Brand Groupies

Hosted by Carey Balogh

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May 2026

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About the show

Launched in 2018 by Brand Groupies Founder & CEO Carey Balogh, this podcast shines a spotlight on the ultimate insiders - the brand groupies - powering the ever-evolving built world. Each episode dives into the stories, passion, and creativity driving national leaders in architecture, design, real estate, and beyond. As a women-owned strategic communications agency, we've spotlighted visionary executives for over a decade, leveraging Social Media, Public Relations, and Podcasting as an interconnected ecosystem to build brand visibility and drive business growth. We make our clients impossible to ignore. www.brandgroupies.com

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60 recent

May 19, 2026Episode 7424 min

#74 Nikita Morell of DIRT and Nikita Morell

Nikita Morell is a messaging strategist specializing in architecture and the founder of DIRT Agency. In this episode, Nikita shares her journey from corporate marketing to a messaging architect... for architects. She discusses building her agency and the importance of research, client interviews, and consistent branding. Nikita also explores how to adapt messaging across markets while maintaining a cohesive voice, and draws on insights as a Co-Founder of ArchCon. Tune in for creative, practical takeaways!www.thedirtagency.com and www.nikitamorell.com/newsletterEpisode highlights:(2:35) Nikita’s path from marketing to architecture copywriting(4:14) Why she started her own agency(7:01) The launch and purpose of DIRT(9:15) Turning technical ideas into human messaging(10:28) The biggest messaging mistake architects make(13:39) Creating ArchiCon for business-minded architects(15:48) Lessons learned from building a brand(16:34) Staying consistent on LinkedIn(19:03) Finding ideas outside the architecture industry(22:16) How to be the ultimate Brand Groupie

April 14, 2026Episode 7321 min

#73 Kate Treen of BerlinRosen, an Orchestra Company

Kate Treen is the senior vice president at BerlinRosen, an Orchestra Company, who leads PR for real estate, non-profit, design, and philanthropy while partnering with New York developers and architects. In this episode, Kate shares her journey throughout PR, providing insights along the way. She discusses earned media and 360 storytelling. Tune in for honest advice on leading with clarity, strategy, and staying ahead of the trends in this digital environment.(2:28) Kate Treen’s career journey from Los Angeles to New York(4:40) How physical spaces become strong brand stories(5:50) Standout clients and major development projects(8:16) Common myths about branding in real estate and design(10:03) How PR has changed with AI, social media, and AEO(13:14) How Orchestra was built to meet today’s media world(14:44) Creating custom teams and integrated client solutions(15:35) Trends in architecture, urban storytelling, and civic engagement(17:00) Kate’s advice for firms that want sharper brand messaging(19:21) How mindfulness shapes leadership, listening, and creativity(20:41) What’s ahead for Orchestra and its growing client work

March 10, 2026Episode 7230 min

#72 Steve Guberman of Agency Outsight

Steve Guberman is an experienced agency founder turned advisor who now helps agencies grow and strengthen their operations at Agency Outsight. In this episode, Steve shares his journey from launching and growing an agency in 2006 to selling it in 2015, and how those experiences shaped his approach to leadership and growth. He discusses the importance of niching early, delegating effectively, and building a clear long-term vision while balancing personal and business priorities. Steve also explores emerging industry trends, including AI, remote staffing models, and the power of podcasting as a thought-leadership and business development tool. Tune in for practical insights on agency growth, leadership clarity, and building authority through content.(1:17) Meet Steve Guberman of Agency Outsight(2:59) Starting an agency from a spare bedroom in 2006(4:40) Biggest challenges growing an agency team(6:03) Why niching earlier can increase agency value(6:29) Selling the agency and merging cultures(9:45) Why Steve became an advisor to agency owners(14:04) How agency leaders can break through growth ceilings(16:22) Steve’s discovery process for agency consulting(18:40) Trends shaping agencies today, including AI and staffing(20:45) Advice for agency owners who feel stuck(23:44) The success of Steve’s podcast(28:56) Final advice for agency leaders and founders

February 10, 2026Episode 7129 min

#71: Sandy Crisafulli of Caryl Communications

Sandy Crisafulli is the president and co-owner of Caryl Communications, a boutique PR firm founded in 1984 and built on strong relationships, strategic storytelling, and nimble execution. In this episode, Sandy shares her journey from the firm’s first full-time writer to owner, and how a 360-degree approach across content, media relations, and operations helps Caryl deliver meaningful results for clients. She breaks down what effective storytelling looks like today, including how to answer the critical questions: what is it, who cares, and why do they care. Tune in for practical insights on authenticity, adaptability, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.02:05 - Introduction of guest Sandy Crisafulli and overview of her career and agency04:10 - How Sandy and Carey connected at a women’s conference04:53 - Sandy’s early PR career story and mentorship from founder Caryl Dixon06:55 - The early days of remote work using fax machines07:42 - How Sandy became the agency’s second owner during the pandemic08:05 - Lessons learned across different roles at the agency09:47 - What has kept Caryl Communications thriving since 198411:28 - The difference between a good story and one that drives results12:50 - The #1 advice for brands: embrace authenticity13:36 - Thoughts on AI in PR and how small agencies stay nimble14:30 - Joining a global boutique PR network to stay current with AI trends17:29 - Helping clients cut through the noise with strategy18:38 - Why visibility is important—and how earned media still leads the way21:50 - Advice for companies who think they don’t have “enough” for PR22:07 - What top-tier service looks like in PR today23:04 - Examples of Caryl Communications’ clients and projects25:40 - How Sandy’s creative hobbies help her in her PR work27:15 - Running an indie record label with her husband for over 30 years28:25 - Learning silversmithing and staying humble through the process29:46 - Where to find Sandy and Caryl Communications online

January 15, 2026Episode 7037 min

#70: Mark Schaefer, Global marketing authority and author

Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized author, keynote speaker, futurist, and marketing strategist, and the voice behind GROW, one of the world’s top marketing blogs. In this episode, Mark shares his career path from corporate marketing to becoming one of the most trusted thought leaders in the industry. He discusses the principles behind his bestselling book Known, why personal branding is more critical than ever in an AI-driven world, and how marketers can stand out by embracing humanity, creativity, and vulnerability. Mark also dives into insights from his latest book, Audacious, and shares what businesses are still getting wrong - and how to future-proof their brands in an era of rapid technological change. Tune in for practical advice on building trust, staying relevant, and winning as a human in the age of AI.

October 7, 2025Episode 7028 min

Special LIVE Episode with Labor Lounge Podcast

In this special episode, Labor Lounge Podcast and Brand Groupies Podcast go LIVE from the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum by NJBIA. Labor Lounge Hosts Anthony and Cyndie are joined by powerhouse podcast producers Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman of Brand Groupies for a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast is made - and why podcasting is a powerful tool for brand visibility, business development, and executive thought leadership.https://eascarpenters.org/https://cctmarketing.org/https://brandgroupies.com/00:00 – Opening welcome to the Labor Lounge LIVE session01:26 – Cyndie introduces the hosts and Brand Groupies team02:43 – Anthony promotes upcoming podcast guests and platforms03:54 – Carey shares how Brand Groupies podcast began05:25 – Lauren explains why podcasting is the new PR06:31 – Cyndie describes how she met Brand Groupies and started the show08:33 – Anthony talks about challenges and benefits of launching a podcast09:53 – Lauren explains how Brand Groupies handles production for clients11:07 – Carey emphasizes consistency and social media amplification12:51 – Lauren reveals the “dirty little secret” of podcast guesting14:09 – Cyndie and Anthony share what recording days are like16:05 – Advice for anyone considering starting a podcast17:35 – Brand Groupies’ success stories and podcast performance18:49 – Audience Q&A: cost, ROI, and marketing benefits25:23 – Closing discussion on using podcasts to grow your brand

January 21, 2025Episode 6946 min

#69: Adam Taylor of Splendor

Adam Taylor is the founder and CEO of Splendor, one of New Jersey's leading web design, branding, and marketing agencies. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Adam shares the story behind starting his agency in 1999 and how he has scaled it into a world-class creative agency, focusing on key industries like real estate. He also discusses what sets Splendor apart from other agencies, and the growing importance of branding in the AEC industry. Tune in for insights and advice from a seasoned entrepreneur on building and growing a successful agency.https://splendordesign.com/https://brandgroupies.com

September 17, 2024Episode 6835 min

#68: Sheley Brien of Brien Contracting

Sheley Brien is the Vice President of Brien Contracting, a leading figure in the commercial construction industry alongside her husband, Chris. With over 20 years of diverse experience in the financial and medical industries and a remarkable journey up the corporate ladder, she is a dynamic force in the world of entrepreneurship, mindset, and leadership. Sheley is also the host of More Action Podcast, sharing candid personal experiences and insights from her guests to empower others in their personal and professional growth. https://briencontracting.comhttps://brandgroupies.com

August 20, 2024Episode 6745 min

#67: Darren Magarro and Dan Enrico of DSM

Darren Magarro is the Founder and President of DSM, and Dan Enrico is Vice President of Strategy at DSM, a talented band of strategists, analysts, and creatives who amplify brands. Darren founded DSM in 2007 and focuses most of his time on being a brand ambassador for clients and the agency while leading all new business efforts. He has won many awards over the years, including being a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017 and 2018, NJBIZ 40 Under 40 in 2013, and he has led DSM to four Inc. 5000 Awards. As the head of DSM’s digital team, Dan builds custom marketing strategies for clients and holds certifications in various digital marketing disciplines, including SEO, PPC, e-commerce marketing, app store advertising, and paid social media management. With 15 years of experience in digital marketing, Dan was named one of the Best Under 40 in Marketing and Advertising by the NJ Ad Club.https://thedsmgroup.com https://brandgroupies.com

July 23, 2024Episode 6639 min

#66: Evan Troxel of TRXL

Evan Troxel is an industry-leading design and technology expert passionate about connecting people. He is a licensed architect in California with over 25 years of architectural design, working on large public projects in K-12 schools, higher-ed, and civic projects for clients. Evan is best known for his podcasts focusing on the AEC industry. He brings his experiences together on the Archispeak, TRXL, and Confluence podcasts. Evan also has experience in architectural education. For over a decade, he was a professor of emerging technologies in the architecture department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), and Mt San Antonio College (Mt. Sac) in southern California. Evan strives to better the architectural community in meaningful ways.https://www.trxl.cohttps://brandgroupies.com