Build With Tech

Episode 10: TOP Marketer Reveals Skills That Can Drive Your Business Success Today

Join Rey Ortega on Build with Tech as he sits down with Ebony Vaz, founder of Above Promotions and self-proclaimed "recovered engineer," to explore the fascinating intersection of entrepreneurship, marketing, and technology. Discover how Vaz's engineering background shapes her unique approach to digital marketing and client relationships in today's AI-driven business landscape. In this episode, learn how small business owners can leverage technology while maintaining authentic storytelling, navigate client relationships through cultural alignment, and protect their ventures with proper legal resources. Vaz shares invaluable insights on building a sustainable business culture and adapting to the rapid evolution of marketing technology. Key Topics: - Engineering mindset in marketing strategy - Small business growth in the digital age - AI implementation in marketing workflows - Cultural fit in client partnerships - Legal considerations for entrepreneurs - Building a strong company culture 56:44 - Engineering to Marketing Transition 58:14 - Understanding Client Expectations 59:54 - Company Culture and Client Relationships 1:01:24 - Legal Resources for Business Protection 1:03:44 - AI Integration in Marketing 1:05:14 - Understanding Market Limitations 1:07:44 - Building Company Culture 1:09:14 - Industry Trends and Innovation 1:11:44 - Networking Strategies 1:13:14 - Technology Democratization Connect with Ebony Vaz: Website: abovepromotions.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonytgrimsley/ Services: Marketing Tech Stack Implementation, Internal Communications Training, Crisis Communications, Technology Consulting Follow Build with Tech: Website: buildwithtechnology.com Parent Company: gratasoftware.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biztechguru/ #entrepreneurship #marketing #engineering #AIinBusiness #businessculture #clientrelations #technology #digitalmarketing #marketingtech #smallbusiness #buildwithtech #businesspodcast #marketingstrategy #techentrepreneurship #businessgrowth #engineeringmindset #businessinnovation #marketingtechnology #businessstrategy #techpodcasts

Episode 9: Demystifying Venture Capital: Kevin Burgoyne on Startup Funding Strategies

Demystifying Venture Capital: Kevin Burgoyne on Startup Funding Strategies Join host Rey Ortega as he dives deep into the world of venture capital with Kevin Burgoyne, President of the Florida Venture Forum. In this episode, Kevin shares unique insights into the startup ecosystem in Florida discusses the importance of founder qualities, and explains the various funding stages, from angel investing to venture capital. Learn about the invaluable resources available to entrepreneurs and how to leverage them for business growth. This episode is packed with invaluable advice for anyone interested in startups, entrepreneurship, and venture funding. Don't miss it! Call to action: 🔗 Visit the Florida Venture Forum: [FL Venture](https://flventure.org) 🔗 Check out upcoming events: [FL Venture Events](https://flventure.org/events/) Get involved, learn from the best, and stay tuned for more Build with Tech podcast episodes! 00:00 Introduction to the Event and Florida Venture Forum 00:34 Meet Kevin Burgoyne: President of Florida Venture Forum 02:21 Understanding the Florida Venture Forum 07:03 Kevin's Journey to Florida Venture Forum 09:49 What is Venture Capital? 20:40 The Importance of User Growth and Market Acceptance 27:31 How Investors Liquidate Their Investments 31:12 Finding the Right Investors for Your Business 33:11 Finding the Right Investors 34:13 The Power of Conferences 36:11 Innovative Pitch Formats 43:17 The Importance of Being Coachable 51:16 Building a Strong Advisory Board 53:32 Florida's Growing Investment Landscape 58:55 Resources for Florida Entrepreneurs 01:01:55 Final Thoughts and Encouragement #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #KevinBurgoyne #FloridaVentureForum #Entrepreneurship #StartupEcosystem #AngelInvesting #BusinessGrowth #StartupAdvice #TechStartups #FounderQualities #FundingStages #InvestorRelations #PitchingTips #AdvisoryBoard #FloridaStartups #StartupResources #TechPodcast #BuildWithTech #InvestmentStrategies #StartupConferences #UserGrowth #MarketAcceptance #InvestorLiquidation #CoachableFounders #FloridaInvestments #EntrepreneurResources

Episode 8: Build a Thriving Marketing Agency | Business Growth & Tech Insights

From Freelance to Full-Service: David Fiore’s Journey to Marketing Success In this episode of Build with Tech, I had the pleasure of speaking with David Fiore, founder of Fiore Communications, a leading marketing agency based in Tallahassee, Florida. 🌟 David shares his incredible journey from freelance writer to running a full-service marketing firm, and how he’s adapted to the ever-changing marketing landscape. 🎯 We also dive into the role technology plays in optimizing business workflows and driving success. 💡 🎧 Watch this episode to learn: How to grow a marketing agency from the ground up 🚀 The power of storytelling in business success 📖 Why community relationships matter 💼 Integrating technology into marketing strategies 💻 Entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and balancing work & family 🏡 🔗 Relevant Links: Fiore Communications: https://www.fiorecommunications.com David Fiore's Podcast, How I Got Here: [https://fiorecommunications.com/category/podcast/] Tools Mentioned: Basecamp [https://basecamp.com], Dropbox [https://www.dropbox.com], DashThis [https://www.dashthis.com] ⏰ Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 1:15 – David Fiore’s Background and Starting Fiore Communications 🌱 4:10 – Evolution of a Marketing Agency 📈 6:30 – Balancing Family Life and Entrepreneurship 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 10:50 – The Importance of Community & Building Relationships 💼 14:00 – Tools and Technology David Uses in His Business 💻 19:45 – The Role of AI in Marketing and Content Creation 🤖 23:30 – Advice for Entrepreneurs: Building a Business You Love 💡 27:00 – Closing Thoughts and How Technology Shapes the Future of Marketing 🔮 If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or want to scale your business through marketing and technology, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell 🔔 to stay updated on future episodes! Keywords: marketing agency, David Fiore, business growth, digital marketing, storytelling, technology in marketing, entrepreneurship, community success, Tallahassee business, podcast, marketing strategies, full-service marketing.

Episode 7: Revolutionizing Loyalty Programs with Michael Hemsey. 💼➡️💻

🤝 Join the Build with Tech community to connect with innovators like Michael: https://skool.com/build-with-tech/about Dive deep into the world of loyalty marketing technology with Michael Hemsey, President and CEO of Tricycle Marketing. In this hour-long episode of the Build with Tech podcast, Michael shares his 25-year journey through the loyalty industry, from agency executive to tech entrepreneur, revealing how he's transforming the landscape with innovative solutions. Key highlights: 📈 Career Evolution: Michael's progression through ESC Loyalty, TSYS, Kobie Marketing, and Merkle The transition from running agencies to co-owning Tricycle Marketing 🔄 Tricycle Marketing's Transformation: Acquiring a healthcare-focused agency and pivoting to loyalty tech Developing a cutting-edge loyalty platform from existing assets 💡 Innovative Approach to Loyalty Programs: Design philosophy: "Never need us again" Fixed-fee pricing model regardless of database size Option for clients to purchase source code and self-innovate 📊 Business Strategy: Patient development approach without outside investment Leveraging existing client relationships for new product feedback Balancing profitability of studios division with tech R&D 🏆 Market Differentiation: Contrast with traditional agency models (retainers, change fees, etc.) Focus on empowering clients rather than creating dependence 🔬 Technology Insights: Integration with AI and machine learning for real-time decision-making Use of AI for translation services in multi-language platforms 🎓 Entrepreneurship Lessons: Importance of clear design tenets in guiding business decisions Being "uncomfortably patient" in the sales and development process The "Johnny Appleseed" approach to business growth 🧘‍♂️ Personal Insights: Michael's writing hobby and use of digital note-taking tools Unwinding techniques: walking his French bulldog, cooking, enjoying wine 📚 Books and media mentioned: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand Jack Reacher series by Lee Child Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins 🛠️ Tools discussed: Remarkable tablet for digital note-taking GoodNotes app (mentioned by the host) 🔗 Connect with Michael: LinkedIn: / michaelhemsey Tricycle Marketing: https://tricyclemarketing.com Don't miss this in-depth conversation on the future of loyalty tech, innovative business strategies, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Whether you're a marketing professional, tech entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode offers valuable insights into building and scaling a tech-enabled enterprise. Subscribe to the Build with Tech podcast for more inspiring stories from industry innovators! 🎧💼🚀 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:06 Guest Introduction: Michael Hemsey 00:49 Michael's Career Journey 02:57 The Decision to Join Tricycle Marketing 05:42 Partnership and Trust 08:59 Building and Refining the Platform 18:10 Understanding Loyalty Programs 22:10 Leveraging Existing Relationships 26:08 Funding and Resource Allocation 27:02 Splitting P&L and Financial Strategy 27:51 Challenges and Anxiety in Development 29:05 Unique Commercial Approach 32:51 Customer Lifetime Value and Scalability 39:07 Leveraging AI and Machine Learning 41:04 Future Vision and Personal Insights 42:21 Personal Hobbies and Writing 48:39 Advice for Entrepreneurs 50:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 6 - You Can Innovate in a World of Linens: Lyle Brous' Tech-Powered Journey

🎙️ In this episode of Build with Tech, we sit down with Lyle Browse, founder of Fabulous Events (https://fabulousevents.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUQ2NTVqMURGcEgwVklGQ0xiYXc4WU9QS2ZMQXxBQ3Jtc0trNUc0RTFmb0lMWmRKOTFna2d3aFo1RFg2M0ZTREs0d3VlZVJWdkZWUExhd01BbW5iZzdwblI0SGU0MVA2R2N5ZmQwM2NJWnhUX1E5LVExYS1HbUxicDZVdGlBbks5RURSSVVmTU1DZW5kMjR0Y0tpOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Ffabulousevents.com%2F&v=3FjAFdeKZe8]), to discuss his journey from DJ to nationwide linen rental entrepreneur, growing his small business around technology and innovation. 🚀 Key topics covered: Transitioning from entertainment to linen rentals Using technology to streamline operations Leveraging AI for marketing and website optimization The importance of adapting to market changes Balancing work and personal life as an entrepreneur 💡 Lyle shares invaluable insights on: Finding the right mentor The power of data-driven decision making Implementing effective marketing strategies Utilizing tools like HubSpot and Microsoft Clarity 🔍 Tech tools mentioned: HubSpot for CRM and marketing automation Microsoft Clarity for website analytics ChatGPT for content creation 👨‍💼 Connect with Lyle: Website: https://fabulousevents.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnp6U3ZlcEljd005YU5lVlRyV1RJam5wSEFVQXxBQ3Jtc0ttVjNKWjdXNTZjRmlVUmUzZkZibVFvTl9nVXZmbzR6dlpoQmZaUlVHU3loUE8tLWNHTGZVQnlTY01aMFA5aGdhT3g5UnFBUVN6YkR3R3NUV3JFNkkwaGVTMXo3Z0wzUGU0ZEJmRG5zN1pLc0ZJU1MtRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ffabulousevents.com%2F&v=3FjAFdeKZe8] 📞 Want to get in touch with Lyle? Visit https://fabulousevents.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkdldEkyUTQtQWxkRWVsY0dRME80b1U3bnFqUXxBQ3Jtc0trcnpMVU5nQVVXVUNnV2hhTUxEX3N0dmE3dWViaWZzNTZmdUhuRXgyNkRtMnNPVm9hTzM2SFFRcjZVRjkzbzF3VElFNVVRRmJOM0V1dlN6MnhKZEpFNjVndFJaTWhWTGFELXpMSEMwSHEzWVhObmpmVQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ffabulousevents.com%2F&v=3FjAFdeKZe8] for contact information and to learn more about their nationwide linen rental services! 🎬 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on more entrepreneurial insights and tech tips!