The Spark Podcast: Nashville

Fly the Kite: Betting a Career on Boldness and Building a Creative City with Alex Goulart

Snapshot — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What happens when a global creative director trades 200-person agencies for a team of seven and starts making more work than ever? Alex Goulart, Founder and Executive Creative Director of Fire Kite, spent two decades creating campaigns for Gillette, Nissan, Honda, and Qatar Airways across Europe and the US before launching his own agency in Franklin, Tennessee. He joins Mark Scrivner to share the Ben Franklin story behind Fire Kite, why strategy has to come before audacity, and how a small team became the most awarded agency at the local Addys. Topics include creative agency growth, brand platform strategy, cause marketing, Nashville's creative scene, new business development, and creative collaboration.

Episode Highlights

00:00 - Alex shows off a replica of Ben Franklin's kite 10:28 - Why Alex left big agencies to start Fire Kite 14:01 - The Ben Franklin story behind the Fire Kite name 19:42 - The alien abduction insurance ad in The Wall Street Journal 23:34 - King Tut, charity: water, and a love ballad to the penny 30:20 - Why Nashville's creative energy feels raw and unformulaic 34:27 - Instinct Sessions and the power of small beginnings 40:30 - A goal to end human trafficking in Nashville in our lifetime

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources:

Vaulted: Because Gold Campaign
charity: water: Penny Ballad
Flower Crown
https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Alex Goulart: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandergoulart/ | https://www.firekite.co Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #CreativeAgency #BrandStrategy #AgencyOwner #NashvilleCreatives #AdvertisingCreative

No Filter Needed: Why Authenticity is the Ultimate Special Effect with Rob Erickson

Snapshot — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0500

As AI-generated content floods every feed, what actually cuts through? Rob Erickson, founder and CEO of Massive Mission, joins Mark Scrivner to share how he turned a severance package into a video production company trusted by major agencies and global brands. Rob explains why he believes authenticity will win the AI era, how his team uses AI to move faster without replacing people, and why a company mission rooted in giving back still guides his work. The conversation covers live event video production, agency partnerships, creativity in regulated industries, AI workflows, referral-driven growth, and his new paranormal podcast, The Weird Side.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Welcome to The Spark with Rob Erickson
02:12 – From aspiring engineer to hooked on video production
05:33 – The severance offer that launched Massive Mission
10:44 – The story behind the name Massive Mission
13:38 – Why authentic storytelling will outlast AI slop
19:32 – Growing through referrals and honest sales conversations
24:41 – Rob's AI mandate: faster work, no replaced people
30:04 – Inside The Weird Side, Rob's paranormal podcast

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Rob Erickson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberickson77 | https://www.massivemission.com Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency

Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #VideoProduction #LiveEventProduction #CorporateVideo #AIinMarketing #NashvilleCreatives

Pivoting and Bootstrapping: The Snapshot Story Behind the Curtain with Mark Scrivner

Snapshot — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does it really take to build an agency from a hare-brained idea into a company that helped bring Amazon and MLS to Nashville?

For episode 52, host Mark Scrivner, founder and CEO of Snapshot, steps into the guest seat while Snapshot President Josh Moquin takes the mic.

Mark traces his path from restaurant operations to advertising, launching Snapshot on a $50,000 line of credit, surviving COVID with $40,000 in the bank and payroll due, and learning the discipline to niche down. It's an honest look at the pivots, near misses, and relationships behind a founder's journey. Topics include career pivots, bootstrapping, agency growth, crisis leadership, niche strategy, and the power of an abundance mindset.

Episode Highlights 00:00 - Intro: Josh Moquin takes the host chair as Mark Scrivner steps into the guest seat 02:26 - From Houston's and J. Alexander's to running an ad agency 09:36 - Launching Snapshot with video resumes and a $50,000 line of credit 13:05 - Why founders who won't pivot go down with the Titanic 20:49 - Surviving COVID with $40K in the bank and payroll due next week 26:04 - Learning to say no and niching into industrial and behavioral health 31:40 - The story behind launching MasterMined and The Spark 45:43 - What Mark usually leaves out of the Snapshot story

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency Connect with Josh Moquin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-moquin/ | https://snapshot.agency

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #FounderStory #AgencyGrowth #Bootstrapping #NashvilleBusiness #AgencyOwner

30 Years, One Company: How Tractor Supply's New VP of Marketing Thinks About Growth

Snapshot — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does it take to spend three decades building one brand from the inside out?

Eric Jackson has the answer.

He started working at Tractor Supply at 16, worked his way through an agency detour at GS&F, and just three days before this recording, was promoted to VP of Marketing for Tractor Supply and PetSense.

In this conversation, Eric traces that full arc: how "Life Out Here" grew from a small regional tagline into a national brand identity, what he actually looks for in agency partners, why curiosity beats talent when hiring, and how giving back became part of the company's DNA. This episode covers brand building, leadership transitions, agency relationships, hiring philosophy, and community impact, all from someone who has lived the brand he now markets.

Episode Highlights 00:00 – Episode intro and welcome to The Spark 01:56 – Eric's start at Tractor Supply at 16, working alongside his grandfather 06:09 – The detour into advertising and landing at GS&F 10:15 – The Henry Ford quote that still guides how he operates 12:03 – Rebuilding Del's Feed and Farm Supply from the ground up 15:21 – How the tagline evolved from "stuff you need out here" to "Life Out Here" 33:43 – The one trait Eric looks for above all else when hiring 35:45 – His advice to agencies: take small bites before the big swing 45:18 – Inside the Country Mile award and the culture it protects

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Eric Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-jackson-5230077/ | https://www.tractorsupply.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #BrandStrategy #AgencyPartnerships #MarketingLeadership #TractorSupply

Building a Business With Your Daughter: Mark McNeely on Starting Over

Snapshot — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does it actually take to build a PR agency from a card table to an industry landmark — and then do it all over again with your own kid? Mark McNeely spent 45 years answering that question. A former newspaper reporter who covered a corrupt governor and got tired of laughing at bad press releases, McNeely bootstrapped McNeely & Associates on $11,000 and a home equity loan, grew it into McNeely, Pigott & Fox — one of the largest independent PR firms in the Southeast — and then walked away to build McNeely Brockman PR with his daughter, Kelly. In this episode, he shares the campaigns he's proudest of, the crises that nearly broke him, and the mentors who shaped how he leads. Founders, agency owners, and marketers will walk away with hard-won lessons on credibility, succession, and building something that outlasts you — covering agency growth, crisis management, family business, mentorship, client trust, and legacy planning.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Mark opens with the philosophy that's guided his entire career: honesty isn't the best policy; it's the only one
09:59 – The bad press release that planted the seed for starting his own firm
24:18 – Bootstrapping McNeely & Associates on $11,000 and a home equity loan in year one
26:22 – The Nashville landmarks his firm helped shape, from Bridgestone Arena to Nissan Stadium
36:29 – The seven-year campaign to get wine into Tennessee grocery stores — his proudest professional win
40:31 – Why he chose his daughter, Kelly, as his partner in launching McNeely Brockman PR
53:14 – The three rules he gives every young PR professional he mentors
55:18 – Leading through crisis: 9/11, the 2008 recession, and a half-million-dollar theft

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Mark McNeely: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mcneely-1002a15/ | https://www.mcneelybrockmanpr.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Snapshot Health | Behavioral Health Marketing Built for Growth and Impact

Snapshot Health is a strategic growth and marketing partner for behavioral health organizations nationwide. We help treatment centers, mental health providers, and recovery programs grow responsibly by aligning brand, digital strategy, and patient acquisition with clinical integrity and long-term outcomes. Our team specializes in performance-driven marketing for behavioral health, including SEO, paid media, branding, marketing strategy, website development, and admissions enablement. We focus on attracting the right patients, improving conversion, and building scalable systems that support sustainable growth. Snapshot Health brings deep expertise in compliance, ethics, and trust-based marketing. We partner closely with executive teams to drive predictable admissions growth while protecting reputation, mission, and quality of care.

Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #PublicRelations #NashvilleBusiness #FamilyBusiness #AgencyLeadership

The Big Picture, One Small Detail at a Time: Kindra Svendsen on Agency Leadership

Snapshot — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What actually keeps an agency team together for over a decade? Mark Scrivner sits down with Kindra Svendsen, VP of Agency Services at Speak, to unpack the leadership philosophy and culture-building strategy behind one of Nashville's most established creative agencies. Kindra shares her journey from brand marketer to agency leader, why "shiny ball syndrome" derails good strategy, and how storytelling drives every piece of client work at Speak.

The conversation covers what it means to lead with trust, why niching down accelerates agency growth, and how AI is reshaping (and complicating) the marketing industry. Listeners will walk away with practical insight on leadership, client relationships, agency positioning, storytelling strategy, distributed team culture, and navigating AI adoption with clients who don't want it.

Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to The Spark with guest Kindra Svendsen, VP of Agency Services at Speak 01:33 – Kindra's journey from brand marketer to agency leader 05:08 – The power of storytelling and finding your "why" 05:59 – Inside Speak's full-service model and specialized client verticals 13:57 – Stop the shiny ball syndrome: why CEOs derail their own marketing teams 18:54 – Empowering leadership: trust your people to grow 20:36 – What 12 years in Nashville has taught her about agency growth 26:36 – The future of Speak: AI, websites, and the next creative shift

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Kindra Svendsen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kindrasvendsen/ | https://www.madebyspeak.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #AgencyLeadership #MarketingStrategy #NashvilleCreative #BrandStorytelling

Why Trust Beats Metrics: 5by5 President Josh Miller on Employee Ownership & Agency Growth

Snapshot — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What happens when you build an agency around trust instead of surveillance? Mark Scrivner sits down with Josh Miller, President of 5by5, a Nashville marketing agency that recently transitioned to 100% employee ownership. Josh traces his path from a near-dropout physics major to web developer at Paramore to co-founder and now president of 5by5, sharing the leadership lessons he picked up along the way — including an unforgettable story about integrity from his former boss, Hannah. He digs into why trust, not more analytics, has been 5by5's real competitive edge, how the agency prepared its team to become owners, and how AI is already showing up in their margins. This conversation covers agency leadership, employee ownership (ESOP) transitions, team trust-building, AI adoption in marketing, acquisition integration, and redefining what growth metrics actually matter.

Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to The Spark, intro to guest Josh Miller, president of 5by5 02:20 – Josh's winding path into advertising and the agency world 07:34 – The Hannah story: a lesson in integrity from a mentor 12:07 – How stepping back from meetings pushed Josh into leadership 19:24 – Trust as 5by5's "cheat code" for running the business 23:12 – Inside 5by5's transition to employee ownership (ESOP) 33:00 – How AI is showing up in agency efficiency and margins 42:06 – Josh's vision for fixing what's broken in agency life

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Josh Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshmiller7/ | https://5by5agency.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Snapshot Health | Behavioral Health Marketing Built for Growth and Impact

Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

#TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #AgencyLeadership #EmployeeOwnership #NashvilleAgency #TrustBasedLeadership

The Historian's Dilemma: Truth, Legend, and Brand Storytelling with Nelson Eddy

Snapshot — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does a 450-mile canoe trip have to do with becoming one of Nashville's most respected brand storytellers?

In this episode of the Spark, Nelson Eddy, former Managing Partner at FINN Partners and official historian for the Jack Daniel Distillery, joins Mark Scrivner to trace a 40-year career that took him from an English classroom to the boardrooms of two agency mergers, the launch of the Nashville Predators, and decades spent safeguarding one of the most storied brands in the world.

This conversation covers brand authenticity, mentorship, the discipline of "asking what else," navigating the Nearest Green story with care, and why respecting people is the real secret sauce behind long client relationships.

Episode Highlights

01:03 – Mark introduces Nelson Eddy and his background at FINN Partners and Jack Daniel's 02:09 – The 450-mile canoe trip that landed Nelson his first agency job 09:34 – What stayed consistent — and what changed — through two agency mergers 17:06 – Building the Nashville Predators brand from a hockey stick T-shirt to a saber-tooth tiger 26:04 – Becoming Jack Daniel's official historian after 20 years of research 33:16 – Telling the story of Nearest Green, and why patience mattered 47:16 – Nashville's hidden lore, from Sulphur Dell to stone box graves 53:49 – Nelson's closing lesson: respect is the foundation of everything

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Connect With Nelson Eddy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-eddy-55860515/

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Snapshot Health | Behavioral Health Marketing Built for Growth and Impact

Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

#TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #BrandStorytelling #NashvilleCreative #AgencyLife #AdvertisingHistory

Purpose, Patience, and Employee Ownership with Shannon Litton

Snapshot — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What if the "finish line" you've been running toward as a founder doesn't feel as good as you thought it would? Shannon Litton, CEO of 3LS Professional Services and founder of the Nashville change agency 5by5, joins Mark Scrivner to unpack her path from accidental agency hire to building a Best-Place-to-Work culture and ultimately taking her team from 30% to 100% employee ownership. This conversation is packed with real talk for founders, marketers, and agency leaders on culture-building, communication, and the mechanics of employee ownership. Listeners will walk away understanding how respect-driven leadership, disciplined sales systems, and a clear long-term vision can build both a thriving agency and life-changing outcomes for a team. Topics covered include: agency culture, employee ownership (ESOP), leadership communication, sales systems, mission-driven business, and legacy planning.

Episode Highlights 01:33 – Introduction: Shannon Litton, CEO of 3LS Professional Services and founder of 5x5 04:30 – The accidental path into agency life and becoming an EVP at 23 07:01 – Starting over with 5 kids: building 5x5 smarter the second time 17:01 – The secret to Best Place to Work: respect, trust, and the Five Dysfunctions of a Team 21:16 – The lunch conversation that introduced Shannon to employee ownership 26:27 – Surprising the team with 30% ownership on a Disney World trip 29:27 – Going from 30% to 100% employee-owned through 3LS 39:05 – Shannon's mission: helping more business owners consider ESOPs

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Shannon Litton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slitton/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

#TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #EmployeeOwnership #ESOP #AgencyLeadership #NashvilleBusiness

Why Brand Personality Beats a Perfect Process with Michael Hutzel

Snapshot — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What actually makes a brand memorable — the process behind it, or the personality inside it? Michael Hutzel, co-founder and creative director of FoxFuel Creative, joins Mark Scrivner to make the case for personality-first branding over checklist-driven process, and to talk through how AI tools like Midjourney have reshaped his creative workflow. Michael also opens up about the mentor who gave him the confidence to start his own shop, and what running a three-founder agency for over a decade has taught him about staying friends while building a business. This episode covers brand voice, AI in the creative process, agency co-founder dynamics, mentorship, presentation skills, and client relationships.

Episode Highlights

02:10 – Michael's path from Western Kentucky University's graphic design program into Nashville agency life, and the GS&F mentor who changed his trajectory
12:09 – His core advice for young creatives: know what you love, what you're good at, and what you suck at
17:16 – Why treating branding like a flowchart kills personality and produces sameness
21:33 – Brand personality case studies: Dollar Shave Club, GoDaddy, and Nike
30:25 – Why AI is triggering the same fear response designers once had about social media
36:14 – How Midjourney took a project from a beach-chair voice memo to a finished pre-vis in one hour
41:29 – The "finders, minders, grinders" framework keeping FoxFuel's three co-founders in their lanes
46:10 – Michael's legacy goal for FoxFuel: "do great work with people you love"

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Michael Hutzel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhutzel/ | https://www.foxfuelcreative.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #BrandStrategy #CreativeDirection #NashvilleAgency #AIinCreative

Reinvention, Mentorship, and Nashville's Creative Community with Scott Brooks

Snapshot — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0500

How does one person stay creatively engaged at the same agency for over 25 years? Mark Scrivner talks with Scott Brooks, Post-Production Supervisor at GS&F and President of AAF Nashville, about the evolution of interactive media, the mentors who shaped his career, and why he's chosen to stay close to the craft instead of climbing the executive ladder. This episode is for agency leaders, creatives, and marketers who want a real look at career longevity, mentorship, and community-building in the advertising world. You'll walk away with a fresh perspective on what keeps creative careers — and creative communities — thriving over the long haul.

Episode Highlights

01:58 – Mark introduces Scott Brooks, President of AAF Nashville and Post-Production Supervisor at GS&F

02:38 – Scott recounts joining GS&F in 1999 and co-founding its interactive division

07:36 – Scott traces the evolution of "interactive" through Flash, Web 2.0, and into video and animation

11:32 – Why Scott has stayed at GS&F for over 25 years — and his retirement plan to move to Greece

19:26 – Leading by action: Scott's philosophy on mentorship over management

23:02 – Rebuilding AAF Nashville's community post-COVID and bringing agency leaders together

47:50 – The Dada Almanac and "friendly anarchy" as a creative philosophy

51:57 – Syd Mead, the futurist behind Blade Runner's iconic designs

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Connect With Scott Brooks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-brooks-5376894/ | https://gsandf.com/ | sbrooks@gsandf.com

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health

Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

The Dada Almanac – https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-dada-almanac-atlas-arkhive-1_richard-huelsenbeck/740432/item/38377506

The Official Batman Batbook – https://www.awesomebooks.com/book/9780907610977/the-official-batman-batbook/used

Raygun: The Story So Far (David Carson) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1785651188

McElligot's Pool (Dr. Seuss) – https://www.abebooks.com/9780394800837/McElligots-Pool-Classic-Seuss-Dr-0394800834/plp

Syd Mead book – https://a.co/d/09r3jdzU

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Snapshot Health | Behavioral Health Marketing Built for Growth and Impact

#TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #AgencyLife #NashvilleCreative #Mentorship #AAFNashville

Building Culture From the Inside: A Decade at Snapshot and Leading Its Next Chapter with Josh Moquin

Snapshot — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does it actually take to rise from an entry-level hire to president of the agency you helped build?

On this episode of The Spark, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Josh Moquin — newly named President of Snapshot — for a conversation a decade in the making.

Josh walks through his unlikely path into the agency world (including how a beer after work and a notepad led him to Snapshot's door), the seats he's held on the way to the top, and the leadership lessons that shaped him along the way. The two dig into what it means to earn a title rather than simply receive one, how Snapshot landed career-defining projects like the Amazon HQ2 pitch and a Major League Soccer client, and what Josh is committed to protecting — and changing — as he steps into his new role.

Listeners will walk away with a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build real trust inside an organization, why titles mean nothing without the work behind them, and how to think about growth, culture, and impact whether you're leading a team of five or fifty.

Episode Highlights 01:43 – Mark introduces Josh Moquin, newly named President of Snapshot 05:56 – Josh's origin story: how a notepad and a beer after work led him to Snapshot's door 09:24 – The account director role that changed how Josh saw the agency business 15:11 – Why the "no task beneath us" attitude defines Snapshot's culture 21:53 – The three-solutions leadership framework Josh still uses today 28:28 – What Josh is committed to protecting — and changing — as President 34:24 – Behind the scenes of Snapshot's push to bring Amazon HQ2 to Nashville 38:31 – Josh's vision for Snapshot's next chapter of growth

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Josh Moquin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-moquin/ | https://snapshot.agency/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

#TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #AgencyLeadership #NashvilleMarketing #CareerGrowth #AgencyCulture

Fired Up, Founded & Thriving: Kriste Goad's Blueprint for Building a Healthcare Marketing Agency

Snapshot — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What if the setback you didn't ask for turned into the best decision of your career? Kriste Goad, founder and Chief Firestarter of fuoco, shares the unfiltered story of building a healthcare B2B marketing agency — starting with getting let go and betting on herself instead of going back in-house. Kriste breaks down what 25 years in healthcare marketing taught her about relationships, business development, and brand clarity, plus the hard lessons behind scaling to Inc. 5000 recognition. This episode is for marketers, founders, and agency leaders who want a real look at growth, resilience, and how to use AI without losing the human judgment that makes the work valuable.

Episode Highlights 01:36 – Kriste traces her path into healthcare marketing back to her early days at Healthways 08:06 – The real story behind founding fuoco: "the only reason I started my own agency is I was fired" 10:44 – Where the name fuoco — Italian for "fire" — actually came from 12:04 – What years in business development taught her about swings, rejection, and relationships 22:39 – The most common mistake healthcare B2B brands make when telling their story 30:20 – Lessons from Inc. 5000 growth, including the over-hiring trap many agencies fall into 39:54 – Building the "fuoco operating system" and an AI org chart inside the agency 44:49 – Staying the "human in the loop" when clients bring AI-generated work back to the table

Learn More & ConnectShow Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Kriste Goad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristegoad/ | https://growwithfuoco.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #HealthcareMarketing #AgencyGrowth #BrandStrategy #WomenInBusiness

Nashville's Unfinished Story: Leadership and the City's Next Chapter with Stephanie Coleman

Snapshot — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does it actually take to keep a booming city from losing what made it special in the first place? On this episode of The Spark, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Stephanie Coleman, President & CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, for a candid look at leadership inside one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. Stephanie traces her path from federal policy work in D.C. to nearly 18 years and seven roles at the Chamber, then digs into the tension every high-growth city eventually faces: how to keep pace with affordability, housing, and infrastructure needs without losing the culture and creative identity that built the city's brand. She shares what she's learned about cross-sector leadership, why trust is the real bottleneck on collaboration, and what becoming the Chamber's first female CEO means to her and to the next generation of leaders behind her. Business owners, civic leaders, and anyone building something in a fast-growing city will walk away with a sharper read on how leadership, collaboration, and intentional growth planning actually work together, covering topics including cross-sector leadership, affordability and housing, Partnership 2030, chamber membership strategy, civic resilience, and Nashville's Super Bowl moment.

Episode Highlights

00:56 – Stephanie on leaving D.C. policy work to build her career in Nashville

06:09 – Nashville's boom years and the affordability tension shaping the region today

11:43 – The "secret sauce" behind successful cities: leadership across every sector

13:43 – Why collaboration can't move faster than trust

16:08 – Becoming the Chamber's first female President & CEO

22:01 – The bold goal to grow Chamber membership by 50%

31:46 – Stephanie's vision for what Nashville looks like in 2031

35:30 – Nashville's Super Bowl moment and its global spotlight

Learn More & ConnectShow Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Stephanie Coleman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-coleman-1956775/ | https://nashvillechamber.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #NashvilleLeadership #ChamberOfCommerce #CivicLeadership #EconomicDevelopment

From Side Hustle to Specialized Success: Building a Brand Lawyers Trust with Ashley Robinson

Snapshot — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0500

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What happens when you accidentally build a marketing agency out of a side hustle, and then have to decide whether to bet everything on it?

Ashley Robinson, founder and CEO of Green Cardigan Marketing, joins host Mark Scrivner to share how a criminal defense lawyer's side project turned into an agency serving 70 to 90 law firms a month. Ashley walks through her decision to niche exclusively into legal marketing, why she believes "riches are in the niches," and how she's built trust with a client base that's demanding, driven, and skeptical of marketing spend. The conversation covers agency positioning, letting go of control as a founder, building client trust through better questions, and where AI fits into her operations today.

For agency owners weighing specialization against staying general, this episode is a practical playbook: how to pick a lane, communicate it clearly, and build a team around it.

Episode Highlights 04:25 – Ashley shares how she became an "accidental agency owner," starting as a side hustle for a criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta 06:43 – The story behind the name Green Cardigan Marketing, inspired by golf and the Masters' green jacket 09:11 – The moment Ashley decided to go all-in on her agency in the early days of COVID 18:41 – Ashley makes the case for niching down: "riches are in the niches" 23:36 – Her go-to trust-building strategy: ask questions before you talk 25:56 – How Green Cardigan is using AI across operations and client work 33:43 – Ashley's proudest moments as a founder, centered on her team and client impact 39:25 – Closing advice for overwhelmed agency owners: narrow your focus

Learn More & Connect:

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Ashley Robinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyrobinsongcm/ | https://greencardiganmarketing.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

#TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #AgencyGrowth #NicheMarketing #LegalMarketing #AgencyOwner

The Business of Trust: Leadership Lessons from Ken Byers

Snapshot — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does it take for a two-person agency in Nashville to beat out well-known firms from Berlin and London for a global Sony account?

Ken Byers, founder and CEO of Confidant, has lived that story, and he's spent nearly a decade since turning it into a repeatable model.

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with Ken at Creative Assembly's East Nashville studio for a conversation that covers the full arc: from writing a sixth-grade term paper about working in advertising, to landing at Ogilvy & Mather, to going brand-side at Sony Electronics, to founding Confidant in 2016 and growing it into a creative velocity partner for global brands. Ken shares the lessons he learned from living on both sides of the agency-client relationship, what it really means to earn trust with major brands, how COVID forced a repositioning that made Confidant stronger, and where he sees AI fitting — and not fitting — into the creative process. Whether you're running an agency, building a brand, or navigating your own entrepreneurial inflection point, this episode is packed with hard-won perspective on what it takes to climb the next hill.

Episode Highlights 01:05 – Ken traces his journey from a sixth-grade term paper to Ogilvy & Mather 04:39 – The biggest cultural shift moving from agency life to Sony brand-side 14:08 – How a global Sony pitch launched Confidant and led to years of sleepless nights 20:04 – Why big brands are moving away from holding company agencies toward boutique specialists 25:51 – The origin of the name Confidant and the trust philosophy behind it 33:16 – Navigating COVID as an inflection point and how it reshaped Confidant's positioning 38:33 – Why "creative velocity" is now Confidant's positioning — and the insight that unlocked it 45:55 – How Ken approaches AI: research, operations, ideation, and production

Learn More & Connect: Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Ken Byers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenbyers/ | https://www.confidant.co/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #AgencyGrowth #BrandStrategy #CreativeLeadership #Entrepreneurship #NashvilleCreative #AIInMarketing

Built to Adapt: Lessons from Two Decades of Innovation with Michael Epps Utley

Snapshot — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does it take to build a digital marketing agency from a $500 website to a million-dollar business, and then reinvent it for the AI era?

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with Michael Epps Utley, CEO of GoEpps, a Nashville-based digital marketing firm. Recorded at the Creative Assembly studio in East Nashville, Michael traces the origins of his business philosophy back to his father's systems-thinking approach and shares how that inheritance has shaped everything from how he builds products to how he evaluates partnerships.

Michael and Mark cover the real state of SEO in an AI-dominated search landscape, why "SEO is dead" is a fundamental misread of the market, the business case for human-in-the-loop AI, how to maximize content ROI through post-production strategy, and the one mindset shift that separates agencies that grow from those that stall. Whether you're building an agency, navigating AI adoption, or looking to sharpen your content strategy, this conversation delivers the kind of grounded, earned perspective that only comes from 14 years in the trenches.

Episode Highlights: 01:56 – Michael traces his journey from a creative writing degree to founding GoEpps 07:00 – The systems-thinking philosophy his father built — and why Michael has spent his life trying to replicate it 11:46 – GoEpps launches AEO: a dashboard for tracking AI search results across competitors 14:24 – "It's not gonna replace SEO, but it might replace Google" — Michael's take on the AI search landscape 21:56 – The $783 moment: how a single instinctual phone call closed GoEpps's first million-dollar year 26:15 – How resilience through recessions, a Nashville tornado, and a global pandemic shaped the business 29:07 – What great partnerships are actually built on: demonstrated behavior vs. delivered information 36:11 – Why the biggest missed opportunity in video isn't production — it's post-production strategy 44:37 – "The answer is go" — Michael's core advice for agency owners and entrepreneurs at any stage

Learn More & Connect:

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Michael Epps Utley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-epps-utley/ | https://www.goepps.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health Follow The Spark: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ #TheSparkPodcast #CreativeAssembly #DigitalMarketing #SEO #AgencyGrowth #AIMarketing #ContentStrategy #Entrepreneurship

Building Brands That Actually Last with Bill Zinke

Snapshot — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What separates great brands from forgettable ones? According to veteran marketer Bill Zinke, it starts with understanding what makes your business truly different, and having the discipline to communicate that clearly across every customer touchpoint.

In this episode of The Spark, Bill shares lessons from a 35-year marketing career spanning global brands, franchise systems, private equity-backed companies, and entrepreneurial ventures. From creating emotional connections with customers to aligning sales and marketing teams, Bill breaks down the strategies that consistently drive growth and brand loyalty.

Whether you're a business owner, marketer, agency leader, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation offers practical insights on differentiation, leadership, customer research, franchise marketing, agency partnerships, and using data to make smarter decisions.

Episode Highlights

03:45 – How studying psychology laid the foundation for a career in marketing

12:18 – Why differentiation is the key to successful marketing

14:28 – Marketing as a growth engine, not a cost center

17:05 – The emotional connection that transformed Chem-Dry's brand strategy

22:05 – How consumer research unified more than 1,000 franchise locations

28:40 – What great agency-client partnerships have in common

57:10 – Why marketers need to spend more time analyzing performance data

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Connect With Bill Zinke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-zinke/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/bill-zinke-cmo-board-services/

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

#TheSparkPodcast #Marketing #BrandStrategy #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #cmo

Snapshot Health | Behavioral Health Marketing Built for Growth and Impact

Creativity, Storytelling & A Life in Advertising and Art with Chuck Creasy

Snapshot — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Few creatives have left a mark on Nashville quite like Chuck Creasy. From serving in Vietnam to studying under legendary artists, working alongside advertising icons, helping launch major brands, shaping Nashville's identity, and even playing a role in bringing the Predators to Music City, Chuck's story is packed with lessons on leadership, persistence, curiosity, and creative excellence.

In this episode of The Spark, Chuck shares the moments that defined his career, the mentors who shaped him, and the principles that guided decades of award-winning work. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of work ethic, lifelong learning, giving back, and always asking one critical question: "Is it great?"

Highlights

15:19 – Chuck gets hired on the spot by legendary creative leader Eric Erickson after showing up with a portfolio in a department store shopping bag.

36:27 – The story behind the phrase "Nashville is Music and More" and how Nashville evolved beyond its musical roots.

44:52 – Chuck explains why curiosity remains one of the most important traits for any creative professional.

49:40 – Why great creatives should give back and use their talents to support meaningful causes.

56:35 – Chuck shares one of the proudest moments of his career: helping launch the Nashville Predators.

57:40 – The creation of the iconic "Got Hockey?" campaign that helped secure Nashville's NHL franchise.

59:10 – Lessons from decades of leadership, mentorship, and building great creative teams.

Listen: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Watch: https://youtu.be/-Ys2J-kDE4U

The Spark Podcast: Hear Stories from Nashville Creatives

Tune into the The Spark Podcast for inspiring conversations with creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to fuel your creative journey.

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Connect With Chuck Creasy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-creasy-bb35b11/ | https://chuck-creasy.pixels.com/

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Snapshot Health | Behavioral Health Marketing Built for Growth and Impact

Creativity, Craft, and Leading Through Decades of Change

Snapshot — Thu, 28 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with Robert Froedge, EVP and Executive Creative Director at Lewis Communications, to explore the mindset behind decades of award-winning creative leadership. From growing up in Nashville to leading teams across multiple offices, Robert shares how storytelling, craft, and curiosity have shaped his approach to branding, advertising, and creative problem-solving.

The conversation dives deep into the evolution of the creative industry, from drafting tables and early computers to AI-powered workflows transforming agency life today. Robert offers practical insights on embracing change, mentoring young creatives, balancing creativity with measurable business results, and why human connection still matters in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Episode Highlights

00:04 — Robert reflects on growing up in Nashville and returning to the church where he spent much of his childhood.

05:24 — A high school poster contest sparks Robert's passion for graphic design and creative storytelling.

11:20 — Robert shares the emotional story of nearly turning down his job at Lewis Communications and why Larry Norris' belief changed everything.

15:28 — The "magic spot" of great creative work: giving audiences just enough to connect the dots themselves.

16:53 — How Lewis Communications is embracing AI as a creative tool instead of fearing it.

33:13 — Advice for young creatives on adapting to change, embracing AI, and continuing to learn.

35:17 — Why in-office collaboration still matters for mentorship, culture, and creative growth. Learn More & Connect:

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Connect With Robert Froedge: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-froedge-33a566a/ | https://lewiscommunications.com

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health

Agency Growth, Thought Leadership & The Future of Agencies with Drew McLellan

Snapshot — Thu, 21 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

What does the future look like for agencies navigating AI, shifting client expectations, and a rapidly changing economy? In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with Agency Management Institute founder Drew McLellan to unpack the biggest findings from his latest agency research and why the next few years will fundamentally reshape the agency landscape.

Drew shares what today's clients actually value, why strategic thinking matters more than execution, and how agencies can evolve before they become obsolete. From AI implementation and operational efficiency to niche positioning, talent development, and leadership evolution, this conversation is packed with practical insights for agency owners, marketers, and creative leaders trying to stay ahead.

Whether you run an agency, lead a marketing team, or simply want to understand where the creative industry is headed, this episode offers a clear look at what's changing, and what agencies must do to thrive.

Episode Highlights

00:01 – Why agencies are entering a year of massive change 03:23 – Clients are demanding strategic thinking over task execution 06:21 – How top-performing agencies are using AI operationally 10:37 – What clients say they'll buy from agencies in the future 15:16 – Why trust, transparency, and measurement matter more than ever 19:24 – The agency roles AI can't replace 27:34 – The hard truth agencies need to face right now

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Drew McLellan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewmclellan | https://agencymanagementinstitute.com

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health Behavioral Health Marketing Built for Growth and Impact Snapshot Health is a strategic growth and marketing partner for behavioral health organizations nationwide. We help treatment centers, mental health providers, and recovery programs grow responsibly by aligning brand, digital strategy, and patient acquisition with clinical integrity and long-term outcomes. Our team specializes in performance-driven marketing for behavioral health, including SEO, paid media, branding, marketing strategy, website development, and admissions enablement. We focus on attracting the right patients, improving conversion, and building scalable systems that support sustainable growth. Snapshot Health brings deep expertise in compliance, ethics, and trust-based marketing. We partner closely with executive teams to drive predictable admissions growth while protecting reputation, mission, and quality of care.

Communication, ADHD & Building Better Work Relationships with Dave Delaney

Snapshot — Thu, 14 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with communication expert, keynote speaker, and ADHD advocate Dave Delaney to unpack what great communication actually looks like inside growing organizations. From the early startup days at Emma and Griffin Technology to coaching leaders at some of the world's biggest companies, Dave shares hard-earned lessons about culture, collaboration, and building teams that truly connect.

The conversation also dives deep into Dave's personal ADHD diagnosis later in life and how it reshaped the way he approaches work, leadership, productivity, and self-awareness. Together, Mark and Dave explore communication breakdowns, workplace culture, employee retention, dopamine-driven behavior, and why understanding your own operating system may be the key to unlocking your strengths.

Episode Highlights

00:01 — Dave shares how networking in Nashville led him to Emma and the early startup scene 00:06 — Discovering communication as the foundation of his career and coaching work 00:12 — A workshop exercise that transformed collaboration and boosted sales inside a tech company 00:18 — How poor communication creates "turnover contagion" inside organizations 00:23 — Why "stay interviews" can dramatically improve employee retention and culture 00:37 — Dave explains how being diagnosed with ADHD at 50 changed his perspective on work and life 00:44 — Why Dave believes ADHD is not a superpower without support, access, and privilege

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Dave Delaney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davedelaney | https://davedelaney.me Listen to Dave's podcast, ADHD Wise Squirrels: https://wisesquirrels.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/health Behavioral Health Marketing Built for Growth and Impact Snapshot Health is a strategic growth and marketing partner for behavioral health organizations nationwide. We help treatment centers, mental health providers, and recovery programs grow responsibly by aligning brand, digital strategy, and patient acquisition with clinical integrity and long-term outcomes. Our team specializes in performance-driven marketing for behavioral health, including SEO, paid media, branding, marketing strategy, website development, and admissions enablement. We focus on attracting the right patients, improving conversion, and building scalable systems that support sustainable growth. Snapshot Health brings deep expertise in compliance, ethics, and trust-based marketing. We partner closely with executive teams to drive predictable admissions growth while protecting reputation, mission, and quality of care.

Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Building Bold Ideas with Mark Montgomery

Snapshot — Thu, 07 May 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with entrepreneur and investor Mark Montgomery to unpack a career shaped by risk, reinvention, and hard-earned perspective.

From quitting his job on the spot to build a competing business, to scaling Echo Music into a major player and eventually exiting, Mark shares the raw realities behind building something from nothing.

But this conversation goes deeper than business. Mark reflects on personal loss, fatherhood, and how sitting with life's hardest moments reshaped his definition of success. The result is a grounded, honest look at entrepreneurship, not just as a pursuit of growth, but as a vehicle for meaning, resilience, and impact.

Timestamps: 00:16 – "I never give up": fighting for what you've earned 01:03 – Realizing entrepreneurship was the only path 02:58 – Quitting on the spot and starting from scratch 06:22 – Discovering the power of the internet early 13:38 – How loss reshaped priorities and perspective 16:13 – The true mindset of an entrepreneur 49:26 – Why nothing really matters—and why that's freeing

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Connect With Mark Montgomery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellomarko/ | https://www.hellomarko.com/

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshot.agency/

#TheSparkPodcast #Marketing #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #Leadership #CreativeJourney

Creative Community & Purpose with Tom Woodard

Snapshot — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

From writing the jingles you can't get out of your head to scaling agencies nationwide, Tom Woodard has done it all. Now, he's on a mission to disrupt the creative status quo with The Ability Machine.

In this episode, Mark Scrivner talks with Tom about his shift from building businesses to building a movement, creating a studio where neurodiversity and disability are the catalysts for better work.

For agency owners and builders, this is a masterclass in leadership, purpose, and the power of radical inclusion.

Timestamped Highlights:

00:00 – Tom's journey from jingles to advertising career beginnings

02:23 – Creating the iconic Budweiser frogs campaign

05:24 – The origin story behind The Ability Machine

07:56 – Why agencies struggle to adopt inclusive creative models

10:18 – Rethinking productivity and collaboration with disabilities

15:32 – How the mission reshaped Tom's definition of success

27:29 – Advice for young creatives: answering the call and knowing your audience

Learn More & Connect:

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Connect With Tom Woodard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-woodard-b347673/ | https://theabilitymachine.com/

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshot.agency/health

Our Sponsor - https://snapshot.agency/health

Reinventing Radio: Music, Tech, and the Future of AI

Creative Assembly — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with digital music entrepreneur John Bolton to unpack a career built on identifying paradigm shifts before they become obvious. From pioneering early mobile music streaming to helping launch TikTok globally, John shares what it takes to build products and platforms that reshape industries.

The conversation explores how AI is transforming work, why industries resist automation, and how Super Hi-Fi is bringing personality and intelligence back into audio through AI-powered radio. This is a practical, forward-looking conversation for anyone navigating rapid change in technology, media, and business.

Timestamps: 00:00 – John's journey from music streaming to AI innovation 00:48 – Building an early mobile music service before Spotify 02:08 – Flippagram's rise and ByteDance acquisition 07:20 – Inside TikTok's early strategy and algorithm 15:06 – Why TikTok is built for entertainment 21:39 – Reinventing radio with AI at Super Hi-Fi 30:21 – AI agents and the future of work

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With John Bolton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbbolton/ | https://www.superhifi.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

How to Build a Career in Design That Actually Lasts with Katie Stix

Creative Assembly — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Spark, Katie Stix—Partner and Design Director at Anderson Design Studio—shares her journey from unpaid intern to firm owner, offering a grounded look at what it takes to build a lasting career in design. She unpacks how creativity, persistence, and strong client relationships shape both her work and leadership style.

Katie dives into the balance between honoring history and embracing modern design, the details that make or break a space, and why excitement and conviction are essential when pushing creative boundaries. She also explores how AI is influencing the industry—and why human expertise is more valuable than ever.

Whether you're a creative professional, business owner, or someone passionate about design, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, collaboration, and creating work that stands the test of time.

Timestamps: 00:00 – Using excitement and confidence to win client buy-in 01:07 – Katie's journey from intern to owning the firm 06:19 – Why Nashville's creative energy shaped her career 11:08 – Balancing historic preservation with modern design 17:29 – Why lighting is the most overlooked design detail 25:13 – Leadership lessons: staying calm under pressure 29:00 – AI in design and why human expertise still matters

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Katie Stix: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-stix-70982122/ | https://andersondesignstudio.com Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

What the Best Marketers Understand About Consumers with Tricia Nichols

Creative Assembly — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

What does it take to build brands that truly connect with consumers while still delivering measurable business results?

In this episode of The Spark, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Tricia Nichols—founder of Wellbent Co and a seasoned marketing executive whose career spans brands like Gap, Estée Lauder, PepsiCo, and Belk. Tricia shares insights from both the agency and brand side, exploring how the most successful marketing strategies balance creativity, data, and deep consumer understanding.

The conversation dives into how marketers can uncover new growth opportunities, why agencies lose trust with clients faster than they realize, and how emerging wellness trends are shaping the future of consumer experiences. From brand bonding frameworks to the growing non-alcoholic market, Tricia offers a practical perspective on building brands that resonate and endure.

Episode Highlights

00:23 — How brands can create experiences that trigger natural wellness and emotional connection 03:41 — The inspiration behind Wellbent Co and the idea of "hellbent on wellness" 11:27 — Tricia's "brand bonding" approach for stretching brands into new growth areas 16:50 — Why agencies lose trust when they stop investigating problems 32:18 — Emerging wellness trends shaping the future of food and consumer behavior 33:39 — Why the non-alcoholic beverage movement is a massive opportunity for brands

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Tricia Nichols: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricianichols/ | https://www.wellbentco.com Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

From Kitchen Table to Multi-Million Dollar Agency with Trevor Emerson

Creative Assembly — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with Trevor Emerson, Founder & CEO of LSM, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale an agency over two decades. From launching at a kitchen table with no experience to leading a nationally recognized franchise marketing firm, Trevor shares the hard lessons, pivotal relationships, and strategic pivots that shaped his journey.

They dive into niching down into franchising, surviving multimillion-dollar client losses, navigating acquisitions, and why return on investment—not vanity metrics—must anchor every agency relationship. Trevor also breaks down how AI, GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), and operational tech are reshaping both marketing and the franchise model itself.

If you're an agency owner, creative entrepreneur, or growth-focused leader, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, evolution, and disciplined scaling.

Key Moments: 00:10 – From education degree to selling Google Ads in 2006 06:28 – The pivot into franchise marketing and scalable growth 11:10 – Why employees aren't your best friends—and what leadership really means 27:06 – Losing multimillion-dollar clients overnight and navigating agency volatility 29:17 – Making ROI the center of every franchise pitch 32:50 – SEO vs. GEO: How AI is reshaping content and search strategy 40:49 – Moving beyond leads: Helping franchisees optimize operations with AI

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Trevor Emerson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevoremerson/ | https://www.lsm.works/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Stories from the Set: Lessons from Hollywood with D.B. Sweeney

Creative Assembly — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Spark, actor, writer, producer, director, and voiceover artist D.B. Sweeney joins host Mark Scrivner for a wide-ranging conversation about building a lasting creative career with intention, humility, and grit. From his unlikely start at NYU to starring in landmark films like The Cutting Edge, Eight Men Out, and Lonesome Dove, Sweeney reflects on the moments that shaped both his craft and his character.

The conversation also dives into Sweeney's newest film, Protector, an action thriller hitting theaters soon, and what it's like to prepare for roles today with less runway but deeper instinct. Along the way, he shares powerful lessons from working with legends like James Earl Jones, discusses why he continues to make independent films, and explains how creative work can be a form of service—especially to veterans and underserved communities.

Episode Highlights

02:57 – Choosing acting "because it seemed easy" and getting into NYU
05:39 – Francis Ford Coppola, Gardens of Stone, and the break that changed everything
09:04 – Inside Protector: story, cast, and why the film feels different
14:12 – How role preparation has changed over a 40-year career
18:16 – James Earl Jones and the power of simply showing up
21:00 – Making films for people Hollywood often overlooks
45:55 – Advice for young creatives: stop waiting, start making

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With D.B. Sweeney: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-b-sweeney-b436b513/ | https://www.dbsweeney.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

What It Takes to Be a Successful Entrepreneur with Sam Davidson

Creative Assembly — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Spark, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Sam Davidson, CEO of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, to explore what truly makes an entrepreneurial ecosystem thrive. From launching multiple ventures to leading one of the city's most impactful founder communities, Sam shares hard-earned lessons on resilience, generosity, and building businesses that matter.

Sam reflects on his journey as a four-time entrepreneur, including founding and scaling Batch, navigating pivots and acquisitions, and ultimately stepping into a role that allows him to support thousands of founders across Nashville. Along the way, he breaks down what separates ideas from action, why community is a competitive advantage, and how entrepreneurs can increase their odds of success.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Why Nashville's songwriting culture shaped its collaborative business mindset
01:32 – Sam's entrepreneurial journey and early career lessons
08:11 – Pivoting from ideas to real businesses and following customer demand
18:51 – Scaling Batch, surviving COVID, and leading through uncertainty
25:46 – Rethinking who entrepreneurship support is really for
34:26 – The two traits that determine whether founders have a real shot

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Sam Davidson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdavidson/ | https://www.ec.co Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Mariko Hickerson | Storytelling as Strategy: How Brands Win in Search

Creative Assembly — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Spark, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Mariko Hickerson, CEO of Huckleberry Branding, to explore her journey from journalism to entrepreneurship and how storytelling became the foundation of her agency's approach to branding and search marketing. Mariko shares how her early newsroom experience shaped her perspective on clarity, fairness, and extracting meaningful narratives—skills that now drive her SEO and brand strategy work.

The conversation dives into the realities of running a modern agency: narrowing service offerings, building trust with referral partners, navigating SEO myths, and adapting to emerging technologies like AI and large language models without losing sight of fundamentals. Mariko also offers practical advice for small businesses with limited budgets and reflects on the mindset shifts required to lead a sustainable, people-centered company.

Episode Highlights

01:27 – Mariko's path from journalism to marketing and entrepreneurship
10:54 – Why storytelling is a competitive advantage in SEO
18:24 – How AI and LLMs are influencing modern search strategies
21:18 – The Tennessee Whiskey Trail project and earning "street cred"
28:17 – What to prioritize when you have little to no marketing budget
31:00 – Trust as the foundation of great referral partnerships

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Mariko Hickerson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marikohickerson/ | https://www.huckleberrybranding.com/ Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Vincent Phamvan | One-Week Apps and the Future of Work

Creative Assembly — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with Vincent Phamvan, Founder of Vyten and a three-time CMO, to unpack how mobile apps and AI are reshaping what's possible for small and mid-sized businesses. Vincent shares his journey from enterprise tech and healthcare into building tools that level the playing field for founders, agencies, and service-based businesses.

Together, they explore why mobile-first experiences matter more than ever, how AI-driven automation can dramatically improve client onboarding and support, and what businesses need to rethink about owning their audience, data, and customer experience in an AI-powered world.

Episode Highlights:

01:17 – Vincent's background in enterprise tech and early AI adoption
03:23 – Why large companies gain unfair advantages—and how tech can close the gap
09:01 – Why mobile apps and push notifications outperform email
12:47 – How Vyten builds and launches mobile apps in one week
17:01 – Using AI to automate workflows without sacrificing quality
26:28 – The mobile app features that actually move business KPIs
35:11 – Why first-party data is the foundation of AI strategy

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Connect With Vincent Phamvan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentpv | https://vyten.com

Vyten One: https://www.vyten.ai/

Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

JJ Rosen | Becoming Half Geek, Half Human

Creative Assembly — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0600

In this episode, JJ Rosen shares the unexpected journey that led him from a psychology major to founding Atiba, one of Nashville's most enduring technology companies. His story highlights the power of curiosity, adaptability, and empathy—qualities that shaped both the company's culture and its long-term success.

JJ explains how Atiba grew from a one-person operation to a 100-person organization, why "half geek, half human" became a defining philosophy, and how AI is reshaping the future of software development. Through practical insights and memorable stories, he reveals what it truly takes to build a business that lasts.

Key Moments

00:00 — How AI is reducing project costs and increasing scalability.
01:17 — Creative Assembly's mission and the spark behind the show's purpose.
03:00 — JJ's early beginnings and the accidental path into software and IT consulting.
13:31 — The origin of Atiba's "half geek, half human" philosophy and why it matters.
24:00 — JJ's transition from hands-on coding to leadership and strategy.
33:50 — How AI is reshaping development roles, business value, and team structure.
46:28 — JJ's reflection on burnout, fulfillment, and blending work with life.

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With JJ Rosen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atibasoftware/ | https://www.atiba.com Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Eric Jackson | The Mission to Connect and Grow People

Creative Assembly — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Spark, Eric Jackson—founder and CEO of Element 47—shares the journey that shaped his philosophy on leadership, culture, and service. From early lessons in print and web development to building a modern branding and marketing agency, Eric breaks down why self-awareness, communication, and clarity remain the core of every strong creative partnership.

Across the conversation, he and host Mark Scrivner dig into Nashville's evolving creative landscape, the rise of AI as a strategic partner, and the importance of collaboration across agencies rather than competition. Eric also explores his personal mission, "to connect and grow people," and how this purpose continues to guide his work, mentorship, and contributions to Nashville's entrepreneurial community.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – The question that reshaped Eric's purpose and leadership framework
01:03 – Eric joins The Spark and reflects on his podcasting experience
07:02 – Leaving film production behind and transitioning into web development
10:16 – Early days of website development and the "Wild West" internet era
15:04 – Discovering purpose, building culture, and creating Next Mile Network
27:00 – How AI shapes creative work and why human discernment still matters
44:16 – The biggest misconception about the agency business

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Eric Jackson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericpauljackson/ | https://element47.co Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Brandon Edwards | How Great Leaders Build Great Teams

Creative Assembly — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with Brandon Edwards—CEO of Unlock Health and former head of Revive Health—to explore what it takes to build and sustain excellence in healthcare marketing. Brandon shares how early lessons in leadership, the challenges of selling a successful agency, and the pursuit of authenticity continue to shape his vision for Unlock Health.

Listeners will gain insights into how leaders can evolve through change, create cultures that last, and use emerging tools like AI with integrity and purpose. Brandon's practical reflections offer a masterclass in clarity, self-awareness, and long-term thinking for anyone building teams or businesses in fast-changing industries.

Episode Highlights: 00:01 – From politics to healthcare: Brandon's early journey 06:45 – Building Revive Health and knowing when to sell 19:12 – Learning leadership from the hard places 25:10 – Founding Unlock Health and spotting market gaps 33:30 – Authentic healthcare marketing in the post-truth era 35:15 – Redefining workflows through AI integration 46:10 – Assembling smarter teams and leading with humility 52:20 – Advice for founders: surround yourself with the right people

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Brandon Edwards: https://www.linkedin.com/in/be615/ | https://unlockhealth.com Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Dale Addy | Designing to Create, Teach, and Inspire

Creative Assembly — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0600

In this episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner sits down with Dale Addy—veteran designer, agency founder, and Belmont University professor—to talk about creativity, collaboration, and the bridge between professional design practice and education. Dale shares insights from three decades of creative leadership, reflecting on lessons learned at global agencies, the founding of DNA Creative with his wife April, and his transition into teaching.

Listeners will discover how Dale helps young designers balance craft and concept, navigate client relationships, and approach creative work with humility and purpose. From original thinking and black-and-white presentations to teaching design students the value of research and empathy, this conversation highlights what it truly means to design for others—and not just yourself.

Episode Highlights:

00:02 — How Dale found his path from art to design and business
05:33 — Starting DNA Creative and lessons in small-agency collaboration
10:11 — Why originality matters: using your brain before Google
11:33 — Teaching design clients with black-and-white first principles
21:19 — How Dale found purpose in teaching the next generation
26:37 — Designing for your client's client: empathy and research
34:14 — The real feedback students need from creative mentors
39:09 — Why creative leaders must give back to the next generation

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Dale Addy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-addy-a8652a5/ | https://belmont.edu Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Liza & Jay Graves | Turning a Blog Into a Digital Powerhouse

Creative Assembly — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Spark, hosts welcome Nashville power duo Liza and Jay Graves, the husband-and-wife team behind StyleBlueprint and Blueprint Inc.. From a small blog launched during the 2009 recession to a thriving digital media company with millions of readers, Liza shares how a simple mission to "keep Nashville, Nashville" turned into a platform that celebrates local businesses and regional storytelling.

Together, Liza and Jay explore how to scale with purpose, balance marriage and leadership, and uphold editorial integrity in the AI era. They discuss their evolution from StyleBlueprint to Blueprint Inc., the power of community-driven marketing, and why staying rooted in local values can build national impact.

Episode Highlights:

02:03 – How StyleBlueprint started with zero subscribers and a mission to support local businesses.
07:42 – Jay's journey from data management in sports to joining Liza at StyleBlueprint.
13:34 – How curated "Top Lists" became a breakthrough for small-business clients.
17:31 – Navigating business and marriage: boundaries, trust, and shared decision-making.
25:43 – From StyleBlueprint to Blueprint Inc.—clarifying brand structure and growth strategy.
34:04 – Upholding human creativity and editorial integrity in the age of AI.
54:02 – Liza's vision for 100 women-led markets under the StyleBlueprint brand.

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/

Connect With Liza Graves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizagraves | https://styleblueprint.com

Connect with Jay Graves: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gravesjay/ | https://blueprint.inc

Connect With Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com

Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Falon Veit | Crafting Experiences That Connect With Heart

Creative Assembly — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this inspiring episode of The Spark, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Falon Veit, Founder and CEO of EES Agency—a global experiential marketing and event production powerhouse. Falon shares her incredible journey from volunteering at CMA Fanfare to leading one of the industry's most respected firms, built entirely from grit, faith, and vision.

They dive deep into her philosophy of "leading with love," how she navigated entrepreneurship without outside funding, and what it takes to sustain mental strength and team culture in one of the most demanding industries. Falon also opens up about personal loss, resilience, and her mission to lift others as she climbs. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, humanity, and building a life that means something.

Episode Highlights

00:01: Falon's start in experiential marketing and her 26-year creative journey
03:58: Taking the leap to launch EES Agency—without investors
08:43: Finding mental strength through the toughest early years
14:49: How COVID reshaped her leadership and team resilience
17:04: Leading with vulnerability and grace through personal loss
23:18: "Events as Business Strategy"—EES's transformative approach
35:02: What "leading with love" really means inside her company
55:21: The Viviendo Foundation and Falon's legacy of lifting others

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Falon Veit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/falonveit | https://www.eesagency.com Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

#TheSparkPodcast #Marketing #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #ExperientialMarketing #WomenInBusiness #CreativeCommunity

Paul Oakley | Building Trust, Impact, and a Tiny Mighty Brand

Creative Assembly — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

From global chemical corporations to Nashville's fastest-growing boutique agency, Paul Oakley has shaped how industries communicate, lead, and give back. In this episode, Paul—founder and CEO of Tiny Mighty Communications—shares his unexpected path from Dow Chemical and Bridgestone to launching his own firm focused on industrial B2B brands. He unpacks what "Tiny Mighty" really means, why experience matters more than headcount, and how measuring impact instead of activity redefines agency value.

Paul also opens up about mentorship, media responsibility, and why he's investing in the next generation's "right to speak." This is a deep dive into leadership, purpose, and the evolving role of PR in a data-driven, AI-aware world.

Timestamps: 00:49 — Paul Oakley's journey from Dow and Bridgestone to launching Tiny Mighty Communications 02:08 — How early lessons shaped his leadership philosophy and global mindset 09:30 — The leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship in 2019 12:21 — Building a senior-led agency model for industrial brands 16:45 — Why "Tiny Mighty" means delivering big thinking with small teams 23:07 — Measuring impact, not activity—how data drives modern communications 28:07 — Why free press and media integrity still matter in business 34:25 — Philanthropy, purpose, and the "Right to Speak" initiative 51:47 — "Your Rolodex is your net worth"—Paul's timeless advice for entrepreneurs

Learn More & Connect Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/ Connect With Paul Oakley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauloakleytmc/ | https://tinymightyco.com Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com Our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Organizations we support for a free press:

Paul's current favorite podcast (besides The Spark):

Mixed Signals from Semafor Media (https://www.semafor.com/hub/mixed-signals-media-podcast)

Katie Peninger | Intentional Leadership and Creative Growth

Snapshot — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Katie Peninger, VP of Account Service & Business Growth at Lewis Communications and VP of Membership Engagement for AMA Nashville, joins The Spark to share her journey from designer to agency leader. She reflects on bold marketing choices, mentoring, Nashville's creative evolution, and why intentionality and relationships are at the heart of strong client partnerships. Katie also highlights the power of networking, her community involvement, and how technology like AI is shaping the industry.

Timestamps:

02:00 – From graphic design to account leadership

09:16 – Insights from the Kentucky Bourbon Trail campaign

12:16 – What "bold marketing decisions" really mean

18:15 – Advice for young professionals entering agencies

24:29 – The importance of communication over Slack/email

32:01 – Nashville's growing creative community

37:17 – Exploring AI's impact on marketing

What You'll Learn:

How Katie transitioned from designer to agency leader

The meaning of bold marketing decisions behind the scenes

Why strong client partnerships depend on trust and communication

How Nashville's creative community continues to evolve

Why networking creates lasting opportunities

How AI is reshaping the future of agencies

Subscribe to The Spark and never miss an episode featuring Nashville's most inspiring creative leaders.

Learn More & Connect:

Creative Assembly:

Traylor Woodall | Building Cultures of Honor

Creative Assembly — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of The Spark, Traylor Woodall—founder & CEO of Fivestone Studios shares how mentors, hard-won failures, and a "Culture of Honor" shaped his leadership and creative philosophy. We dig into scaling teams, evolving from animation to immersive experiences, measuring impact, and protecting people while pursuing excellence.

Timestamps

03:09 – Learning through failure and humility

07:48 – Building culture that nurtures creative excellence

15:15 – The "Culture of Honor" philosophy

23:25 – From animation to immersive experiences

26:39 – Times Square takeover with Kia

52:02 – Advice to his younger creative self

54:44 – Finding balance beyond the pixels

What You'll Learn

How early failure can accelerate growth and humility in leadership

The core of a "Culture of Honor": aggressive pursuit of greatness with deep care for people

Practical ways to recruit, vet, and collaborate with creative partners at scale

Why (and how) Fivestone pivoted from motion design to experiential/immersive work

Tactics for protecting culture in a remote, global studio

Measuring success for installations, EBCs, and large experiential projects

Healthy rhythms to "refill your life account" and avoid burnout

Learn More & Connect: Creative Assembly: https://creativeassembly.agency/

Connect with Traylor Woodall:

Mark Blaze | Leading Nashville's Tech Future with Vision & Community

Snapshot — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome to The Spark — where Nashville's creative leaders share their stories of building, leading, and shaping the future.

In this episode, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Mark Blaze, President & CEO of the Greater Nashville Technology Council (NTC). With decades of leadership experience and a passion for community, Mark shares his vision for Nashville's technology sector, the importance of workforce development, and why collaboration is key to building a thriving tech ecosystem.

Why it matters: Nashville's growth depends on its ability to innovate, attract talent, and invest in community. Mark's leadership at the NTC is helping ensure the city continues to rise as a national hub for technology.

What You'll Learn:

Mark's journey from executive leadership to NTC president
Why collaboration drives Nashville's tech success
The challenges and opportunities in workforce development
How the NTC supports tech companies and entrepreneurs
Mark's vision for the future of Nashville's innovation economy

Learn More & Connect:

Creative Assembly: https://creativeassembly.agency/
Connect with Mark Blaze: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markblaze | https://technologycouncil.com/
Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner
Thanks to our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

#TheSparkPodcast #NashvilleMarketing #AgencyLeadership #NashvilleCreatives #CreativeAssembly #Snapshot

Jacqui Hayes | Building Inclusive Marketing That Truly Connects

Snapshot — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What happens when marketing moves beyond transactions and becomes a platform for inclusion and community?

In this episode of The Spark, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Jacqui Hayes, founder of Crayons & Marketers and president of AMA Nashville. Jacqui's work focuses on creating marketing strategies that elevate diverse voices, foster belonging, and help businesses grow with authenticity.

For founders, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders, Jacqui's story offers a roadmap for building brands that don't just sell — they connect. She shares how inclusive marketing can scale businesses, strengthen community impact, and empower the next generation of leaders.

What You'll Learn:

Why inclusive marketing is more than a buzzword — and how to do it right.
How Jacqui built Crayons & Marketers into a platform for change.
The role of storytelling in amplifying underrepresented voices.
Lessons from her leadership at AMA Nashville.
Practical ways to align marketing with purpose and community.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Spark

01:00 – Introducing Jacqui Hayes

04:15 – The mission behind Crayons & Marketers

09:20 – The harm of making assumptions in inclusive marketing

14:40 – Transparency when brands make mistakes

20:30 – Market research as a foundation for authenticity

25:15 – How brands fail (and succeed) at cultural relevance

30:20 – Jacqui's advice for creative leaders

Subscribe to The Spark and never miss an episode featuring Nashville's most inspiring creative leaders.

Learn More & Connect:

Creative Assembly: https://creativeassemblynashville.com
Connect with Jacqui Hayes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquihayes | https://crayonsandmarketers.com
Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner
Thanks to our Sponsor - Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

#TheSparkPodcast #NashvilleMarketing #AgencyLeadership #NashvilleCreatives #CreativeAssembly #Snapshot

Bethany Newman | Building Bold Brands Through Change

Snapshot — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:55:00 -0500

What happens when bold creativity meets community leadership?

In this episode of The Spark, host Mark Scrivner sits down with Bethany Newman, founder and principal of ST8MNT, a creative agency shaping brand identities for leaders in entertainment, retail, hospitality, and beyond. As a past president of EO Nashville, Bethany has also been a driving force in championing entrepreneurship and community among Nashville's business leaders.

For founders, creatives, and entrepreneurs, Bethany's story offers a playbook for building brands with boldness, leading with clarity, and investing in the people and communities that fuel success.

What You'll Learn:

Why bold ideas are essential in brand building
How Bethany balances creative leadership with business growth
Lessons from leading EO Nashville's entrepreneurial community
The importance of authenticity in branding and storytelling
How creatives can shape impact beyond their work

Subscribe to The Spark for inspiring stories from Nashville's most creative leaders.

Learn More & Connect:

Creative Assembly: https://creativeassembly.agency/
Connect with Bethany Newman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethanynewman | https://st8mnt.com/
Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner
Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Michelle Keckler | From Corporate Comfort to Creative Courage

Snapshot — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0500

What happens when a corporate marketer takes a leap of faith and builds an "accidental agency" that becomes a thriving creative business?

In this episode of The Spark, we sit down with Michelle Keckler, co-founder of KNC Marketing. With 15 years of experience at brands like Bridgestone and Franke, Michelle's story is one of resilience, partnership, and embracing the unknown. From navigating a sudden layoff in her family to taking the risk of launching her own agency while raising a one-year-old, Michelle shares how clarity, storytelling, and trust turned a scary leap into a sustainable business.

This conversation is a candid look at entrepreneurship, brand building, and the creative process in B2B industries. For founders, leaders, and creatives who have faced career pivots or wondered if they're ready to start something of their own, Michelle's journey is both practical and deeply inspiring.

What You'll Learn

How an unexpected layoff sparked the launch of KNC Marketing.
The power of partnership in navigating uncertainty and growth.
Why storytelling and clarity are key in B2B brand building.
The role of trust and organic referrals in scaling an agency.
Lessons on balancing family life, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

Don't miss this inspiring story of courage and creativity. Subscribe to The Spark and join us every week as we amplify Nashville's creative voices.

Learn More & Connect

Creative Assembly
Snapshot Interactive
Connect with Michelle Keckler: LinkedIn | KNC Marketing Website
Follow The Spark on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Arnie Malham | Culture Is Your Greatest Growth Strategy

Snapshot — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 05:22:00 -0500

The best cultures aren't built on slogans or perks. They're built on daily investments in people.

In this episode of The Spark, Arnie Malham shares how he built cj Advertising and Legal Intake Professionals into thriving companies by putting people first. From paying employees to read, to rethinking how leaders show up every day, Arnie's unconventional approaches created lasting impact inside and outside the business.

For founders, entrepreneurs, and creative leaders, this conversation is a powerful reminder that growth starts with what we feed our minds and how we empower our teams.

What You'll Learn:

Why small, consistent habits transform people and culture
How investing in employees creates stronger client outcomes
Why culture is built in daily choices, not company slogans
The power of reading and learning as tools for growth

Subscribe to The Spark and join us each week as we share stories of Nashville's most creative leaders.

Learn More & Connect:

Connect with the Guest:

Arnie Malham

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arniemalham/

Company: https://betterbookclub.com/

Website: https://www.worthdoingwrong.com/

Connect with the Host

Mark Scrivner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner/

Organization: https://creativeassembly.agency/

Company: https://snapshotinteractive.com

#TheSparkPodcast #Leadership #CompanyCulture #CreativeLeadership #Entrepreneurship #GrowthMindset

Kyle Bush | From Skate Videos to Creative Leadership

Snapshot — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:56:00 -0500

From skateboarding in New Jersey to leading creative projects in Nashville, Kyle Bush's journey is anything but ordinary.

In this episode of The Spark, Kyle shares how a love for skate videos evolved into a thriving career in video and creative leadership. From learning the craft through subculture storytelling to navigating the professional creative landscape, his story is a testament to passion meeting persistence.

If you're a founder, creative entrepreneur, or leader in the arts, Kyle's insights on staying adaptable, pushing creative boundaries, and building community-driven work will resonate deeply.

What You'll Learn:

How skateboarding culture shaped Kyle's creative lens.
The moment he knew storytelling was his calling.
Strategies for balancing artistic vision with client needs.
Why adaptability is essential for creative leadership.
Lessons in building a creative career in a competitive city.

Subscribe to The Spark and join us each week as we share inspiring journeys from Nashville's creative community.

Learn More & Connect:

Connect with Host – Mark Scrivner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner/

Organization: https://creativeassembly.agency/

Company: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Connect with Kyle Bush:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-bush-a822a8b4/

Cumberland Creative: https://www.cumberlandcreative.co/

Colton Mulligan | From Shame to Strategy: Rewriting the Story That Drives Your Brand

Snapshot — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 01:10:00 -0500

What if the story holding your brand back isn't on your website—it's in your head?

In this episode of The Spark, we sit down with Colton Mulligan, founder and managing partner of FoxFuel Creative, to unpack how personal narrative, unaddressed shame, and internal misalignment quietly derail brand strategy. From leading teams to leading yourself, Colton shares how rewriting the story beneath the surface can unlock clarity, confidence, and conversion.

Whether you're a founder, creative, or strategist, this conversation will challenge how you think about brand clarity—and how much your internal story is shaping your external results.

What You'll Learn:

How shame impacts brand strategy and team communication
Why storytelling isn't just external—it's internal alignment first
The danger of "junk drawers" in brand messaging
How leaders accidentally dilute their own brand story
The practical framework Colton uses to guide clients through narrative alignment

Don't miss this one—subscribe to The Spark and follow along as we spotlight Nashville's boldest creators and changemakers.

Learn More & Connect:

Connect with Host – Mark Scrivner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner/

Organization: https://creativeassembly.agency/

Company: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Connect with Colton Mulligan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coltonmulligan/

FoxFuel Creative: https://foxfuelcreative.com/

Kamron Kunce | Building Brand Momentum Through Creative Partnerships

Snapshot — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 01:40:00 -0500

From national campaigns to unforgettable customer experiences, Kamron Kunce has mastered the art of building momentum that lasts.

In this episode of The Spark, we sit down with Kamron Kunce, head of marketing and client success at RJ Young, whose career spans both agency and corporate worlds. Kamron shares his approach to developing brand strategies that drive results, leading collaborations that thrive, and navigating the evolving challenges of today's marketing landscape.

For creative leaders, entrepreneurs, and brand builders, this conversation is a masterclass in how to leverage partnerships and strategic thinking to generate sustained impact.

What You'll Learn:

How to align agency and corporate priorities for win-win outcomes
Strategies for creating brand momentum in a crowded market
The role of customer experience in long-term success
Lessons from leading national-level marketing campaigns
Why adaptability is key in an ever-evolving industry

Subscribe to The Spark for more inspiring conversations with Nashville's creative voices.

Learn More & Connect:

Connect with Host – Mark Scrivner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner/

Organization: https://creativeassembly.agency/

Company: https://snapshotinteractive.com

Connect with Kamron Kunce:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamronkunce/

RJ Young: https://www.rjyoung.com/

Alane Boyd | Smarter Systems, Same Spark

Snapshot — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

From restaurant hustle to tech founder — Alane Boyd's journey is anything but ordinary.

In this episode of The Spark, Alane Boyd, co-founder of Biggest Goal, shares her evolution from managing a family restaurant to building automation systems that empower creative entrepreneurs. She opens up about burnout, reinventing your business model, and why authenticity and systems are key to sustainable leadership.

If you're a founder balancing creativity and growth, Alane's insights offer a practical blueprint for using automation to scale without sacrificing soul.

What You'll Learn:

The surprising role burnout played in redefining her business.
How Alane uses automation to create space for creativity.
Why founders need systems before they scale.
Building a business that aligns with your personal values.
How "Biggest Goal" helps entrepreneurs thrive.

Subscribe to The Spark and never miss a story that fuels your journey.

Learn More & Connect:

Visit Creative Assembly: https://creativeassembly.agency/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-assembly-agency/

Connect with Alane:

Company: https://bgboco.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaneboyd/

Connect with Host – Mark Scrivner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner Company: https://www.snapshotinteractive.com Organization: https://creativeassembly.agency/

David Bohan | The Long Game of Leadership

Snapshot — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 11:09:00 -0500

How do you build one of the most respected ad agencies in the Southeast—and keep your soul intact?

In this episode of The Spark, we sit down with legendary ad man David Bohan, founder of BOHAN, a nationally recognized agency born in Nashville. David shares the humble beginnings of his career, how he took a leap of faith to start his own shop, and why building a people-first culture was always non-negotiable.

This is a masterclass in long-game leadership, navigating agency life with integrity, and staying true to your values—no matter how big you grow.

What You'll Learn:

The pivotal moment that launched BOHAN
How David made values part of the business model
Why culture isn't just internal—it's external, too
The advice he gives every young creative leader
What it means to truly invest in people

If you love hearing how big ideas start small, don't forget to subscribe and follow The Spark for more conversations like this.

Learn More & Connect:

Visit Creative Assembly: https://creativeassembly.agency/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-assembly-agency/

Connect with David:

Company: https://bohanideas.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bohan-81b5925/

Connect with Host – Mark Scrivner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner Company: https://www.snapshotinteractive.com Organization: https://creativeassembly.agency/

Tim Gray | Grit, Reinvention & Life After Exit

Snapshot — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 01:44:00 -0500

Tim Gray didn't just build a successful creative agency—he rebuilt it from scratch after losing nearly everything.

In this episode of The Spark, Tim sits down with Mark Scrivner to share his journey from backyard concerts at age six to scaling and selling a Nashville agency, surviving a tornado and a pandemic, and ultimately creating a new life and business in the Bahamas.

They explore the realities of scaling, the pressures that come with leadership, and what it means to start over with purpose.

If you're a founder, agency leader, or entrepreneur navigating growth, reinvention, or burnout, Tim's story will resonate deeply.

What You'll Learn:

How a "red light" moment changed Tim's path from factory worker to entrepreneur
Lessons on scaling a creative agency with profitability and sustainability in mind
The impact of the 2020 tornado and COVID-19 on his business and mindset
Why scaling down became the path forward—and led to a successful exit
How Tim's passion for creativity fuels his next chapter in the Bahamas

Subscribe and follow The Spark to hear more honest conversations with Nashville's creative leaders.

Learn More & Connect:

Visit Creative Assembly: https://creativeassembly.agency/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-assembly-agency/

Connect with Tim Gray:

Company: https://www.i-mpact.biz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-gray-b3594720/

Connect with Host – Mark Scrivner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner Company: https://www.snapshotinteractive.com Organization: https://creativeassembly.agency/

Lauren Reed | From Burnout to Breakthrough

Snapshot — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:55:00 -0500

Lauren Reed didn't just build a successful PR agency—she built one that could thrive without her.

In this episode of The Spark, Lauren sits down with Mark Scrivner to share how she went from burnout to balance, leading Reed Public Relations through industry shifts, economic shocks, and ultimately, a leadership transition that let her step away for 90 days.

They dive into what it really means to build a sustainable business, how to prepare your team for succession, and why fulfillment doesn't always come from growth—but from letting go.

If you're a founder, agency leader, or creative entrepreneur wondering what comes after success, this conversation is for you.

What You'll Learn:

How Mark and Lauren navigated major revenue loss during COVID and pivoted their client base
What it takes to build a values-driven culture that sticks
Why she gave her future partners full financial transparency before stepping away
How she's now empowering women through her next chapter: Wealth of a Woman

Subscribe and follow The Spark to hear more honest conversations with Nashville's creative leaders.

Learn More & Connect:

Visit Creative Assembly: https://creativeassembly.agency/

Connect with Lauren Reed:

Website: https://www.reedpublicrelations.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-reed-9151183/

Organization: https://thewealthofawoman.com/

Connect with Host – Mark Scrivner:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner

Company: https://www.snapshotinteractive.com

Organization: https://creativeassembly.agency/

Drew McLellan | The State of The Agency World

Snapshot — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 14:20:00 -0500

What happens when creative energy meets operational expertise? In the premiere episode of The Spark, Mark Scrivner, founder of Snapshot, and Drew McClellan of the Agency Management Institute break down what it really takes to build—and sustain—a thriving agency. From embracing the messy middle to building systems that scale, Mark and Drew share the mindset shifts and behind-the-scenes habits that fuel long-term success in an ever-changing industry.

Whether you're leading a shop or dreaming of launching one, this episode brings the fire.

Number Tracking Worksheet: https://3sjez.share.hsforms.com/20oBN8wkXRPau6R8TGBGEtw

The Agency Management Institute: https://agencymanagementinstitute.com/

Build a Better Agency Summit: https://agencymanagementinstitute.com/babasummit/

Sell With Authority: https://agencymanagementinstitute.com/sell-with-authority/

The Agency Edge Report: https://v2.addmaple.com/app/public/dashboard/bc4d8ab5-b15b-4c38-8e90-5e395e494092?inf_contact_key=ac2db4485f5a1d538c3abba64a814730cc0558ed5d4c28cbfab114022b1ec50d

The Spark Season One Trailer

Snapshot — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 11:40:00 -0500

Our Creative Assembly podcast gives the Nashville creative community a platform to tell their story, share what inspires them and offer advice. We believe communities get better when we look out for each other, and this way, we can help people share their stories with our amazing creative collective. Tune in and join the fun.