How AI is Shaping the Future of Marketing

OUTdrive Episode 228 with Kyle Meek

OUTdrive Episode 228 with Kyle Meek Artificial Intelligence offers powerful ways for marketers to streamline tasks and personalize customer experiences and balancing innovation with responsible use is essential for building trust. Callis’s Digital Services Director Kyle Meek explores these opportunities, discussing how AI is transforming marketing and business for rural American markets. Sharing insights from…

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Sharing Stories, Growing Trust

OUTdrive Episode 227 with Danny Vowell

OUTdrive Episode 227 with Danny Vowell Marketing pro Danny Vowell, the marketing manager at Best Way AG, brings a rich blend of experience in journalism, photojournalism and business communications to his role. Raised in a rural setting with deep family roots in farming, Danny has a personal understanding of the agricultural community’s values and challenges.…

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The Law and the Land

OUTdrive Episode 226 with Chris Spangler

OUTdrive Episode 226 with Chris Spangler Attorney Chris Spangler could have built a law practice anywhere, but he chose to establish his career in the heart of rural America. A Missouri native and graduate of the University of Missouri, Chris returned to central Missouri after attending law school in Kansas City. Today, he co-leads the…

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The Human Side of Health Care Marketing

OUTdrive episode 224 with April DeGraff

OUTdrive Episode 225 with April DeGraff April DeGraff, a seasoned marketing professional, has over 15 years of experience, with a decade dedicated to health care marketing. Growing up in rural Missouri and earning a degree from Missouri Valley College, April has a unique understanding of both rural communities and the health care landscape. She has…

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Winning Strategies for Authentic Connections

OUTdrive episode 224 with Shannon McCarthy

OUTdrive Episode 224 with Shannon McCarthy Reaching rural audiences requires a tailored approach. Dr. Shannon McCarthy, Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Central Missouri, brings us a unique perspective, having lived on both coasts and in the Midwest. She highlights that while there are differences between urban and rural America, people’s core desires…

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Chatting with AI

OUTdrive episode 223 with AI-dilene

OUTdrive Episode 223 with AI-dilene This week’s episode of OUTdrive features a conversation unlike any we’ve had before. Cliff sits down with an unexpected guest—a chatbot named AI-dilene! Together, they dive headfirst into how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of marketing. Listeners get an inside look at how AI functions, what it can offer…

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Leveraging Digital Media Strategies

OUTdrive episode 222 with Rachel Hernandez

OUTdrive Episode 222 with Rachel Hernandez The landscape of digital media is evolving, and AI is at the forefront. In this episode, Rachel Hernandez, Director of Marketing at Next Net Media, discusses the integration of AI in marketing strategies. While some are apprehensive about these changes, Rachel views them as opportunities for growth and innovation.…

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The Art of Relationship-Driven Marketing

OUTdrive episode 221 with Josie Gregory

OUTdrive Episode 221 with Josie Gregory Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an account executive at a marketing agency in rural America? Josie Gregory, the newest account executive at Callis, breaks it down in our latest episode. From communication and strategy to research and project management, the role involves wearing multiple hats.…

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Getting Started Right

OUTdrive episode 220 with Lilly Garrett

OUTdrive Episode 220 with Lilly Garrett To truly thrive, startups must prioritize validation over assumptions—driving their success with real data instead of guesswork. Lilly Garrett, a marketing strategist based in London and co-founder of MAXIA Marketing, understands the importance of validating product ideas and establishing strong marketing foundations. Lilly began her entrepreneurial path at 19,…

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Authentic Marketing is Key

OUTdrive episode 219 with Megan Elsey

OUTdrive Episode 219 with Megan Elsey Good marketing isn’t just about crafting the perfect campaign—it’s about building genuine relationships and maintaining transparency with your audience in a competitive landscape. Authenticity is key! Megan Elsey, Director of Marketing & PR at MJE and MJE Livestock Equipment, emphasizes the importance of genuine content over polished productions. In…

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The Three-Legged Stool of Marketing

OUTdrive Episode 218 with Brad Grupe

OUTdrive Episode 218 with Brad Grupe Ever heard of the “three-legged stool” of marketing? Brad Grupe, owner and broker agent for Town and Country Insurance, uses this metaphor to describe the balance needed between marketing, client relationships and community service. Effective marketing requires a deep understanding of consumer behavior and strategic thinking, especially in industries…

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The Power of Storytelling

OUTdrive episode 217 with Bing Schimmelpfenning

OUTdrive Episode 217 with Bing Schimmelpfenning By leveraging storytelling, embracing modern marketing tools, and fostering collaboration, rural businesses and organizations can thrive in a changing economic landscape. Bing Schimmelpfenning, the executive director of the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes that effective marketing is all about telling your story—whether it’s about a product, service, or personal…

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Slam Dunking Social Media

OUTdrive episode 216 with Ryan Anderson

OUTdrive Episode 216 with Ryan Anderson From demanding time commitments to the need to think quickly on your feet, promoting sporting events can be a whirlwind. Ryan Anderson, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), provides an inside look into sports marketing during our latest episode. Utilizing traditional advertising and…

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Fair, Family & Fun

OUTdrive Episode 215 with Paul Beykirch

OUTdrive Episode 215 with Paul Beykirch You probably know that the Missouri State Fair draws thousands of people from across the Midwest each year. To some, it may seem like the fair just happens, when actually, a lot goes into it. One of those people who help make it happen is Paul Beykirch, president of…

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The Best Hidden Gems of Sedalia

OUTdrive Episode 214 with Carolyn Crooker, Kyle Herrick and Rick Yeager

OUTdrive Episode 214 with Carolyn Crooker, Kyle Herrick and Rick Yeager Tourism is a powerful driver for local economies, and Sedalia is no exception. The Sedalia Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is committed to showcasing our city’s unique offerings. Joining us today are Carolyn Crooker, Kyle Herrick and Rick Yeager from the Sedalia CVB to…

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Hoops, Heartland, and Heroes

OUTdrive Episode 213 with Kim Anderson

OUTdrive Episode 213 with Kim Anderson Kim Anderson’s journey from rural America to professional athletics and coaching paints a vivid picture of the evolving landscape of college sports, the influence of marketing, and the distinct characteristics of rural communities. Kim’s roots in rural America, shaped by his father’s role as a basketball coach, laid the…

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Building a Foundation for the Future

OUTdrive episode 212 with Karri Wilson

OUTdrive Episode 212 with Karri Wilson Karri Wilson’s story is deeply rooted in the agricultural lifestyle of rural America. Growing up on a farm near the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Karri developed a love for horses and a strong work ethic that has shaped her personal and professional life. Her background in social work…

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The Magic of the Missouri State Fair

OUTdrive episode 211 with Kari Mergen

OUTdrive Episode 211 with Kari Mergen Ever wondered what goes into creating an unforgettable fair experience? Kari Mergen, the Marketing Director of the Missouri State Fair, has been at the helm for a decade, carefully balancing between tradition and innovation. Her meticulous organization and flexibility ensure that every year is better than the last for…

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Family Physicians in Rural America

OUTdrive episode 210 with Dr. Levi Harris

OUTdrive Episode 210 with Dr. Levi Harris Dr. Levi Harris began his journey into medicine in southwest Missouri with an early exposure to the field while working in a local veterinary clinic. This experience planted the seeds for his future career of caring for people as a medical doctor as he witnessed firsthand the impact…

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Unique Skill Set Drives Digital Performance

OUTdrive epsiode 209 with Andrew Stallcup

OUTdrive Episode 209 with Andrew Stallcup Andrew Stallcup, a digital marketing strategist at Callis, has a unique background for his role with our marketing agency. After serving in the military working in psychological operations (code word: marketing), Andrew further developed his skill set to evolve into a strategist focusing on the business side of digital.…

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