Description:

In this episode of Let’s Bee Real, Bee Powell sits down with Joshua Hays, founder of New York Ave, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in business: the REAL difference between branding, marketing, and advertising—and why most business owners get it wrong.

Joshua shares his journey from childhood entrepreneur to leading one of Central Florida’s most respected marketing agencies. Together, Bee and Joshua dive into branding values, community impact, AI’s disruption of the marketing industry, and how small businesses can stay connected to their audience in a noisy digital world.

If you're a business owner, marketer, entrepreneur, or local community leader, this conversation is full of practical insights on brand identity, strategy, consistency, and the future of digital marketing.

🔍 Topics Covered

✅ Branding vs. marketing vs. advertising

✅ Why core values matter more than logos

✅ The biggest marketing mistakes business owners make

✅ How AI is transforming the marketing world

✅ Staying creative and inspired in a changing industry

✅ Why local businesses fuel local communities

✅ How consistency builds customer connection

✅ Real-world brand success examples

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Favorite colors banter

00:15 – Welcome to Let’s Bee Real

00:22 – Introduction of guest Joshua Hays

00:48 – Josh’s background in entrepreneurship & marketing

01:50 – Why Josh loves building teams

02:51 – Childhood inspirations + core values

03:45 – Integrity in marketing

04:29 – Branding vs. marketing vs. advertising explained

06:17 – Real estate branding and the meaning behind colors

07:07 – Bee’s yellow brand identity

07:48 – Color psychology + brand meaning

08:56 – Biggest marketing mistakes business owners make

10:12 – Why business owners spread themselves too thin

11:03 – What brand success really looks like

12:27 – Building authentic connection with your audience

13:35 – Staying consistent in a noisy digital world

14:17 – The rapid evolution of tech + AI

15:22 – How Josh uses AI for strategy & creativity

16:10 – What keeps Josh creative

17:59 – Supporting the local community through local business

19:16 – Why “shop local” matters

20:11 – Local branding vs national brands

21:11 – Lightning round: fun questions

22:13 – Favorite candy bar (and a surprise!)

22:29 – Marketing pet peeves

22:56 – Dream home vibes

23:25 – The billboard question

23:54 – What business owners misunderstand about branding

24:19 – Finish the sentence: “The best marketing is…”

24:36 – Closing thoughts with Bee Powell

Discover how the DeBary Foundation is impacting DeBary, Florida through community projects, local partnerships, and a mission to make the city stronger, more vibrant, and more connected. In this episode, Bee Powell interviews Jim Old, Chairman of the Board, who shares his journey from Navy fighter pilot to dedicated community leader.

Jim breaks down why the foundation was created, how it operates independently from the city, and what upcoming initiatives—like the Veterans Brick Project and Alexander Island enhancements—mean for residents. If you’re interested in community development, nonprofit leadership, volunteer opportunities, or DeBary’s growth, this conversation gives you insight and inspiration.

Topics Covered

• What the DeBary Foundation does
• How community foundations support local growth
• The vision for DeBary’s future
• Why volunteering matters
• Upcoming projects in DeBary, FL
• Insights from former Navy fighter pilot turned community leader
• How residents can get involved

Timestamps

00:00 – Fun intro + event banter

00:21 – Welcome to the show

00:54 – Jim’s role at the DeBary Foundation

01:07 – Who Jim is beyond the foundation

01:40 – Getting involved through the Citizens Academy

02:44 – Why giving back matters to Jim

03:37 – Jim’s leadership style

04:25 – Independent nonprofit vs. city government

05:36 – What independence means for donors

06:16 – Community-driven decision-making

06:55 – The Veterans Brick Project

07:54 – Veteran partnerships and support

08:52 – Funding, grants, and donations

10:06 – The workload behind the foundation

12:23 – Why communities need volunteers

14:25 – Rotary Clubs & being hands-on

16:08 – What makes vibrant communities valuable

17:08 – Building real connections in a digital age

18:06 – Jim’s vision for the foundation’s legacy

18:54 – Alexander Island plans

19:44 – The cardboard regatta idea

20:23 – Fun questions (roller coasters + wave pools)

22:31 – Authenticity & “being real”

23:57 – Favorite candy bar

24:09 – Closing thoughts

Let's Bee Real is a monthly podcast from Realtor and Broker, Bee Powell--a seasoned expert when it comes to buying, selling, and managing homes and properties. In each episode, she interviews local guides, influencers, and leaders in the Central Florida community that provides helpful insight for potential homebuyers, investors, and even residents of places like Volusia County, Seminole County, Flagler County, Orange County, and Brevard County.