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

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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.

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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.

You could have the best product in town—but if you’re making these seven marketing mistakes, your growth is at risk. In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we break down the "7 Deadly Sins of Marketing"—the most common (and costly) missteps we see small businesses make. From ignoring data to chasing trends, we’ll help you identify which sins might be hurting your business—and show you how to fix them. This episode is packed with no-fluff and ready-to-use advice to help you clean up your strategy and start seeing better results.

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If I opened a local brick-and-mortar business tomorrow and couldn’t spend a single dollar on marketing for the first 30 days, what would I do to get people in the door? In this episode, I walk through the exact grassroots tactics I’d use—from strategic partnerships to attention-grabbing events, sidewalk-level buzz, and tapping into existing communities. Whether you're launching soon or just trying to cut back on marketing spend, these proven, free strategies can spark serious foot traffic—no ad budget required.

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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.

At 26, most people are figuring life out. Our guest? He’s already turned his most difficult chapter—his journey to sobriety—into a powerful mission. In this episode, we sit down with a rising entrepreneur who built an online following by sharing his raw, unfiltered path to recovery and transformation. Now, he’s channeling that momentum into a new coaching business designed to help others do the same. We talk about what led to his breaking point, how vulnerability built his community, and what it really takes to turn personal growth into a purpose-driven business. Whether you’re navigating change, building a brand, or just looking for real inspiration—this episode delivers.

Special Guest: Tatenda Rukunda

Unhinged Sanity –Website

Instagram –@UnhingedSanity_

Tiktok –@UnhingedSanity_

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Your website should be more than just a digital brochure — it should be a lead-generating, revenue-driving machine. But without the right tools in place, you’re missing out on major opportunities.

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, Matt shares his five favorite website tools that every local business needs to track visitors, capture leads, and turn traffic into paying customers. These are the real, battle-tested tools he recommends after years of helping businesses improve their online performance.

If you want a website that works harder for your business — and Matt’s personal recommendations to get you there — this episode is a must-listen.

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Ninety-nine percent of ads are bad! Most businesses throw ads out into the world and hope something sticks — but real results come from strategy, not guesswork.

In this episode of Mastering Local Marketing, we break down the five essential types of ads every local business needs to have in their back pocket to stay relevant, drive sales, and create momentum year-round. From building brand awareness, to tapping into customer pain points, to maximizing holiday events, these aren’t just "nice to have" — they’re the backbone of a winning ad strategy.

If you’ve ever wondered why your ads aren't hitting like they should — or what’s missing from your current marketing — this episode will connect the dots.

Master these five, and you’ll never wonder what to post — or when — again.

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