BOBs in the 'Burbs

Aligning A Deep Sense of Purpose With Profit | Desiree Whitehead - Howl Marketing

This episode of BOBs in the 'Burbs is like a perfectly mapped out 90-day growth strategy: it’s precise, it’s impactful, and it gives you immediate momentum! On this episode, Ashley sits down with Desiree Whitehead, the brilliant founder of Howl Marketing. Desiree takes us on her incredible journey from the heart-led spaces of the nonprofit sector straight to scaling tech startups to massive valuations. She’s giving up the deets on how leading with an "integrity cap" is the ultimate secret weapon for building true authority and long-term business success. Highlights of the Episode: In this episode: 1. The Non-Profit Soul: How Desiree spent 10 years mastering the art of storytelling and high-impact work before diving into the corporate world. 2. The Integrity Cap: Why hitting a values ceiling in corporate America—rather than a financial ceiling—inspired her to step into her own dopeness as a CEO. 3. Watching Greatness in Motion: The jaw-dropping story of how she stepped in to build the brand identity and marketing framework for Brink Drones, scaling them from a 2-person concept to a $300 million valuation. 4. The Growth Agency Stack: Desiree breaks down how underutilized tools like LinkedIn, heat-mapping via Hot Jar, and AI can help small businesses thrive. To keep the convo going, find Desiree on: 1. Instagram: @HowlMarketingHQ 2. TikTok: @HowlMarketingHQ 3. LinkedIn: Howl Marketing 4. YouTube: @HowlMarketing 5. Website: Howl-Marketing.com For those who love a hidden gem and great conversation, BOBs in the 'Burbs is a podcast that features leadership talks to help you find, fund, and amplify Black-owned businesses in suburban areas and beyond. Join your host, Ashley L. James, founder of ALJ Digital, as she sits down with thought leaders you'll love to support. From agency founders to boutique owners, the visionaries behind these businesses are creating success on their own terms. Tune in to get inspired, enjoy expert insights and join a community of people who know that buying Black is a power move. Stay in the loop with us: BOBs Online [https://aljdigitalmarketing.com/bobs-in-the-burbs] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@BOBsInTheBurbs] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/aljdigitalmarketing/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ALJDigitalMarketing/]

How Authentic Connections Lead to Success | Monique Overstreet - Creative Conversations Therapy

In this inspiring interview, Monique Overstreet shares her journey from aspiring school counselor to successful mental health practice owner in Lexington, North Carolina. She discusses building authentic client relationships, overcoming challenges as a Black entrepreneur, and leveraging community resources to grow her business.To keep the convo going, find Monique on:LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-overstreet-075b7b34] Website [https://www.creativeconversationstherapy.com]Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/creative-conversations-therapy-and-supervision-lexington-nc/845822]Chapters00:00 Building Bridges in Mental Health03:42 The Journey to Therapy06:00 Creating Meaningful Connections07:50 Navigating Business in a Small Community10:36 Leveraging Resources for Growth13:04 The Importance of Community and Networking14:53 Overcoming Stigmas in Therapy16:52 Trusting the Process19:03 Personal Growth and Reflection20:25 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs22:03 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations31:07 Outro

The Importance of a Strong Digital Presence | Cliff Blade Blade Marketing and Design

In this episode of BOBs in the 'Burbs, I'm chatting with Cliff from a digital marketing agency that started back in 2018 helping local businesses in El Paso, Texas. What began with Facebook marketing for carpet cleaners and dry cleaning stores has grown into a full-service operation offering WordPress website design and local SEO. Cliff gets real about the journey, the lessons learned, and why your digital presence matters more than you might think! 🎙️ To keep the convo going, find Cliff on: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Cliff-Blade [https://www.linkedin.com/in/Cliff-Blade] https://www.facebook.com/BladeMrktDesign [https://www.facebook.com/BladeMrktDesign] https://www.instagram.com/BladeMrktDesign [https://www.instagram.com/BladeMrktDesign] Chapters 0:00 Introduction to Digital Presence 1:23 Podcast Introduction 2:06 Cliff's Background and Business Journey 5:01 Importance of Digital Branding 7:04 Challenges in Business 8:16 Social Media and Networking 13:20 SEO and AI in Business 16:22 Personal Interests and Relaxation 18:01 Advice for Future Entrepreneurs 19:03 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our monthly episodes featuring amazing Black-owned businesses!

The Power of Belief in Entrepreneurship | Echell Eady - Eady Consulting Group

In this conversation with Echell Eady of Eady Consulting Group, we got real about trusting your gut when you're in the building phase (even when that inner voice is trying to shut you down). We also explored: * What substance use recovery support looks like in Middle Tennessee * Trusting yourself in the face of doubt * Doing your research and being authentic * Unexpected challenges that some business owners face This one was exactly what my entrepreneurial soul needed to hear! 🎯 Let me know in the comments if you agree. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our monthly episodes featuring amazing Black-owned businesses!

Centering Black Entrepreneurship | Barron Russell - Boro Office Solutions

Welcome back to BOBs in the 'Burbs! 🎙️In this episode, I sit down with Barron Russell from Boro Office Solutions in Murfreesboro, TN, and let me tell you, this conversation is packed with gems. Barron gets real about his entrepreneurial journey, sharing both the victories and challenges.Here's what we're talking about:• How Barron built his business from the ground up• Why social media marketing isn't optional anymore (even if you're not a fan)• The suburban vs. urban business scene (it's different out here!)• Finding mentors and building your network• Barron's advice for aspiring entrepreneurs• Plus, we get to know the person behind the businessWhether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for a while, Barron shares insights that'll make you think differently about building a business.Drop a comment and let me know your biggest takeaway! Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell so you don't miss our monthly episodes featuring amazing Black-owned businesses!To keep the convo going, find Barron on:Facebook: Boro Office Solutions [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572489539986]Instagram: ⁠@Boro_Office_Solutions [https://www.instagram.com/boro_office_solutions]Website: BoroOfficeSolutions.com [https://www.boroofficesolutions.com/]Chapters00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1] Introduction to Barron Russell and Boro Office Solutions03:34 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=214s] Barron's Journey of Starting a Business06:17 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=377s] Services Offered and Community Impact08:47 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=527s] Challenges of Running a Brick-and-Mortar Business11:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=673s] Team Dynamics and Community Initiatives13:35 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=815s] Marketing Strategies and Social Media Presence16:03 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=963s] Advice for Aspiring Black Entrepreneurs18:53 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=1133s] Networking and Finding Mentors21:29 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=1289s] Differences Between Urban and Suburban Business23:24 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=1404s] Personal Interests25:37 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbNoGPYN5QM&list=LL&index=1&t=1537s] Closing Remarks