In this episode we sit down in the brand-new Impact X Marketing Studio with Brad Waters, Morgan Mielnicki, and Emily Broomfield to pull back the curtain on the creative force behind some of the best digital content coming out of the region. From podcast production and photo shoots to short-form video strategy, this team isn’t just keeping up, they’re setting the pace.

If you’re a business owner, content creator, or someone who’s been toying with launching your brand online, this one’s a must-listen. We dig into why social media presence is now more important than Google, how to overcome being camera-shy, and why starting somewhere is better than waiting for perfect. We also get real about AI, the rise of personal branding, and why this Utica-based studio might just be the creative secret weapon the Mohawk Valley didn’t know it needed.

In this episode:
• How Impact X grew out of The Sentinel and built a full-service marketing studio from the ground up
• Why being relatable beats being polished when it comes to social media
• Advice for business owners who hate being on camera
• The shift from company brands to personal brands—and what that means for you
• The team’s take on AI, authenticity, and what it means to create "real" content today

This is episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.


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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro & Meet the Team
(1:05) - What is Impact X Marketing?
(3:00) - The Space
(4:20) - Social Media Today
(5:15) - Social Search
(7:20) - Everyone Can Be an Influencer
(10:10) - Something is Better Than Nothing
(11:20) - Everyone Wants a Specialist
(12:50) - Building an Audience
(14:20) - Working with Clients
(16:55) - Podcasting & Professional Setting
(19:15) - Team & Services
(21:00) - Brand Breakaway
(22:05) - Long Term Vision
(24:00) - Thoughts on AI
(28:30) - Human First Motivations
(31:30) - Elevating Central NY
(33:50) - Creating a Unique Space
(36:20) - Travel & Home Base
(37:45) - Working with Local Colleges

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Impact X & Team Links
Website - https://www.impactxmarketing.com
Impact X IG - https://www.instagram.com/impactx.marketing
Morgan - https://www.instagram.com/morganmielnicki
Emily - https://www.instagram.com/globetrotting.emma
Sentinel IG - https://www.instagram.com/ur_sentinel

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org