From CPA to CEO: How Marc Sauer Built a Brand by Solving a Real Problem | Marc Sauer

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Spark & Ignite Your Marketing, the podcast where real conversations meet real strategies. I'm your host, Beverly Cornell, founder and fairy godmother of brand clarity at Wickedly Branded. With over 25 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs awaken their brand magic, attract the right people, and build businesses that light them up.Did you know that nearly 50% of product-based businesses fail within their first five years? The key to survival isn’t just competing; it’s innovating and telling a story that sets you apart. In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur Marc Sauer, founder of Urban August and International Tie. Marc shares his journey from CPA to business owner, how he turned a personal problem into a thriving brand, and his strategies for battling knockoffs and standing out in a crowded market. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to carve your niche, build brand trust, and scale your business, this episode is a must-listen!Three Key Topics Discussed:Turning a Personal Struggle into a Business Opportunity: Marc shares how a problem his family faced—securing refrigerators from his younger brother with Down syndrome—led him to create Urban August. His journey highlights how identifying a unique problem can spark a successful business idea. Learn more about elevating your small business with authenticity!The Power of Brand Storytelling in Marketing: In today’s world of copycats and commoditized products, Marc emphasizes how storytelling and authenticity help brands build trust, connect with customers, and stay ahead of competitors—especially in the eCommerce space. Overcoming Business Challenges: Competition, Copycats, and Scaling: From dealing with overseas knockoffs to expanding internationally, Marc talks about the challenges of growing a business and why diversifying sales channels and marketing strategies is critical for long-term success. Follow Marc:Marc Sauer | LinkedInUrban August | FacebookUrban August | InstagramP.S. Ready to spark your unique opportunities and ignite your marketing? Here are three ways to work with us.1. 📞 Schedule a Complimentary 15-minute Call and let’s delve into your goals and answer any questions you may have.2. 📘 Read Beverly’s book Marketing for Entrepreneurs a quick guide filled with actionable steps to help make your brand and business shine even brighter. 🎙️ Listen to Beverly’s Marketing Podcast where she interviews entrepreneurs to get inspired and gain new business and marketing insights.3. 🎓 Learn more about marketing and Enroll in Our Marketing Courses designed to bring clarity to your business efforts. They’re easy-to-understand and self-paced, perfect for busy entrepreneurs like you. Dare to be Wickedly BrandedSupport the showPS. If you want your marketing to feel a little more magical:• Get our weekly newsletter WickedlyBranded.com/Newsletter• Read Marketing For Entrepreneurs - Revised Edition• Invite Beverly Cornell as a guest speaker