INspired INsider Podcast

Chase Harmer is the Founder of Wishes Inc., a fintech platform aiming to bring unparalleled transparency and impact to every contribution made. He is a seasoned entrepreneur who has built and scaled successful businesses, including his last fintech venture, which was acquired for over $100 million. Chase is now dedicated to disrupting the charitable space by transforming donations into retail credit cards, ensuring donors can see the direct impact of their contributions. His innovative approach to fintech and charitable giving is setting new standards for accountability and efficiency. In this episode… In the charity world, many people often wonder where their donations go. They donate hoping for impact but are left without clear answers. What if there was a way to track every dollar and be assured you've made a real impact? Successful entrepreneur Chase Harmer faced this very challenge and decided to make a change. He takes us through his journey building ProfitPay, a highly successful fintech business, before selling it and beginning his new venture Wishes.Inc. He shares the struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of transparency in donations and the need for accountability in charitable giving. Chase explains how Wishes Inc. leverages fintech to reward donors while ensuring their contributions make a tangible impact. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Chase Harmer, Founder of Wishes.Inc, about creating a transparent donation platform. Chase explains how Wishes.Inc is changing the charitable giving landscape, the challenges of starting a new fintech platform, the genesis of ProfitPay to its acquisition, and how Wishes.Inc elevates the roles of wishers, nonprofits, and donors.

Jeffrey Madoff is the Founder and CEO of Madoff Productions, a company specializing in creating content like commercials, live streaming events, and branding videos for an impressive clientele, including Ralph Lauren and Victoria's Secret. Before his film career, he started as a fashion designer in Wisconsin and was recognized as one of the top 10 designers in the US. Transitioning to film and video production, Jeffrey has edited and directed award-winning commercials, documentaries, and web content worldwide for renowned brands. He is also a playwright, theater producer, and author of Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what it takes to pivot careers and dive headfirst into new industries? What lessons could you learn from someone who did this multiple times and excelled in each new venture? Jeffrey Madoff, a film producer and director, peels back the curtain on his dynamic career, starting as a fashion designer in Wisconsin before becoming a renowned filmmaker and author. His path is punctuated by bold moves, such as launching a fashion brand without a typical background in the industry and transitioning to film production, where he directed award-winning content for major brands. Jeffrey also discusses the inspiration and insights that led him to pen his book, Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas, aiming to ignite the same passion in others that has fueled his diverse journey. He unveils pivotal moments and the importance of relationships and emotional resonance in his work. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jeffrey Madoff, Founder and CEO of Madoff Productions, about turning creative ideas into a lucrative career and navigating multiple industry pivots. Jeffrey discusses his Creative Careers book, personal and business success, his entry into the fashion industry, the transition to film production, and the similarities between the fashion business and independent film industries.

Ross Simmonds is the Founder and CEO of Foundation, a content marketing agency serving global clients ranging from fast-growing startups to established SaaS companies. As a speaker, angel investor, and author, Ross contributes to the growth of startups and global SaaS companies through strategic content creation and distribution. His methodologies emphasize marketing post-publication and the balance between creation and distribution. In this episode… Have you ever considered the true potential of the content you create? What if there was a way to ensure that the countless hours spent crafting blog posts, videos, or even memes could contribute significantly to your business growth? How does one unlock the true potential of a piece of content? Content marketing expert Ross Simmonds delves into the intricacies of content marketing and distribution. He shares how his agency, Foundation, applies a unique approach by creating content and actively distributing it across various platforms to reach the right audience. He explains the concept of a content portfolio, urging businesses to think of content like financial assets, each serving a specific strategic purpose. With anecdotes from his work with large SaaS companies like Canva, Ross provides actionable insights into leveraging search intent to dominate SEO rankings. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ross Simmonds, Founder and CEO of Foundation, about leveraging content creation and distribution strategies. Ross discusses how Foundation approaches content marketing with a focus on distribution, his journey from a fantasy football blog to a global marketing agency, and the power of generative AI in content creation.

Ross Simmonds is the Founder and CEO of Foundation, a content marketing agency serving global clients ranging from fast-growing startups to established SaaS companies. As a speaker, angel investor, and author, Ross contributes to the growth of startups and global SaaS companies through strategic content creation and distribution. His methodologies emphasize marketing post-publication and the balance between creation and distribution. In this episode… Have you ever considered the true potential of the content you create? What if there was a way to ensure that the countless hours spent crafting blog posts, videos, or even memes could contribute significantly to your business growth? How does one unlock the true potential of a piece of content? Content marketing expert Ross Simmonds delves into the intricacies of content marketing and distribution. He shares how his agency, Foundation, applies a unique approach by creating content and actively distributing it across various platforms to reach the right audience. He explains the concept of a content portfolio, urging businesses to think of content like financial assets, each serving a specific strategic purpose. With anecdotes from his work with large SaaS companies like Canva, Ross provides actionable insights into leveraging search intent to dominate SEO rankings. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ross Simmonds, Founder and CEO of Foundation, about leveraging content creation and distribution strategies. Ross discusses how Foundation approaches content marketing with a focus on distribution, his journey from a fantasy football blog to a global marketing agency, and the power of generative AI in content creation.

Justin Miller is the Founder and President of Profit 911 Consulting, an agency specializing in direct response marketing emphasizing modern mail strategies. He is a versatile entrepreneur, transitioning from offering live music and entertainment services to comedy hypnotism to marketing, ultimately settling on direct mail services. Justin has leveraged his experience across numerous industries to hone his marketing skills and drive results for clients. His expertise ranges from intricate client retention methods to scaling campaigns through direct mailing tactics. In this episode… Have you ever opened your mailbox to find an unexpected item that instantly caught your attention? What if that simple piece could drastically increase a business's leads and customer engagement? Can a seemingly old-school approach like direct mail outperform digital marketing tactics? Marketing expert Justin Miller delves into his fascinating transition from operating live entertainment businesses to becoming an expert in direct-response marketing through direct mail. He shares tales from his past careers and the turning points that guided him to where he is today. From discussing newsletters' effectiveness in patient retention for physical therapists to the unique strategy of selecting tree-rich neighborhoods for a tree service campaign, Justin dives deep into the specifics of what makes a direct mail campaign successful. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Justin Miller, Founder and President of Profit 911 Consulting, about leveraging direct mail in modern marketing. Justin discusses how Profit 911 Consulting provides direct mail services that get results for businesses, his journey owning a DJ business and as a comedy hypnotist, and Profit 911's customer success stories.

Marlon Doll is the Founder and CEO of Vireo Video, a specialized agency dedicated to helping brands achieve success on YouTube through strategy, optimization, content creation, and advertising. With over seven years of focused YouTube experience, Marlon and his team have served over 200 clients, including well-known names like GitHub, Thinkific, Best Buy, and Eckhart Tolle. His expertise has also led him to grow his own channel, Bachelor on a Budget, which boasts over 70,000 subscribers. In this episode… Are you looking to stand out on YouTube but can't determine why your channel isn't gaining traction? Could you be missing out on some critical optimization techniques or advertising opportunities that can supercharge your growth? How does a focused strategy tailored for YouTube make a difference? YouTube marketing expert Marlon Doll dives deep into the intricacies of creating a successful YouTube presence for brands. He emphasizes the need to avoid a scattergun approach, highlighting the importance of research, consistency, and creating value-driven content catered to target audiences. He plunges into thumbnail strategy, explaining how minor changes can lead to substantial increases in click-through rates. Marlon also shares his favorite tools for tracking and testing YouTube success and explains why edutainment is a particularly powerful format for content creators. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz hosts Marlon Doll, Founder and CEO of Vireo Video, to talk about YouTube marketing and optimization. Marlon discusses how Vireo Video leverages YouTube marketing to grow brands, common mistakes companies make on YouTube, the significance of thumbnail optimization, and the power of split testing to increase engagement.

Mark Bealin is the Founder and CEO of SearchLab, a digital marketing agency specializing in local SEO and PPC. Starting as a side project in 2017, he grew SearchLab into an award-winning agency recognized on the Inc. 5000 list three times. With a rich history in digital marketing and a former career in football coaching, Mark applies his passion for mentoring to grow Entrepreneur Organization Chicago's accelerator program. He takes pride in coaching young entrepreneurs through EO to help them grow their businesses efficiently. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what drives a simple side project to become an award-winning agency? How does one shift from a full-time job and family responsibilities to a thriving digital marketing presence? What strategies fuel explosive growth — and can specialization make a difference? Marketing professional Mark Bealin delves into the backstory of SearchLab, discussing the key components that propelled its success, from nurturing partnerships and leveraging speaking engagements to the pivotal moment of hiring industry experts. He emphasizes the power of finding a niche, sharing how focusing on car dealerships led to unparalleled growth and the development of their conference. Mark also opens up about his experiences in Entrepreneur Organization Chicago's Accelerator Program, highlighting the transformative power of accountability in scaling businesses quickly. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Mark Bealin, Founder and CEO of SearchLab, about cultivating long-term relationships and mastering local SEO. Mark talks about the EO Accelerator program and its transformational value for growth-stage businesses, the strategies that drove SearchLab's rapid growth and market recognition, and the common pitfalls to avoid in paid search campaigns.

Stephanie Kochorek is Co-founder and Creative Director of Daughter Creative, a company helping businesses connect through various mediums by developing and overseeing communication strategies. Stephanie's journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, drawing from her extensive experience working with Fortune 500 brands across Canada and the US. With a global perspective ingrained in their approach to branding, Stephanie and her team craft transformative narratives that resonate on an international scale. In this episode… A successful organization is shaped by the intricate interplay between branding, leadership, and team dynamics. As these elements intertwine, they form a tapestry of influence that drives businesses forward. How can these foundational pillars align to sculpt the future of industries worldwide? Branding entrepreneur Stephanie Kochorek believes in the transformative power of bold branding. She recounts her experience rebranding a business, which breathed new life into the brand, streamlined the hiring process, and ultimately led to the company's acquisition. Stephanie draws from the insights of Jungian archetypes to craft brand personalities for clients and navigate interpersonal dynamics within her team. By utilizing diverse talents and promoting teamwork, you can create a cohesive and impactful brand narrative that drives connection and engagement. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Stephanie Kochorek, Co-founder and Creative Director of Daughter Creative, to talk about effective branding and leadership. Stephanie discusses helping companies rebrand, what it takes to be a good leader, and how to create effective teams.

Scott Knox is the President and CEO of the Institute of Canadian Agencies, the nonprofit association for Canadian advertising, marketing, media, and public relations agencies. He is also the Founder of PrideAM, the world's first LGBTQ+ advocacy group in advertising and marketing. With nearly 30 years of professional experience, Scott is recognized among the top 25 most powerful LGBTQ+ leaders in British business by The Telegraph. After a significant career in the UK he moved to Canada, bringing his passion for agency transformation and inclusivity to the ICA. Scott works to enhance the collective potential of Canadian agencies, protect the interests of agency members, and champion equitable representation in the industry. In this episode… Have you ever wondered what makes an advertising agency thrive in today's competitive environment? Scott Knox believes it takes more than just creative talent and hard work. But how did he help redirect the focus from time-intensive commoditization to value-based success? LGBTQ+ leader Scott Knox, with his drive for improvement and equity, is reshaping the landscape of the Canadian advertising industry. He discusses the challenges of outdated pricing models, the significance of networking and partnerships within the agency realm, and how the Institute of Canadian Agencies' training and consultancy services help reshape the agencies' strategic horizons. Scott's journey and the initiation of PrideAM highlight his dedication to inclusion and diversity in the workforce. His dynamic leadership ushers in a change where agencies aspire to be valued for the results they drive rather than the hours they log. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Scott Knox, President and CEO of the Institute of Canadian Agencies, about his journey and unwavering advocacy for change and inclusivity. Scott discusses how ICA helps agencies through its collective approach to industry challenges, common misconceptions about client pricing and procurement relationships, how agencies can adopt ROI-based pricing, and the real-life experiences that inspired him to found PrideAM.

Ali Mirza is the Founder and CEO of Rose Garden Consulting, renowned for guiding seven- and eight-figure founders in scaling their sales operations. Having personally closed over $400 million in deals, Ali has a track record of elevating companies onto the Inc. 500 fastest-growing list and seeing them through successful acquisitions. He is the author of Predictable Closing and Radical Leadership, and his influential work has been spotlighted in Forbes and Business Insider. With a focus on systematic approaches to sales, Ali's leadership has transformed founders into leaders who achieve predictable, scalable revenue growth. In this episode… Are you tired of the never-ending chase for the next big client and the sheer unpredictability of revenue growth? What if the way you have been doing sales is not just ineffective, but also destructive to your company's future? Could it be time for a radical change in your approach? Thought leader in sales Ali Mirza offers a compelling look at the often-overlooked aspects of sales teams and leadership that can make or break an agency's success. He reveals that the biggest obstacle to sales growth can be the founders themselves, stuck in ego-driven patterns that stifle progress. Ali dives into the all-too-common problems of inefficient sales leadership, weak positioning, and a lack of accountability — a trifecta that hinders many. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ali Mirza, Founder and CEO of Rose Garden Consulting, about shifting from founder-led sales to scalable teams. Ali shares a no-nonsense rundown on why strong leadership and results-focused strategies are non-negotiable in the high-stakes world of agency sales, his holistic approach that led to monumental growth during his time as a CRO, and how embracing direct conversations can transform your sales approach.