In this sharp and practical episode, Bart sits down with Brenton Nickles, founder of JDS1 Marketing, to break down what actually works in modern marketing — and what doesn’t. Brent shares his journey from traditional marketing roles to building his own agency, helping businesses clarify their message, strengthen their brand, and execute consistently. He explains why most marketing efforts fail (lack of strategy, impatience, inconsistency), how attention is earned through value, and why long‑term positioning always beats short‑term tactics. This conversation cuts through the noise and offers a grounded, disciplined approach to marketing that leaders and entrepreneurs can immediately apply.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

Marketing is not a one‑time campaign — it’s a system. Sustainable growth requires consistency.

Clarity beats creativity. If people don’t understand what you do, clever branding won’t save you.

Most businesses quit too early. Results compound over time — not overnight.

Strategy must come before tactics. Posting content without direction wastes energy.

Attention is currency. You earn it by solving real problems, not by being loud.

Brand is built through repetition. Showing up consistently builds trust.

Measure what matters. Data should inform decisions, not overwhelm them.

Positioning determines growth. When you clearly define who you serve and how, momentum follows.

Memorable Quotes

“Marketing isn’t magic — it’s discipline.”

“Clarity always beats clever.”

“If you’re not consistent, you’re invisible.”

“Strategy first. Tactics second.”

“Attention has to be earned.”

“You don’t build trust in a week.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode is a reality check for entrepreneurs, leaders, and marketers who want results without the hype. Brent Nickles reinforces that growth doesn’t come from chasing trends — it comes from clarity, discipline, and long‑term commitment. If you’re frustrated by inconsistent results or overwhelmed by marketing options, this conversation offers a practical framework: define your strategy, commit to consistency, measure progress, and play the long game. Success in marketing — like success in leadership — is rarely flashy. It’s built through disciplined repetition and clear positioning.

Connect with Brenton over LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenton-david-nickles/

In this forward‑thinking conversation, Bart sits down with our newest Alliants friends; Tristan Gadsby (CEO/Co-Founder) and Gareth Fraser (VP of Sales & Marketing Operations), to explore how technology is reshaping customer experience — particularly in hospitality and luxury service environments. What began as a frustration with outdated, fragmented service systems evolved into a mission: create seamless, intelligent platforms that remove friction without removing humanity. Tristan and Gareth share how Alliants partners with some of the world’s most respected brands to unify communication, streamline operations, and elevate the guest experience. This episode dives into AI, messaging, service culture, and why the future of customer experience isn’t louder it’s smoother.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

Friction kills loyalty. Modern customers expect seamless communication across every channel.

Technology should amplify humanity, not replace it. The goal isn’t automation — it’s better service.

Messaging is the new front desk. Guests increasingly prefer digital communication over traditional calls.

Unification beats fragmentation. Disconnected systems create chaos for both customers and employees.

AI works best behind the scenes. Invisible intelligence supports staff rather than replacing them.

Luxury today means effortlessness. The highest standard of service is making complexity feel simple.

Operational clarity drives guest satisfaction. Empowered teams deliver better experiences.

Innovation requires courage. Challenging traditional service models isn’t comfortable — but it’s necessary.

Memorable Quotes:

“Technology should feel human.”

“Friction is the enemy of loyalty.”

“The best service is invisible.”

“AI should empower people, not replace them.”

“Luxury is about removing effort.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode challenges leaders to rethink how technology fits into service. Tristan and Gareth show that innovation isn’t about replacing people — it’s about freeing them to deliver better experiences. Whether you operate in hospitality, lead a customer‑facing team, or are navigating digital transformation, this conversation offers a clear lens: eliminate friction, unify systems, and design experiences that feel effortless. In a world of rising expectations, seamless service isn’t a bonus — it’s the baseline.

More about Alliants here: https://www.alliants.com/

Connect with Tristan here: Tristan Gadsby | LinkedInConnect with Gareth Fraser here:

Gareth Fraser | LinkedIn

In this thoughtful and inspiring episode, Bart sits down with Lisa Burch, founder of YTT Design Solutions, a woman‑owned civil and geotechnical engineering firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lisa shares her journey from a technically curious kid fascinated by drafting and problem‑solving, to becoming a civil engineer dedicated to building infrastructure that quietly supports everyday life. She opens up about the personal challenges that led her to start her own company, the meaning behind YTT (“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”), and why community, stewardship, and long‑term thinking drive every decision she makes. This conversation reveals the unseen work that keeps communities functioning and the mindset required to build something that lasts.

Major Takeaways / Learnings

• Engineering is problem‑solving at scale. Civil engineers use math and science to make communities safer, healthier, and more functional.
• Great infrastructure is invisible. If it’s done right, people never notice — until something goes wrong.
• Careers can start with curiosity. Early interests in drafting, Legos, and building often signal engineering potential.
• Entrepreneurship isn’t always planned. Lisa started her firm during a period of personal upheaval, choosing action over fear.
• Speed and adaptability matter. Small, nimble organizations can innovate faster than large, rigid ones.
• Community creates purpose. Lisa’s work is deeply rooted in serving Cedar Rapids and the people who call it home.
• Trust beats marketing. Long‑term client relationships and word‑of‑mouth fuel sustainable growth.
• Design for the future. Stewardship means building infrastructure that serves generations, not just today’s needs.

Memorable Quotes

“Engineering is solving problems.”

“If I do my job right, you’ll never know I was there.”

“I bury most of my best work underground.”

“You can do anything — you just have to take the first step.”

“Yesterday, today, and tomorrow guide every decision we make.”

“Community is everything.”

Why It Matters / How to Use It

This episode highlights the quiet leadership behind the systems we rely on every day. Lisa Burch’s story reminds listeners that meaningful impact doesn’t always come with recognition often, it comes from care, discipline, and long‑term thinking. For entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone facing uncertainty, her journey shows how resilience, service, and commitment to community can turn challenges into purpose. Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or shaping a city, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: the work that matters most is often the work no one sees.