The Marketing Trail Guide Podcast: Recent Episodes
Marketing Trail Guide
I’m interviewing all types of leaders in various sectors - business owners, operators, philanthropists, non-profits, investors, business coaches, Professional EOS Implementers, and consultants, from various verticals, business functions, and perspectives. We’ll cover mindset, disciplines, temporary vs permanent shifts in different markets, frameworks and lenses, employee issues, finance issues, sales issues, - in other works, important topics to help you survive and thrive. My guests are facing the same challenges we all are. They are exceptional leaders, are successfully identifying opportunities during this crisis, and they want to help other leaders do the same because they believe, like I do, that we are all in this together - that rising tides do lift all ships.
This is Episode 16, “The People, Processes, and Performance of Successful Sales Organizations” With Rich Cocuzzo. Rich is founder of Sales Velocity Advisors where he helps his clients build and optimize high performance sales teams. Prior to founding Sales Velocity Advisors, Rich spent 30 years in Sales, Management, and Executive positions at FedEx.
Our conversation focused on how sales organizations should be set up and managed for success, how a crisis can open up new opportunities for small businesses, and what successful adaptation looks like during a crisis.
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about Sales Velocity Advisors, visit: https://salesvelocityadvisors.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 8/25/20
This is Episode 15, “Focusing on Product Experience With Adam Robinson.” Adam is an expert Marketer in the Supply Chain and Logistics industry.
We discuss how providing a better experience in delivery, wrapping and packaging of the product has become just as important as the product itself.
Adam notes the importance of Marketing and Customer Experience to be coordinated and aligned with the Supply Chain in order to deliver a superior user experience.
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about Adam, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markadamrobinson
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 8/18/20
This is Episode 14, “A Calling To Serve Others”, and my guest is Noel Burcellis. Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald’s House, Orange County, a non-profit that dedicates to provide comfort, care and support to families of seriously ill children receiving treatment in Orange County hospitals.
We discuss COVID-19’s impact on his organization and the determined mindset you need to be able to lead a team while navigating through difficult waters.
Noel also speaks about his calling to serve others and how that has been key to keep him inspired everyday even during these uncertain times.
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House OC, visit: https://rmhcsc.org/orangecounty/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 8/10/20
This is Episode 13, “Understanding Your Customers With Katie Rucker”, and my guest is Katie Rucker. Co-Owner & President of MacKenzie Corporation, a consumer insights and market research firm.
In my conversation with Katie, we talk about how companies across all industries need to keep the conversation going during the COVID-19 crisis and how they can use data insights and analytics to drive better and personalized customer experiences.
We also discuss how brands can better position themselves to make sure that they’re listening and providing what’s needed in a very transitional challenging time for their customers.
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about Mackenzie Corporation, visit: https://www.mackenziecorp.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 8/4/20
This is Episode 12, “Can Restaurants Survive a Pandemic”, and my guest is Jorge Pacheco. Originally from Colombia, Jorge is now the owner of Kulture Konnect, a marketing design studio that focuses largely on clients in the restaurant industry.
His newest venture, Immerse, connects students in Asia with American English teachers through virtual reality. They are gearing up for a Series A round. We discuss language learning and VR technology, and what is really interesting is his COVID-induced pivot and our discussion about how even established companies need to behave like a startup right now.
We talk about the impact of COVID-19 on him and his clients, the loss of purpose that came for many businesses during the pandemic, and the challenges of reinventing or reimagining a company.
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about Kulture Konnect, visit: https://kulturekonnect.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 7/29/20
This is Episode 11, “During COVID, Every Company is a Startup”, and my guest is Quinn Taber. Quinn was born in France and spent his childhood traveling with his parents. At the age of 15, he started a microfinance company investing in small companies in Africa and the Middle East.
His newest venture, Immerse, connects students in Asia with American English teachers through virtual reality. They are gearing up for a Series A round. We discuss language learning and VR technology, and what is really interesting is his COVID-induced pivot and our discussion about how even established companies need to behave like a startup right now.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about Immerse, visit: https://www.immerse.online/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 7/20/20
This is Episode 10, “Using The Power of Video to Change the World" with Jeremy Gant, the founder and executive producer of One Ten Pictures, a digital media company that seeks to advance churches, ministries, and causes through media.
Jeremy and I talk about the importance and growing relevance of video in “normal times” and in times of crisis and uncertainty. We cover the value of video for non-profit and for-profit organizations, and how it can be used to communicate both internally and externally.
We discuss the new possibilities in the medium, how the impact of video will be viewed historically, and the power of videos in times of social movements. Jeremy will shed some light on big-budget production versus low-cost videos, and answers the question, “Can you make a video go viral?”
Finally, we cover how video fits into the wider, long-term marketing journey as a relationship-building tool and content format.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about One Ten Pictures, visit https://onetenpictures.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 7/13/20
This is Episode 9, “How to Thrive in Uncertainty”, and my guest is Grant Van Cleve, global entrepreneur, angel investor, and business incubator expert with decades of international business experience. Grant has been named one of the most influencial people in Orange County and has been involved in more than 60 startups.
Grant and I spoke on May 11th of this year, and we talked about COVID-19 not being Grant’s first crisis and in our conversation we go back to his experiences working in post-communist Eastern Europe the challenges he faced there and what happened we he returned home to Orange County in the midst of yet another crisis.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about Grant Van Cleve, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantvc/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 7/6/20
This is Episode 8, “The Post COVID Economic Flywheel”, and my guest is Will Crist, Professional EOS Implementer and longtime sales trainer and business consultant.
Will and I spoke on May 8th of this year, and we talked about the fact that there is no new normal, the importance of injecting cash into the consumer economy by keeping a healthy payroll, and how the Entrepreneurial Operating System helps companies adapt, survive and thrive during critical times.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about Will Crist, visit: https://willcrist.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 6/29/20
This is Episode 7, “The Real Estate Coil, Ready to Spring”, and my guest is Sanford Coggins CEO of VisionWise Capital, an investment fund and operator of coastal multi-family real estate. Sanford is a featured speaker at colleges, universities and industry conferences, including courses on cash management and business financial strategies at Price Anderson School of Business.
Sanford and I spoke on May 4 of this year, and we talked about how the economic impact of the COVID shutdown on the Real Estate investment market and what opportunities are emerging as a result. I walked away with some key insights and I know you will too.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about VisionWise Capital, visit: https://visionwisecapital.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 6/22/20
This is Episode 6, “Adaptable Humanity”, and my guest is Carey Ransom, entrepreneur, executive, investor, advisor, and President of OC4 Venture Studio, a new technology entrepreneur-focused startup studio and fund in Orange County, CA.
Carey and I spoke on May 4 of this year, and we talked about something called information asymmetry as a way to identify new opportunities, “thinking like an app”, and perhaps the most vital business competency right now - Adaptability.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about OC4 Venture Studio, visit: https://oc4v.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 6/15/20
We kick off Season 1 of the Marketing Trail Guide Podcast - Opportunities in Crisis with John Whitt. John is a business owner, author, keynote speaker and video show host as the Founder of Business Whitt, a professional business coaching and training practice located in Irvine, California. John works with small businesses to improve performance and revenue growth.
In our conversation, we talked about the reality of COVID-19 and how to rethink, retool and re-launch in this challenging business environment.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com.
To learn more about Business Whitt, visit https://www.businesswhitt.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit https://www.liveaction.org/
Date: 6/8/20
This is Episode 4, “A Better Business for a Better Life”, with guest Zack Swire. From lifelong entrepreneur to Professional EOS Implementer® and Executive Strategist, Zack loves helping business owners break through their most challenging problems while creating stronger and more purposeful cultures.
I sat down with Zack on May 1 of this year, and we talked about how the Entrepreneurial Operating System gives leaders one simple system and universal language for running their whole business so they can get more of what they want from it, and make a greater impact in the world.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com
To learn more about Zack Swire, visit: http://highertraction.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 6/8/20
For Episode 3, my guest is Charles Antis, CEO of Antis Roofing in Irvine, CA. Charles is not only one of the most respected roofing experts in the country - he’s also a dynamic business leader, humanitarian, and champion of Corporate Social Responsibility. He truly walks the talk.
I had the chance to sit down with Charles on May 1 of this year, and we talked about how to deal with fear, the critical importance of focusing on your people, and how to survive and thrive as a leader in times of crisis through mindset, attitude and personal disciplines. I know you’ll get a ton out of value out of our conversation.
So please, sit back and enjoy my interview with Charles Antis.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com.
To learn more about Charles Antis, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-antis-a3b6637/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 6/8/20
Welcome to the Marketing Trail Guide Podcast - Season 1 - “Opportunities in Crisis.” My name is Kevin Krusiewicz and I am the Founder at Marketing Trail Guide, and we provide fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System or EOS.
The goal of this first season, "Opportunities in Crisis," is to help small businesses of $1-20M in annual revenue, adapt, survive and thrive in this economy that is being shaped by the challenge of a generation - COVID - 19.
I’m interviewing all types of leaders in various sectors - business owners, operators, philanthropists, non-profits, investors, business coaches, Professional EOS Implementers, and consultants, from various verticals, business functions, and perspectives. We’ll cover mindset, disciplines, temporary vs permanent shifts in different markets, frameworks and lenses, employee issues, finance issues, sales issues, - in other works, important topics to help you survive and thrive. My guests are facing the same challenges we all are. They are exceptional leaders, are successfully identifying opportunities during this crisis, and they want to help other leaders do the same because they believe, like I do, that we are all in this together - that rising tides do lift all ships.
Now I know many of us normally listen to podcasts during our commute and there’s not a whole lot of that going on right now, so think about listening during a morning walk or your peloton class, or watch an episode on Youtube while you’re winding down in the jacuzzi or bath before hitting the pillow. Mix it up and share your feedback about what’s working for you.
Each episode is broken up into two segments and we’re shooting for an overall length of about 40 minutes - apologies if we go long.
In the middle of the two segments I’ll be highlighting a life-affirming non-profit. I know this is usually the time to use the skip ahead button, but I encourage you to listen to the message of an important non-profit and get involved where you can.
Please join us for Episode 2 where I interview John Whitt, an executive coach, as he shares how he is helping his clients - business owners - with their mindset, strategy, and execution and how he’s finding opportunity in the midst of a very personal crisis himself. I hope to see you there.
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com.
Date 6/8/20
This is Episode 5, “Consumers and Businesses - All In This Together”, and my guest is Mike Jalonen, CEO of Trio Rewards, a technology and marketing platform that is changing the way loyalty and rewards programs work for both consumers and businesses.
I sat down with Mike on May 1 of this year, and we talked about the symbiosis between consumers and local businesses, how Trio is helping consumers give back to their customers in the middle of this crisis, and what the future of patronizing restaurants and retail may look like.
Your host is Kevin Krusiewicz, Founder of Marketing Trail Guide, who provides virtual, fractional marketing strategy and leadership for companies running on the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS).
To learn more about Marketing Trail Guide, visit https://marketingtrailguide.com.
To learn more about Trio Rewards, visit: https://www.triorewards.com/
To learn more about LIVE ACTION, visit: https://www.liveaction.org/
Date 6/8/20