We Built This Brand

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May 2026

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About the show

We Built This Brand explores the origins, evolution, and impact of brands through conversations with entrepreneurs, CEOs, and marketing experts. Hosted by Chris Hill, the podcast offers insights into brand development, storytelling, and strategies for growth. Each episode provides actionable takeaways, highlighting challenges, lessons learned, and diverse career paths. With a focus on authenticity and reputation, it’s a valuable resource for anyone passionate about branding and business.

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60 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 671 hr 6 min

Boards, Burnout & Building Sustainable Nonprofits with Mary Walker

In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris sits down with Mary Walker to talk about the hidden business side of nonprofits. From fundraising strategy and board leadership to navigating crises like COVID and government funding delays, Mary shares practical lessons on building sustainable organizations that can truly make an impact. Plus, hear the incredible story behind her family’s century-old Knoxville automotive business and how it inspired Leafspring.Show Highlights: (01:47) Marys Career Path(06:36) Leafspring Focus(11:40) Fundraising Systems(18:57) Boards And Change(32:48) Knoxville Car Market(34:12) Watermelon Sales Stunt(37:51) Nonprofit Reserves Strategy(42:34) Starting Nonprofits RightAbout Mary Walker: Mary Walker is the owner and principal of Leaf Spring LLC, a consulting company that specializes in helping non-profits INTENSIFY THEIR IMPACT through more efficient and financially favorable processes. She is passionate about nonprofit success and works to elp her clients in the areas of revenue development, fraud prevention, board growth, strategic planning, and general business practices. Before this, Mary served as the Director of Development at the Knoxville Museum of Art. She has worked previously in strategy, marketing, and finance in international corporations and in her family's automotive businesses. She earned her bachelor's degree from the Jniversity of Tennessee and her MBA from Vanderbilt University. Mary has served on several local non-profit boards and currently teaches in a nonprofit graduate certificate program at the University of Tennessee.Start a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/Sign up for our newsletter!https://www.humblepod.com/newsletter-sign-up/

May 6, 2026Episode 6639 min

No Script, No Safety Net: How Breakwater Studios Reinvents Brand Storytelling

What happens when brands give up control and trust the story? In this episode of We Built This Brand, Kirstin Falk of Breakwater Studios shares how award-winning, human-centered films are created without scripts, why uncertainty is the new normal for brands, and how powerful storytelling can build real emotional connection. From working with global brands like L’Oréal and McDonald’s to winning Academy Awards, this conversation explores the intersection of creativity, strategy, and authenticity in modern marketing.Show Highlights: (00:00) Brands Embrace Uncertainty(00:13) Meet Kirsten Falk(01:51) From Politics to Schwab(03:41) What Breakwater Does(06:04) Protecting The Creative Process(07:54) No Script Just Strategy(11:19) Awards And Studio Vision(13:10) LOréal Cannes Winning Film(18:28) Values Advocacy And The Name(26:40) AI The Future And Wrap UpStart a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/Sign up for our newsletter!https://www.humblepod.com/newsletter-sign-up/

April 23, 2026Episode 651 hr 7 min

Building a Brand After Rock Bottom: Andrew Parrott on Recovery, Business, and Authentic Marketing

Andrew Parrott, founder of Logic Marketing and partner at Brainchild Creative, shares a raw and powerful story of addiction, recovery, and redemption, and how those experiences shaped his approach to business and branding. From homelessness and a near-fatal past to building a multi-faceted marketing and experiential agency, Andrew dives into authenticity, risk-taking, and why your scars might be your greatest asset. This episode is a deep, honest look at what it really means to build something that matters.Show Highlights: (00:00) Experience Over Guesswork(01:27) From Tacoma to Tennessee(04:13) Addiction and Recovery(10:20) Turning Scars Into Brand(15:24) Building Logic Marketing(34:06) Taking Client Work Seriously(35:24) Origin of 50 Foot Trolls(42:20) Marketing Meets Fabrication(45:00) Authenticity Over Virality(49:39) Future Focus and ClosingStart a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/Sign up for our newsletter!https://www.humblepod.com/newsletter-sign-up/

April 8, 2026Episode 6435 min

From Logo to Lifestyle: Rebuilding the Soul of La-Z-Boy, with Diana Quenomoen

What does it take to reinvent a 100-year-old brand? In this episode or We Built This Brand, Diana “DQ” Quinmoen, Head of Design at Colle McVoy, shares how her team helped La-Z-Boy rediscover its soul and transform from a furniture brand into a full sensory experience. From brand scent and store experience to AI-powered activations and the “ah-place” philosophy, this conversation explores how modern brands must think beyond campaigns and build systems that connect emotionally at every touchpoint.Show Highlights: (01:17) DQ Origin Story(05:18) Trust and La-Z-Boy Kickoff(09:00) Finding the Ah Place(18:37) AI Powered Recliner Stunt(19:14) Rebrand Pushback Fears(20:58) Campaign Results Metrics(22:42) Lessons Relationships Research(24:31) Future Branding Systems AI(27:21) Authenticity In AI Era(29:44) AI Media Case Studies(30:48) Brands Beyond Products(33:52) Where To Connect(34:26) Final Podcast WrapStart a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/Sign up for our newsletter!https://www.humblepod.com/newsletter-sign-up/

March 11, 2026Episode 6328 min

From Budweiser Frogs to the Ability Machine: How Creativity Unlocks Hidden Talent with Tom Woodard

Tom Woodard spent decades shaping iconic advertising, from voicing the famous Budweiser frogs to producing national jingles for brands like Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. Now he’s channeling that creative experience into something bigger: The Ability Machine, a marketing initiative that intentionally collaborates with creatives with disabilities.In this episode of We Built This Brand, Tom shares his journey through the golden era of advertising, the story behind one of the most memorable Super Bowl campaigns ever, and how giving people a seat at the creative table can unlock incredible talent, confidence, and community.Show Highlights: (00:00) Welcome and Introductions(00:29) From Guitar to Jingles(02:14) Iconic Campaign Highlights(02:42) Budweiser Frogs Origin Story(03:44) Animatronics and Super Bowl Magic(04:54) Building Studios and Agency Life(07:10) Founding Ability Machine(11:51) Aha Moment with Goo Goo Clusters(14:35) Hiring and Empowering Creatives(22:10) Future, AI, and Wrap Up

January 21, 2026Episode 6259 min

From Side Hustle to Strategy with Becky Owen

What does it really take to turn creator passion into a sustainable business? In this episode of We Built this Brand, Becky Owen breaks down the reality behind the creator economy, from pricing your worth and avoiding burnout to why AI isn’t a strategy (and never should be). We explore how creators can build long-term influence without launching a brand, the danger of “AI-for-AI’s-sake,” and why nostalgia, instinct, and human creativity still matter more than ever. A must-listen for creators, marketers, and brand builders navigating what’s next.Show Highlights: (00:32) Meet Becky Owen: Career Highlights(02:26) Becky's Journey in Creative Marketing(06:05) The Birth of 5 2 9(10:25) Challenges and Insights in the Creator Economy(28:54) Creators Gaining Equity and Influence(30:29) The Evolution of Podcasting with Humble Pod(31:10) Insights from Muse Volume Two Study(32:13) AI's Impact on Marketing and Creativity(44:14) Practical Guidance for Using AI ResponsiblyStart a podcast with HumblePod!https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/Sign up for our newsletter!https://www.humblepod.com/newsletter-sign-up/

January 7, 2026Episode 6143 min

Marketing With Boundaries: Social Media, Mental Health & Authenticity with Halee Sprinkle

Join Chris as he sits down with Halee Sprinkle, founder of Check Yourself Marketing, to explore the human side of social media. From the very origins of “social media” to the challenges of maintaining mental health in a digital world, Halee shares hard-earned insights on entrepreneurship, authenticity, AI, and community-driven marketing strategies that actually deliver results. Whether you’re a small business owner or a seasoned marketing professional, this conversation will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to show up authentically online.Show Highlights(02:09) Haley's Journey: From Army Nurse to Marketing Professional(03:26) The Birth of Check Yourself Marketing(03:30) The Aha Moment: Identifying a Market Need(04:41) Naming the Business: The Story Behind Check Yourself(08:10) Challenges and Failures in Entrepreneurship(10:49) Pivoting During the Pandemic(13:27) Mental Health and Social Media: A Personal Perspective(15:33) Dealing with Trolls and Negative Feedback(20:50) Teaching and Content Creation(27:46) The Role of AI in Marketing(37:55) The Power of Content Creation(41:29) Upcoming Events and Classes(42:49) Final Thoughts and ConnectionsLinks: https://czechyourselfmarketing.com/Start a podcast with HumblePod! https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/ Sign up for our newsletter!https://www.humblepod.com/newsletter-sign-up/

December 18, 2025Episode 6040 min

The Stories That Shaped Our Year

As we close out the year, We Built This Brand takes a step back to reflect on the conversations that defined it.This special year-end recap revisits the moments, ideas, and voices that shaped our understanding of what it really takes to build something meaningful. From honest conversations about creativity, ambition, and identity to stories of culture, community, and brands that endure, this episode highlights the human side of brand building.Across these conversations, one theme kept surfacing: joy. Not the polished, performative kind, but the kind that fuels the work, carries us through uncertainty, and keeps the process honest and human, even in a world of constant change and emerging technology.As we head into a new year, this episode is a reminder of why we build, who we build with, and the stories we’re creating along the way. Thanks for being part of We Built This BrandShow Highlights:(00:00) Introduction: Finding Joy in the Journey(01:06) The Human Side of Brand Building(03:25) Reframing Value: The Story of Pre-Loved Rings(06:03) Creative Problem Solving and Identity(09:11) Rebranding the Anaheim Ducks: A Case Study(20:13) Exploring the True Meaning of Joy(22:06) The Impact of 'What Happens Here, Stays Here' Campaign(25:33) The Beloved Darn Tough Socks Campaign(32:44) The Phenomenon of K-Pop Demon Hunters(35:46) Reflections on AI and CreativityLinks:Start a podcast with HumblePod! https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/ Sign up for our newsletter! https://www.humblepod.com/newsletter-sign-up/

November 12, 2025Episode 5926 min

From Likes to Loyalty: Vince Wang on the Future of Influencer Marketing for Restaurants

In this episode of We Built This Brand, Chris chats with Vince Wang, Chief Marketing Officer at Mustard Love, the platform helping restaurants connect with local influencers and track real ROI.Vince shares how data-driven marketing and startup experience shaped his approach to influencer campaigns that actually drive business results. A must-listen for marketers, restaurant owners, and creators looking to turn influence into measurable impact.Show Highlights:(00:21) Meet Vince Wang(01:25) Vince's Journey into Marketing(02:09) First Role and Performance Marketing(03:51) Joining Mustard Love(04:28) The Evolution of Mustard Love(05:14) Why the Name Mustard Love?(06:08) What is Mustard Love?(07:39) Influencer Strategy and Success Stories(08:20) Micro-Influencers and Local Impact(11:52) Automating Influencer Campaigns(18:50) Future of Influencer MarketingLinks: https://www.mustard.love/Start a podcast with HumblePod! https://www.humblepod.com/our-services/ Sign up for our newsletter! https://www.humblepod.com/newsletter-sign-up/

October 30, 2025Episode 5833 min

LA Trip Ep. 8 Leading with Authenticity: Building Brands That Shape Culture

We’re wrapping up our LA interview series with a bang. Thai Randolph and Katie Soo join Chris Hill and Adhrucia Apana to talk brand leadership, creative growth, and what it really takes to stay ahead in a fast-changing world.Show Highlights: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Welcome(00:47)Meet the Guests: Katie Sue and Ty Randolph(01:19) Ty Randolph's Career Journey(02:55) Katie Sue's Career Highlights(07:15) Brand Building Insights from Katie Sue(09:06) Advice for Aspiring Brand Builders(14:07) Challenges in Brand Building(22:12) Navigating Community Feedback(27:46) Favorite Brands and Influences(29:46) Discussion on K-Pop Demon Hunters(32:55) Conclusion and Final Thoughts