Recent Updates
1516: Niche Marketing Strategy: Grow from $0 to $2.5M and Acquire Businesses Like a Pro with Digital Service Business Expert Karl Hughes
Karl Hughes is an agency acquisition entrepreneur, business builder, and advocate for thoughtful leadership in the digital services sector. Best known for scaling Draft.dev to seven figures and then acquiring and growing agencies such as Podcast Consultant, Karl specializes in buying, improving, and uniting niche service companies to unlock their potential. Drawing on years of hands-on entrepreneurship, personal coaching, and navigating rapid industry shifts, Karl empowers business owners with actionable strategies for growth, resilience, and financial clarity, whether they’re scaling for the first time or preparing for acquisition.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Karl Hughes joins Robert Plank to share his journey from building content agencies from the ground up to orchestrating successful business acquisitions. Karl breaks down how the pandemic changed agency work, what it really takes to buy and scale small companies, the realities of leadership, and why mental stability is crucial for entrepreneurs. Listeners will learn about the hidden challenges behind running multimillion-dollar agencies, the importance of financial literacy, and the lifelong work of separating personal self-worth from business performance. Karl also offers practical advice on thriving through setbacks, building support networks, and the essential need to embrace discomfort for growth.
Quotes:
“How do I get my own mental health, my own stability, regardless of the ups and downs of the business... That’s my life’s work, really.”
“The hard part is when either market externalities change and the business needs to change, or you lose a key team member... There’s no substitute for rolling your sleeves up and doing hard work.”
“Consistency just sticking with it even through the ups and downs and making yourself uncomfortable when you get stuck, those are the key skills.”
Resources:
- Connect with Karl Hughes on LinkedIn
- Discover Karl Hughes’ strategies for agency growth and acquisitions.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:28 — 35.0MB) | Embed
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1515: Appreciation Is the Secret Sauce: A Simple System to Retain Top Talent and Shift Workplace Culture with Matt Rieck
Matt Rieck is the Chief Human Resources Officer at End Zone Insurance and author of "The Employee Retention Bible." Focused on practical strategies that reverse turnover and elevate morale, Matt specializes in teaching leaders how to foster cultures of appreciation, strengthen management, and deliver measurable HR results. From hands-on consulting with major enterprises to building loyalty-driven workforces, Matt’s passion lies in blending culture, communication, and data to help companies retain their very best talent.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Matt Rieck joins Robert Plank to decode the real reasons behind employee turnover and reveal how businesses can nurture loyalty, drive engagement, and transform company culture without breaking the bank. Matt shares the hidden costs of losing great employees, actionable tactics for implementing company-wide appreciation, and insights on developing managers into true leaders. The discussion covers leveraging social media for internal recognition, organizing effective team meetings, and the importance of training managers beyond their initial promotion. Matt also highlights how recognizing and leveraging individual strengths—and transparently addressing weaknesses—can set both teams and organizations apart.
Quotes:
“Most businesses underestimate the cost of losing good people—when you show real appreciation, culture shifts and people stay.”
“Training managers doesn’t end with the promotion. Ongoing development is the missing link at most companies.”
“Recognition isn’t expensive. Internal emails, social posts, and simple appreciation systems can change everything.”
Resources:
- Connect with Matt Rieck on LinkedIn
- Order “The Employee Retention Bible” on Amazon.
- Matt Rieck teaches leaders how to boost morale and reduce turnover.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:28 — 35.0MB) | Embed
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1514: Get Off the Hamster Wheel: : Steps Employers Use to Control Healthcare Costs and Improve Outcomes with Charles W. Gragg
Charles Gragg is an accomplished healthcare benefit solutions strategist, consultant, and author with over four decades of experience inside the American health insurance industry. Having worked in virtually every aspect of health insurance claims management, brokering, risk, and employer consulting, Charles is renowned for guiding CEOs and HR leaders to reclaim control over one of their company’s largest operating expenses: employee health insurance. His bestselling book, “Get Off the Hamster Wheel: An Employer’s Guide to Controlling His Second Largest Operating Expense,” is transforming how business owners approach group health plans for long-term savings and better employee outcomes.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Charles joins Robert Plank to expose the myths and hidden costs plaguing employer health insurance. Drawing on his unique vantage point as an industry insider turned transparency advocate, Charles unpacks actionable strategies to shift from overpriced, opaque insurance models to self-funded, outcome-driven plans. He explains how employer ignorance, market consolidation, and entrenched carriers (“the cartel”) conspire to keep costs high and what leaders can do to fight back. Discussion covers stepping away from traditional carriers, hiring independent third-party administrators, leveraging technology and analytics, educating employees, and how reference-based pricing benchmarks real savings. Charles shares riveting success stories, practical challenges, and the essential mindset shift required for sustainable change.
Quotes:
“Employers must know where every dollar is going and I will account for it for you.”
“The only way to control the cost is to control owning the business.”
“You can't just keep doing what you've been doing and expect a different result. That’s insanity.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 27:29 — 37.7MB) | Embed
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1513: Patient Number One: The Miraculous Survival Story That Defied COVID-19 with Sandra and Greg Mundis
Sandra and Greg Mundis are the resilient couple behind the inspirational real-life account, “Patient Number One: Embracing Hope in Times of Despair.” Greg, a global leader as Executive Director of Assemblies of God World Mission, and Sandra, a gifted storyteller and founder of Europe’s Children ministry, have spent decades impacting lives across 195 countries. Their new book chronicles Greg’s harrowing journey as the first COVID-19 intubation patient at his hospital—given little chance to live—and Sandra’s fierce faith-fueled advocacy, demonstrating the miraculous power of hope, family, and community in the darkest times.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Sandra and Greg join Robert Plank to share their journey from devastation to hope. They candidly detail Greg’s critical illness, the emotional and physical ordeal of prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation, Sandra’s steadfast persistence, and the profound role faith and global prayer played in recovery. The conversation highlights themes of family unity, the psychological toll of crisis, finding purpose beyond suffering, and the decision to turn their collective trauma into a published story of inspiration. Listeners will learn about the importance of documenting miracles, building a support network, and how adversity can lead to deeper connection and renewed mission.
Quotes:
“If it wasn’t for Jesus, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you.”
“God’s word was like my food... There’s power in those words, and it truly brought me through.”
“If I take him home, it’s the best thing I can do for him... But if I leave him, I want to receive the glory.”
Resources:
- Buy “Patient Number One” on Amazon.
- Learn more about how they turn challenges into opportunities for change on their website
- Follow Sandra and Greg Mundis on Facebook
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:39 — 39.4MB) | Embed
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1502: The Co-Parent Secret: How to Turn Divorce into a Respectful, Love-Filled Environment for Your Child with TEDx Speaker and Author John Bassford
Jon Bassford is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and the driving force behind a movement transforming co-parenting through intentionality, respect, and child-centered strategies. As the author of "The Co-Parenting Secret: It’s Not About You," Jon empowers parents, whether divorced, separated, or in parallel parenting situations, to let go of animosity, nurture genuine relationships, and build supportive environments where children thrive. Drawing on his personal journey and coaching expertise, Jon helps entrepreneurs, business owners, and families turn the challenges of separation into opportunities for growth, clarity, and lasting connection.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jon Bassford joins Robert Plank to reveal the mindset shifts and practical steps that make co-parenting successful even in high-conflict or complex family situations. Jon explains why focusing on the child’s experience (rather than parental scorekeeping) is the key to reducing conflict and fostering deep, lasting relationships. He discusses the initial discomfort of building new co-parenting routines, overcoming external skepticism, and strategies for letting go of the past to create a positive future. Listeners will hear actionable advice on communication, adapting business skills to parenting logistics, and the transformative power of small, intentional choices like beginning with just one "yes" or "of course."
Quotes:
“If you don’t have a reason to say no, you should always say yes in this type of environment.”
“It’s not about you. It’s about what’s best for the kids: let go of animosity, remove your ego, and focus on their time.”
“Start with one yes. Or, even better, of course, and let it snowball into something more positive for everyone.”
Resources:
- Connect with Jon Bassford on LinkedIn.
- The Co-Parenting Secret: It’s Not About You on Amazon
- Operational clarity for leaders who want disciplined execution and dependable growth.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:36 — 33.8MB) | Embed
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1512: Break the Chaos Cycle: Find Focus and Success with the 5S Framework with Dr. Lyman Montgomery
Dr. Lyman Montgomery is a renowned clarity and culture strategist, author, coach, and business leader with decades of experience empowering organizations and individuals to turn chaos into clarity. As the architect of the “5S Framework” and a globe-trotting consultant, Dr. Montgomery has guided over 60,000 leaders, built multiple businesses, and become a powerful voice for faith, focus, and cultural transformation. His latest work, "Sacred, Not Sinful," explores the intersection of Greek life and Christian discipleship, while his digital hub, CoachLyman.com, serves as a gateway for leaders seeking personal and professional growth.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Dr. Lyman joins Robert Plank to unpack his actionable 5S Framework Structure: Systems, Strategies, Simplicity, and Sustainability, which helps businesses and individuals thrive amidst distraction and overwhelm. The conversation traces Dr. Lyman’s journey from humble beginnings to global influence, explores how leaders can overcome resistance to new tools and documentation (including leveraging AI for business efficiency), and examines the shift from an “I can’t” to an “I will” mindset. Discussion topics include building strong foundational systems, driving business results with clarity, embracing collaboration, leveraging automation, and nurturing the habits that support sustainable growth both in the boardroom and at home.
Quotes:
"Simplicity drives business... The more simplistic you can make it, the more users will use it."
"Everything we do is designed to get a result within 24 to 48 hours—otherwise, it's too complicated."
"There's a difference between an 'I can't' mentality and an 'I will' mentality. Which are you choosing?"
Resources:
- Connect with Dr. Lyman Montgomery on LinkedIn
- Transform chaos into clarity—grab Dr. Montgomery’s book on Amazon.
- Learn more about how to navigate complex compliance challenges on their website
- Follow Dr. Lyman Montgomery on Facebook
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:50 — 42.4MB) | Embed
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1511: Parental Leadership:Build Strong, Resilient Teens in a Chaotic Digital World with Author & Youth Empowerment Speaker Christopher S. Mahan
Christopher S Mahan is a transformational speaker, family coach, and result-driven mentor who has spent over a decade empowering parents, teens, and young adults to break cycles of dysfunction and build thriving, resilient families. As the creator of the “Empowerment to Employment” app, author of "Parental Leadership: Seven Principles to Lead Your Teen in the Digital Age," and host of the "Lead Your Teen" podcast, Christopher brings deep experience in leadership, parent-child dynamics, and personal development. His work has directly impacted thousands, providing tools and strategies to overcome adversity and find purpose.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Christopher joins Robert Plank to share his powerful journey—from recognizing alarming spikes in teen suicides in his Florida county to building a movement around parental leadership and family empowerment. Christopher reveals how his early struggles and career pivots fueled his mission, the challenges of getting essential messages into schools and communities, and the transformation that comes from facing fear, developing soft skills, and putting passion into action. Discussion topics include leadership versus parenting, breaking out of old patterns, the impact of technology on youth, resilience, personal responsibility, and how families can cultivate effort, passion, and purpose (EPP) for real-world results.
Quotes:
"Obstacles aren’t in your way to stop you—they beg the question, how badly do you want it?"
"If the home is broken, society is broken, because what the home puts out is a reflection of that home."
"Preparation is part of leadership. You have to be ready for the hard work and not look for an easy out."
Resources:
- Connect with Christopher S Mahan on LinkedIn
- Get Christopher S. Mahan’s book Parental Leadership: Seven Principles to Lead Your Teen in the Digital Age on Amazon
- Explore actionable strategies from Christopher S. Mahan.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:00 — 92.0MB) | Embed
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1510: Why Knowing Isn’t Enough: Turn Insight into Consistent Action and Profit with Business Strategist and Coach Glenis Gassmann
Glenis Gassmann is a seasoned business strategist, mentor, and result-driven coach with over 35 years of real-world experience helping business owners turn insight into action. As the founder of several successful ventures, including a high-performing accounting and coaching firm, Glennis brings unmatched expertise in building, scaling, and intentionally exiting businesses. Her forthcoming audiobook, "Why Knowing Isn't Enough: The No Fluff Guide to Building a Business that Finally Turns Actions into Profits," is the centerpiece of today’s conversation.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Glenis joins Robert Plank to break down the actionable steps behind moving from knowledge to consistent execution, especially in a world overloaded with information and technology. Glenis details her personal and professional journey, explaining why so many business owners get stuck, the value of self-awareness, and the importance of building systems that support action rather than overwhelm. Discussion topics include cultivating discipline, prioritizing high-impact tasks, delegating for growth, leading by example, and the essential role of mentors and community in driving sustainable business results. Glenis shares transformative lessons from her own “school of hard knocks,” as well as insight on how leaders can develop both themselves and their teams for long-term success.
Quotes:
"Success doesn't come from knowing more. It comes from doing what matters consistently."
"You actually have to be kind to yourself... we don't have to keep up with all the information as fast as it comes to us."
"It's not about strategy. This is all about tactics, having that belief in yourself, having a vision bigger than yourself, and taking the actions."
Resources:
- Connect with Glenis Gassmanni on LinkedIn
- Get Glenis Gassmann’s audiobook Why Knowing Isn't Enough on Amazon
- Get expert guidance from Glenis Gassmann.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 34:37 — 47.5MB) | Embed
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1509: Penji: Transform Your Creative Team with AI and Outsourcing with Jonathan Grzybowski
Jonathan Grzybowski is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and the co-founder of Pengy.co, a creative subscription service transforming how businesses access top-tier creative talent. With leadership spanning over 81 countries, Jonathan brings a unique blend of hands-on strategy, authenticity, and a customer-first mindset to internal and external creative solutions. In addition to running Pengy.co, Jonathan is the host of “Dear Dads,” a heartfelt platform fostering genuine conversations around fatherhood and providing a support network for new fathers and content creators alike.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jonathan joins Robert Plank to reflect on entrepreneurship’s evolving landscape—from early days of Amazon Merch and “t-shirt crazes” to leveraging AI and scaling global creative operations. Jonathan shares Pengy’s journey into managing in-house creative teams, the value of AI-assisted content creation, and why delegating and collaboration matter more than ever. He opens up about balancing business growth with personal priorities like family, building communities around honesty and vulnerability, and lessons from launching his “Dear Dads” podcast to support other fathers. The discussion touches on the importance of authenticity, customer engagement, and continuous self-improvement as keys to success in business and life.
Quotes:
“The problem we solve as a business is, if you don't want to do it yourself, then you hire somebody to do it for you. That problem will forever exist no matter what AI comes in.”
“You have to be a face, and you have to be more than just a person working at a desk. You can't hide anymore if you want to move forward in this future world.”
“Job’s not done. Just because you do a good job or find a little success—job’s not done.”
Resources:
- Connect with Jonathan Grzybowski on LinkedIn
- Engage with Johnathan Grzybowski on Facebook
- Ideas are cheap. Execution creates results. Start here.
- Start your unlimited design subscription with Penji now
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:54 — 41.1MB) | Embed
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1508: Unlock Podcast Revenue: Monetize for Creators and Brands with Precision with Patrick Butkus
Pat Butkus is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Growth at Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company. With a background in building global marketing strategies, Pat helps brands reach deeply engaged podcast audiences through innovative advertising technology and personalized targeting solutions. Under his leadership, Acast bridges creators with advertisers and pursues the mission of democratizing podcast advertising at scale.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Pat Butkus joins Robert Plank to demystify the podcast advertising world. Pat explains how Acast supports over 140,000 shows worldwide, enabling creators to monetize with sophisticated ad tech and advertisers to harness the unmatched loyalty of podcast listeners. The conversation uncovers the evolution and current power of podcast targeting, the unique bond between podcasters and their audiences, the seamless transition for creators onto Acast, and AI-powered features like Smart Recommendations that streamline finding the perfect audience. Pat shares strategic advice for both advertisers and podcasters on maximizing growth, revenue, and influence through consistency, community-building, and embracing new tech in the audio world.
Quotes:
“Podcasting audiences are unlike any other; the listeners consider hosts their friends, making advertising deeply impactful.”
“Our AI-driven Smart Recommendations take the guesswork out of finding your brand’s ideal podcast audience, reducing planning time by 80%.”
“Switching platforms can be daunting, but with Acast it’s seamless and opens up global monetization without disrupting your loyal listeners.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:23 — 45.9MB) | Embed
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