Making the Brand

Hosted by Joel Mathew

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Latest episode

Jun 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Joel Mathew, Founder and CEO of Chicago-based digital marketing firm, Fortress Consulting, sits down with clients to talk about how they got their start, and what led them to where they are today. You will learn all about entrepreneurship, sales, advertising, branding, and more.

Listen to episodes

17 recent

June 30, 202549 min

Hope, Hustle, and Hard Lessons, ft. Phil Sanders

Joel first met Phil Sanders, Founder & CEO of Multiply, after hearing him speak at a conference—and instantly knew they were wired the same way.In this episode of Making the Brand, Phil gets real about what entrepreneurship actually looks like (and what it definitely doesn’t). No fluff. Just honest, hard-earned insights on building, scaling, and staying sane along the way.Tune in for an unfiltered conversation about leadership, growth, and the mindset it takes to build something that lasts.

April 10, 202527 min

Inside a Woman-Led Precision Shop That Beats Big Competitors, ft. Debbie Sommers

What does it take to lead a woman-owned precision machining company in a male-dominated industry, and win while doing it? Debbie Sommers, President of Lakeview Precision and client of Fortress, joins Joel Mathew to share how she’s built a powerhouse shop known for integrity, innovation, and outworking the competition.In this episode, Debbie talks candidly about her leadership journey, the values that drive Lakeview’s success, and how they continue to earn business from some of the world’s biggest brands.👉 Don’t miss this one if you’re into manufacturing, entrepreneurship, or just a good underdog story.Subscribe for more real conversations with leaders making bold moves.

February 10, 2025Episode 1547 min

Soccer, Service, and Storytelling ft. Andy McDermott

In this episode of Making the Brand, Andy McDermott shares his remarkable journey from professional soccer player to law enforcement officer, full-time actor, and now a leader in youth sports and community development. He discusses his passion for using sports to positively impact underserved communities, particularly through his work with Intentional Sports, located in Chicago's west side, where he oversees a world-class sports facility that offers much more than just sports training. Intentional Sports was created to be a community for young people and families in Chicago, providing safe, enriching, after-school and summer activities for young people. Andy reflects on the lessons learned from his diverse career, the importance of intentional time management, and his faith as a guiding force in taking bold leaps.Check out the Intentional Sports website for more information: intentionalsports.orgOr email Andy at andy@intentionalsports.org to inquire about partnership opportunities.

May 29, 202431 min

Why Do Most Businesses Fail? ft. Joel Mathew

In our first episode of Making the Brand featuring Chad Swieca as a full co-host, he and Joel go way back to not only the roots of Fortress Consulting Group, but also Joel's life roots and the influences that led to the agency as we know it today. There are as many stories of struggle as there are of success, and Joel and Chad don't shy away from discussing them all. Want to know what's next for Fortress? Listen to the end and you'll hear. Check back for more episodes on a monthly basis.

April 24, 202425 min

Building Soccer Skills & Strengthening Community, ft. Chad Swieca

Meet Chad. Chad Swieca is the owner of River Light FC, a new USL soccer club that's based in Aurora, Illinois. He is a former collegiate and international professional soccer player who has turned that love of the game into an entrepreneurship journey that has touched many. He and Joel share a lot of valuable inspirations on the podcast that they've learned over the years in their respective career paths, as well as a compelling breakdown of the state of soccer in the United States. We were honored to have Chad on the show and look forward to what he does next.

February 28, 202422 min

From Hip-Hop to Financial Empowerment, ft. Carl West

Listen to a new episode of Making the Brand as we sit down with the visionary entrepreneur, Carl West. Carl, a prominent figure in media and leadership development, is the mastermind behind Chicago's first and only hip-hop awards, a groundbreaking initiative that propelled local artists into the limelight, as well as many other projects and initiatives over the years.In this conversation, Carl shares his inspiring journey, from the inception of the hip hop awards to his unwavering commitment to empowering communities. Through his work, and in his personal life, Carl advocates for the belief that providing opportunities for individuals to build wealth is paramount in fostering community elevation and creating real change.Get ready to dive deep into the intersection of entrepreneurship, self-confidence, and community development as Carl West shares invaluable insights, challenges norms, and offers a blueprint for empowering communities through economic empowerment. Tune in to Making the Brand and discover how one man's vision is transforming lives and reshaping the landscape of urban culture.

December 6, 202317 min

Chasing Dreams and Chasing Storms, a Meteorologist's Journey, ft. Cheryl Scott

For this special episode of Making the Brand, we welcomed Cheryl Scott, meteorologist for ABC7 in Chicago and friend of Fortress. While you may know Cheryl's face from the TV as she forecasts the ever-unpredictable Chicago weather, now is your chance to learn a little bit more about her story of discovering and re-discovering her calling to be a weather reporter, as well as her favorite things about living and working in Chicago. PLUS: a special cameo with Cheryl's dog, the famous Lola! For more on Fortress: https://gofortress.com/

October 25, 2023Episode 1121 min

Keep the Faith: How the Holy Post Podcast is Reshaping Modern Christian Discourse, ft. Jon Houghton

For this special episode of Making the Brand, host Joel Mathew was joined by friend of Fortress and CEO of The Holy Post. Joel and Jon talk about the big vision for the Holy Post to become a media conglomerate that is unafraid to think Christianly and face all topics head-on. Unlike many other personalities and outlets in today's day and age, Holy Post is unconcerned with "hot takes" and aiming for nuance simply for the sake of nuance. There is something for everyone with The Holy Post, not just people who were born and raised in the Christian faith. If you want scholarly perspectives, this is for you.

September 20, 202329 min

Master Your Money: Insights From a Financial Trailblazer, ft. Terry Savage

Author, nationally-syndicated host, and financial trailblazer, Terry Savage, has been on a quest to demystify personal finance for decades. Now, she’s in the giving back stage, looking for ways to help anyone get on track to reach their financial goals and retire on their own terms. Terry is a longtime client and friend of Fortress, and we were thrilled to have her back in our office for a sit-down. Terry has advice for everyone, so if you are someone wanting to buy a home, a car, or build a portfolio, give this episode of Making the Brand a listen and be sure to subscribe for future content.

May 31, 202326 min

All Gas, No Brakes: Lessons on Leadership and Life, ft. Bill Watkins

Looking for motivation? You won't want to miss this one. Making the Brand is back with a continuation of last week's conversation with our friends at Give'r. This time however, it is less about the brand itself and more about big picture life lessons that Bill Watkins, Chief Operations Officer at Give'r has learned throughout his incredible life that led him to where he is now. Bill answers tough questions regarding need for balance between being data-driven and instinctive in business, what he wants to be remembered by, and much more.