Theisen’s: Client Story

Theisen’s: Client Story

Evolving from traditional print-heavy tactics to a data-driven, digital-first marketing strategy — fueling future growth and internal alignment. “Authentic provided leadership, operational support and structure as well as a deeper look into the effectiveness of our customer engagement." Steve Jensen, Chief Merchandising & Marketing Officer, Theisen's Theisen’s At a Glance Company size: ~1,000 employees Industry: Retail / Commerce, Consumer Goods & Services Business model: Retail / Brick-and-Mortar Headquarters: Dubuque, Iowa Authentic Growth® Drivers: Sharpen Market Focus and Value Proposition Increase Engagement and Generate Qualified Leads Build a Strong Marketing Team (Right People in the Right Seats) The Challenge Theisen’s is…
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We helped beautify pumpkin patches at the MN Landscape Arboretum!

We helped beautify pumpkin patches at the MN Landscape Arboretum!

Our Two or More volunteers joined together for a hands-on summer field maintenance event at the Horticultural Research Center weeding the pumpkin and squash patches to get them ready for the fall. It was a hot, sunny late July afternoon spent getting our hands dirty!  Together, we invested 60+ service hours and learned about the extensive impact that the Horticultural Research Center has on the local and global community. View the Photo Gallery At Authentic, we’re passionate about rolling up our sleeves and making a positive impact in our community. That’s why we created the Two or More community impact…
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Entrepreneurial Resilience: Navigating Uncertainty to Build Lasting Value

Entrepreneurial Resilience: Navigating Uncertainty to Build Lasting Value

In today's volatile economy, entrepreneurial businesses face unprecedented challenges as they navigate tariffs, government policy shifts, and market uncertainty. While many organizations are cautiously retreating, entrepreneurial businesses have a unique advantage: the ability to pivot quickly, adapt strategically, and create new value even in turbulent times. This webinar brings together experts in marketing, talent solutions, sales excellence, and business growth to discuss how entrepreneurial businesses can not only weather today's economic storms but emerge stronger and more valuable.  Whether you're ramping up a new venture, preparing for eventual exit, or simply focused on building sustainable value in your business, this…
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Next Millennium: Client Story

Next Millennium: Client Story

Igniting growth with strategic marketing leadership.  Next Millennium at a Glance Company size: 61 Employees Industry: Digital Advertising Technology (AdTech) / Publisher Monetization & Demand Solutions, Media Buying & Selling (for both publishers and advertisers) High-impact Ad Formats  Business model: B2B Headquarters: New York, New York Authentic Growth® Drivers: Sharpen Market Focus and Value Proposition Expand Brand Awareness and Create Demand Make Tactical Marketing Execution More Strategic The Problem Next Millennium is an advertising technology company that connects advertisers and publishers directly with innovative and engaging ad formats to bring together exclusive demand and supply that is unavailable in the…
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Institute for Sustainable Communities: Client Story

Institute for Sustainable Communities: Client Story

From reactive to strategic: ISC’s journey to a stronger brand and smarter marketing. “Working with Authentic has been a true gift for an organization the size of ISC–we have big marketing goals without the budget for a Chief Marketing Officer. [Our CMO] was a trusted partner, mentor to staff, and active member of our leadership team. Our organization now has a robust marketing strategy and the structure to achieve it, even beyond our engagement with Authentic.” Rebecca Kaduru, President, Institute for Sustainable Communities Institute for Sustainable Communities at a Glance Company size: 45 employees Industry: Non-Profit / Associations / Membership…
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Crystal D: Client Story

Crystal D: Client Story

Building marketing maturity one quarter at a time.  Crystal D at a Glance:  Company size: 83 employees Industry: Manufacturing / Distribution Business model: Distribution / Network, Channel Partnerships / Alliance Headquarters: St Paul, MN Authentic Growth® Drivers:  Build a Strong Marketing Team (Right People in the Right Seats) Sharpen Market Focus and Value Proposition / Brand Messaging Expand Market Share The Problem Crystal D centers on creating "The WOW Effect" through high-quality recognition awards, including trophies, plaques, and crystal awards. The business had weathered many transitions and their marketing team was in need of structure, guidance, and a long-term partner…
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[Event Recap] VIP.MN Summer Mixer for Visionaries, Integrators, and Implementer Partners 2025

[Event Recap] VIP.MN Summer Mixer for Visionaries, Integrators, and Implementer Partners 2025

It’s heating up here in Minnesota and we wanted to kick off the summer right by bringing together our exceptional community of Visionaries, Integrators, and Implementer Partners (VIPs) together. Nearly 100 Visionaries, Integrators, and Implementer Partners joined us for a fun evening of conversation, connection, and tasty food & drink on June 3, 2025 at the Lynhall in Edina.  View Photo Gallery These events continue to be a privilege to host for this wonderful community. We are so grateful to be surrounded by fantastic business leaders in our local community.  Want to join our community of Integrators? Visit our website…
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Why EOS® Companies Struggle with Marketing: The “Little m Dilemma”

Why EOS® Companies Struggle with Marketing: The “Little m Dilemma”

Companies running on EOS®* often struggle with marketing — not because EOS is flawed, but because of how marketing is typically integrated (or under-integrated) into the Accountability Chart and organizational structure. Here’s a clear look at what’s really going on, rooted in what Authentic calls the “Little m Dilemma.” Read on below, or watch the following video to hear directly from our Founder and CEO, Jennifer Zick, as she unpacks a common story for businesses who Run On EOS®: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9s4rbeCGZ4 1. EOS Structure Puts Sales & Marketing in One Seat In the EOS model, the “Sales & Marketing” roles are…
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How Fast-Growing Companies Scale Their Marketing Without Hiring a Full-Time CMO

How Fast-Growing Companies Scale Their Marketing Without Hiring a Full-Time CMO

In this episode of the Shift Spotlight podcast, host Winter Paskins interviews Jennifer Zick about her journey from small-town pageant queen to the founder of Authentic®, a fractional CMO firm dedicated to helping growth-stage companies overcome chaotic, strategy-less marketing. Zick shares how Authentic® helps clients Overcome Random Acts of Marketing® by embedding experienced CMOs directly into client teams as W-2 employees—a distinctive model that builds deeper relationships, culture, and results. Watch the Full Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L20GuMwyM68 Listen to the Full Episode Key Takeaways Overcoming Random Acts of Marketing®: Jennifer explains the most common challenge facing growing businesses — disjointed, tactical marketing…
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Allure Aesthetics: Client Story

Allure Aesthetics: Client Story

Scaling Smart: When Strategy Meets Execution “[Our CMO] helped us start viewing marketing from the top down - shifting from instinct to metrics, strategy, and sustainable growth. She brought structure without slowing us down, and kept us focused on the bigger picture.” Cory Gallagher, CAO, Allure Aesthetics Allure Aesthetics at a Glance Company size: ~10-15 employees Industry: Health / Medical / Pharmaceutical Business model: B2C, Brick-and-Mortar Headquarters: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Authentic Growth® Drivers: Sharpen Market Focus and Value Proposition Expand Brand Awareness and Create Demand Make Tactical Marketing Execution More Strategic The Problem Allure Aesthetics is a luxury medical…
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