Weekly Tac-planning on marketing, brand strategy, and category design for early & growth stage veteran small businesses, keeping you in the fight and not face down in a rice paddy!
…
continue reading
Keep your day job, build your dream job.
…
continue reading
African-American Naval Academy Graduate, Marine Corps Veteran, and Entrepreneur "IRON" Mike Steadman, shares his perspectives on race, culture, and business.
…
continue reading
A tool of encouragement for young people in high school and college who are determining or even re-determining their path to success. The Achievement Playbook is brought to you by The Chad School Foundation, where we offer scholarships, leadership workshops, and link young people with mentors. Visit us at www.thechadschoolfoundation.org and get connected with Chad.
…
continue reading
Meaningful stories and conversations from the fringe of societal norms.
…
continue reading
A show dedicated to highlighting the resilience of black entrepreneurs and the impact of patient capital.
…
continue reading
A limited-edition podcast series about the step-by-step strategy successful stock pickers use to double their income in their spare time, retire on their terms, and free themselves from the worry that they will outlive their money.
…
continue reading
Welcome To Those Who Dare, where we amplify the voices of military veterans who consistently step outside their comfort zone, and go above and beyond society's expectations. If you’re a military veteran and want to learn about the innovation ecosystem and how to participate in it as an investor, employee, or entrepreneur, then you’ve come to the right place. This series is brought to you by the team at AIN Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund founded by Service Academy graduates. Subscribe to ...
…
continue reading
The moment you start to get comfortable and complacent, you’re already dead; you just don’t realize it yet. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgBy IRONBOUND Media, IRON Mike Steadman
…
continue reading
If you’re afraid to invest in your brand, in the words of Logan Roy from the HBO show Succession, You are not serious people. I’m all about staying lean, driving sales, and maximizing profitability. I’m a bootstrapper and proud of it. Truth be told, you can start a business these days with a Google Doc, a menu of products and services, and a hit li…
…
continue reading
1
Killer Video Storytelling with Sean Bell, Founder of Loud Media
32:34
32:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:34
Drew and I chop it up with fellow veterans and video storyteller extraordinaire Sean Bell, Founder of Loud Media, which helps brands tell epic stories through video content. On the show, Sean shares how he thinks about storytelling, why he’s so passionate about video, Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.do…
…
continue reading
In this episode I sit down with RA Beattie. RA hails from Woody Creek, CO. He has been immersed in the fly fishing world since he could walk. RA started apprenticing at the age of 14 in and around his home waters. RA went on to attend the University of Puget Sound and then went on to attend Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL where he studied f…
…
continue reading
1
What Two Local Businesses Have Taught Me About Brand Loyalty
19:46
19:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:46
I share what a local bar and barbershop taught me about brand loyalty. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg Checkout our new website: www.IRONBOUNDMedia.comBy IRONBOUND Media, IRON Mike Steadman
…
continue reading
1
A Media Company For The Misfits & Underdogs
41:05
41:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:05
I discuss IRONBOUND Media’s rebrand and category expansion to serve ‘Underdogs & Misfits’ (Challenger brands led by Veterans, Black women, and anyone else use to being one of one). Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3…
…
continue reading
1
Data-Driven Beauty with Shante Frazier, Founder of WellCapped
46:34
46:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:34
Do you ever come across a founder with an idea that makes you think to yourself, “damn, I really think they’re onto something here.” That’s how I feel about today’s podcast guest, Shante Frazier, Founder of WellCapped, a data-driven beauty company that provides online wig rentals through a monthly subscription. I’m not a venture capitalist yet, but…
…
continue reading
1
Internal Branding & The Business of Design with Dan Janssen, Owner / Creative Director at Lincoln Design Company
56:23
56:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:23
Today on Dog Whistle Branding, my boy Drew O’Brien, from the design company “We Make Cool Shit,” chop it up with Legendary designer and studio owner, Dan Janssen, Owner/Creative Director of Lincoln Design Co., a Portland-based branding and design studio that represents the gold standard for modern designers, whose clients include Nike, Hot Wheels, …
…
continue reading
1
You Think You Need Marketing When You Really Need Sales!
21:16
21:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:16
In this episode of Dog Whistle Branding, I discuss the problem with focusing on marketing when you should be focusing on sales. Trust me, this problem is more common than you think. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/…
…
continue reading
In this episode of DWB, I reflect on my goal for the new year goal of acquiring 10,000 True Fans, as opposed to 1,000 as recommended by Kevin Kelly in his essay, “1000 True Fans. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gm…
…
continue reading
In this episode of DWB, I discuss why “painstorming” is the new brand storming. Before we jump into the show, make sure you subscribe to my newsletter at the link in the show notes and also Download the official Dog Whistle Branding playbook at ironboundmedia.com Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhis…
…
continue reading
1
How To Create An Authority Machine For Your Business
25:53
25:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:53
Today on DWB, I share my thought process for creating an authority machine at IRONBOUND Media, a process for sharing thoughts and ideas in a systematic way that positions us as an authority on brand building. I share a framework I came up and hopefully, you can apply it in your own business. Before we jump into the show, make sure you subscribe to …
…
continue reading
1
A Coffee Company Run by Firefighters with Luke Schneider, Founder & CEO of Fire Department Coffee
44:37
44:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:37
Today on DWB, I’m joined by Navy Veteran and retired Firefighter, Luke Schneider, Founder & CEO of Fire Department Coffee, a veteran-owned and firefighter-run coffee company that is dedicated to roasting high-quality coffee while giving back to first responders and other heroes in need. Inspired by the vital role that coffee plays in helping firefi…
…
continue reading
1
Premium Sparkling Soda with A Health Twists Feat. Blake Berman, Co-Founder of Spade
47:55
47:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:55
Almost a year ago, I had an opportunity to teach a branding workshop to the Founders Institute, The World’s Largest Pre-Seed Accelerator. After the workshop, one of the participants reached me on Linkedin, asking for advice and to keep me updated on his journey. The founder, Blake Berman, was in early stages of launching a San-Diego based premium s…
…
continue reading
1
What Stop Drinking Alcohol Taught Me About Competitive Alternatives and Pricing
12:36
12:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
12:36
Today on DWB, I share what stop drinking alcohol taught me about competitive alternatives and pricing. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgBy IRONBOUND Media, IRON Mike Steadman
…
continue reading
1
Take All The Risk Off The Table With A Brand Guarantee
13:11
13:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:11
Today on DWB, I’m going to teach you how to close your perfect customer, by taking all the risks off the table and giving them a brand guarantee. Visit our website to Download your free copy of the Dog Whistle Branding Playbook here: https://ironboundmedia.com/ Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistl…
…
continue reading
Al Perkinson has been an executive in the outdoor industry for the past 20 years. He is a brand builder and growth agent who believes that social responsibility and great storytelling are keys to building beloved brands. Al is the founder and CEO of Bajío Sunglasses, based in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Bajío designs and builds performance sunglasse…
…
continue reading
1
Direct-To-Consumer Performance Apparel for Modern Female Warriors with Haley Marie McClain Hill, Found & CEO of Torch Warriorwear
38:37
38:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:37
A few years ago, I met an inspiring young female officer, Haley Marie McClain Hill, who was building an apparel line specifically for female warriors. She was still in the early days of launching her venture, while also preparing to transition out of the military. From the moment I met her, I knew that given her background as an Air Force Officer, …
…
continue reading
1
Consumer Tech in Health & Wellness with Army Veteran Neil Whitney, CEO of Plankk
53:49
53:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:49
Today on DWB, I’m joined by Army Veteran Neil Whitney, CEO of Plankk, a tech company helping today's fitness brands turn their following into revenue with custom fitness & wellness apps. Prior to becoming CEO of Plankk, Neil founded and exited, Menud’s, which provided personalized & curated meal plans, allowing users to shop for a week's worth of g…
…
continue reading
1
Redefining Sports Marketing In The Age of Name, Imagine, and Likeness (NIL) with Dominique Wright, Founder of FAND
52:26
52:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:26
I get hit up by countless veteran entrepreneurs seeking advice on their entrepreneurial journey. Some take my advice and run with it, others not so much. All I try to do is point people in the right direction. Today’s guest, Dominique Wright reached out to me over two years ago, in order to discuss her idea for an app serving collegiate athletes. W…
…
continue reading
In this episode I sit down with my kids and we take a little detour from the regular format as we did last season for the family interlude. The thought process behind this idea is more thoroughly explained in Episode 11. The summary would be: It would be very interesting and cool if one day you wanted to go back and reflect on who you were when you…
…
continue reading
1
Black Entrepreneurs Survive & Thrive Season 2 Announcement!
1:21
1:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:21
This is “IRON” Mike Steadman, host of Black Entrepreneurs Survive and Thrive, happy to announce we’re back with another Season of the Show. Our first 12 Episodes allowed to highlight the impact of patient capital, the BEST Fund, and the resilience of black entrepreneurs here in the great state of New Jersey. When we initially launched, we were stil…
…
continue reading
1
Addressing an Unmet Need In The Nonprofit Sector By Leveraging Technology with Jack Fanous, CEO of Mission Plus
41:40
41:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:40
I know it’s been a while since I’ve been on the Mic, but make no mistake, I’ve been work hard behind the scenes on all things IRONBOUND and DWB. I launched a new series FRAGO Friday, which I drop each week via our newsletter. I got a fellowship to the Fund For New Leadership, a social impact fellowship supporting change makers across the country, a…
…
continue reading
1
Boots Allen - 3rd Generation Fly Fishing Guide
1:53:24
1:53:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:53:24
In this episode I sit down with Boots Allen. Boots is a third generation fly fishing guide who each year guides 130-plus day on the waters of the Greater Yellowstone area. He is the author of numerous publications including Modern Trout Fishing (Lyons Press) and Catching Trout in All Conditions (Graphic Arts Books) and top finisher in numerous fly …
…
continue reading
Today on DWB, I discuss why you need to build a damn email list. In case you haven’t noticed, Social Media is rented and if you want to own your audience, you better start building the last. Visit our website to Download your free copy of the Dog Whistle Branding Playbook here: https://ironboundmedia.com/ Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Bra…
…
continue reading
When it comes to creating content, implementing a new marketing strategy, or wanting to try something new in general, the biggest hindrance business owners have is perfectionism. Rather than trying to be perfect and hit a home run out of the gate, I want to challenge you to start ugly, which I discuss in today’s show. Be sure to subscribe to the Do…
…
continue reading
1
FRAGO: Your Smallest Viable Audience (Think Big, Start Small)
4:06
4:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:06
Who already has a reason to know, like, and trust you? Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kgBy IRONBOUND Media, IRON Mike Steadman
…
continue reading
1
Food Trucks On A Mission with Jordan Foley, Founder & CEO of Let’s Chow
52:31
52:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:31
Today on DWB, I’m joined by fellow Naval Academy grad turned culinary entrepreneur, Jordan Foley, Founder, CEO, and Head Chef at Let’s Chow, a nonprofit Nonprofit providing vocational training in the culinary arts for veterans & military spouses using food trucks. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhi…
…
continue reading
1
FRAGO: How Does Your Perfect Customer Self-Identify?
3:12
3:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
3:12
Everyone who has worked with or heard me speak at workshop knows my favorite question to ask when it comes to building a Dog Whistle Brand, Who's Your Perfect Customer? If you’re having trouble answering this question, what if instead, you asked yourself, How does my perfect customer self-identify? Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand News…
…
continue reading
1
Ruffling Feathers Through Streetwear with Ruben Ayala, Co-Founder & CEO of Triple Nikel
1:02:17
1:02:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:17
One of my frustrations for the longest time in the veteran space was a lack of agency. That’s one of the reasons’ I wrote the book Black Veteran Entrepreneur, and also why I’m excited about today’s guest Ruben Ayala, An Army Veteran, Green Beret, and Co-Founder of Triple Nikel, a veteran-owned streetwear brand promoting unity and honoring veterans …
…
continue reading
1
A New Type of Footwear For The “Everyday Elite” with Mason Hamlett, CEO of Woobies Inc.
47:57
47:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:57
You know how much I love to geek out on Category Design, and most of the time, I find myself focusing on creating new types of markets, not new kinds of humans. Which is why on today’s show, I’m excited to chop it up with Mason Hamlett, CEO of Woobies Inc, a veteran-owned shoe company serving the protectorate class, you know, the kind of guys and g…
…
continue reading
1
American Made Apparel with Dean Wegner, Founder of Authentically American
45:16
45:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:16
Everyone knows that Veterans love Swag, there’s a reason you constantly see us wearing hoodies and T-shirts of the brands we love. Here in Newark, I’m constantly rocking my IRONBOUND Boxing hoodie, not only to bring more visibility to the IRONBOUND brand, but also to symbolize that I’m part of the team and a movement. Apparel is a hard business mod…
…
continue reading
1
Keeping Privates Clean with Fred Soule, Founder of SGT Suds Soap!
36:24
36:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:24
Today on DWB, Bill and I are joined by Navy Veteran and former Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman, Fred Soule, Founder of Sgt Suds which provides high-quality,all-natural, honest Soap and hygiene items for dudes, and in their own words "Keeping privates clean." After connecting with Fred and his brand on social media, I wrote him a tentative b…
…
continue reading
1
Creating Badass Photos For E-Commerce Brands At The World’s First Virtual Content Studio with Liz Giorgi, Co-Founder and CEO of Soona Studios
37:38
37:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:38
Today on DWB, I’m joined by Liz Giorgi, Co-Founder and CEO of Soona Studios, the world’s first virtual content studio, helping e-commerce merchants sell more online. For early-stage e-commerce brands, organizing photo shoots can be a pain in the ass, between selecting a location, having the right equipment, and moving products. What I like about So…
…
continue reading
1
Combining Food, Fitness, and Function To Create A New Category of Coaching with Paul Reily, Founder & CEO of Midstrong
48:24
48:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:24
In this episode of DWB, I’m joined by West Point Grad, Army Veteran and Lions Pride Alumni, Paul Reily, Founder of Midstrong, an online fitness company helping busy men and women in midlife, make food, fitness, and function the priority that powers the best years of life. I met Paul a few years ago through the Lions Pride and instantly became a fan…
…
continue reading
1
Brian Matthews - For the first time, the second time!
1:33:53
1:33:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:33:53
In this episode I sit down with Brian Matthews. Brian was the first guest on PTT and now he is the first repeat guest on the show. To listen to Brian’s full introduction please go back to episode #1 and get some more color on our journey together. Brian is one of the 3 partners at the Harmonic Growth Fund, a Venture Capital firm with an investment …
…
continue reading
1
Super Consumers: A Simple, Speedy, and Sustainable Path to Superior Growth with Eddie Yoon, Strategy Yoda and Co-Founder of Category Pirates.
59:07
59:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:07
I’m fired up for the following episode of DWB, as I get chance to sit down with the one of original Category Pirates and Business Author, Eddie Yoon, a self-described Strategy Yoda, Category Designer, and Author of the book Superconsumers: A Simple, Speedy, and Sustainable Path to Superior Growth.I take pride in being an intellectual capitalist, wh…
…
continue reading
1
Building Brand Identities for Microbusiness Owners with Nick Edlin, Independent Designer & Illustrator
39:30
39:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:30
I don’t know about you all, but I have an affinity for microbusinesses, typically these are bootstrapped businesses earning less than 100k in revenue, started from a hobby or passion. You can find them at your local farmers market, selling homemade honey, soap, and other CPG products. I serve a lot of these entrepreneurs, whether in my local commun…
…
continue reading
1
Giving Brands A Voice with Steve Pratt, Founder of the Creativity Business
58:31
58:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
58:31
Today on DWB, I’m joined by Steve Pratt, founder of The Creativity Business, a firm focused on content strategy for brands and business strategy for the creative industries. Steve is a podcasting OG. Prior to starting the Creativity Business, he co-founded one of the world’s first and leading branded podcast agencies, Pacific Content. For those of …
…
continue reading
Today on DWB, Bill and I discuss how to drive leads using the Hub and Spoke Framework. Hubs are networks of impacts, such as trade associations, chambers of commerce, or MBA classrooms, for example, that have access to multiple spokes, which represent your perfect customer. If you can visualize a bicycle wheel, create a list of your perfect custome…
…
continue reading
Today on DWB, I catch up with my main man and business coach, Mr. Bill Watkins, to talk about how to prepare and navigate challenging times ahead, through some DEFCON Branding. What the heck is DEFCON Brand Strategy? Find out on today’s how. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order …
…
continue reading
1
Return on Brand with Scott Roslyn, Co-Founder & CEO at We Are Bill
41:36
41:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:36
Today on DWB, I’m joined by Scott Roslyn, Co-Founder and CEO of We Are Bill, a boutique brand creation & reinvention consultancy based in New York, that connects strategic thinking, thoughtful design, and commercial impact to create new futures for ambitious brands. I invited Scott on the show to talk about his approach to brand strategy and share …
…
continue reading
1
Debriefing More Than A Decades Worth of Entrepreneurial Experience with Justin Nassiri, Founder & CEO of Executive Presence
57:34
57:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:34
Today on DWB, I’m joined by fellow Naval Academy grad turned serial entrepreneur, Justin Nassiri, Founder & CEO of Executive Presence, which provides a fully managed Linkedin presence for CEO’s and business leaders. I originally came into this interview expecting to talk about Justin’s podcasts and his new company executive presence, which we do ge…
…
continue reading
1
Building a 21st Century Online Jeweler with Andrew Wolgemuth, Co-Founder and CEO of Wove
41:29
41:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:29
Today on DWB, I sit down with Army Veteran and West Point Graduate Andrew Wolgemuth, Co-Founder & CEO of WOVE, a 21st century online jeweler, bringing the jewelry design experience directly to couples for custom engagement ring creation. Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my b…
…
continue reading
1
Obviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get It, Buy It, Love It with April Dunford, World-renowned Positioning Badass
59:28
59:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:28
Be sure to subscribe to the Dog Whistle Brand Newsletter on Substack here: www.dogwhistlebranding.com Order my book, “Black Veteran Entrepreneur” here: https://amzn.to/3gme7kg Checkout April’s book here: https://amzn.to/3x4sJd4By IRONBOUND Media, IRON Mike Steadman
…
continue reading
1
Customers Want An Experience and Relationship with the Brands They Purchase From Feat. Doug Minter, Marine Veteran and Business Advisor
39:19
39:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:19
Today on DWB, I’m joined by Marine Veteran and Business Advisor, Doug Minter, Head of Canada’s Black Chamber of Commerce and a serial entrepreneur. Like my own business coach, Bill Watkins, Doug has worked with hundreds if not thousands of entrepreneurs and knows more than a thing or two about branding, and the importance of creating experiences an…
…
continue reading
In this episode we sit down with Harry Tebay. Harry has been quietly running around the greater teton/yellowstone region with a fly rod or a set of oars in his hands for the last 25 years. In the offseasons Harry has also quietly mixed in a 15 year plus career guiding in the Florida Keys. Originally from West Virginia and spending much of his youth…
…
continue reading
1
Finding The Passion To Push For Innovation with Brad Harrison, Founder & Managing Partner of Scout Ventures
1:01:24
1:01:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:24
On today’s episode, Sherman and Mike interview Brad Harrison, Founder & Managing Partner of Scout Ventures. They discuss Brad’s time at West Point, what pushed him to leaping into the VC world, and how he is pushing the envelope of technology innovation at Scout Scout VC: https://www.scout.vc/ Subscribe to Those Who Dare on iTunes, Spotify, or your…
…
continue reading
1
New Frontiers of Social Entrepreneurship with Bruce Cahan, co-founder and president of Urban Logic, Inc., a New York nonprofit qualified in California, an Ashoka Fellow social entrepreneur and a Stanford ...
1:26:42
1:26:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:26:42
On today’s episode, Sherman and Mike interview Bruce Cahan, co-founder and president of Urban Logic, Inc., a New York nonprofit qualified in California, an Ashoka Fellow social entrepreneur and a Stanford CodeX Fellow. Bruce explores his personal history, how that informs his mission of equality today, and how the new wave of entrepreneurship can t…
…
continue reading
On today’s episode, Sherman and Mike break down the origins of “Those Who Dare”, the goal of creating the show. They discuss their journeys to their individual ventures, the importance of bringing your whole self to entrepreneurship, and the shared goal of lifting as we climb Subscribe to Those Who Dare on iTunes, Spotify, or your favorite listenin…
…
continue reading