What does it *really* take to build a brand from scratch?

In our latest *Color Bar* episode, we sit down with Jennifer and Brian Keita—founders of Union Cycle & Strength—to explore the emotional, strategic, and the very real journey of launching a fitness brand from the ground up.

It started with a logo… but became so much more.

From scent machines and lighting choices to apparel design and social strategy, every detail of Union was created with intention—to foster community, unity, and a brand experience that feels like home.

We talk about:

• The power of brand identity to make an idea “real”

•Creating word-of-mouth with limited resources

•How merchandise becomes marketing

•The challenge of getting people in the door

•And why staying true to your vision is key as you scale up

Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or just love a good brand story—this one's packed with insight and inspiration.

Watch or listen here: \[Insert YouTube or podcast link]

Got a favorite example of a brand that nailed community-building? Drop it in the comments

Who else is struggling to know the right moves in content development right now? With the explosion of marketing channels, it’s never been more complex — or more overwhelming — to craft the right content at the right time for both B2C and B2B audiences.

In this episode, we unpack the challenges marketers face when juggling personalization, platform strategy, creative storytelling, and the rise of AI-powered tools. Does using AI feel like cheating? Can content still be authentic when a machine had a hand in writing it? And who can we trust to help us navigate this evolving content ecosystem?

Tune in as we dig into the pressures for content development in a multi-channel, AI-influenced marketing world. Whether you’re a seasoned brand leader or just trying to keep your content calendar alive, this episode brings perspective, honesty, and maybe even a little feeling of you're not on an island alone.

If you've listened to Color Bar, you know we are huge pet fans and Kim has a houseful with her furry babies, so on this episode of Color Bar, we’re diving into the booming world of pet marketing — and how brands are taking a page from the human playbook. Kim and Fleetwood go shopping for a first-hand look. From omni-channel strategies and localized in-store experiences to digital integrations and hyper-personalized direct mail, pet retailers and healthcare companies are going all-in to connect with today’s pet parents.

We explore how national pet brands are customizing messaging at the store level, how tech is showing up in physical signage, and why treating pet owners like savvy consumers (because they are) is lifting response rates and building brand loyalty. Whether you’re in retail, healthcare, or marketing to humans or hounds — there’s something to learn from the way we’re all wagging toward more engaging experiences.