Designing a Brand with Heart and Trusting the Journey – The Story Behind LOVEDOG with Laurie Stephens

Designing a Brand with Heart and Trusting the Journey – The Story Behind LOVEDOG with Laurie Stephens

In this inspiring episode of Earn It, Laurie Stephens shares her journey from a challenging childhood in foster care to founding LOVEDOG, a luxury dog accessories brand with a meaningful mission at its core. Built at the intersection of style and social impact, LOVEDOG supports local dog rescues while empowering the women behind them. Laurie opens up about how she turned her lifelong love for dogs and her personal experiences into a purpose-driven business, the realities of starting and growing a brand from the ground up, and what it really takes to stay resilient as an entrepreneur. She also shares how LOVEDOG has evolved over the years, what sets the brand apart in a crowded market, and the balance between creative vision and running a business. We also get into the role of PR and earned media in building brand awareness, her recent launch of LOVEDOG Weddings, and how she continues to expand the brand while staying true to its mission. Whether you’re building a business, passionate about giving back, or just love a brand that stands for something bigger, this conversation is a reminder that the most impactful brands are the ones built with heart — and earned every step of the way. 👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop. Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it. Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/earnitpodcast/] Follow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations [https://www.instagram.com/adlerpublicrelations/]  Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27 [https://www.instagram.com/jenadler27/] Visit adlerpublicrelations.com [https://adlerpublicrelations.com/] for more information about Adler PR.

Seasons of Your Career, Earning Your Reputation and Why You Are Worthy of Publicity with Nicole Myden, Account Director of Adler PR

This episode is a special one because the guest is not only an incredibly talented and well-respected publicist, but she’s the newest member of the Adler PR team, Nicole Myden. It felt only fitting to have Nicole on the podcast because she brings such a unique and well-rounded perspective to the industry. She’s seen PR from every angle —agency life, in-house roles, and building her own business from the ground up.  Nicole started her career in Los Angeles, working in entertainment PR and gaining experience at top agencies before eventually making her way to Arizona. From there, she launched her own PR business, where she built a brand centered around helping small businesses gain the visibility they truly deserve. She’s also the author of the Amazon best-selling book You Are Worthy of Publicity, and someone who deeply understands not just the strategy behind PR, but also the mindset and energy it takes to put yourself out there. Now, in this season of her career, she’s joined Adler PR as an account director, bringing with her that entrepreneurial mindset, diverse experience, and more than 25 years of expertise that Adler PR's clients are already benefiting from. This episode dives into Nicole's journey, from LA to launching her own business, to working in-house, and now being part of the Adler PR team. We also talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, when to pivot, protecting your energy and what it really takes to build a successful PR career.  👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop. Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it. Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/earnitpodcast/] Follow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations [https://www.instagram.com/adlerpublicrelations/]  Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27 [https://www.instagram.com/jenadler27/] Visit adlerpublicrelations.com [https://adlerpublicrelations.com/] for more information about Adler PR.

Differentiating Your Business Through Technology and Surprising Oral Health Facts with Dr. Kris Alpers, Founder of Alpers Dentistry

In this episode of Earn It, Jennifer interviews Dr. Kristopher Alpers, founder of Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry and Adler PR client, to explore what it takes to build and scale a premier dental practice rooted in innovation, trust, and leadership. Recognized as one of Arizona’s Best Doctors, Dr. Alpers has built a Scottsdale-based practice that blends cutting-edge technology with a deeply personalized, patient-first approach. From comprehensive 3D imaging and early-detection diagnostics to advanced cosmetic and implant solutions, he is redefining modern dentistry by prioritizing prevention and whole-body health. His philosophy is simple but powerful: patients should feel informed, empowered, and genuinely cared for — not rushed through an appointment. Jen and Dr. Alpers discuss his journey from collegiate athlete to entrepreneur, the lessons in discipline and resilience that shaped his leadership style, and the realities of acquiring and growing a private practice. He shares how he has scaled his business while maintaining culture, invested heavily in team development, and leveraged emerging technologies, including AI, to elevate both clinical outcomes and the overall patient experience. The conversation also dives into mentorship, community involvement and why giving back is a core pillar of his business model. From coaching fellow dentists nationwide to his continued service with The Neighborhood Christian Clinic, Dr. Alpers believes true success is measured by impact beyond his own walls. He also shares surprising oral health facts, key business lessons learned along the way, and his perspective on where healthcare and dentistry are headed in the years ahead. 👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop. Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it. Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/earnitpodcast/] Follow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations [https://www.instagram.com/adlerpublicrelations/]  Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27 [https://www.instagram.com/jenadler27/] Visit adlerpublicrelations.com [https://adlerpublicrelations.com/] for more information about Adler PR.

Making Your Passion Your Purpose with Kirk McClure, Founder of Stadium Classic and Construction Industry Exec.

Season 2 of Earn It kicks off with a conversation that perfectly captures what this show is all about: building success through hard work, relationships and giving back to the local community. In this episode, Jen is joined by longtime Adler PR client and friend, Kirk McClure, a construction industry leader at JE Dunn Construction and founder of two golf-focused ventures – Stadium Classic and 3Ten. Kirk shares his path into the construction industry, how he carved out a niche in new business development, and what his client solutions role at JE Dunn entails. He also opens up about what it’s like to balance a demanding full-time career while building and scaling two side businesses, both related to his passion for golf. With Stadium Classic around the corner, this timely episode dives into how Kirk has grown the annual event into one of the Valley’s most unique and impactful charity golf tournaments supporting deserving nonprofits. Throughout the conversation, Kirk and Jen discuss leadership, lessons learned along the way, the power of community involvement, and the effectiveness of PR for both large corporate organizations and mission-driven nonprofits. This episode is a must-listen for professionals who want to grow their careers, entrepreneurs building something on the side, and anyone who believes success is more meaningful when it’s used to make a difference. 👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop. Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it. Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/earnitpodcast/] Follow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations [https://www.instagram.com/adlerpublicrelations/]  Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27 [https://www.instagram.com/jenadler27/] Visit adlerpublicrelations.com [https://adlerpublicrelations.com/] for more information about Adler PR.

Creating Timeless Restaurant Concepts and Commitment to Quality with Adam Strecker, CEO of Hi Noon Hospitality

In this Season 1 finale of Earn It, Jen is joined by Adler PR client, Adam Strecker, CEO and founding partner of Hi Noon Hospitality, the locally-owned restaurant group behind Valley favorites Buck & Rider, Ingo’s Tasty Food, and its newest concept, Pinyon Coastal Mediterranean. Born and raised in New Orleans, Adam’s passion for food started early and was shaped by his love of fishing, cooking, and hospitality. After joining the military to pay for college, he earned a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of New Orleans and went on to spend a decade with Hillstone Restaurant Group before joining LGO Hospitality. Over 15 years with LGO, Adam rose to Partner, COO, and President, while co-founding Buck & Rider and Ingo’s along the way. In this episode, Adam shares how a relentless commitment to quality, consistency, and craft has guided every stage of his career, from opening a single restaurant to thoughtfully scaling multiple concepts without cutting corners. He discusses the discipline required to grow a local restaurant group, why design details and service standards matter just as much as the menu, and how Hi Noon Hospitality continues to build brands that stand the test of time. If you’re an entrepreneur or aspiring restaurateur, this episode is packed with  wisdom gained from decades of working in all aspects of the restaurant industry and offers a behind-the-scenes look at what is required to create standout restaurant concepts. This conversation with Adam is another lesson in what it takes to earn long-term success and is an amazing listen to close out 2025 and the first season of this podcast. 👉 Subscribe now to be notified when new episodes drop. Thank you for tuning into the Earn It podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review and tell us what you liked about it. Follow Earn It on Instagram: @earnitpodcast [https://www.instagram.com/earnitpodcast/] Follow Adler Public Relations on Instagram: @adlerpublicrelations [https://www.instagram.com/adlerpublicrelations/]  Follow Jen on Instagram: @jenadler27 [https://www.instagram.com/jenadler27/] Visit adlerpublicrelations.com [https://adlerpublicrelations.com/] for more information about Adler PR.