Brand on the Rocks

In this "On the Rocks" episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck tackles one of the most overlooked – yet absolutely essential – aspects of brand marketing: website messaging. Whether your site is the digital front door of your business or the first impression you make on potential customers, Ryan makes it clear that how you communicate your story online is make-or-break. Get ready for a practical, hands-on audit: Ryan lays out the exact steps you need to follow to evaluate your website's

In this episode of Brand on the Rocks, Ryan Holck is joined by guest Adam McLaughlin for a candid "shared pour" conversation on a topic that every leader, marketer, and entrepreneur wrestles with: clarity. Together, they dig deep into the practical reasons why clarity isn't just a nice-to-have for your brand, it's the spark that exposes confusion and sets the stage for true consistency, trust, and lasting customer relationships. Episode highlights include: Adam's unique ladder approach to brand

In this straight-up episode of Brand on the Rocks, Ryan Holck invites you to take your bold business ideas and distill them down into crystal-clear messaging that actually works. Drawing inspiration from the art of distilling high-quality spirits, Ryan walks listeners through a three-step brand clarity framework designed to cut through the marketing noise: knowing your big story, simplifying your message, and building a strategic plan for sharing it. Tune in as Ryan shares practical insights and

Want a Game Changing Elevator Pitch? In this episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck welcomes Adam McLaughlin, founder of Trust Marketing Agency and seasoned digital nomad.  Not only does Adam run his business from the road (campgrounds, foreign countries, and even driveways!), he’s perfected the art of making first impressions count. Especially when every chat around the campfire could be a potential business moment. Here’s what you’ll get in Episode 4: Elevator Pitches That Actually Work

On this episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck dives deep into the concept of the “trust recession” and why brands are struggling to connect with their audiences in today’s noisy marketplace. Using timely case studies from Maxwell House and Walmart, Ryan explores how even legacy brands can miss the mark when they lose sight of their core audience and try to solve problems their customers don’t actually have. Through relatable stories and actionable insights, you’ll learn the importance of

Ready for a shot of clarity in your marketing? In this straight-up episode of Brand on the Rocks, host Ryan Holck dives right into the heart of branding: the three stories every business owner must master. No fluff, no garnish. Just a pour of insight you can put to work immediately. Drawing inspiration from the storytelling prowess of YouTuber Mr. Beast, Ryan unpacks how understanding and communicating your brand’s story can make the difference between building advocates and losing control of your

Welcome to the first episode of Brand On The Rocks! Hosted by Ryan Holck, this show is focused on transforming bold, complex business ideas into clear, memorable messages that stand out in today's crowded market. In this kickoff episode, Ryan sets the stage for what you can expect from the podcast: practical solo “straight up” episodes, candid conversations with brand builders, and honest reviews of campaigns and websites. Ryan explores the foundational belief that clarity is more than a

Welcome to Brand on the Rocks — the show where we serve bold ideas and clear messaging, straight up. Hosted by Ryan Holck, this podcast helps business owners, consultants, and entrepreneurs cut through the noise with brand stories that actually connect and convert. Each week you’ll hear three kinds of pours: 🥃 Straight Up (Solo Episodes): Practical branding takeaways you can apply immediately. 🍸 Shared Pour (Interviews): Rich conversations with entrepreneurs and marketers mixing real-world