What does it take for a grocery store that opened its doors in the 1950s to not only survive—but thrive—in today’s crowded, convenience-obsessed market?

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we sit down with the Renee Thometz, Marketing Manager of one of the Midwest’s most beloved regional grocers—a 23-location chain that has become a cornerstone of its community over the last seven decades. Far from being a relic of the past, this grocery brand is winning today by blending timeless values with innovative, data-driven marketing.

The secret? A 360-degree integrated marketing communications (IMC) approach that meets customers where they are—physically, digitally, and emotionally.

From in-store signage and product placement to billboards, radio ads, local event sponsorships, streaming TV spots, personalized emails, and even neighborhood-specific food offerings, every touchpoint reinforces the same message: this is your neighborhood grocer. It's not just about groceries—it’s about being part of your life, your culture, and your community.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for business owners, marketers, and entrepreneurs alike. Whether you run a single-location boutique or a growing regional brand, the lessons in this conversation will help you:

• Build a consistent, omnichannel brand presence
• Align your marketing to your community's unique needs
• Track what really matters—not just impressions
• Stay rooted in your values while evolving with your customers

Strack and Van Til Grocery

LinkedIn

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In a world where clicks come faster than facts, one careless post can derail years of brand trust. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sharmin Attaran—marketing professor, TEDx speaker, and digital transformation expert—to explore the growing risks of misinformation in small business marketing.

We’ll uncover how the pressure to stay relevant online often leads to unintentional deception—and what business owners can do to stop it. From red flags in influencer content to real tools for fact-checking, Dr. Attaran shares a practical, no-nonsense approach to protecting your brand’s reputation.

Whether you’ve accidentally shared false info or just want to avoid a PR mess, this episode is your guide to navigating the digital truth minefield—without sacrificing growth.

TedTalk: The Battle for Truth in a Viral World

Reference Websites:

Snopes

Politifact

Media Bias Fact Check

Google Scholar

Tineye

Statista

TRUTH Framework

T – Tracking

R – Review

U – Understand the Context

T – Test Emotional Manipulation

H – Hold Off

LinkedIn

Dr. Attaran's Website

Amazon Link

1. The Taboo

2. The Unusual

3. The Outrageous

4. The Remarkable

5. The Secrets

Follow us for more local marketing tips at

Mastering Local Marketing – Website

Instagram – @MasteringLocalMarketing

YouTube – @MasteringLocalMarketing

If you're finding real value in our episodes, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next week with new episodes.

Not all great marketing comes from billion-dollar brands. In fact, some of the most creative, viral, and impactful campaigns have come from small businesses with big ideas. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we look back at the greatest small business marketing campaigns of all time—campaigns that broke the mold, built movements, and proved that smart strategy beats big budgets. You'll walk away inspired and equipped with ideas you can adapt for your own business.

Follow us for more local marketing tips at

Mastering Local Marketing – Website

Instagram – @MasteringLocalMarketing

YouTube – @MasteringLocalMarketing

If you're finding real value in our episodes, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Podcasts. Thanks for listening and we'll see you next week with new episodes.