MAKING THE BRAND
Joel Mathew, Founder and CEO of Chicago-based digital marketing firm, Fortress Consulting, sits down with clients to talk about how they got their start, and what led them to where they are today. You will learn all about entrepreneurship, sales, advertising, branding, and more.
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EPISODE GUIDE
EPISODE 11
Let's Rumble: A Conversation About Goals and Give'r
The Fortress team sat down and recapped the work we have done alongside Give’r thus far. There were many things that make this partnership unique and mutually beneficial. The moral of the story is to keep the foot on the gas, pay attention to the little things because they’re not so little, and always stay true to what got you started in the first place.
EPISODE 10
Keep the Faith: How the Holy Post Podcast is Reshaping Modern Christian Discourse, ft. Jon Houghton
For this special episode of Making the Brand, host Joel Mathew was joined by friend of Fortress and CEO of The Holy Post. Joel and Jon talk about the big vision for the Holy Post to become a media conglomerate that is unafraid to think Christianly and face all topics head-on. Unlike many other personalities and outlets in today’s day and age, Holy Post is unconcerned with “hot takes” and aiming for nuance simply for the sake of nuance. There is something for everyone with The Holy Post, not just people who were born and raised in the Christian faith. If you want scholarly perspectives, this is for you.
EPISODE 09
Master Your Money: Insights From a Financial Trailblazer, ft. Terry Savage
Author, nationally-syndicated host, and financial trailblazer, Terry Savage, has been on a quest to demystify personal finance for decades. Now, she’s in the giving back stage, looking for ways to help anyone get on track to reach their financial goals and retire on their own terms. Terry is a longtime client and friend of Fortress, and we were thrilled to have her back in our office for a sit-down. Terry has advice for everyone, so if you are someone wanting to buy a home, a car, or build a portfolio, give this episode of Making the Brand a listen and be sure to subscribe for future content.
EPISODE 08
All Gas, No Brakes: Lessons on Leadership and Life, ft. Bill Watkins
Looking for motivation? You won’t want to miss this one. Making the Brand is back with a continuation of last week’s conversation with our friends at Give’r. This time however, it is less about the brand itself and more about big picture life lessons that Bill Watkins, Chief Operations Officer at Give’r has learned throughout his incredible life that led him to where he is now. Bill answers tough questions regarding need for balance between being data-driven and instinctive in business, what he wants to be remembered by, and much more.
EPISODE 07
Give'r Your All: An Inside Look at an Outside Brand, ft. Bubba Albrecht
Give’r and Fortress have built a strong relationship of mutual motivation over the past year. With countless hours of strategy and execution, all tailored toward the goal of solidifying their brand identity and increasing their sales, it has proven to be a perfect match of personality and drive. Joel sat down with Bubba Albrecht, the founder of Give’r, to talk about his journey, the company’s journey, and what the future holds for him and for the brand.
EPISODE 06
Startup to Success: How a Female-Led Software Company Made Their Name, ft. Jill Cotton
Jill Cotton is the President of IROL, a software company specializing in Fire Prevention and Risk Reduction Services. We sat down with Jill to ask her a few questions about building her business and then making a name for it, something that’s a lot harder than it sounds, especially as a woman in technology. Talking to Jill, you can instantly detect her strength as a leader, as well as her sense of humor, which makes Episode 6 of Making the Brand both fun and inspiring.
EPISODE 05
The Journey of Self-Improvement, ft. Exec. Coach Marlene McCallum
Marlene McCallum is a skilled executive coach who works with Fortress CEO Joel Mathew. The two sat down together to discuss life’s most important lessons; among these are that humans are not fixed and can evolve and change to become better leaders, better business owners, and better people. Listen to this episode in full to hear what advice Marlene would give people who are interested in the work that she does. The moral of the story is to do the hard work, get uncomfortable, and take responsibility.
EPISODE 04
Maximizing Positivity in Business, ft. Aleksandar Zafirovski
In episode four of Making the Brand, Joel sat down with Aleksandar Zafirovski of Northwestern Medicine. He is an entrepreneurial mind within the healthcare industry, making him the perfect Fortress partner. Over the past several years, Fortress has worked with Aleksandar to create Breast Cancer Patient Connect, an online space where patients and survivors of breast cancer can go to feel supported, informed, and empowered. Listen to this episode for some insightful storytelling and positive lessons to take from hard times.
EPISODE 03
Trust the Marketing Process, ft. David Adam
The marketing journey is never a straight line. David Adam, friend and client of Fortress and leader at MidAmerica Orthopaedics, sat down with Joel to talk about their philosophies on marketing after having worked together for multiple years. They agree on one main core principle: that in marketing, you have to play the long game if you want to see real growth. And MidAmerica Orthopaedics knows transformative growth, having seen 800% increase in patient visits and clientele during David Adam’s tenure. See what other compelling insights they had by listening to the full episode.
EPISODE 02
How to Run a Successful Law Firm, ft. Jon Walner
Jon Walner is an energetic and passionate lawyer who channels this spirit into achieving justice for his clients. Fortress has developed a strong relationship with his firm, Walner Law, having worked on their website, branding, and many other projects. Hear Jon and Joel talk about what gets them out of bed every day, and the importance of bringing good people together to reach a common goal.
EPISODE 01
13th Bridge: Branding, Community, and Video Games
Guest Ryan Weldon, the co-founder of Portland-based games studio, 13th Bridge, is all about community and culture. In other words, he’s the kind of guy to wear sneakers to his own wedding. In this first episode of Making the Brand, Joel Mathew sits down with his good friend and business partner to talk about motivations, shared influences, and what sets 13th Bridge Games Studio and Fortress apart.
