What's the Point Podcast

Brand building in 2026 isn’t about louder ads, more content, or chasing every new platform, it’s about clarity, consistency, and execution at speed. In this episode of What’s the Point Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Gabay, VP of Marketing at Batbox, to unpack the real, unfiltered truth behind building a modern brand. From leading a high-growth brand with a lean team to using social media, AI, and trend awareness without losing authenticity, Brandon shares what actually works, and what most brands are getting wrong.This conversation is for founders, marketers, and business owners who want to stop guessing and start building a brand that lasts.Subscribe & Follow Us:  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroup Website - https://thepointgroup.com/ 

In this episode of What’s The Point Podcast, we sit down with J Frederick, Executive Creative Director at Point, to explore how the marketing landscape is shifting as more companies invest in building in-house teams. While this move offers speed and brand alignment, it can also bring challenges in bandwidth, perspective, and specialized expertise.J shares insights on why the smartest brands aren’t choosing either/or between in-house teams and agencies but instead are creating powerful partnerships that bring the best of both worlds. We’ll dive into how agencies can serve as true strategic partners, providing fresh creative thinking, scalable resources, and the outside perspective that keeps campaigns innovative and effective.Whether you’re leading an internal marketing department, considering expanding your in-house capabilities, or looking for ways to get more out of your agency relationships, this conversation will give you practical strategies to strengthen your approach.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/

In this episode of What’s The Point Podcast, we talk with Ryan Mainville, Senior Social Media Manager at Point, about what it really takes for brands to win on social today.Ryan approaches social media as more than just posts and metrics—it’s a powerful channel for authentic storytelling and creating real connections with audiences. Before joining Point, Ryan honed his skills as part of the New York Knicks’ social squad, and now he brings that same creativity, strategy, and energy to helping brands stand out in an increasingly crowded digital landscape.Fueled by passion (and plenty of coffee), Ryan shares his perspective on how brands can shift away from chasing quick wins and instead invest in strategies that create lasting impact.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/

In this episode of What’s The Point Podcast, we sit down with Jen Bedford, SVP of Client Services, to explore the ever-changing landscape of loyalty programs and what it takes to build true, lasting customer relationships in today’s competitive market.With deep experience across loyalty, CRM, analytics, and business transformation, Jennifer brings a unique perspective on how brands can design loyalty programs that go far beyond discounts and points—programs that drive meaningful engagement, incremental value, and long-term customer advocacy.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/

In this episode of What’s The Point Podcast, we sit down with Susan Owen, CEO of The Point Group, to dive into one of the most overlooked growth strategies in modern business: the power trio of CEO, CMO, and CFO alignment. This isn’t just about planning, it’s a power move. When leadership teams move in sync, they don’t just plan for growth—they engineer it.We explore how storytelling, financial discipline, and strategic vision come together to build unbeatable momentum. With insights pulled from a recent blog post by The Point Group, this conversation is a blueprint for unlocking a company’s full potential during the most critical time of year: planning season.If you’re a business leader looking to amplify your growth engine, this episode is for you.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/

In Episode 06 of What’s the Point, we sit down with Luke Gajary, Marketing Manager at the McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), to talk about what it really means to market a city like it’s a brand. With a background in digital storytelling and over 15 years of experience in content and brand strategy, Luke brings a fresh and creative approach to economic development. In this conversation, he shares how McKinney is positioning itself as a future-focused destination for business and innovation, and how smart marketing can shape the identity of a city.We dive into how Luke used data like U-Haul migration trends to identify growth opportunities, how he responded to a major tech crisis with a podcast episode that became the city’s most-viewed, and how he's navigated leadership that demands clear ROI from every marketing move. From convincing stakeholders to take creative risks to the role of content in community building, this episode explores the real impact that strategy and storytelling can have on economic growth.Whether you’re a marketer, a city leader, or someone trying to make meaningful content in a results-driven world, this episode offers insight into how creative thinking and data can work together to drive momentum. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how McKinney is setting itself apart—and what other cities, brands, and organizations can learn from it.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/

In this episode of What’s the Point, host Nate Smith sits down with Ann Rimkus, EVP of Strategy at Point, and Sarah Wicks, PR Manager at Point, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to make marketing work, especially in the evolving world of senior living.With experience spanning global brands, PR campaigns, and strategic media planning, Ann and Sarah share why working across disciplines is no longer optional. From outdated tactics and rinse-and-repeat strategies to the real power of storytelling and human connection, this episode explores how smart, integrated marketing can cut through the noise and make a lasting impact.You'll hear how COVID reshaped marketing expectations, why performance metrics aren't the whole picture, and how creative events and earned media are driving real results. Whether you're in senior living, real estate, or any industry trying to connect with an audience that values experience and meaning, this conversation will give you fresh perspective and inspiration.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/

In this episode of What’s the Point Podcast, Shelby Owens, Graphic Designer at The Point Group, joins us for the first half of the show to share her perspective on one of today’s biggest questions: will AI take our jobs? Later in the episode, we dive into why starting a podcast is still a powerful move for brands looking to create deeper connections with their audiences, and how long-form content can fuel your social media strategy. We also discuss the growing importance of thought leadership and brand transparency, taking inspiration from how major leaders like Tim Cook are now communicating directly with audiences.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/

In this episode of What’s the Point Podcast, Alyssa Ceballos, Public Relations Specialist at The Point Group, joins us for the first half of the show to talk about why quality content beats quantity and how smaller brands now have the power to compete with (and often outperform) major brands organically. Alyssa shares her insights on what it takes to stand out in today’s crowded content landscape and why thoughtful, high-quality posts are key to long-term success.We also discuss why launching a podcast is still a smart strategy for businesses and how long-form content can supercharge your social media.Subscribe for real-world marketing strategies that help you create smarter content, stronger connections, and a more authentic brand presence.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/

In this episode of What’s the Point, we sit down with Susan Owen, CEO of Point, a full-service marketing agency based in Plano, TX. With decades of experience in marketing leadership, Susan brings an insightful, no-nonsense perspective to how the industry is changing and what business owners need to do to keep up.From modern marketing strategies to the rise of transparency and thought leadership, this episode unpacks the seismic shifts happening in marketing today. Whether you’re a small business trying to figure out your next move or a brand leader rethinking your approach, Susan offers sharp advice, big-picture thinking, and a few bold predictions.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/

In this premiere episode of What’s the Point Podcast, we sit down with J, the Executive Creative Director at The Point Group and a branding veteran with over two decades of experience in the marketing world. From working with big names like Verizon, Whole Foods, and Amazon, to building distinct brand voices for local businesses, J shares insights, stories, and a bit of humor from his journey in the creative industry.We dive into what it really takes to build a brand that lasts, the evolution of branding over the years, and why the right mix of creativity and strategy still wins. Plus, J opens up about branding fails, guilty pleasure ads, and the weirdest pitch he's ever made to a client.Subscribe & Follow Us:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepointgroup/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-point-group/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ThePointGroupWebsite - https://thepointgroup.com/