Brian Bonilla, a senior agency reporter at Ad Age, returns to discuss recent happenings and insights within the advertising industry alongside Geno Schellenberger. They dive into the current trend of rapidly emerging ad agencies and explore the factors contributing to this phenomenon, including the strategy of niching down to cater to specific market segments like Gen Z and local businesses. The conversation also touches on significant developments, such as a notable lawsuit involving the closure of the Butcher Shop agency. The discussion spans various informative segments, including 'Agency H ..read more

Dr. Karen Freberg on Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry. In this episode, Dr. Karen Freberg shares her experiences as a professor in strategic communications at the University of Louisville. She highlights her approach to teaching and her role in managing a student-run strategic communications agency. She discusses how she focuses on bridging the gap between academia and the industry and why she champions her students to take ownership of their learning. Additionally, Dr. Freberg shares examples of how her students have benefited from personal branding and real-world experience, in ..read more

This week, we interviewed Eric Segal and Brett Banker, founders of X&O, a unique company that defies the traditional advertising agency framework. Operating from New Jersey, Segal and Banker discuss their long-term partnership, the genesis of X&O, and how their model differentiates from typical agencies by focusing on employing a network of experts and officers for specific client challenges. They dive into the principles of agility, expertise, and speed in delivering strategic and creative roadmaps for clients, emphasizing their no-hierarchy, project-based approach. X&O collabor ..read more

Lauren King, Director of Brand Marketing at Wolverine Boots & Apparel, conducts a hall of fame episode this week on Breaking and Entering Brand-Side. She takes us through her inspiring journey from internships at the Detroit Zoo and WNBA, navigating through a PR agency, to her pivotal role in transforming a startup into a national phenomenon. You will hear how facing the 2008 Recession, a chance Craigslist find, and a strategic move to Wolverine Worldwide shaped her career. Lauren’s story is a masterclass in seizing opportunities, the power of perseverance, and the continuous pursuit of gr ..read more

This episode of the Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast features a deep dive into the advertising world with Tim Roan, Chief Creative Officer at McGarrah Jessee, an independent agency based in Austin, Texas. Roan shares his journey from agency side to client side at Lyft and back into the agency world with Magera Jesse. He discusses the evolution of advertising in the context of remote work, the importance of nurturing early talent, and offers advice for those looking to break into the industry. The conversation covers McGarrah Jessee's unique approach to creativity and client relationsh ..read more

In this episode of the Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast, host Geno Schellenberger talks with Olivia Morley, a senior advertising reporter at Adweek, about the challenges and solutions for students and aspiring advertisers looking to enter the industry. The main point of discussion is the Rising Marketer's Guide, which she reports on consistently. She shares her initiative to compile and disseminate valuable resources for newcomers, such as internship and fellowship programs that need broad exposure. She emphasizes the significance of these opportunities for career development, especia ..read more

Back to Brand-Side. This episode dives deep into Shure Incorporated, a brand our team at Breaking and Entering is incredibly passionate about, with insights from Garrison Krotz. Garrison is an Associate Manager of Global Media Relations at Shure Incorporated. Garrison talks about his journey from PR Agency Ketchum to Shure, blending professional growth with personal passions. We discuss the importance of networking and connecting with industry professionals to navigate career transitions ..read more

Aaron Starkman is the Global Chief Creative Officer at Rethink. And Partner. He's really good at advertising. Aaron's brilliance has catapulted Rethink to the forefront of the advertising world, earning titles like Ad Age's Creative Agency of the Year, Campaign Magazine's Global Independent Agency of the Year, and numerous Cannes Gold Lions. But Aaron's journey wasn't always lined with accolades. He faced job losses and challenges that tested his resilience and creativity. You'll hear how Aaron turned setbacks into stepping stones, leading to groundbreaking work and industry-wide recognitio ..read more

In Episode 4 of Breaking with Brian Bonilla, hosts Brian Bonilla (Senior Reporter at Ad Age) and Geno Schellenberger (Comms Lead at Havas Chicago) dive into a range of topics, including the success of Havas Chicago's Wayfair campaign, the dynamics of the advertising industry, and recent trends in hiring creators within agencies. They discuss the significant impact of executive moves in advertising and the rise of AI interns in agencies. The episode also covers the effects of mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships on mid-sized agencies, highlighting the changing nature of agency sizes and clie ..read more

NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB. You know these, but do you know PBR? It's time to learn about professional bull riding with our guest, Tripp Wheat, Director of Sales at Professional Bull Riders, LLC (PBR), on Breaking and Entering Brand-side. Tripp is revolutionizing PBR by drawing in diverse partners and widening the sport's appeal far beyond its traditional audience. Hear how strategic partnerships propel PBR into new markets and catch Tripp's expert advice for marketers aiming to leave their mark. Listen for an episode packed with insights and strategies that are shaping the future of sports market ..read more