In this episode, we’re diving into the restaurant industry’s ultimate goal: getting butts in seats—and keeping them coming back. Joining us is Carolyn Walker, CEO of Response and a progressive force in marketing, known for pushing boundaries and reimagining the guest experience.

We explore what it takes to create a truly memorable dining experience—from the menu and the music to the bathroom and the website. Carolyn unpacks how every brand touchpoint matters and how scaling that “local favorite” feeling across hundreds (or thousands) of locations is the real challenge—and opportunity—for today’s restaurant brands.

We also discuss:

• How personalization is shaping modern dining expectations
• Why immersive moments are the new loyalty program
• The powerful role AI is playing—not just in marketing, but in restaurant operations

If you're in the business of getting guests to return, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Sean Sager, Principal and Creative Director at Set + Stage Creative, to explore the bold, brilliant world of in-store experiences and 3D executions. From oversized props that stop you in your tracks to subtle design details that shape shopper behavior, Sean shares how creativity and strategy collide to craft unforgettable retail moments.

We dive into how sustainability plays a growing role in these physical builds, with a focus on repurposing materials and designing for longevity. Sean also unpacks how emerging technology—from digital design tools to new fabrication methods—is expanding what's possible without expanding the budget. And of course, we explore the challenge of pushing creative boundaries while staying true to a brand’s voice and values.

Whether you’re a marketer, a creative director, or just fascinated by how physical spaces influence consumer behavior, this conversation is packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes insight.

“Leading Through the Now: Women Shaping the Future of Retail & Hospitality”

In this episode of Color Bar, we’re joined by Jennifer DiPasquale, Co-Founder and President of Women in Retail and Women Leading Travel & Hospitality—two powerful communities elevating and connecting the voices of women across industries.

Together, we dive into the real-world challenges and bold strategies women leaders are navigating right now—from managing margin pressure and dynamic pricing strategies to embracing AI-powered personalization and redesigning the role of the physical store. We talk about the cautious consumer mindset, the evolving demands of talent attraction and retention, and the rise of reverse mentorship as a powerful leadership tool.

This conversation is an honest, insight-packed look at what’s keeping leaders up at night—and how they’re finding creative, collaborative ways forward with strong teams and even stronger vision through the communities of Women In Retail and Women Leading Travel & Hospitality.

What does it *really* take to build a brand from scratch?

In our latest *Color Bar* episode, we sit down with Jennifer and Brian Keita—founders of Union Cycle & Strength—to explore the emotional, strategic, and the very real journey of launching a fitness brand from the ground up.

It started with a logo… but became so much more.

From scent machines and lighting choices to apparel design and social strategy, every detail of Union was created with intention—to foster community, unity, and a brand experience that feels like home.

We talk about:

• The power of brand identity to make an idea “real”

•Creating word-of-mouth with limited resources

•How merchandise becomes marketing

•The challenge of getting people in the door

•And why staying true to your vision is key as you scale up

Whether you're a marketer, entrepreneur, or just love a good brand story—this one's packed with insight and inspiration.

Watch or listen here: \[Insert YouTube or podcast link]

Got a favorite example of a brand that nailed community-building? Drop it in the comments

Who else is struggling to know the right moves in content development right now? With the explosion of marketing channels, it’s never been more complex — or more overwhelming — to craft the right content at the right time for both B2C and B2B audiences.

In this episode, we unpack the challenges marketers face when juggling personalization, platform strategy, creative storytelling, and the rise of AI-powered tools. Does using AI feel like cheating? Can content still be authentic when a machine had a hand in writing it? And who can we trust to help us navigate this evolving content ecosystem?

Tune in as we dig into the pressures for content development in a multi-channel, AI-influenced marketing world. Whether you’re a seasoned brand leader or just trying to keep your content calendar alive, this episode brings perspective, honesty, and maybe even a little feeling of you're not on an island alone.

If you've listened to Color Bar, you know we are huge pet fans and Kim has a houseful with her furry babies, so on this episode of Color Bar, we’re diving into the booming world of pet marketing — and how brands are taking a page from the human playbook. Kim and Fleetwood go shopping for a first-hand look. From omni-channel strategies and localized in-store experiences to digital integrations and hyper-personalized direct mail, pet retailers and healthcare companies are going all-in to connect with today’s pet parents.

We explore how national pet brands are customizing messaging at the store level, how tech is showing up in physical signage, and why treating pet owners like savvy consumers (because they are) is lifting response rates and building brand loyalty. Whether you’re in retail, healthcare, or marketing to humans or hounds — there’s something to learn from the way we’re all wagging toward more engaging experiences.

We talk marketing most of the time on Color Bar—but today, we’re diving into the world of sales and the essential connection between the two. Our guest is Marc Nudelburg, President of OnTheBall (OTB), a dynamic organization focused on helping sales leaders train smarter, connect differently, and grow with intention.

Whether you’re a B2B sales leader, part of a sales team, or just looking to sharpen your edge, this episode is packed with insights, including:

• How to use social platforms to connect with the right people and grow your business
• Leveraging tools like Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo, and video to break through the noise
• Building your personal brand in an authentic way
• Balancing AI-generated content with real human connection
• Why discipline and consistency are the true differentiators in sales success

Marc shares actionable strategies, stories from the field, and a refreshing perspective on modern sales.

👉 Want to go deeper? Connect with Marc on LinkedIn and schedule one of OTB’s famous “virtual coffees” to continue the conversation beyond the pod.

This week, the Marketing Executives Group (MEG) event is taking place in Chicago, alongside the National Restaurant Association Show — and our very own Kim Opdyke is on the ground.

In this episode, Kim shares firsthand insights into the key topics shaping conversations among dining industry marketers at MEG. From enhancing loyalty programs and leveraging AI in both marketing and operations, to launching new store openings and staying ahead of evolving trends — this episode covers it all.

Tune in to get a pulse on what’s next in restaurant marketing.

🔗 Learn more about MEG:
https://restaurant.org/events-and-community/conferences/marketing-executives-group/