Season 2 - Clicks and bricks Podcast

Episode #253: David Owasi

David Owasi, Aco Business Academy — Automating Personalized Outreach at Scale David Owasi is the founder of Aco Business Academy and a relentless problem-solver at the intersection of AI and sales. An immigrant entrepreneur who launched his first company in Winnipeg at 19, David now helps high-ticket coaches, consultants, and agencies generate more leads and booked calls using smart automation across LinkedIn, Reddit, and cold email. He matters because he shows how small teams can 10x results without adding headcount—by pairing clear offers with precision personalization. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: LinkedIn, leveled up: Using Sales Navigator to target ideal prospects, David records a one-hour session to train AI on a client’s voice. The system then inserts hyper-personalized name greetings into outreach videos—boosting attention and response versus plain text. Cold email that actually lands: AI creates “Loom-style” website walk-through videos at scale (think personalized name + prospect’s site on screen). Warm up a dedicated domain for 45–60 days to improve deliverability before ramping volume. Reddit as intent goldmine: Identify subreddits and keywords where prospects already ask for help, then lead with value (free guide or quick call). Capture email, trigger follow-ups, and—if desired—auto-generate personalized videos within a day. Numbers that move: Personalized videos are driving ~25–30% click rates and materially higher replies; David cites roughly +50% lift versus non-personalized variants when executed well. Leverage mindset: Inspired by Naval Ravikant’s “code and media” leverage, David shows how to scale outputs (leads, calls) without scaling inputs—using AI and content to work while you sleep. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zshcX34FxZg Memorable Quote: “It’s all about how you leverage these amazing technologies to generate more results doing less work.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with David Linkedin Calendar-alt

Episode #252: Beth Azore

Beth Azore, Madel Media Inc. — Building Manitoba Stories from the Ground Up Winnipeg-based producer/director Beth Azore is the creative force behind Madel Media Inc., a boutique entertainment house investing in Manitoba talent since 2015. With roots in theatre, Film Studies at NYU, and an apprenticeship with filmmaker Michael Moore, Beth has carved a path from local documentaries to developing scripted film and TV that spotlight prairie stories and creators. Why she matters: Beth is helping transform Winnipeg’s film landscape—leveraging generous tax incentives and a tight-knit community while pushing for more locally led, creatively owned projects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFIIYU8zbA4 Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Start where the doors are open. Beth launched Madel Media by pitching and producing half-hour, Manitoba-focused docs for MTS TV—earning trust through consistent delivery in a name-centric industry. Service boom ≠ creative ownership. U.S. shows increasingly film in Winnipeg, which trains crews and builds infrastructure—but Beth’s mission is to see more Manitoba composers, directors, and key creatives at the helm of original content. Next chapter: development. She’s pivoting to scripted series and features, including optioning works from Winnipeg mystery novelist Alison Preston for screen adaptation. Craft forged by experience. Beth’s background spans NYU, an apprenticeship with Michael Moore, and early projects like Groove on a Stanley Knife, Looking for Godot, and Free—a throughline of learning by doing. Entrepreneurial mindset. Say yes, keep shipping, and build sustainably. Community and family support (plus a strong partner) make the long game possible in a high-stress industry. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFIIYU8zbA4 Memorable Quote: “If I am gonna use that energy, I’d rather it be spent on something that’s meaningful to me.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Beth Linkedin Globe

Episode #250: Bryan Gerber Part 2

Jared Shapiro, The TAG Experience — Media Insider Turned PR Powerhouse Jared Shapiro is the founder of The TAG Experience, a Miami-based public relations, branding, and communications agency. A former magazine editor-in-chief and screenwriter, Jared brings a creator’s eye to crisis communications, influencer strategy, and message discipline—helping founders and brands get seen, heard, and remembered. Why he matters: in a world where a single tweet can set the tone for your company, Jared shows entrepreneurs how to prepare, pick the right spokesperson (not always the CEO), and turn moments into momentum. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Preparation is everything. Whether it’s a podcast, Zoom, TV hit, or photo—nothing should go unprepared; every touchpoint shapes perception. Choose your face wisely. The most effective spokesperson isn’t always the founder; sometimes a different team member’s story is the hook the market wants. Creativity + hustle wins. Not everyone will craft the perfect headline—but you can still ship great work through execution, speed, and consistency. Great hooks change the game. From “Just Do It” to “$5 Footlong,” concise taglines can redefine brands—and earned media can gift you a line worth running with. Play the whole field. PR today spans social, influencers, crisis, content, thought leadership, events, and more—your strategy must be multi-vertical and fast. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGfIeYg-Qeo Memorable Quote: “Nothing should go unprepared these days.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Bryan Linkedin Globe

Episode #249: Bryan Gerber

Episode #248: Jared Shapiro Part 2

Jared Shapiro of The TAG Experience: Turning Headlines into Growth Jared Shapiro is the founder of The TAG Experience, a Miami-based PR, branding, and communications agency built by media veterans. In this episode, Jared and Ken dig into modern messaging, crisis communications, and why preparation—not pure charisma—wins in the spotlight. With Miami’s explosive growth and “plenty of shenanigans,” Jared’s team helps brands shape narratives, avoid unforced errors, and seize momentum across PR, social, and influencer channels. A former magazine editor-in-chief and author, Jared brings newsroom rigor to brand storytelling: find the hook, craft the headline, and deliver it cleanly across the right platforms. This conversation is packed with practical insights for founders, solopreneurs, and scaling teams who need their message to land—especially when the stakes (or the audience) are big. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Preparation beats improvisation. Whether it’s a podcast, Zoom, TV hit, or photo op, go in with a plan—nothing should be left to chance. Pick the right face for the brand. The CEO doesn’t have to be the only spokesperson; elevate credible team voices when they’re a better fit for the story. Speed + reach = risk. In today’s fast cycles, even “innocent” remarks can be misconstrued—tighten messaging and timing to prevent crises. Creativity is a muscle. Headlines and hooks matter; surround early-career talent with mentors, reps, and high standards to accelerate their judgment. Play the full field. From LinkedIn to TikTok, influencer placements to thought leadership, growth comes from orchestrating multiple channels—not a one-trick strategy. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOSiiAqe7FM Memorable Quote: “Nothing should go unprepared these days.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Jared Linkedin Globe

Episode #247: Jared Shapiro

Jared Shapiro, The TAG Experience — Media Insider Turned PR Powerhouse Jared Shapiro is the founder of The TAG Experience, a Miami-based public relations, branding, and communications agency. A former magazine editor-in-chief and screenwriter, Jared brings a creator’s eye to crisis communications, influencer strategy, and message discipline—helping founders and brands get seen, heard, and remembered. Why he matters: in a world where a single tweet can set the tone for your company, Jared shows entrepreneurs how to prepare, pick the right spokesperson (not always the CEO), and turn moments into momentum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uveO_kbhus Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Preparation is everything. Whether it’s a podcast, Zoom, TV hit, or photo—nothing should go unprepared; every touchpoint shapes perception. Choose your face wisely. The most effective spokesperson isn’t always the founder; sometimes a different team member’s story is the hook the market wants. Creativity + hustle wins. Not everyone will craft the perfect headline—but you can still ship great work through execution, speed, and consistency. Great hooks change the game. From “Just Do It” to “$5 Footlong,” concise taglines can redefine brands—and earned media can gift you a line worth running with. Play the whole field. PR today spans social, influencers, crisis, content, thought leadership, events, and more—your strategy must be multi-vertical and fast. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uveO_kbhus Memorable Quote: “Nothing should go unprepared these days.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Jared Linkedin Globe

Episode #245: Annette Gallagher Part 2

Annette Gallagher, Red Tornado Communications: From Layoff to Solopreneur Momentum Annette Gallagher is the high-energy founder behind Red Tornado Communications, a writer and strategist who turned a 2020 layoff into a thriving solo practice. In this episode, she breaks down how a journalist’s deadline discipline, a deep professional network, and smart subcontracting let her deliver “full-team” results without building a payroll. If you’re debating the leap from paycheck to client work, Annette’s story is a playbook. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uV9zZf86g4 Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Email Marketing Isn’t Dead: Annette emphasizes that while many dismiss email, it remains one of the most powerful tools when done right, especially in B2B. Nuance Matters: A single line in an email can mean the difference between no responses and a 10% success rate. Precision and testing are everything. B2B vs. B2C Marketing: B2C can thrive on discounts and coupons, but B2B requires building trust, speaking to multiple decision-makers, and proving long-term value. Content Marketing Has Deep Roots: From the Guinness Book of World Records to the Michelin Guide, smart content marketing has been driving business for more than a century. The Power of Freelancing: Annette shares her journey of leaving restrictive office environments to thrive as a freelancer, highlighting the freedom, flexibility, and creativity it unlocked. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uV9zZf86g4 Memorable Quote: “If email marketing didn’t work, my inbox wouldn’t be overflowing right now.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Annette Linkedin Globe

Episode #244: Annette Gallagher

Annette Gallagher, Red Tornado Communications: From Layoff to Solopreneur Momentum Annette Gallagher is the high-energy founder behind Red Tornado Communications, a writer and strategist who turned a 2020 layoff into a thriving solo practice. In this episode, she breaks down how a journalist’s deadline discipline, a deep professional network, and smart subcontracting let her deliver “full-team” results without building a payroll. If you’re debating the leap from paycheck to client work, Annette’s story is a playbook. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy8YHuNA-1U Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Laid off at 10 a.m., contract by 5 p.m. Annette started freelancing the same day she was let go in June 2020—and formally launched Red Tornado Communications as an LLC in November 2020. Culture fit matters. She turned down on-site roles during the pandemic, recognizing misaligned expectations around trust and autonomy. “Job hopping” as an asset. A varied career across journalism, content marketing, travel media, food writing, and higher-ed PR built the national network that now fuels her referrals. Discipline > vibes. Every Sunday night, she consolidates multiple calendars into a paper planner, color-codes deadlines, and blocks deep-work writing time to avoid meeting creep. One-stop shop via partners. She focuses on copy, then subs design, web, and social to trusted pros (including her brother’s graphics shop), giving clients a marketing “team” without headcount. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vy8YHuNA-1U Memorable Quote: “Job hopping built my freelance business.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Annette Linkedin Globe

Episode #243: Angela Taylor

Angela Taylor, Inspire Community Outreach — Turning Neurodivergent Strengths into Community Impact Angela Taylor is a Winnipeg-based mental health and disability specialist, artist, and community builder. As founder and CEO of Inspire Community Outreach, she supports neurodivergent youth and families with practical, strength-based services that fill real social-service gaps. Her lived experience—from foster care to parenting and her own neurodivergences—powers a mission that’s equal parts compassion and execution. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5AQAtyF6TI Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Why Inspire exists: Angela founded a Canadian charity to support families with children and young adults (ages 3–29) who have neurological differences and mental health concerns—meeting needs traditional systems often miss. Strength-based approach: Her team emphasizes advocacy, assessment, and environment design—stacking more positive inputs than negative to stabilize well-being and celebrate neurodivergent strengths. Lived experience as a toolkit: Angela openly shares her background (foster care, raising her sister, parenting an autistic son, and her own ADHD/dyslexia/PTSD/synesthesia) to build empathy and practical solutions. Workplace inclusion that works: Flexible hours, psychological safety, and “unmasking” are core to unlocking innovation; organizations can co-create accommodations that fit both the role and the person. Scaling support: Inspire operates clinicians/therapists, partners on training for families and frontline teams, and funds care through donations, grants, and emerging government support. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5AQAtyF6TI Memorable Quote: “For me, the journey is the success—the money’s a bonus.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Angela Linkedin Globe

Episode #242: Patrick Maser

Patrick Maser, Wealth Institute Inc — Mentoring Entrepreneurs & Rethinking Healthcare Patrick Maser is a 22-year entrepreneur and the co-founder of Wealth Institute Inc, a training-driven community built to help people create freedom through a proven system. He’s mentored 88 individuals to more than $1M in earnings, champions residual income, and believes the next wave of disruption will put patients—not profits—first in healthcare. In this episode, Patrick and Ken dig into the future of work, why convenience often beats price, and the mindset shifts required to go from W-2 to owner. Patrick’s story—and his playbook—offer a practical path for anyone who wants flexibility, purpose, and real upside. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxLDdGsB4bQ Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Mentorship that pays off: Patrick has coached 88 people past $1M in earnings, emphasizing systems, accountability, and action over hype. Residual income 101: Schools teach wages and salary, but not residuals. Patrick argues understanding (and building) recurring revenue is the real lever for freedom. Convenience vs. price: In strong economies, value and ease win—think one-click ordering. In tighter times, savings matter; great sellers can win on either axis. The new workforce compact: The gig economy is here. Smart companies will treat employees like partners, explore flexible options (even daily pay), and compete with “no boss” freedom. Healthcare disruption ahead: Patrick’s next play is patient-first care—chiropractic, acupuncture, IV drips, stem-cell/bone-marrow therapies—and nonprofit models to counter perverse incentives and drug markups. (Pro tip for non-MD founders: start at trade shows to find collaborators.) Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxLDdGsB4bQ Memorable Quote: “The greatest motivator is when the financial gun’s to your head.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Patrick Linkedin Globe