Where Brands Get Their Edge

Most founders don't actually own a business. They own a job that pays them better.In this episode, Borzou and Amanda sit down with **Jordan Solender** — operator across IT services, event and concert production, video, telemarketing, and a Maryland DJ company — who's known for one thing in particular: getting himself out of every business he touches in **6 to 9 months**.Jordan walks through the exact playbook: the **week-off stress test** that exposes what's broken, why intake and handoffs are the first place to automate, how his DJ company's post-sale flow uses AI-generated welcome videos and 48-hour DJ intros, and why **founders don't micromanage because they love control — they do it because it makes them feel useful**.If you're stuck being the help desk for your own team, this one's the kick in the ass.### Topics Covered- What "getting out of the business" actually means- Why every business hits the same walls (and yours isn't a snowflake)- How AI killed the excuse for not automating- The post-sale automation flow at Maryland's DJ Family- The week-off stress test — when to do it, when to do it again- Building an SOP library (and why Use Whale won out)- How granular an SOP should actually be- Process problem vs. people problem — using personality data in hiring- Founder ego and why micromanaging feels useful- Cutting Slack out of your life and training your team to bring solutions, not problemsThis episode is brought to you by **NickelBronx**.Connect with usBorzou – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronxzou/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/borzou/Amanda –⁠ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/akfischer/Jordan – LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordansolender/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordan.solender/And give some love to our sponsor: https://nickelbronx.com/Brand strategy, websites, and content for companies that want a real edge. If you enjoyed today's episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review — it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.

Most founders are either tool-hopping or sitting on the sidelines. Both are losing strategies.In this episode of Where Brands Get Their Edge, Borzou and Amanda sit down with Seema Alexander — Co-Chair of DC Startup Week and AI transformation consultant — to break down how founders actually need to be thinking about AI in 2026. Not as a shiny object. As infrastructure.GuestSeema Alexander, AI Transformation Consultant & Co-Chair, DC Startup Week 🎙️ AI CEO Podcast | LinkedIn: /in/seemaalexanderTopics CoveredThe Rethink, Reimagine, Rewire framework for AI adoptionWhy AI fluency (not just tooling) is the real competitive advantageHow data is becoming every company's most valuable moatNarrow agents vs. agentic AI — and why the distinction mattersDNA-matched cannabis recommendations as a case study in unique data setsWhat founders should automate first and what to protect from AIWhy brand matters more than ever in an AI-commoditized worldPreparing the next generation for a job market we can't fully predictConnect with UsBorzou — Instagram @bronxzou | LinkedIn Amanda — LinkedIn /in/akfischerSponsorThis episode is brought to you by NickelBronx — brand strategy, design, and marketing for founders who want a real edge. nickelbronx.com

Send us Fan MailForget the game. This episode is all about what really mattered during the Super Bowl: the ads, the halftime show, and what they reveal about where brand, creativity, and culture are headed.Borzou Azabdaftari and Amanda Fisher break down why this year’s Super Bowl leaned harder than ever on celebrity over creativity, why surprise has quietly disappeared from advertising’s biggest stage, and which brands still managed to stand out anyway.They unpack Bad Bunny’s record-breaking halftime show and the cultural backlash around it, debate Coinbase’s polarizing karaoke ad, compare DoorDash and Instacart’s celebrity plays, and question why pharma brands felt especially strange during the broadcast.This episode is a sharp, honest look at what brands are afraid of right now—and what they need to relearn if they want to actually earn attention.Connect with usBorzou – ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn⁠Amanda – ⁠LinkedIn⁠And give some love to our sponsor ⁠NickelBronx⁠Brand strategy, websites, and content for companies that want a real edge.Some of the ads we mentioned:Coinbase Shatner BudLight DunkinThanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to build a cult brand in a trend-driven industry?In this episode of Where Brands Get Their Edge, Borzou and Amanda sit down with Amir Mostafavi, founder of South Block, to unpack how a local smoothie shop grew into a 21-location brand by obsessing over product, culture, and community.From pioneering açaí bowls on the East Coast to building a leadership-first company culture, Amir shares the real lessons behind scaling without losing the vibe. They talk about why aesthetics now matter as much as macros, how Gen Z “eats with their eyes,” why data can ruin good marketing, and how purpose needs to be lived, not marketed.If you’re a founder or marketer trying to grow without becoming generic, this episode is for you.GuestAmir Mostafavi Founder, South Block Website: https://southblockjuice.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southblockTopics CoveredHow South Block grew from one shop to 21 locationsWhy product alone isn’t enough to build a lasting brandCommunity-first branding and culture at scaleGen Z, Instagrammable food, and visual-first marketingProtein, creatine, and functional food trendsLeadership mistakes founders make when scalingWhy grassroots marketing beats pure data-driven decisionsConnect with us:Borzou – ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn⁠Amanda – ⁠LinkedIn⁠And give some love to our sponsor ⁠NickelBronx⁠Brand strategy, websites, and content for companies that want a real edge.Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailBermuda isn’t a tax haven, a loophole, or a shortcut—and that’s exactly why serious founders are paying attention.Connect with our Hosts:Borzou:  https://www.instagram.com/bronxzou/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/borzou/Amanda: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/akfischer/And give some love to our sponsor: https://nickelbronx.com/In this episode of Where Brands Get Their Edge, Borzou Azabdaftari and Amanda Fisher sit down with Anthony Howell, Bermuda’s Overseas Representative and Director of the Washington, DC Office, to break down what actually makes Bermuda a credible global business hub.We cover:What “regulatory clarity” really means in plain EnglishWhy Bermuda attracts fintech, insurance, and digital asset companiesWhy Bermuda is intentionally not for underfunded or bad-actor startupsHeadquarters vs subsidiary vs satellite office strategiesHow Bermuda compares to Dubai, Singapore, and other global hubsThe lifestyle, talent, and long-term trust advantages founders care aboutAnd yes—the truth about the Bermuda TriangleIf you’re a founder thinking globally and building for the long term—not looking for shortcuts—this episode is for you.Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailDomino’s just dropped a new logo, new packaging, and a fresh jingle… but did they actually take a risk or just turn the saturation up a notch?In this episode of Where Brands Get Their Edge, Borzou and Amanda break down Domino’s latest brand evolution: the brighter blues, the refined logo, the “mmm” sonic branding, and the Shaboozey jingle that lasts about as long as a TikTok. They debate whether this is a smart, subtle refresh for a brand with massive equity—or a missed opportunity to tie real brand change to real product or experience upgrades.Connect with our Hosts:Borzou:  https://www.instagram.com/bronxzou/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/borzou/Amanda: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/akfischer/And give some love to our sponsor: https://nickelbronx.com/They also get into:The thin line between evolutionary and way too safe rebrandsHow Domino’s used to compete with Pizza Hut—and who they’re really competing with nowWhy packaging and boxes might be doing more storytelling than the logoThe missed chances around using actual dominoes (hello, falling tile visuals)Why the best rebrands are tied to real operational or product improvementsIf you care about fast food, big brands, or how to evolve your logo without tanking your brand equity, this one’s for you.You’ll learn:When a subtle brand evolution makes sense—and when it’s a cop-outHow color shifts and packaging design change consumer perceptionWhy jingles and sonic branding matter more than everHow to launch a rebrand so it doesn’t just… quietly existFollow Where Brands Get Their Edge for more real-talk brand breakdowns, not agency fluff.Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailFrom Reality Bites to Lululemon logos—style used to signal subcultures. Now algorithms and fast fashion flattened the look. What didn’t flatten? How generations buy. In this episode, we map platforms and messaging that convert Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha—without watering down your brand.Connect with the Hosts!Borzou: Instagram & LinkedInAmanda: LinkedInAnd give some love to our sponsor: NickelBronxIn This Episode:Why fashion looks the same—and how culture moved from tribes → trendsPlatforms that matter by generation (and how often to show up)Copy & creative that land: status/benefit framing vs purpose/community invitationsThe underrated workhorses: email, FAQs/objections, and consistent brand voiceAction Steps:Choose one channel per target generation and commit for 90 daysBuild a 10-item FAQ that mirrors real objections by cohortAudit your handles/biography/offer → unify naming + voice across platformsTags/Keywords: generational marketing, Gen Z marketing, Millennial buyers, brand purpose, community marketing, email marketing, platform strategyThanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailWhether you plan to sell your company or die at your desk, you’re going to exit one way or another.In this episode, Borzou sits down with Jessica Fialkovich, founder of Exit Factor and author of Getting the Most for Selling Your Business, who’s overseen more than 1,500 business sales.They break down:Why 95% of exits are unplannedHow burnout kills business valueThe 3 things every company should give you: time, money, and freedomThe “four roles” founders need to replace to stop being the bottleneckHow revenue is vanity and profit is sanityWhat really drives your company’s valuationThis one’s a masterclass in building a business that gives you freedom today and value tomorrow.Grab Jessica’s book The Exit Factor and connect with her on Insta and LinkedIn. The Exit Factor Book:  Connect with our Hosts:BorzouAmanda: Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailSearch is changing — and it’s changing fast. Instead of endless Google results, AI tools are delivering one answer. If your brand isn’t optimized for AEO and GEO, you risk disappearing.In this episode, Borzou and Amanda unpack:The rise of AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)Why traditional SEO still matters — and how it overlaps with AI search3 actionable steps to take today:Google yourself & clean up your top resultsUnify your brand across all platforms (same handles, same voice)Add FAQ-style content to your website for AI and voice searchPlus, we share bonus tips on schema markup, social proof, and PR that can elevate your brand in AI-driven search engines.If you’re serious about being found in 2025 and beyond, this episode is a must-listen.Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailMarketing in 2025 is noisy, but there’s one thing that still works: consistency.In this episode, Borzou and Amanda talk with Joe Fuld, founder of The Campaign Workshop, about what’s really working for businesses, advocacy groups, and entrepreneurs trying to reach their audience. Joe has been running smart campaigns since 2013, building an email list with a 65% open rate, and experimenting with everything from webinars to interactive content.We cover:Why smaller, engaged lists beat vanity metrics.How to keep your community hooked with personality and authenticity.The surprising power of webinars and interactive assessments.Where LinkedIn outshines Instagram (and why Facebook ads still sneak through).How to think about AI—not as a shortcut, but as a strategic tool.Joe also shares candid insights on stand-up comedy, authenticity in marketing, and why being thoughtful and consistent beats chasing every trend.🔗 Connect with Joe at thecampaignworkshop.com 🔗 Follow Borzou & Amanda for more insights on building brands that scale:Borzou: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/borzou/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bronxzou/Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akfischer/Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailHosts Borzou and Amanda sit down with South Florida hairstylists Francesca and Zach to talk about building more than just great hair—they’re building a brand.In this episode, we cover how social media reels bring in real clients, why engagement beats follower count, and how clear values and bold risks can grow a business. Whether you’re in beauty or any small business, Francesca and Zach’s story shows how passion and branding create customers for life.Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, ⁠⁠Borzou⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Amanda⁠⁠ discuss the rapid advancements in AI technology and its implications, particularly focusing on AI's self-preservation behaviors. They then transition to the role of HR in shaping company culture and branding, emphasizing the importance of empathy and transparency in HR practices with ⁠Sarika Lamont,⁠ the VP of People at Vidyard, shares her insights on integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into business practices, arguing that these values should be inherent in all organizational processes rather than treated as separate initiatives.TakeawaysAI is evolving rapidly, raising concerns about self-preservation.The pace of technological change is overwhelming for many.Empathy in HR is crucial for balancing business needs and employee care.Diversity, equity, and inclusion should be integrated into all business practices.Transparency and honesty are key in HR communications.The recruitment process can reflect a company's brand positively.AI can enhance human connection rather than diminish it.Culture is built on respect and autonomy, not just perks.HR should evolve beyond traditional practices to meet modern needs.Empathy does not mean giving in to every demand; it involves understanding and educating.Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit ⁠nickelbronx.com⁠ for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out.Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailHosts: Borzou: https://www.instagram.com/bronxzou/ Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akfischer/Guest: Nema Semnani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nemasemnani/In this conversation, the hosts discuss the implications of Meta's new AI app, privacy concerns, and the role of AI in social isolation. They explore generational perspectives on technology, the challenges of aligning sales and marketing teams, and the importance of empathy and communication in fostering collaboration. The discussion also touches on the adoption of AI in sales, effective strategies for using AI in marketing, and the significance of feedback versus advice in team dynamics. Finally, they conclude with valuable sales advice emphasizing the human element in sales interactions.Takeaways:Meta's new AI app raises privacy concerns.AI should not replace human connections.Sales and marketing teams often lack alignment.Empathy is crucial for collaboration between teams.Role reversal can enhance understanding between sales and marketing.Incentives should align for both sales and marketing teams.AI adoption in sales is influenced by team dynamics.Effective use of AI can improve marketing strategies.Feedback should focus on advice for improvement.The human element is essential in sales interactions.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Weather Banter02:44 Meta's New AI App and Privacy Concerns05:36 AI Friends vs. Human Connections08:15 The Future of AI and Society09:05 Sales and Marketing Alignment18:16 Empathy in Sales and Marketing Roles19:56 The Importance of Revenue and Profitability21:24 Adoption of AI in Sales Teams26:27 Effective AI Implementation Strategies33:39 Communication and Alignment Between Sales and Marketing38:42 The Human Element in Sales42:15 Outro_Animation.mp4Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailJoin our personal brand mastermind - Only Bosses Branding: https://www.nickelbronx.com/obbBorzou and Amanda discuss the critical importance of personal branding in today's marketing landscape, emphasizing how it builds trust and authenticity. We're joined by Hilary Corna, who shares her insights on email marketing best practices, segmentation strategies, and the significance of client retention. The discussion highlights creative approaches to email marketing, the value of customer asset metrics, and the necessity of regular client check-ins to maintain strong relationships. Full of valuable insights for marketers and business owners looking to enhance their strategies and build lasting connections with their audience.Hosts:BorzouAmandaGuest:Hilary CornaLearn more about her work at https://hilarycorna.com/Takeaways- Personal brands are essential for building trust in marketing.- Email marketing remains effective when done consistently.- Segmentation in email marketing allows for targeted communication.- Creative content can significantly enhance email engagement.- Regular client check-ins can prevent relationship deterioration.- Customer Asset Metrics help assess the value of a client base.- A/B testing is crucial for optimizing email marketing strategies.- Understanding the purpose of email marketing is key to success.- Personalization in emails can lead to higher open rates.- Building a strong personal brand can lead to greater opportunities. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Branding Importance00:18 Guest Introduction: Hilary Corna and Her Journey06:01 Email Marketing Best Practices15:21 Segmentation and Personalization Strategies17:16 Email Marketing Insights19:30 The Shift from Blog to Newsletter21:32 Content Strategy and Audience Engagement24:39 Innovative Email Marketing Techniques29:04 Personalization in Email Marketing33:17 Guarantees in Marketing Services34:56 Navigating Client Relationships and Expectations38:01 The Importance of Regular Client Check-Ins42:52 Understanding Customer Asset Metrics47:23 The Value of Process and Personal Investment50:43 Outro_Animation.mp4Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailIn this conversation, ⁠Borzou⁠ and ⁠Amanda ⁠are joined by ⁠Daniel Rafeedie⁠ with ⁠Paystead⁠y discuss the importance of maintaining marketing efforts during economic downturns, the dynamics of hiring and managing sales teams, and the necessity of having structured processes in place for sales success. They emphasize the need for businesses to adapt their marketing strategies based on their unique circumstances and the importance of having a solid sales process before hiring additional sales personnel.Hosts:BorzouAmandaGuest:Daniel RafeedieConnect with Daniel on LinkedInLearn more about his work at https://paysteady.com/Takeaways- Never stop marketing, even in a downturn.It's crucial to keep marketing efforts alive to avoid a dried-up pipeline.- Businesses should focus on maintaining a tight bottom line before expanding marketing efforts.- Cut costs wisely; don't eliminate essential marketing activities.- Hiring a salesperson should happen when you can't handle incoming leads.- A structured sales process is essential before hiring salespeople.- Salespeople should not rely solely on marketing for leads.- Document processes to ensure new hires can succeed.- Having a CRM is vital for tracking leads and sales activities- The founder is often the best salesperson due to their deep understanding of the business.Chapters00:00 Navigating Marketing in Uncertain Economies04:51 The Importance of Sales Infrastructure09:52 Hiring Salespeople: Timing and Strategy14:53 Structuring Sales Teams for Success22:25 Outro_Animation.mp4Thanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out. 

Send us Fan MailThe team explores the rise of OnlyFans and its impact on traditional businesses like Hooters, the importance of personal branding in business growth, and strategies for effective content creation across multiple brands. The speakers discuss the challenges of brand messaging and the future of influencer marketing, emphasizing the need for consistency and engagement in content strategies.Hosts:BorzouAmandaGuestJay GreensteinConnect with Jay on Instagram: @drjay_greensteinLearn more about his work at kaizenovate.comChapters00:00 The Rise of OnlyFans and Its Impact03:01 Exploring Personal Branding Strategies05:57 Leveraging AI in Content Creation09:06 Navigating Multiple Business Ventures12:00 Building a Cohesive Brand Identity15:11 Content Creation and Engagement Strategies17:48 The Future of Influencer Marketing20:59 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysThanks for tuning in to Where Brands Get Their Edge, brought to you by Nickel Bronx.If you enjoyed today’s episode, follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, and leave us a review—it helps other brand builders like you discover the show.Want more insights? Visit nickelbronx.com for brand strategy tips and tools to help your business stand out.