The Deep Dark Podcast
The Deep Dark Podcast
Fidelis Creative Agency
Welcome to the Deep Dark podcast where we ask seasoned business minds to excavate their history, pulling the best insights, hardest moments, and yes, golden epiphanies. Somewhere in the stories, the deepest recesses, and big breakthroughs we all get a little smarter and feel a little better about our own business ventures.
22: Creating a Culture for 1,500+ Employees
In this episode, we're exploring what it takes to run a large-scale business. Curtis Hite is the CEO and Chairman of Improving, a software consulting and training company that he founded in 2007. With a focus on conscious capitalism, he has grown the company to over $250 million in revenue with 1,500+ employees and 15 offices, providing software development, technology consulting, and agile training/coaching to clients globally. In this conversation, Curtis highlights the great importance of company culture and explores authenticity in the workplace. He knows the secret to building a great company is starting with the right people who have the right mindset. It is culture, above all. This episode is chock-full of insights, inspiration, energy, and some levity. Enjoy this episode of the Deep Dark.
Oct 3, 2023
51 min
21: Ossified Markets, and the FDA Hates You
Interested in meeting a man whose entrepreneurial pursuits match his severe myopic tendencies? In this podcast, we share the table with David Sley, founder of Hestia Tobacco. David entered the tobacco market in its ossified and totally stagnant state, where a new company could go belly-up before its product ever reached the shelves. When he started selling, he insisted on rethinking everything—ordering packs from around the world and smoking them all. In this episode, David educates us on his entrepreneurial journey, giving insight into why he spends his time bifurcated between cig sales and mountain climbing. You'll have to keep your spirit of adventure at bay while you listen to this episode of The Deep Dark.More Episodes:https://fideliscreative.com/the-deep-dark/
Sep 19, 2023
56 min
20: Self Deprecating Marketing For Employee Co-ops
On this episode of the Deep Dark, we're joined by Nadav Mer a serial entrepreneur responsible for starting, growing, and selling businesses in the IT and specialty coffee industries. Prior to becoming a professor, Nadav was the founder and owner of Morning Bell Coffee Roasters located in Ames, Iowa. Nadav exited Morning Bell by converting the business from a sole proprietorship, to Iowa's first employee-owned cooperative. As you might assume, sitting down with some freshly brewed coffee would be an appropriate way to enjoy this episode of the Deep Dark.More Episodes:https://fideliscreative.com/the-deep-dark/
Sep 5, 2023
52 min
19: Starting a Business on Your Own, or with a Partner?
Significant life changes oftentimes bring about a real estate need, and these two are the guys you'll wanna turn to. Listen in as we chat with Austin Wyble and Davis Scott, the dynamic duo behind Nail and Key Real Estate. This partnership navigated beyond the traditional W-2 path, overcame entrepreneurship challenges, and even embraced a spontaneous side hustle. Click that play button to discover how personal strengths and vulnerabilities can forge a successful collaborative business journey.More Episodes:https://fideliscreative.com/the-deep-dark/
Aug 22, 2023
1 hr 1 min
18: Developing Key Relationships with Clients and Mentors
The world of insurance may sound intimidating, but James Hoffman can resolve all your worries. Head over to The Deep Dark and listen up as we talk with the Vice President of Higginbotham Insurance. James opens up about the art of caring for their remarkable Higginbotham team and nurturing strong client relationships. Take notes as Chris and James discuss learning from the “no’s” and the pivotal lessons that come from the first three years in the business world. Catch every word on our latest episode of The Deep Dark.
Aug 8, 2023
50 min
17: Visual Storytelling and Stewarding your Domain
If you've ever had an interest in visual storytelling, sink into a chair and listen close as  Andrew Kilzer,  the General Manager of Texas Filmworks, spills his wisdom in this episode of The Deep Dark. This episode explores everything from how Texas Filmworks started and what it is like to run a team in the media industry, to the excitement of a film's creative ideation process, and how you can use your career to set up your family's future generations for success. There's a lot to benefit from in this episode so tune in and don't forget to share it with your friends. 
Jul 25, 2023
51 min
16: Capturing the Heart of the Brand Through Film
On this episode of the Deep Dark Podcast, we talk with Chris Salters, a professional Commercial & Brand Film Editor here in Texas, USA! Chris & Chris spent time talking about capturing the heart of the brand through film, telling the brand story, and discussing the world of commercial and brand film overall. Take a seat, and enjoy this episode of the Deep Dark.More Episodes:https://fideliscreative.com/the-deep-dark/
Jul 11, 2023
47 min
15: Starting a Business and a Family
We are honored to have had the opportunity to gain business insight from Phyllis Deitz in this episode of The Deep Dark. Phyllis is a wife, a mother of three, and the CEO of Deitz Consulting. Join us as we explore the intricacies of work-life balance, business growth, and the power of perseverance. Phyllis guides us through what community involvement looks like and the transformative effects of networking on your entrepreneurial journey. So grab some headphones and listen up–this one is too good to miss.More Episodes:https://fideliscreative.com/the-deep-dark/
Jun 27, 2023
51 min
14: Cyclical Trends, Woolly Mammoth Hunting, and Pleasing Customers
It's that time again. We have another episode of The Deep Dark podcast ready for you! On this episode we sat down with Derek Ratliff, founder and president of Horizon Firearms, to talk about company leadership and understanding your market. We unpack a few killer topics like how CEOs respond in crisis, keeping up with cyclical trends, woolly mammoth hunting, and one very important lesson about pleasing your customers. Listen in!More Episodes:https://fideliscreative.com/the-deep-dark/
Jun 5, 2023
1 hr 3 min
13: Building Company Culture and Authenticity in the Workplace
Interested in building company culture and exploring authenticity in the workplace? Throw this episode of The Deep Dark in your queue. Chris is sitting down with Jeff Schiefelbein and Nick Besner, owners of Undivided Life and co-hosts of the Beatidudes podcast, to unpack these topics and more. You're gonna want to take notes on this one.More Episodes:https://fideliscreative.com/the-deep-dark/
Apr 24, 2023
1 hr
Load more