brands seeking to reimagine their industries. With a team of writers, designers, developers, and strategists, they have crafted a reputation for creating compelling, immersive brand experiences that draw inspiration from art, history, exploration, and architecture. Here's what Austin, Amy, and Courtney cover in the episode: [02:38] How they transitioned from freelancers to founders [06:37] The development of SDCO's distinct aesthetic and collaborative process [11:46] The evolution of SDCO's service offerings, from print to digital and beyond [17:26] Strategies for translating brand identity into physical spaces [22:22] How they maintain quality while growing the business [28:00] Their iterative approach to creating holistic brand solutions [34:13] Navigating client feedback while staying true to their creative vision [43:35] Lessons learned in managing the financial side of a creative studio

This week, I'm diving into some of the burning questions that have been filling up my DMs lately. Since starting Cobble Hill and launching my podcast The Marketing Factor, I've had the privilege of connecting with a bunch of different businesses, each facing their own unique marketing challenges. What excites me most about this industry is its constant evolution - every day brings new challenges, every client presents a unique puzzle to solve, and every solution requires a fresh approach. In our latest episode, I took a solo deep dive into some of the most common questions I've been receiving. Now, I'm breaking down those insights here for you, covering everything from seismic shifts in the industry to practical advice on building your marketing team.

Jason Mitchell is the Founder and CEO of Movement Strategy, an agency that has grown from a scrappy startup in a college dorm room to a 150-person team working with major brands like Amazon, Nike, Netflix, and Warner Bros. Jason joined me on my podcast this week to dive deep into the importance of adaptability in the world of social media, building a culture of curiosity and agility, and his thoughts on the future of social-centric marketing. Here are the key topics we covered: - [03:34] The early days of Movement Strategy: From dorm room to the Denver Nuggets - [07:46] Scaling the agency: Balancing client work and company culture - [13:33] Adapting to the ever-changing social media landscape - [18:24] The power of AI in social media marketing: Opportunities and challenges - [24:18] Building a social-centric brand: Movement's unique approach - [29:21] Fostering a culture of transparency and open communication - [35:47] The future of social media: Jason's predictions and insights - [42:01] The increasing importance of influencers and social commerce - [48:27] Growing pains: What Jason misses (and doesn't miss) about the early days

Tanner Sutton, founder of Free Fly Apparel, has always been drawn to the outdoors. With a background in his family's clothing business and a passion for fly fishing, Tanner's journey as an entrepreneur began when he least expected it - while working as a fishing guide in Montana. Today, Free Fly Apparel is known for its comfortable, versatile bamboo-based clothing designed for those who love to embrace the outdoors. In this episode of The Marketing Factor, I sat down with Tanner to dive into his entrepreneurial journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. From the initial lightbulb moment that sparked the idea for Free Fly Apparel to the challenges of scaling a business while staying true to its core values, Tanner shares his insights on building an authentic outdoor lifestyle brand that resonates with customers.

Krista LeRay first made a name for herself as a lifestyle influencer, sharing her daily outfits and adventures with her social followers. But after falling back in love with needlepoint during the pandemic, she spotted an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to this traditional craft. Enter Penny Linn Designs - the needlepoint kit company Krista built from scratch, combining her eye for design with her knack for creating content that resonates. Fast forward to today, and Penny Linn has grown into a multi-million dollar brand, with Krista at the helm as Founder and CEO. For many influencers, the idea of starting a business feels like a natural evolution. After all, when you've spent years building a loyal community and honing your skills in content creation, marketing, and connecting with an audience, you've got a leg up in the entrepreneurship game. But taking that leap from influencer to founder isn't simple. It means stepping into a whole new world of product development, team building, financial planning - not to mention pushing past the inevitable self-doubt and imposter syndrome. In this episode of The Marketing Factor, Krista shares raw insights on what it takes to make the jump from content creator to business owner, and how her influencer background has shaped her approach every step of the way.

Richard Reutter's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and staying true to your roots. As the President of Caroline's Cakes, the mail-order bakery founded by his late mother Caroline Reutter, Richard has helped grow the business from a home-based passion project to a thriving national brand. But through all the growth and changes, Richard has remained committed to preserving the authentic family recipes, homemade quality, and warm personal touch that define the Caroline's Cakes brand. In this episode of The Marketing Factor, Richard shares his insights on building an authentic brand that connects with customers on a deep emotional level. From seizing big opportunities before you feel ready to creating immersive brand experiences that go beyond just selling products, Richard's stories offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to scale with soul. Through it all, a common thread emerges: the importance of infusing genuine passion, heart, and storytelling into every aspect of your brand. Richard's experiences illustrate how even the smallest family business can create an outsized impact by staying true to its core values and never losing sight of the human touch.

Emmett Shine is a creative entrepreneur who has played a major role in the emergence of the direct-to-consumer movement. As the co-founder of NYC creative agency Gin Lane, he helped craft immersive online experiences for the likes of Sweetgreen and Stella McCartney. And with his latest venture, Pattern Brands, he's on a mission to bring more joy and meaning to people's everyday lives through thoughtfully designed home goods. Throughout his career, Emmett has demonstrated a knack for turning challenges into opportunities and staying true to his vision in a shifting landscape. In this episode of *The Marketing Factor*, he shares his insights on everything from navigating economic disruption to creating authentic brands that stand the test of time. Along the way, he reveals a common thread: the importance of staying curious, adaptable, and true to your core, no matter what may come your way.

On the latest episode of "The Marketing Factor" podcast, we had Lindsey Johnson, CEO and Co-founder of Weezie Towels. Lindsey and her co-founder Liz started Weezie in 2018 to bring a luxury, personalized towel experience to the market after identifying a gap in the industry. Since then, Weezie has grown into a thriving direct-to-consumer brand known for its high-quality, customizable towels and exceptional customer service. Throughout this conversation, Lindsey shares invaluable insights on how Weezie has leveraged personalization to create a unique brand experience that resonates with customers. From authentic influencer partnerships to maintaining a human touch in customer service, Lindsey dives deep into the nuances of personalization and its major role in Weezie's success.

Carrie Morey is the owner and founder of Callie's Charleston Biscuits and Callie's Hot Little Biscuit, a handmade biscuit company she started 19 years ago using her mother Callie's recipes. With a passion for Southern food and a desire to balance her career with raising her daughters, Carrie embarked on a journey to build a mail-order biscuit business at a time when online shopping was still in its infancy. In this episode of “The Marketing Factor”, Carrie gets real about keeping an authentic, local feel alive while dreaming big and going global. She spoke on the wild ride of growing her business authentically, from personally dropping off biscuits at local spots to figuring out how to scale up production and distribution without losing that special touch. Carrie's story is all about staying true to your roots while chasing those big dreams.

In Episode 01 of the Marketing Factor, Austin Dandridge sits down with entrepreneur Brooks Reitz to discuss his journey in developing successful brands across various industries. From his early days working in restaurants to launching the innovative Jack Rudy Cocktail Company, Brooks shares insights on how he has cultivated a unique taste and leveraged it to create authentic, compelling brands. Brooks dives into the importance of storytelling, consistency, and customer service in building a strong brand identity. He also discusses the challenges of maintaining brand consistency in the ever-changing restaurant industry and shares his strategies for staying relevant while remaining true to core values. Throughout the conversation, Brooks emphasizes the significance of pursuing one's passions, immersing oneself in diverse experiences, and seeking out new knowledge to develop a refined taste. He also touches on the growth of his popular Substack newsletter and the role it plays in shaping his personal brand. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, marketer, or simply interested in the world of taste-making and brand-building, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration from one of Charleston's most innovative and influential figures. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 02:34 - Brooks describes his entrepreneurial ventures 06:04 - Developing taste and seeking out new experiences 13:41 - The story behind Jack Rudy Cocktail Company 20:52 - Defining a great brand 25:26 - Launch and growth of Brooks' Substack newsletter 32:24 - Handling negative feedback and personal branding advice 36:35 - Maintaining brand consistency in the restaurant industry 43:39 - Staying relevant while honoring brand origins 47:17 - The one question Brooks wishes he was asked 50:48 - Contrarian advice for business success 55:02 - Where to find Brooks Reitz online ___ The Marketing Factor is presented by Cobble Hill Produced by Thursday Labs