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We power your brand with proven tools for measurable growth, from targeted email campaigns and dynamic paid media to strategic SEO. With big ideas and precise execution, we help you raise awareness, drive revenue, and scale your business.
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Launching a new business can be overwhelming, but our Start-Up Package is here to simplify the process. For just $6,000, we offer a comprehensive solution that sets your business up for success from the get-go. This package is perfect for new businesses looking for a strong foundation in digital marketing and web presence.

Creative

We elevate your brand with our creative vision. From captivating design to compelling content and visuals, we craft experiences that activate and engage your audience.

Technology

We leverage the power of technology to deliver accurate insights. Our advanced solutions include tracking and reporting, data analysis, and seamless platform integrations and migrations, ensuring your infrastructure is robust and results-driven.
OUR PROCCESS

We transform your vision into digital excellence.

GROWTH PROCESS
CREATIVE PROCESS

Research & Discovery

We immerse ourselves in understanding your brand's core and the landscape it operates within, using a combination of ideation and creative exploration. This initial step is vital for identifying strategic avenues and ensuring that our efforts in creative, web, and branding are deeply informed and highly relevant.

Design & Create

Our creative team brings your brand's narrative to life with compelling visuals and storytelling, ensuring consistency and engagement across all platforms. From eye-catching web designs to impactful branding elements, our focus is on creating experiences that connect with your audience and enhance your brand's message.

Refine & Iterate

Creativity is a process of evolution. We constantly refine our work, integrating feedback and insights to improve. This cycle of refinement ensures that our designs, content, and web solutions not only meet your expectations but also remain dynamic, adapting to your growing needs and the ever-changing market.

Execute & Deliver

We bring our collaborative vision to fruition with precision and dedication to quality. Whether launching a website, unveiling a brand identity, or distributing compelling content, our aim is to achieve excellence that propels your business and makes a memorable impact.

Discovery

We assess your unique needs and set the foundation for our collaborative strategy. This initial phase allows us to dive deep into your business, ensuring our work is informed and impactful.

Strategy Development

We tailor a digital marketing and creative plan that aligns with your objectives. Through collaborative brainstorming and analysis, we create a blueprint that guides all your future marketing and creative efforts toward success.

Implementation

We bring our collaborative vision to life with precision and creative spark. This step turns strategy into tangible results.

Optimization & Growth

Iterating based on data, we refine our approach to drive continuous improvement and exceed your goals. Constant analysis and adaptation ensure your marketing efforts evolve with your business, fostering sustainable growth.

Industries We Serve

Lifestyle Goods & Apparel
Fashion, Jewelry, & Accessories
Food & Beverage
Hospitality & Travel
Outdoor & Fitness
Home Goods
Music & Entertainment
Technology & Software
Professional Services
CERTIFICATIONS

Jon Perry

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

The team at Good & Gold is spectacular. They were quickly able to assess our marketing needs and offered a thorough and measurable plan for achieving results. Working in partnership, we have exceeded most of the goals we set out to achieve and have moved on to impressive new objectives. Additionally, and importantly, the team is staffed by wonderful humans. We were cautious when bringing in a marketing partner, but the folks at Good & Gold have become an extension of the Stumptown family.

James L. Helms,

Windup Watch Shop

The team at Good & Gold is not just knowledgeable and lightning fast, they are who we trust with our digital marketing needs. They have become an important part of our team who we rely on daily. Never has there been a challenge that have not been able to tackle.

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Design
0 minutes

The Power of Color: Unlocking the Psychology of Color in Digital Marketing

Color is one of a designer's most powerful tools, capable of capturing attention and evoking deep emotions. Each person's reaction to color is shaped by their unique life experiences and cultural associations, which makes color a uniquely subjective yet universal language. As Sean Adams aptly puts it in The Designer’s Dictionary of Color, 'Color is subjective and emotional. It is a language all its own. It can be loud or quiet, somber or whimsical; it can remind us of the sea or a school, a factory or a forest. Color is an incredibly powerful tool.' 

For marketers, understanding the psychology of color is essential for creating impactful digital experiences. Whether you’re choosing vibrant hues to boost engagement or more subdued tones to build trust, the right color choices can profoundly influence consumer behavior, brand perception, and user engagement. By tapping into the stories and emotions behind each color, brands can connect with their audiences in more meaningful ways.

Define the Brand Personality

When deciding on a brand palette, it’s essential to first consider the emotions, meanings, and associations behind potential colors. What messages or ideas does the brand want to communicate? Are there associations it should avoid?

Before choosing a color, start by defining the brand’s personality. We recommend reflecting on these key questions to guide the process:

  1. What three words best describe your brand?
  2. If your brand were a person, how would you characterize them?
  3. What are the three core values you want your brand to embody?

Once the brand personality is clearly defined, you can begin exploring colors that align with and amplify that identity.

Understanding Color Psychology

Each color carries a rich history of associations and meanings, with the power to evoke strong emotions and influence consumer behavior. With the brand personality in mind, let’s explore how each color is perceived and how you can use them effectively in your marketing strategy!

RED

Red is bold and stimulating, often symbolizing love and passion but also associated with danger and urgency. It’s attention-grabbing and can dominate an environment, making it a powerful choice in marketing to evoke strong emotional responses. Designers often use red as an “exclamation point” in compositions, drawing the eye instantly.


ORANGE

Orange radiates warmth, joy, and creativity. It’s often linked to energy and happiness, sitting between the fierceness of red and the brightness of yellow. It is the color of sunsets and ripe summer fruit. Orange is a great choice for brands wanting to project playfulness and approachability. 


YELLOW

Yellow embodies happiness, sunlight, and optimism, signaling positive energy and hope. However, it also has associations with caution (think yellow traffic signs) and even cowardice. Designers must be careful with yellow’s use to ensure the tone matches the desired message.


GREEN

Green is the color of life, symbolizing nature, health, growth, and prosperity. Traditionally linked to success, it signals "go" in traffic lights, is considered "lucky" in Western culture, and evokes feelings of relaxation and peace. Positioned between yellow and blue on the color wheel, it blends the joy of yellow with the tranquility of blue.


BLUE

Blue conveys trust, honesty, and loyalty, making it a client-favorite choice for brand design. While blue can be soothing, it can also evoke sadness if overused. Culturally, blue is often seen as masculine, while pink is associated with femininity. Brands often use blue to communicate professionalism and stability, especially in corporate settings.


PURPLE

Purple represents spirituality and is commonly associated with royalty, Eastern religions, and Catholicism. Purple is both luxurious and mysterious, evoking inspiration and a sense of fantasy. Its depth can also convey an air of intimidation and superiority.


PINK

Pink is the color of femininity and romance. It communicates love, compassion, and innocence. With strong gender associations, it has been a staple in baby girls’ clothing for decades. While it represents youth and sweetness, too much pink can sometimes come across as overly childlike or whimsical.


BROWN

Most cultures connect brown with the earth. Brown is a stable, comforting color that represents nature and safety.  It is the color of coffee, chocolate, and wood, and often carries warm emotions with it. Its complexity allows for a range of warm to cool tones, so designers should be strategic in selecting the right shades of brown.


GRAY 

Gray is a neutral and conservative color that exists on a spectrum between black and white. While it can seem emotionless, its perception varies with tone: light gray appears subtle and sophisticated, while dark gray exudes richness and elegance. The phrase “gray area” implies moral ambiguity.


BLACK

A powerful tool, black will add depth to any project. It symbolizes discipline, formality, and confidence. While excessive use of black can feel overwhelming and depressing, when applied strategically, it can convey sophistication and maturity. When paired with other colors, the perceived meaning of black can shift and evolve.


WHITE

Often viewed as blank or "white space," white is rarely used as a dominant color. However, when paired with other colors, it creates contrast and drama. White can bring a sense of openness and space to branding, but it needs to be paired thoughtfully with other elements to avoid feeling stark. Culturally, it symbolizes purity, cleanliness, and innocence.

Choosing the Right Colors for Your Brand

Once you’ve defined your brand personality and gained a solid understanding of color psychology, it's time to determine which colors will work best for your brand. Here are a few essential tips to guide your decision-making process:

Select colors that enhance and align with your brand personality: The colors you choose should reflect the essence of your brand. For example, a brand that embodies innovation and creativity may opt for vibrant, bold colors, while a brand focused on luxury and refinement might lean toward deeper, more sophisticated tones.

Consider colors that set you apart from competitors: Take note of the colors commonly used in your industry, but aim to differentiate yourself. Choosing a color palette that stands out from the competition can help your brand become more memorable and recognizable.

Opt for colors that resonate with your target audience: Think about who you’re trying to reach and what appeals to them emotionally. Different demographics respond to colors in unique ways, so be sure to select a palette that will connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Assign primary and secondary brand colors: Establishing a hierarchy of colors can help create a cohesive and versatile palette. Primary colors should be the core of your brand’s identity, while secondary colors can add depth and flexibility to your design.

Get inspired: Stay current by exploring color trends and design resources. Look for inspiration in successful brands or creative projects to discover fresh ideas for effective color usage.

Our Favorite Resources for Color Inspiration

When it comes to finding the perfect color palette, there are plenty of great tools and resources available to help spark creativity. Here are a few of our top picks for discovering and refining color combinations:

Coolors: A quick and easy color palette generator

Pinterest: An all-in-one resource for design, color, and style inspiration.

Dribbble: A go-to destination for illustration, web design, and branding inspiration.

ColorZilla: A free Chrome extension that lets you pick any color from your browser and easily copy its HEX code.

Color Hunt: A library of designer-curated color palettes.

Your Q4 Roadmap for Lifestyle Brands: Navigating a Late Thanksgiving and Black Friday

As we enter Q4, the holiday season brings both opportunities and challenges for lifestyle brands. This year, with Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday falling later than usual, brands must navigate a compressed calendar. With only one shot to get their promotions right, early preparation and a well-executed strategy will be key to maximizing revenue. Here are some tips and a detailed roadmap to ensure your brand thrives during this busy season.

Key Tips to Maximize Revenue in Q4

  1. Start Early and Go Big with Promotions: Given the late holiday dates, consumers may be more price-conscious and hesitant. Stand out by planning bold, attention-grabbing promotions that entice shoppers to act quickly. Use strong messaging and value-driven offers to give customers a reason to buy now, rather than waiting until the last minute.
  2. Get Gift Guides Up by the End of October: Shoppers start their holiday research early, so having gift guides live by late October can capture early search traffic and drive sales. Create detailed guides tailored to specific customer segments, ensuring you cater to various budgets, preferences, and lifestyle needs, making the shopping experience easier and faster.
  3. Leverage Personalization and Segmentation: Tailor your messaging to specific audience segments using data from previous purchases. Create personalized email campaigns, product recommendations, and targeted ads to maximize engagement. Consider using dynamic content in your emails and website that changes based on user behavior, providing a more tailored experience.
  4. Create Urgency and Scarcity: Use time-limited offers, countdowns, and limited stock messaging to create urgency. Flash sales and exclusive, short-term discounts can motivate shoppers to make decisions quickly. Display stock levels on product pages or show how many people are viewing a product to further emphasize scarcity.
  5. Retarget High-Intent Shoppers: Implement abandoned cart recovery strategies and retarget customers who visited your site but didn’t complete their purchases. Use incentives like free shipping or discounts to bring them back. Consider creating specific retargeting ads for customers who viewed certain products, reminding them to come back before the sale ends.
  6. Offer Flexible Payment Options: Provide buy-now-pay-later options at checkout to encourage larger purchases. Payment flexibility can lead to increased average order values, especially during peak shopping times. Highlight these options in your product pages and emails to reassure hesitant buyers that they can spread the cost.
  7. Optimize for Mobile: With more shoppers purchasing from mobile devices, ensure your website is fully optimized for mobile traffic. A streamlined mobile experience will reduce friction and improve conversions. Test mobile checkout flows thoroughly, and ensure mobile users receive the same quality experience as desktop shoppers.
  8. Focus on Upselling and Cross-Selling: Use product bundling and upselling tactics at checkout to increase average order value. Suggest complementary products and create attractive bundled offers to encourage bigger baskets. Utilize smart product recommendations based on the shopper’s browsing or purchasing history to enhance relevancy.
  9. Holiday-Exclusive Rewards: Engage loyal customers with special holiday offers through your rewards program. Offering bonus points or exclusive early access can make your most loyal customers feel valued. Consider creating exclusive rewards tiers or holiday-only perks, like free shipping or gifts with purchase, to drive urgency and repeat purchases.

Your Weekly Q4 Roadmap to Success

Now that you're armed with essential tips, here’s a week-by-week roadmap to guide you through the holiday season.

Week 1 (Early October): Establish Your Promotion and Budget

  • Go big with your promotion to capture attention and set the tone for the holiday season. Plan early to avoid scrambling later.
  • Plan your paid media and email marketing budget to sustain your campaigns through the busy period. Consider allocating more resources towards channels that performed well last year.
  • Run non-holiday fall-themed campaigns to capture October sales while building momentum for the holidays. Use this period to test creative concepts before the holiday push.

Week 2 (Mid-October): Prepare Creative Assets and Website

  • Finalize visuals, copy, and videos for your campaigns, including both October and holiday promotions. Make sure your creative assets are consistent across all channels to reinforce your brand identity.
  • Optimize your website for traffic and conversions, ensuring smooth performance for mobile users. Set up tracking for key performance metrics like page load times and abandonment rates.
  • Refine your SEO strategy, focusing on holiday keywords and seasonal trends for October. Implement structured data to help search engines understand your product listings and improve visibility in search results.

Week 3 (Late October): Build Campaigns and Get Gift Guides Live

  • Launch paid media campaigns and retarget key audience segments. Test ad creatives and formats to identify top performers before holiday traffic spikes.
  • Finalize and publish your holiday gift guides to capture early shoppers and search traffic. Promote your gift guides through email, social media, and paid ads to maximize visibility.
  • Start your email marketing campaigns, teasing both fall products and upcoming holiday promotions. Build excitement with sneak peeks or early-bird discounts for your loyal customers.

Week 4 (First Week of November): Finalize and Test Promotions

  • Run A/B tests on your ads, emails, and landing pages to refine your approach for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Use these insights to identify which offers and creatives are resonating with your audience.
  • Adjust your SEO and content strategy based on October performance. Focus on long-tail keywords and seasonal searches to increase organic visibility.
  • Make creative tweaks and ensure all assets are ready for the holiday push. Create variations of high-performing assets to use during Black Friday and beyond.

Week 5 (Mid-November): Launch Your Holiday Campaigns

  • Begin sending your holiday email blasts, offering early access to sales or exclusive deals for VIP customers. Use personalized product recommendations to increase relevance and engagement.
  • Ramp up paid media spend to drive traffic and conversions while continuing to capture any lingering October sales. Focus on high-converting audiences identified from earlier testing.
  • Engage your audience through social media with holiday-related posts and interactive content. Use polls, quizzes, and UGC (user-generated content) to keep followers engaged and excited about your upcoming promotions.

Week 6 (Thanksgiving Week): Make the Final Push for Black Friday/Cyber Monday

  • Send final email reminders and create urgency with time-limited offers. Include clear CTAs and countdown timers to create urgency.
  • Ensure your website is fully optimized to handle high traffic volumes and ensure a smooth checkout process. Monitor site performance in real-time, and have a contingency plan for any potential outages or technical issues.
  • Monitor real-time ad performance and make adjustments to maximize your return on investment (ROI). Be prepared to shift budgets to the top-performing channels, ads, or offers throughout the day.

Week 7 (Post-Shipping Cutoff): Emergency Gifting and Gift Card Campaigns

  • Shift your focus to last-minute shoppers by promoting gift cards and digital products once your shipping cutoff has passed. Emphasize how easy and instant these options are, especially for those who missed out on physical gifts.
  • Launch targeted campaigns around gift cards as a perfect solution for late shoppers, offering instant delivery and bonus incentives. Create urgency with messaging like “Last chance for a thoughtful gift!”
  • Create urgency with messaging that highlights how gift cards can still be thoughtful, easy options for last-minute gifts. Promote these offers across all channels, including email, social, and on-site banners.

Conclusion

To make the most of Q4, lifestyle brands must balance early preparation with last-minute flexibility. A strong, well-executed strategy—starting early, using personalization, and leveraging urgency—can help brands stand out in a crowded market and maximize revenue. Stay tuned for more service-specific holiday tips, and if you need assistance refining your Q4 approach, the team at Good & Gold is here to help. Contact us today for expert guidance.

Decoding SGE: Its Role and Impact on Click-Through Rates

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve is essential for any eCommerce and online business. One of the latest innovations shaking up the industry is Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE). 

But what is SGE, and how is it impacting click-through rates (CTR) for eCommerce websites and online businesses?

This article delves into the implications of SGE for eCommerce businesses, exploring how this new technology affects search behaviors and what businesses can do to adapt.

What is SGE (Search Generative Experience)?

Search Generative Experience (SGE) is Google's groundbreaking feature that uses advanced generative AI to enhance the traditional search engine experience. Unlike the standard search algorithms that focus on ranking pages based on keywords, SGE delivers more contextually relevant, personalized, and interactive results. This AI-driven approach aims to understand the user's intent better and provide them with comprehensive answers directly on the search engine results page (SERP).

SGE can generate detailed responses to queries, often pulling from multiple sources to create a synthesized answer that appears at the top of the search results. This innovation marks a significant shift in how users interact with search engines and, consequently, how businesses need to approach search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing.

This change aligns with Google's broader mission to make information universally accessible and useful but introduces new challenges and opportunities for online businesses.

Key features of SGE

  • Contextual Answers: SGE generates answers that consider the context of the user's query, potentially reducing the need for users to click through to external websites.
  • Interactive Search Results: Users can engage with search results more interactively, often getting more detailed information without leaving the search page.
  • Personalization: SGE tailors search results based on a user's search history, preferences, and behavior, offering a more personalized experience.

Impact of SGE on Click-Through Rates (CTR)

The introduction of SGE is significantly altering the landscape of CTR, which is a key metric for evaluating the effectiveness of search-based marketing strategies. Here’s how:

1. Reduction in Click-Through Rates 

With SGE providing detailed answers directly within the search results, users may no longer feel the need to click through to a website to find the information they need. This shift could result in a decrease in CTR for traditional organic search results, as users might find their queries sufficiently answered without leaving the search engine results page (SERP).

2. Shift in SEO Strategies

Traditional SEO practices, which have long focused on optimizing content for specific keywords to rank higher in search results, will have to evolve. Businesses will need to consider how to optimize for SGE, focusing on providing content that complements the AI-generated responses or offers value beyond what SGE can provide directly.

3. Increased Importance of Featured Snippets and Rich Results

As SGE becomes more prevalent, the importance of securing featured snippets and rich results (like images, videos, and other interactive content) grows. These elements are more likely to capture attention within an SGE-enhanced search environment, offsetting some of the CTR declines for traditional links.

4. Potential for Higher-Quality Traffic

While overall CTR might decline, the traffic that does click through may be of higher quality. Users who proceed beyond the SGE responses are more interested in the products, leading to better conversion rates.

The Impact of SGE on eCommerce Businesses

SGE is transforming the way consumers search for and discover products online, which has significant implications for eCommerce businesses. Here are some of the key impacts:

1. Reduced Organic Traffic

One of the most immediate impacts of SGE on eCommerce businesses is the potential reduction in organic traffic.

2. Challenges in Brand Visibility

For many eCommerce businesses, particularly smaller ones, brand visibility on Google’s SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) is crucial for attracting customers. However, as SGE offers more detailed answers within the search results themselves, the space for traditional organic listings may become more limited. This can make it more challenging for eCommerce brands to stand out, especially if they are not among the top results or if their content is not featured in AI-generated snippets.

3. Shift in SEO and Content Strategies

The rise of SGE asks for a shift in SEO and content strategies for eCommerce businesses. Traditional keyword optimization is no longer be sufficient. Instead, ecommerce businesses need to focus on creating content that is optimized for AI interpretation, such as by addressing common customer queries concisely and directly. Additionally, structured data and schema markup are becoming increasingly important to ensure that product information is easily understood and featured by SGE.

4. Evolving Customer Experience

On the positive side, SGE has the potential to enhance the customer experience by providing more accurate and tailored search results. For example, if a user searches for a specific product, SGE could generate a detailed product comparison or a summary of reviews, helping customers make more informed decisions. This could lead to higher quality traffic, as users who do click through to an eCommerce site may be more ready to purchase.

5. Increased Importance of Rich Media and Visual Content

SGE's ability to present rich media and visual content directly within the search results is another factor that eCommerce businesses must consider. High-quality images, videos, and other rich content formats play a more significant role in attracting attention within an SGE-dominated SERP. Businesses will need to invest in creating compelling visual content that can stand out in this new environment.

How eCommerce Businesses Can Adapt

To thrive in the age of SGE, eCommerce businesses must adapt their strategies to align with this new search landscape. Here are some actionable steps:

  • Optimize for AI 

Focus on creating content that is easily digestible by AI, such as concise product descriptions, FAQs, and other content that directly answers common questions. Implementing structured data is also essential to ensure that your products are prominently featured in AI-generated responses.

  • Leverage Rich Media

 Invest in high-quality images, videos, and other forms of rich media that can enhance your visibility within SGE's search results. Consider creating video content that showcases your products, as videos are more likely to be highlighted by SGE.

  • Enhance User Experience

As SGE improves the quality of search results, ensure that your website provides an equally high-quality user experience. This includes fast loading times, mobile optimization, and a seamless checkout process, all of which are critical for converting high-quality traffic into sales.

Conclusion

SGE is a game-changer in the world of search, offering users more detailed and contextually relevant answers directly within the SERP. For eCommerce businesses, understanding **what is SGE** and how it impacts CTR is critical for adapting to this new search paradigm. While SGE presents challenges, such as potential declines in organic traffic and increased competition for visibility, it also offers opportunities for businesses to attract higher-quality traffic and improve conversion rates. By optimizing content for AI, investing in rich media, and refining paid search strategies, eCommerce businesses can continue to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven market.

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Culture
0 minutes

What’s Inspiring Us: G&G’s Reads and Tunes of Summer

Ever wonder what fuels our creativity and keeps us buzzing at Good & Gold? Here's a glimpse into what lights our fires. This month, we're pulling back the curtain to share the latest and greatest in our team's reading and listening favorites. From thought-provoking books to energizing tunes, discover what our employees are currently into and maybe find your next favorite read or listen!

Carrie | CEO

Reading - Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - I picked this book up to read while on vacation and could not put it down. The unique narrative style and poignant character development made me feel intimately connected to the web of emotions and experiences - Creativity, friendship, love, ambition, and self discovery.

Listening - I'm listening to Tycho, Maribou State, and Khruangbin, whose dreamy, soulful, surfy, and world-traveling vibes are setting the perfect stage for my summer mood.

Maggie | Senior Designer

Reading - The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - earlier this year, I read my first Kristin Hannah Book, The Great Alone. It quickly became my all-time favorite read. I’m only a few chapters into The Nightingale, but it’s good so far, and I’ve heard it’s a tear-jerker!

Listening - Caamp, Noah Kahan, Lizzie McAlpine… all things folky and acoustic and easy listening for the summer.

Alison | Senior Producer

Reading - All Fours by Miranda July - My book club, a group of 30-45 year old moms, dove head first into this thought-provoking, conversation-sparking and memorable read. The conversations about this book seem to never end! 

Listening - LEON, Miguel, BEYONCE - I’m all about artists with rich musical vibes - introspective and dreamy to bold and dancy. 

Iulia | Marketing Operations Analyst 

Reading - The Measure by Nikky Erlick - I got this book as a present and I must admit it has made me ponder about the purpose and meaning of life and how we can easily lose sight that life is short and that we need to make the most of every day and moment.

Listening - I am listening to Just one Thing with Michael Mosley. The above book made me look in the direction of generally having a better health and wellbeing approach. “If time is tight, what’s the one thing you should be doing to improve your health and wellbeing?”

Hannah | Content Marketing Manager 

Reading - The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz - I had heard people talking about this book here and there and finally picked it up and dove in this summer. Written in a unique, simple format, I was immediately intrigued. This book expands upon four broad concepts that basically allow you to gain more freedom within your life and is really just a simple method to being happy. 

Listening - My most recent playlist is filled with Vieux Farka Touré, Carole King, Thee Sacred Souls, Cocteau Twins, Charley Crockett, and Qendresa. A podcast I’ve been loving lately is called Otherworld. It tells real stories by people who have experienced something paranormal or unexplainable. It’s slightly spooky without being scary, and is such an intriguing listen! 

Jackson | Email Marketing Manager

Reading - Life Ceremony: Stories by Sayaka Murata - A compelling collection that invites readers into a world where societal norms are turned on their head. Through surreal storytelling, Murata examines the essence of human connections in a rapidly changing world, addressing themes of love, death, and societal expectations with a bold, unconventional flair. I particularly enjoyed how the stories often blurred the lines between the grotesque and the beautiful, and pushed me to consider the bizarre as potentially normal. A great read for fans of speculative fiction and those intrigued by the quirks of human nature.

Listening - Challengers [MIXED] by Boys Noize, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. This album from the recently released film Challengers is full of energetic, playful house beats that are great for working out, dancing, or stumbling through a contentious polyamorous relationship. 

Ren | Performance Marketing Manager

Reading - The Hike - a book that’s very similar to Stephen King’s Fairy Tale. The story follows a man who goes for a hike one day while on a work trip and finds himself in a land where he must face his inner demons and grow in order to escape.

Listening - Lore - A great but slightly dark podcast that “explores the mysterious creatures, tragic events and unusual places that fill the pages of history.” 

Parker | Senior Paid Media Strategist

Reading - Samsung Rising: Geoffrey Cain - An inspiring and detailed account of Samsung’s rise to power across several industries and its fight against Apple. This book explores Samsung’s tumultuous beginning, unique corporate culture, and desire to bring South Korea onto the global stage with constant competition and innovation. Samsung’s ebbs and flows in wins, losses, and leadership make this a compelling read that gives deep insight to a lesser known part of our daily world.

Listening - Lex Fridman: An AI researcher, scientist, and podcast host known for his deep, insightful conversations with a diverse range of guests. His podcast, "The Lex Fridman Podcast," explores topics like artificial intelligence, technology, science, and the human condition, featuring thought leaders from various fields. Listening to his podcast offers a blend of intellectual stimulation and personal growth. He regularly has unique guests such as Sam Altman, Mark Cuban, Elon+Kimbal Musk, Bill Ackman, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Jimmy Wales, and Marc Andreessen.

Kyle M | Marketing Strategy Director

Reading - The Illusion of Choice: 16 ½ Psychological Biases that Influence What We Buy" - This insightful book captivated me with its relevance to both my career and understanding general human behavior. It expertly distills complex decision-making biases into digestible principles and chapters. A must-read for those in marketing, advertising, or entrepreneurship, it offers practical applications for everyday decision-making, selling, and negotiation tactics. I found it to be a quick, simple, and useful read that has already started to influence my approach to work and personal decisions.

Listening - "Bass Boat" by Zach Bryan from his newest album "The Great American Bar Scene" - This song inspires a sense of nostalgia as it reminds me of the lake town I grew up in, watching bass boats glide by my parents' house on the lake. While the lyrics don’t completely align with my personal experience, the general sentiment, raw emotion, and melody evoke a sense of calmness and self-reflection. It captures the serene beauty of golden hour, and the moment the sun sets where you forget everything around you and are fully present. Life doesn’t always go the way you hope, with its twists, turns, and unforeseen events. This song is a reminder to be present, enjoy the little things and small moments, and cherish the people that bring you joy—those are the memories that will carry you through life.

Kyle B | Senior Web Designer & Developer

Reading - I’m currently reading “Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love” by Marty Cagan. I’ve read several of his books, and he truly is an expert in building products and experiences that matter—with the customer always at the forefront. This book emphasizes the importance of avoiding biases that can lead us away from delivering the best possible product to the end user, whether it’s a tech product or any other offering. One concept that has really stuck with me is the idea of consistently and constantly delivering new value to the customer, even if it means revisiting old ideas. This principle goes beyond the tech industry and applies to e-commerce and any consumer-driven product. If you don’t live and breathe the goal of driving value at every level for your customers, you won’t achieve the growth you’re aiming for.

Listening - I’ve been rotating between music of my eclectic youth (90s grunge, Red Hot Chili Peppers, T-Pain, Usher, The Eagles, Lil Wayne—you get the idea) and discovering artists that I may have missed along the way. Some folks I have been jamming to lately have been The Teskey Brothers and the Guantanamo Bay Surf Club, both have been a great way to wind the evening down with some chill melodies and soulful voices.