In this episode of Marketing Moves, we chat with Jarred Smith, co-founder of Nooma, the clean sports drink brand redefining hydration. Founded in 2014, Nooma set out to create a better-for-you alternative to traditional sports drinks, made with organic, plant-based ingredients and no added sugar. Jarred shares how the brand evolved from retail shelves to a thriving direct-to-consumer model, built around community, education, and sustainability. We also explore Nooma’s commitment to eco-friendly packaging and its vision for the future of functional beverages.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Elisabeth Sapell, founder of All City Candy, to explore how she turned her lifelong love of sweets into a thriving business and beloved local brand. From opening her first shop to navigating supply chain challenges, Elisabeth shares how creativity, community, and customer experience have shaped All City Candy’s success. She discusses the evolution of retail marketing, her approach to experiential in-store activations, and how authenticity fuels loyalty in an increasingly digital world. Tune in for an inspiring look at the business of joy, and how one entrepreneur continues to make life just a little sweeter.

On this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Michael Sirpilla, co-founder and CEO of Society Brands to unpack their founder-first acquisition model and how it’s redefining the way challenger brands scale. Michael explains why Society Brands keeps founders in the driver’s seat post-acquisition, the importance of shared services in accelerating growth, and how quarterly masterminds create a community of collaboration. We dive into their strategic pivot from Amazon reliance to a diversified omnichannel presence, the role of loyalty programs and influencer partnerships in driving retention, and why authenticity is at the core of both marketing and AI integration. Michael also shares Society Brands' long-term vision to lead the clean, toxin-free movement, building brands that not only grow, but last.

On this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Andrew Lix, National Sales Director, and Johanna Barnowski, Marketing Manager at Cleveland Whiskey. Known for pushing boundaries, Cleveland Whiskey blends tradition, science, and creativity to craft award-winning spirits that stand out in a crowded market. Andrew and Johanna share the company’s journey from its family roots to national distribution, what it means to be “radically different,” and how they’re using innovation in both product development and marketing to grow a loyal customer base. From experimental woods to seasonal releases like Magic Rabbit and Christmas Bourbon, we dive into the challenges and opportunities of the whiskey industry today, and how Cleveland Whiskey is building a brand that resonates far beyond its hometown.

On this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Sean Cain, Senior Director at the Superlative Group, to discuss the evolving world of sponsorship marketing. Sean shares lessons from navigating long sales cycles and explains how sponsorships have shifted from logo placements to meaningful community partnerships. We explore how the Superlative Group blends local and global strategies, why municipalities are increasingly turning to sponsorships for alternative revenue, and how digital integration is transforming packages. Sean also highlights what’s next in sponsorships and why the most successful deals are built on authentic connections and long-term vision.

On this episode of Mini Moves, we sat down to break down the ultimate Q4 playbook for brands preparing for the holiday rush. From analyzing last year’s performance to forecasting inventory and optimizing promotional calendars, timing is everything when it comes to Black Friday and beyond. We explore why 80% of your paid media budget should shift to retargeting, how SMS is outpacing email in engagement, and why user-generated content consistently beats high-production creative. Plus, we discuss building audiences early, leaning on trusted influencer partners, and operational planning to avoid dreaded stockouts. Whether you’re finalizing your strategy or just getting started, this conversation will help you maximize impact in the most competitive season of the year.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Alex Gruskin, Chief Creative Officer of Cracked Racquets, to hear how a single tweet sparked his journey into building one of tennis media’s fastest-growing platforms. Alex shares how he and founder Dalton turned a three-hour phone call into a lasting partnership, how Cracked Racquets adapted and thrived during the pandemic, and what it means to cover NCAA championships and WTA events like Tennis in the Land. We also dive into the power of analytics in sports media, uncovering why tennis is ripe for a data revolution.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Laura Gray, Director of Development, and Nick Lippert, Managing Director of the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation, to talk about the city’s unique role in Navy history. Established in 2019, the foundation is preparing for the commissioning of the fourth USS Cleveland, a Littoral Combat Ship that represents both advanced naval innovation and Cleveland pride. We explore how grassroots fundraising and corporate partnerships are fueling this effort, how the crew of young sailors is connecting with the community as “Cleveland’s hometown team,” and why marketing and engagement have been central to building momentum. From social media strategy and creative fundraisers to strengthening ties with local organizations, this conversation highlights how the USS Cleveland is becoming a powerful symbol for both the Navy and the city it represents.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we break down the electrifying journey of Scott Colosimo, founder of LAND Moto. What started with BMX tricks evolved into a mission to reshape urban mobility - and LAND Moto is leading the charge. Scott shares how his experience in battery innovation and product development led to building a vertically integrated electric vehicle company rooted in Cleveland. Designed for the 95% of Americans who don't ride motorcycles, LAND's emoto bikes blend e-bike ease with motorcycle thrill. We talk ride modes, first-time rider events, direct-to-consumer strategy, and why LAND's 10-year vision is about more than just the road - it’s about impact.

On this special episode of Marketing Moves, we unpack how artificial intelligence is transforming the e-commerce landscape just in time for the holidays at our second annual Christmas in July event hosted at VividFront HQ in Cleveland. From hyper-personalized recommendations and dynamic pricing to chatbots that close sales in real time, AI is now embedded in every touchpoint of the customer journey. We’ll explore how generative tools are reshaping digital marketing content, how Google’s evolving AI search is rewriting SEO rules, and why Performance Max deserves a second look despite the skepticism. Whether you're a brand leader or a digital strategist, this episode is your cheat sheet for staying ahead in the AI-powered shopping season.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Emily Pentecost, the creator behind @thingsivebeeneating, built a social media following of over 170,000 across Instagram and TikTok—all while working full-time in legal marketing. In this episode, she shares how a personal food journal evolved into a viral content platform, thanks to consistent visual style, genuine voice, and a Cleveland-first mindset. From her haunted house restaurant video that hit 11.9 million views to partnerships rooted in personal values, Emily talks about the challenges of creating content in public, the power of community over competition, and what it takes to stay inspired without selling out. Plus, her must-visit spots for anyone hungry in Cleveland.

On this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Manoj Jhaveri, Innovation Services Director at BRITE Energy Innovators. Manoj shares his journey from engineering and entrepreneurship to empowering over 130 clean energy startups across the Midwest. He breaks down how BRITE functions more like an energy-focused startup ecosystem than a traditional incubator, and how programs like their CXO Network are helping founders level up. Manoj also unpacks the real differences between building software and hard tech, from longer timelines to bigger funding gaps—and why communication, coachability, and founder wellness are critical to bridging the “valley of death” in energy innovation.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Max Pennington, CEO and Co-Founder of CLEANR. Max shares how an internship at P&G and an entrepreneurial drive from Case Western Reserve University sparked his mission to tackle microplastic pollution. With most microplastics coming straight from our washing machines, Max and his team developed a vortex-based filter that captures over 90% of microplastics before they reach waterways. He talks about the product’s nature-inspired design process, early engineering hurdles, and a go-to-market strategy focused on universities and long-term B2B goals. Max also dives into brand storytelling, upcoming regulatory pushes in the US and EU, and how CLEANR’s vision extends from everyday households to hospitals and hotels. If you’re passionate about sustainability and real-world tech innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, Sorosh Tavakoli shares how he went from tech entrepreneur to founder of Stockeld Dreamery, reimagining cheese with climate-friendly, legume-based creations. Inspired by Bay Area pioneers like Oatly and Beyond, Sorosh invested four years in R&D to craft fermented chickpea, lentil, and yellow pea cheeses that use 75% fewer resources than dairy—without compromising on taste or texture. From managing tricky fermentation to launching in 200 NYC stores and driving a 33% demo conversion rate, Sorosh dives into what it takes to stand out in a tough plant-based market. He also talks brand identity, playful Swedish storytelling, and how partnerships with local bagel shops and influencers are helping Stockeld build a category as complex and craveable as wine.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, Greg Harris, President and CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, shares how Cleveland became the forever home of rock history—and why the museum continues to shape the culture today. With 31 years in the museum world and a record store legacy of his own, Greg breaks down how the Rock Hall drives a $240 million economic impact, connects with 1.5 million students annually, and keeps evolving through digital marketing, live music, and immersive exhibits like SNL: Ladies and Gentlemen… 50 Years of Music. From pairing classic legends with contemporary stars to embracing hip hop and EDM, Greg reveals how the Rock Hall honors the past while staying plugged into the pulse of now.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sit down with Megan Kim, Executive Director at COSE and Senior Vice President of Membership Development & Marketing at the Greater Cleveland Partnership, to explore her 20-year journey from event coordinator to strategic leader at the helm of Ohio’s largest small business support organization. Representing 11,000 of GCP’s 12,000 members, COSE provides advocacy, resources, and access to benefits like affordable healthcare through a MEWA with Medical Mutual. Megan shares how COSE is tackling small business challenges—like limited time, budget, and marketing expertise—through AI adoption, educational content, and a newsroom-style marketing team. With a growing LinkedIn presence and targeted support for industries like food, construction, and the arts, COSE is redefining what it means to serve entrepreneurs at every stage.

In this Mini Moves episode, we dive into the rising trend of influencer-led brand activations and how major names like Rare Beauty and Gymshark are redefining what successful events look like. Gone are the days of follower-count-first strategies—today, it's all about real connection, local relevance, and community-driven storytelling. From intimate micro-influencer gatherings to consumer-inclusive experiences, we explore how aesthetically curated events are built to be shared and remembered. Discover what makes an activation effective in today’s social landscape and how even small brands can make a big impact on a budget.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sat down with Aaron Hoffman, co-founder of DeliverThat, to explore how a college hustle evolved into a nationwide B2B catering delivery platform. From a viral tweet that jumpstarted their following to a strategic pivot during the pandemic, DeliverThat has grown to support over 35,000 drivers and partnerships with brands like Wegmans and Taco Cabana. Aaron unpacks how the company’s proprietary tech stack powers flexible, high-performance solutions across five verticals—and why their shift from product-first to brand-led storytelling is central to their next chapter. With the U.S. catering market projected to hit $110 billion by 2030, this conversation reveals what it really takes to build a delivery business that scales with strategy, not just speed.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, we sit down with Duane Mancini, CEO and co-founder of Project MedTech, to explore how his background in medicinal chemistry evolved into a mission-driven journey to support early-stage medtech startups. Duane shares how launching Project MedTech during the pandemic created an opportunity to provide consulting and capital support to healthcare innovators. The conversation covers the unique strengths of Midwest medtech, the power of storytelling in scientific marketing, and the growing role of AI in healthcare solutions. With eyes on expansion in 2025, Duane offers candid insights for founders—reminding us all that building a great company is a marathon, not a sprint.

In this episode of Marketing Moves, Matt Kaulig shares his journey from college athlete to executive chairman of Kaulig Companies Ltd., a growing enterprise spanning sports, media, and consumer products. He discusses founding LeafFilter Gutter Protection and how a bold, contrarian mindset helped him scale during the 2008 recession. Matt reflects on his leadership values—urgency, resilience, and a belief that not everyone needs to be a leader to make an impact. He also dives into Kaulig Charitable Giving and how aligning business with community support is core to his mission, including the company's role as title sponsor of a major PGA Tour Champions event in Northeast Ohio.