In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen chats with Clay Tyler and Ryan Meisch, co-founders of CTR Response, a digital ad agency in Southern Alabama. Ryan Meisch, originally from Illinois, shares how he moved from film school to advertising, driven by a desire for better career options. Clay Tyler talks about growing up in rural Alabama, his fascination with technology, and his journey into digital marketing. The two explain how they met, teamed up, and eventually launched CTR Response right before the pandemic hit. Together, they break down how digital advertising has changed, the importance of transparency and data, and how they've helped local businesses compete with big agencies using cutting-edge tools. If you want to understand digital marketing from the ground up, and hear some great entrepreneurial stories, this episode is for you.

3 Episode Key Takeaways


The Power of Complementary Partnerships

The origin story of CTR Response highlights how Ryan Meisch and Clay Tyler brought together complementary skill sets, Ryan's business and sales background and Clay's technical expertise. This "yin and yang" dynamic is emphasized throughout their journey, showing how their collaboration filled each other's gaps and ultimately laid the groundwork for their agency's success.

The Shift from Traditional to Digital Advertising

Both guests reflect on their careers, starting in traditional media (like TV and radio), and on how they witnessed the rapid evolution and growth of digital advertising. Ryan Meisch shared how he was initially more drawn to digital because of its transparency and measurable results, a clear advantage over traditional channels. Their story illustrates the broader industry transformation and how adapting to digital trends unlocked new opportunities for both themselves and their clients.

Advertising Education Before Implementation

A major part of CTR's philosophy is their focus on educating clients before jumping into execution. Clay Tyler explains that helping clients truly understand what digital advertising is (and isn't) empowers them to make better decisions and sets realistic expectations. This "education before implementation" approach aims to build trust and long-term relationships, and it's one of the key differentiators they bring to their boutique agency.

In this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen sits down with Brooke Million O'Donnell, owner of Millimedia, to discuss her journey in advertising, family business legacies, and the ever-changing world of marketing. Brooke shares how her grandmother founded Millimedia, her own unique career path (including time in the Virgin Islands), and her role helping both small and large companies boost their visibility. They talk about the shift from traditional to digital advertising, best practices for building a strong online presence, and how tools like AI are changing the industry. Brooke also offers advice to local businesses on how to get started with marketing. Tune in for great stories, practical tips, and lessons on adapting to new technology while staying true to your roots.

3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. The Importance of Evolving in Marketing and Advertising

Brooke Million O'Donnell and Andrew Allen discuss how both of their family businesses have had to adapt to rapid industry changes, especially over the past 15 years. Transitioning from traditional methods (like dropping off tapes for TV ads) to emphasizing digital marketing, content creation, and maintaining an online presence has been crucial for their continued success.


2. Family Legacy and Personal Growth Shape Business Values

Both speakers reflect on their roots as third-generation owners in their respective companies. Brooke Million O'Donnell shares how her grandmother's pioneering spirit in media, combined with her father's experience in marketing, inspired her path. Their shared experiences in family businesses highlight the value of commitment, adaptability, and a deep sense of responsibility to employees and the community.


3. Staying Ahead with Innovation and Best Practices

Throughout the episode, Brooke Million O'Donnell emphasizes the importance of businesses of all sizes keeping up with digital trends—such as updating websites, using social media, and tracking analytics. She underscores that agencies like Millimedia provide comprehensive services to help local businesses compete and remain visible in a digital-first world, and she encourages even small business owners to prioritize having a strong online presence.


On this episode of Bottled Up, Andrew Allen sits down with Savannah Caldwell and Danny Caldwell, co-owners of Tony's Brick Oven Pizzeria in downtown Gulfport. They share their backgrounds in hospitality, how they became involved with Tony's, and what it's like to run a busy restaurant while juggling other careers and family life. The Caldwells talk about employee retention, creating a family-like atmosphere, upgrades to the restaurant, and starting their own food truck. They also discuss booking events at Tony's, what makes their space unique, and their passion for fostering great experiences for customers and staff. Whether it's classic pizza, a revamped sidebar, or supporting local events, Savannah and Danny give a behind-the-scenes look at building community through good food and genuine care.

3 Episode Key Takeaways


1. Employee-Centered Management Creates a Strong Team Culture


Both Savannah Caldwell and Danny Caldwell emphasized the importance of treating their staff like family, rather than just employees. They prioritize respecting schedules, valuing feedback, and fostering a supportive environment. This approach helps with employee retention, encouraging team members to stay and even return if they leave.


2. Continuing and Honoring a Local Legacy


Taking over Tony's Brick Oven Pizzeria was about more than business for Savannah Caldwell and Danny Caldwell. They were motivated by respect for Mr. Tony and his long-standing commitment to the community. Their goal was to maintain Tony's legacy, serving loyal customers and building on the restaurant's reputation as a cornerstone of Gulfport.


3. Adaptability and Continuous Improvement as Core Values


The new owners are committed to learning and evolving. Whether it's tweaking the menu, renovating the space, or optimizing event offerings, Savannah Caldwell and Danny Caldwell demonstrate flexibility and a growth mindset. They actively seek feedback, reflect on their daily operations, and aren't afraid to make changes that benefit both their customers and their business.


In this episode of Bottled Up, host Andrew Allen sits down with Paul Loomis, founder of The Loomis Agency and partner at Luminous Sound Studios. Paul Loomis shares his journey from growing up in Washington, D.C., with a musical family to writing iconic jingles, such as "Stanley Steemer." He discusses his switch from dreaming of film composition to building a successful career in advertising music, working fast under tight deadlines, and creating memorable brand music for companies. Andrew Allen and Paul Loomis also discuss how jingles are crafted, the impact of AI on the industry, and offer advice for young musicians. Plus, listeners get to hear the debut of a new jingle for Allen Beverages.

3 Key Takeaways

1.The Evolution and Impact of Jingle Writing: Paul Loomis offers fascinating insight into the craft of jingle writing, discussing its evolution into "brand music" and how catchy, memorable tunes paired with effective brand positioning can drive remarkable business success. He shares notable examples, like the Stanley Steemer jingle, explaining how such work requires both creativity and an understanding of marketing psychology.

2. Adapting to Changes in the Music Industry: The conversation dives into how technology and artificial intelligence are changing the music and advertising landscape. Paul Loomis acknowledges using AI as a tool but warns about its potential to replace traditional human creativity in the future. He also touches on the challenges modern artists face with revenue due to streaming platforms, and the shift away from traditional band instruments toward computer-assisted music.

3. Music as a Multifaceted Career: Paul Loomis's journey demonstrates how a strong musical foundation can lead to diverse opportunities, from writing for jazz ensembles and collaborating with legends like Gil Evans to producing jingles and working on projects like Barney and Vanilla Ice. He emphasizes the importance of understanding both the creative and business sides of the industry, highlighting his experience building a successful agency and launching a record label that's finding success with new acts.

In this episode of Bottled Up, David Lewis, Executive Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, shares his journey from growing up in Jackson to revitalizing the city's cultural spaces and leading statewide arts initiatives. David talks about his early love for architecture and community, working on projects like the Welcome to Jackson mural and the renovation of the Mississippi Planetarium. He explains how public art can change city narratives, what it takes to fund creative projects in Mississippi, and how the coast has become a hub for vibrant arts. David also highlights opportunities for artists to get involved, apply for grants, and attend events like the Governor's Arts Awards and National Folk Festival. It's a conversation about intentional design, community impact, and celebrating Mississippi's creative spirit.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Public Art as a Catalyst for Community Change

David Lewis discusses how public art projects, like the Welcome to Jackson mural, can reshape a city's narrative and inspire civic pride. He shares how intentional, community-focused design and art can help change perceptions and energize cities that might otherwise seem stagnant, while also attracting and retaining creative talent.

2. The Mississippi Arts Commission's Role and Impact

As executive director, David Lewis explains that the Mississippi Arts Commission provides essential state and federal grant funding to support artists, arts organizations, and public art projects throughout Mississippi. Their work covers a wide range—visual arts, theater, music, cultural festivals—and aims to uplift creative communities from the coast to rural towns, enriching quality of life and boosting the state's economic and tourism profile.

3. Celebrating Mississippi's Artistic Uniqueness on a National and International Stage

David highlights how Mississippi's unique cultural identity is being shared not just statewide, but internationally—such as the MSU School of Architecture's exhibit at the Venice Biennale. He also mentions upcoming events like the Governor's Arts Awards and the National Folk Festival coming to Jackson, emphasizing how Mississippi's stories, spaces, and creativity have distinctive value and resonance both locally and abroad.

Show Overview

0:00 Exploring Art's Impact with David Lewis
3:10 Inspirational Art Teacher Influence
9:04 Architectural Education: Creativity and Advocacy
11:23 Returning Architectural Inspiration to Mississippi
15:52 Public Art Inspiring Civic Pride
18:49 Planetarium Renovation Vision and Strategy
21:56 Innovative Renovation and Revitalization
24:36 Mississippi Arts Funding and Support
29:52 Connecting with Mississippi's Creative Community
33:27 Southern American Novelty in Europe
35:07 Accessible Warmth of Southern Culture
39:02 Commendable Community Dedication
42:25 Supporting Mississippi's Creative Community

In this episode of Buttoned Up, Andrew Allen talks with Emily Sham, the regional philanthropy officer for the American Red Cross in Alabama and Mississippi, and shares her journey from Madison, Mississippi, to the Gulf Coast. She discusses her background in marketing and event planning, her impactful work at Two Men and a Truck, and her passion for community engagement. Emily details the Red Cross's diverse efforts, disaster relief, home fire response, blood drives, and military family support, emphasizing the need for local involvement and volunteerism. The conversation highlights the unique spirit of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and ways listeners can give back.


Here's What You'll Learn In This Episode:

The surprising statistics behind local disasters: Did you know home fires are the #1 disaster the Red Cross responds to here? Emily explains why—and how you can help.

Why the Gulf Coast is America's most disaster-prone region, and what that means for support and preparedness.

The Red Cross goes beyond disaster relief in many ways, including free smoke alarm installation in at-risk neighborhoods, blood drives, and special support for military families.

How you can make a difference: Volunteer, donate blood, or contribute financially—Emily gives you real, actionable ways to get involved locally.

The story behind Two Men and a Truck's international journey and their Movers for Moms campaign helping women in need each spring.

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Community Involvement: Whether it's coordinating disaster relief, supporting military families, or running blood drives, engaging with your local community can make a huge difference. Emily is proof that one person's network can amplify support for entire regions.

2. Disaster Relief Goes Beyond Headlines: While the Red Cross is known for responding to hurricanes and fires, they're also working behind the scenes – most disaster calls in their region are actually home fires, not the natural disasters we typically think of.

3. Anyone Can Get Involved: From donating blood or volunteering, to simply staying informed, there are so many ways to support vital organizations like the Red Cross. 90% of their workforce is made up of volunteers, and local contributions stay local!

Show Overview

00:00 Emily Sham: Local Philanthropy Insights

05:35 Franchise's First Marketing Efforts

06:17 Community-Centric Marketing Approach

11:35 Horn Island's Unique Coastal Experience

15:01 Joining Chamber, Focusing on Marketing

17:22 Red Cross: Beyond Disaster Relief

19:46 Mission-Focused Financial Efficiency

24:05 Red Cross: Certification and Military Support

28:34 Mississippi Red Cross Deficit Solution

30:45 Blood Donation App Simplifies Process

33:47 Coastal Life and Community Bonds