The Marketing Gateway

Author: Holly Wooten

  • Episode 64 – The Story of Eddie Bauer, One of my Favorite Brands

    I even dressed up for the occasion!

    Can the third time really be a charm for Eddie Bauer? I sure hope so!

    This month I am plugging Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital. To donate, please visit https://rankenjordanfoundation.org/donate/

    SOURCE:

    https://www.eddiebauer.com/blogs/blog/the-first-patent-a-shuttlecock https://www.eddiebauer.com/blogs/blog/hypothermia-the-origin-of-the-skyliner-down-jacket https://www.fastcompany.com/91129776/what-really-killed-red-lobster-bankruptcy-private-equity https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/02/02/eddie-bauer-closing-stores-north-america-bankruptcy/ https://www.businessinsider.com/eddie-bauer-stores-risk-closures-operator-nears-bankruptcy-2026-2

    Picture sources:

    https://mallofamerica.com/directory/eddie-bauer https://www.sprezza.xyz/p/menswear-is-repurposed-military-wear https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/imlsmohai/id/15649/ https://www.eddiebauer.com/

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  • Episode 63 – Interview with Dan Gower

    Live in St. Louis, it’s The Marketing Gateway!

    If you have ever wondered how software development relates to sketch comedy, how to keep people looking for information in the age of zero-click searches, or how a few simple questions can build a lot of trust, this is the interview for you!

    Today, we have Dan Gower, VP of Marketing at Sketch Development!

    About the founder of Sketch: https://appdevelopermagazine.com/from-snl-to-software/

    The blog post Dan mentioned: https://www.sketchdev.io/blog/build-ai-agents-without-coding

    Dan’s plug: https://www.sketchdev.io/

    Contact Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gowerdan/

    About Dan: Dan is the VP of marketing at Sketch Development Services, a software consultancy based in Webster Groves, MO. His meandering career previously included roles in account management, five years of self-employment as a marketing and sales consultant, and a stint as an IT business analyst. Now he’s working to get the word out about Sketch, which has used lessons from sketch comedy troupes to become a top US-based software firm serving some of the world’s largest organizations.

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  • Episode 62 – Can Hooters really become a Family Friendly Brand?

    The chicken wings aren’t even that good…

    Hooters, we all know of it, and maybe you love it, but do they have what it takes to change their brand?

    This month, I am plugging the St. Louis Area Foodbank. To get more information, or to find out how to donate your time/money/food, visit their website: https://stlfoodbank.org/

    SOURCES: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T-oaJYtfCr2lBFitwSl3TqEbzEOSX9Ro1uX7YFqLukA/edit?usp=sharing

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  • Episode 61 – Interview with Hannah Frisch

    You’re going to really like this one folks!

    How do you manage teaching in the age of AI? Does traditional media still have value with the rise of streaming and other online focused content?

    We are talking about that, and so much more, in today’s interview with Hannah Frisch!

    Contact Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-frisch/

    Hannah’s Plug: https://www.ama.org/

    About Hannah:

    Specializing in digital marketing, education, and community leadership, Hannah helps brands grow through strategies that blend creativity with data-driven results. As Co-President of AMA Saint Louis and Founder of Frisch Digital, she leads initiatives that connect, mentor, and inspire the next generation of marketers while building innovative campaigns for clients. Hannah also serves as Digital Marketing Manager at Ecolink and Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Webster University, and Secretary of the Southern Illinois University – Carbondale School of Marketing & Management Advisory board, bridging industry insights with academic growth. With experience spanning SEO, content, brand strategy, and community engagement, Hannah thrives on creating meaningful connections and driving impact for organizations that value purpose and growth.

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  • Episode 60 – How Disney Lost the Magic of Star Wars

    Here’s some money. Go see a Star War.

    The rise, and fall, and rise again, and fall again of Star Wars. Did things get marketed the right way, or would it have even mattered?

    This month, I am plugging the St. Louis Area Foodbank. To get more information, or to find out how to donate your time/money/food, visit their website: https://stlfoodbank.org/

    Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U_9wsZZAJOq1mFZBYAnbjhanHTTuCNKZgl5r2Me94xo/edit?usp=sharing

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  • Episode 59 – Interview with Dino Delic

    You all know I love to learn, and learn I did talking to Dino!

    Have you ever wondered what St. Louis is like to someone who has never been? How can a game you might have played as a teenager be turned into a marketing tool? Does brand perception really mean that much?  

    Today we are talking about that, and more, with Dino Delic!  

    About Dino:

    Most comms teams are stuck reporting activities instead of proving impact. I help them change that. As the creator of the Data-Driven Communications (DDC) Framework, I work with Fortune 1000 comms leaders to build three capabilities most teams never learn:

    → Strategic Alignment — connect comms work to business priorities

    → Actionable Intel — create intelligence, not just dashboards

    → Demonstrate Impact — show outcomes, not just outputs

    The proof:

    → 500+ communicators across 300+ have taken the DDC Maturity Assessment

    → $2.1M in pipeline influenced by DDC-trained teams

    → 7-point higher retention among DDC customers

    I host “Earning Your Seat” — a podcast featuring comms leaders who’ve made the leap from order-taker to trusted advisor.

    I run workshops worldwide (London, NYC, Tokyo, Sydney, and more).  

    Contact Dino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinodelic/  

    Dino’s plug: https://www.linkedin.com/smart-links/AQEscxgQOwIDNA 

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  • Episode 58 – The Brave New World of Youth Travel Sports Tourism

    Travel sports is how I traveled as much as I did as a child. – Holly

    Travel sports may not be the most convenient as far as time and money for a family, but it can be pretty great for a local economy!

    This month, I am plugging the St. Louis Area Foodbank. To get more information, or to find out how to donate your time/money/food, visit their website: https://stlfoodbank.org/

    SOURCES:

    https://sportsplanningguide.com/the-next-evolution-of-youth-sports-destinations/ https://www.deseret.com/sports/2024/03/12/pros-cons-travel-sports/ https://projectplay.org/news/2025/2/24/project-play-survey-family-spending-on-youth-sports-rises-46-over-five-years https://medium.com/@groundwork_bill/the-most-and-least-expensive-travel-sports-4f6664d3c2e2 https://youthsportsbusinessreport.com/sports-travel-industry-trends-2025-expert-insights-on-growth-youth-sports-and-major-events/

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  • Episode 57 – The Hidden Cost of Working From Home

    I, for one, enjoy working from home.

    Working from home becoming increasingly normal was one of the only good things that came from the pandemic. Unfortunately for some businesses, that came at a huge cost. This month, I am plugging the St. Louis Area Foodbank. To get more information, or to find out how to donate your time/money/food, visit their website: https://stlfoodbank.org/

    SOURCES:

    https://www.thestreet.com/restaurants/troubling-trend-forces-surprising-restaurant-closures-time-out-market

    https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/21/office-momentum-weber-shandwick-st-louis.html

    https://wfhresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/WFHResearch_updates_January2026.pdf

    Photo Credits:

    Stadium one west building: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2023/11/30/anthem-to-add-250-workers-downtown-st-louis.html

    Timeout Boston: https://www.timeout.com/time-out-market-boston/faqs

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  • Episode 56 – All About Perceptual Maps

    Following the maps that lead to marketing information.

    You’ve heard of the map to the stars, but what about a map for marketing? Perceptual maps fill that role for us, and I’m going to explain them for you on today’s episode!

    SOURCE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ2XGgbNXWY

    This month, I am plugging the St. Louis Area Foodbank. To get more information, or to find out how to donate your time/money/food, visit their website: https://stlfoodbank.org/

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  • Episode 55 – The True Story Behind Breakfast Cereal

    Never flake on breakfast!

    From the sanitarium to the supermarket, let talk about the history of breakfast, and how it played into marketing!

    SOURCES: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Np2otFsqJE171_e_MXsh2fxIDybcRx1O39LcoBo6C7s/edit?usp=sharing

    This month, I am plugging the St. Louis Area Foodbank. To get more information, or to find out how to donate your time/money/food, visit their website: https://stlfoodbank.org/

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